The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is extremely popular, with trains fully booked through July. Travelers favor the service due to road closures caused by landslides. Demand is high, prompting calls for increased frequency and expanded capacity from the government and stakeholders.
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Security forces are in a third-day search operation in Udhampur's Basantgarh region for three remaining JeM terrorists. One terrorist was killed Thursday. A multi-layered cordon is in place, with aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs aiding the search hampered by poor weather.
National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah stated the party's main goal is to restore Article 370 and pre-2019 constitutional guarantees, not just statehood. He criticized the BJP's handling of the Muharram procession and accused them of exploiting the issue for political gain, alleging attempts to divide communities. Ruhullah also addressed the ongoing reservation report.
A court in Poonch ordered police to investigate national news channels for allegedly defaming a deceased cleric. Media outlets wrongly labeled the cleric as a Pakistani terrorist, causing distress and damaging his reputation. Despite retractions, the court ruled the initial reporting constituted defamation and public mischief.
Engineer Rashid, a jailed Lok Sabha MP and AIP chief, began a 24-hour hunger strike in Tihar Jail. The strike protests the denial of democratic rights to Kashmiris, with AIP leaders in Kashmir joining in solidarity, highlighting the plight of detained Kashmiris.
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Chief Minister Abdullah urged collective efforts to restore Jammu and Kashmir's tourism. He highlighted new initiatives, a project called SPREAD for new destinations, and the importance of diverse tourism offerings. He emphasized infrastructure development, niche tourism like MICE and golf, and welcomed partnership from the tourism fraternity.
Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir scored 92.97% in a Management Effectiveness Evaluation, the highest among 438 assessed protected areas. This achievement highlights excellent biodiversity protection, ecological management, and community engagement, with the Minister praising the Wildlife Department's conservation efforts and emphasizing continued commitment.
The Enforcement Directorate attached three Patnitop hotels (Pine Heritage, Dream Land, and Shahi Santoor) and their Rs 15.78 crore income under anti-money laundering laws. The hotels are accused of illegal construction beyond permitted areas. The probe stems from a CBI FIR regarding violations by hotel owners and Patnitop Development Authority officials.
Srinagar Police seized a drug peddler's property worth Rs 50 lakh under the NDPS Act. The peddler, Bilal Ahmad Wani, is linked to drug trafficking that targeted local youth. Additionally, police removed graffiti resembling a foreign flag and counselled three teenage girls involved, with legal action to follow within juvenile justice framework.
A parliamentary committee visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine to review facilities and address public grievances. Led by MP Brij Lal, the committee observed positive changes since 2023 and discussed grievance resolution with officials. A confidential report summarizing their findings will be submitted to Parliament.
An outbreak of gastroenteritis in Rajouri district has hospitalized at least 19 people in Sakri village. E. coli contamination in water samples is the suspected cause. Two patients have been referred to Jammu for specialized care.
Preliminary surveys on the Jammu-Kashmir rail route began in early 20th century
Almost all tickets booked for July; UT to seek more trains: CM
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The driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled down into a deep gorge
Separatist leader's daughter had flagged lack of access to medical treatment
The Ace of Spades Division honored 25 Rajouri civilians for their crucial support during Operation Sindoor. Civilians from Rajouri and Poonch aided evacuation and rescue efforts. Maj Gen Mukherji praised their contribution to restoring normalcy and upholding national resolve.
Extensive multi-tier security is in place for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, with over 180 paramilitary companies deployed in Jammu. Security includes highway patrols, CCTV, and controlled convoy travel, starting July 2nd. Pilgrims are advised to join the organized convoy.
Jailed MP Engineer Rashid will begin a 24-hour hunger strike in Tihar Jail to protest the denial of rights to Kashmiris since Article 370's abrogation. His party, AIP, stated the strike aims to expose BJP and Congress's alleged hypocrisy in suppressing Kashmiri voices while criticizing each other.
Security forces in Udhampur, India, are searching for three remaining Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists after killing one in Basantgarh. The encounter, hampered by weather, involved a group of four who infiltrated last year. Operations continue with drones, dogs, and reinforcements amid concerns of ambush. The slain terrorist, possibly a leader, was reportedly Pakistani.
Jitendra Singh supported reviewing 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Preamble, arguing they weren't in Ambedkar's original draft. He criticized the Congress for inserting them during the Emergency and for its delayed push for complete independence.
Sopore Police booked three individuals under the Public Safety Act for activities against the Union Territory's security. Despite prior charges under UAPA, they allegedly contacted terrorist handlers, motivated youth, and used encrypted communication. They were detained and lodged in jail, reflecting the police's anti-national stance.
Drug enforcement seized 4,500 intoxicant tablets and 400 capsules from a suspected drug peddler. The individual was involved in interstate smuggling, forging licenses, and selling drugs to addicts. The accused is in custody, and an investigation is ongoing.
Tihar Jail officials refuted social media rumors about Kashmiri separatist Shabir Ahmad Shah's critical health. They confirmed he's in stable condition, receiving regular medical care, and was recently treated at Safdarjung Hospital for urinary issues. His daughter and other leaders had appealed for better medical attention.
Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor praised the NCC's role in promoting national unity and cultural values. He highlighted the NCC's positive impact on youth development, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and leadership. The camp fosters unity and encourages youth participation in nation-building.
EPFO is enforcing 100% employee enrollment and timely EPF contributions for construction firms and private businesses. Outreach events in Doda and Kathua educated stakeholders about EPFO services, addressing queries and facilitating updates like digital life certificates for pensioners.
A Kashmir court denied bail to a man accused of raping a 70-year-old tourist in Pahalgam. The judge condemned the act, highlighting the victim's suffering and the incident's impact on Kashmir's reputation and societal values. The court emphasized the need for societal introspection and moral reform.
The Amarnath Yatra starts July 3, flagged off July 2 in Jammu. J&K administration set up lodging for 50,000 pilgrims across Jammu region. Facilities include lodgement centers, community kitchens, and RFID card registration at multiple locations.
Two former Jammu and Kashmir ministers, Taj Mohiuddin and GM Saroori, rejoined the Congress after a short stint with the DPAP. They acknowledged their past decision was a mistake. The Congress believes their return will strengthen the party, which secured six seats in the last Assembly elections.
The NIA secured a 10-day remand for two men accused of sheltering Pakistani LeT terrorists involved in the April Pahalgam attack. The accused allegedly provided food, shelter, and logistical support to the terrorists, who killed 26 people, mainly tourists, based on their religious identity.
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