Jammu and Kashmir Under-16 cricket team has created history by winning the Vijay Merchant Trophy Plate Group title. They defeated Mizoram by an innings and 182 runs in Surat. Captain Samgya Khajuria 102, Atharva Sharma 92 and Adnan Manzoor 74 batted brilliantly, while Sanil Singh and Jaskaran Singh ensured the victory with sharp bowling. The team won all six matches by an innings margin.
Severe cold continues in Jammu and Kashmir, minimum temperatures are continuously falling. The mercury reached -8.8 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, while it was -3.6 degrees in Srinagar. According to the Meteorological Department, there will be no respite from the cold for the next two weeks, although there may be light rain or snowfall in some upper areas. The phase of 'Chille Kalan' continues from 21st December.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has criticized the Supreme Court for not granting bail to Omar Khalid in the Delhi riots case. He called it a mockery of justice, while rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim is getting parole again and again. The Supreme Court rejected the bail pleas of Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, but granted bail to five others.
Jammu Police has tightened security ahead of Republic Day celebrations. South Zone Jammu Police has taken action against 9 landlords for not conducting mandatory police verification of tenants. This campaign was conducted in Narwal, Channi Himmat and Trikuta Nagar. The police have appealed to all the landlords to get the tenants verified and follow the instructions of the administration, so that the functions can be conducted peacefully.
A tributary canal of Jhelum river in Srinagar has become seriously polluted due to the apathy of the administration and dumping of garbage. This canal at Habba Kadal has now become a gutter filled with plastic waste and domestic waste, posing a threat to public health. Local residents have alleged lack of regular maintenance and monitoring. They are demanding immediate cleaning, restoration of natural flow of water and strict action against those dumping garbage.
The District Magistrate of Srinagar has suspended all Virtual Private Network VPN services in the district for two months with immediate effect under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code. This step has been taken to prevent anti-national activities and ensure cyber security. SSP Srinagar had expressed fear of unrest due to misuse of VPN. Authorized VPNs of government departments will be exempt from this restriction.
In a tragic incident in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, Army hero Pargat Singh died of cardiac arrest. He was posted at 19 Rashtriya Rifles Camp, Larkipora. Pargat Singh, resident of Amritsar, Punjab, joined the army in 2015. Chinar Corps has expressed deep sorrow over his demise and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
Union Minister Manohar Lal made it clear that Pakistan's objections to hydropower projects in the Chenab and Indus basins are unacceptable to India. He laid the foundation stone of Phase II of Ratle Project in Kishtwar. The minister said that only law-abiding and security-verified people will get work in these projects as they are of national importance. He also inspected the Salal Project and reiterated India's stand on the Indus Water Treaty.
The dark truth of children being forced to beg in the form of Kanjak on the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route has been exposed. A video of a girl showed that she was forced to sit by threatening her. The police sent the girls to shelter home and the Shrine Board increased strictness, but begging still continues. This incident raises questions on the role of NGOs, administration and the Shrine Board.
Jammu Police achieved major success against drugs in 2025. 204 FIRs were registered and 311 smugglers were arrested, including 35 women. Police seized over 15 kg of heroin and other narcotics worth ₹60 crore in the international market. Drug mafia property worth ₹85.70 lakh and 23 illegal structures were demolished. The interstate supply chain was also broken. The police also laid emphasis on awareness and rehabilitation programmes.
Jammu Police, as part of food safety drive at the bus stand, intercepted a vehicle which was carrying non-vegetarian food without insulation and hygiene. There was filth and foul smell in the vehicle, which posed a serious threat to public health. Food Safety Department officials reached the spot and started legal action. The administration has announced to launch a more stringent campaign in future against those violating the rules.
Gulmarg Assistant Tourism Director has issued a notice to all Valley Guide License holders. In this, it has been made mandatory to submit documents within 15 days for verification of official records under the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Business Registration Act. The move is to maintain professional standards in the tourism sector and ensure compliance with the guidelines. Action will be taken if documents are not submitted.
KPDCL has released the schedule of power cuts in various areas of Kashmir in January 2026. Due to maintenance and repair works, power supply will be affected in many areas including Pulwama, Tral, Pampore, Handwara and Pattan from 910 am to 3 pm on January 4, 6, 7 and 11. This cut will increase the problems of the people in the cold winter.
Anti Narcotics Force of Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested Tamanna Ashraf, who was absconding for three years, from Srinagar. She was running a network of illegal smuggling of charas and ganja across the country by misusing courier services. In 2022, 7 kg of hashish being sent to Mumbai was caught. Police caught him from his house in Batamaloo.
According to Kishtwar Police, more than 150 over-ground workers (OGWs) of terrorist organizations are active in the district. SSP Naresh Singh said that 24 OGWs have been arrested and their network is being monitored. More than 1,500 cordon and search operations were conducted in 2025, disrupting networks supporting terrorist activities. Police also killed three foreign terrorists.
Pakistan has allowed Jaish-e-Mohammed to resume jihadi activities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 'Daura-e-Tarbia' and 'Daura-e-Taskia' camps have been started in Mirpur, which will create new terrorist cadre for Kashmir by creating fanatical violent mentality among the youth. This step is an attempt to divert attention from the voices being raised against Pakistan and promote terrorism in Kashmir.
Breakthrough of Asia's highest Zoji La Tunnel is likely to happen by May. This 13.150 km long tunnel will connect Ladakh to the country throughout the year, thereby enhancing development, tourism and supply of essential commodities in the region. This project costing Rs 6800 crore is being completed rapidly despite extreme cold and snowfall, which will bring new hopes for Ladakhis and will also increase strategic importance.
A massive operation is going on in search of terrorists in Ramnagar and Majalta of Udhampur. Mobile internet service has been temporarily suspended within a 1.5 km radius of Panjiyan pond in Jophad. This step has been taken to prevent misuse of the Internet by hidden terrorists and anti-national elements. Security forces are carrying out search operations despite extreme cold, including in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.
BJP attacked Omar Abdullah government on New Year for unfulfilled promises. Opposition leader Sunil Sharma accused the government of nepotism and failing to provide employment to the youth. He said that the government has betrayed the aspirations of the youth by reappointing retired officers. Sharma also raised questions over the promises of 200 free electricity units and one lakh jobs not being fulfilled.
Srinagar Police continued its campaign against drug abuse and smuggling in 2025. During this period, 172 cases were registered under the NDPS Act and 291 people were arrested. Police seized assets worth over Rs 40 crore, including freezing 208 bank accounts and seizing 58 vehicles. This action focuses on disrupting supply chains and targeting the proceeds of crime.