The Supreme Court will hear a petition seeking directions to the Central Government to restore statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The plea was mentioned before Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who confirmed that the matter has been listed for hearing on August 8 (Friday).

The petition, filed by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and activist Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, contends that the continued delay in restoring statehood is “gravely affecting the rights of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and also violating the idea of federalism.”

The applicants argue that the failure to restore statehood within a time-bound framework amounts to a violation of federalism, which forms part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution. “In re: Article 370 of the Constitution” verdict, a 5-judge Constitution Bench, headed by then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, had left open the question of whether the Parliament can extinguish the character of statehood by converting a state into one or more Union Territories, relying on the statement made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir.

However, it had ordered the Election Commission of India to take steps to conduct elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, constituted under Section 14 of the Reorganisation Act, by 30 September 2024, and said that “restoration of statehood shall take place at the earliest and as soon as possible”.

During the earlier hearings, SG Mehta had told the court that the Union Home Ministry could not provide a specific timeline and that it would take “some time” to restore statehood. In May 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed review petitions challenging its verdict, stating there was “no error apparent on the face of the record” and refused to list the matter in open court.

-IANS

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Six years after the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, J&K stands transformed – not just in its constitutional status, but in its developmental trajectory.

The decision taken on 5 August 2019, marked a watershed moment in India’s political history, ending decades of special status and ushering in a new era of integration, reform, and revitalisation for the region.

What followed was not merely administrative reconfiguration but a concerted effort to reimagine Jammu and Kashmir as a dynamic contributor to India’s growth story.

One of the most striking changes has been the expansion of physical connectivity. All-weather roads now traverse the mountainous terrain, linking remote valleys to urban centres.

Railway lines have reached Srinagar, and the Chenab Bridge, now the world’s tallest single-arch railway bridge, symbolises the region’s integration with the national grid. These infrastructural feats are more than engineering marvels; they are lifelines of commerce, mobility, and inclusion.

The economic indicators reflect this momentum. For the fiscal year 2025–26, the Union Territory’s budget allocation stands at Rs 41,000 crore, with Rs 9,325 crore dedicated to policing and security.

The Economic Survey Report for 2024–25 projects an 11.19 per cent rise in nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), reaching Rs 2.65 lakh crore. Real GSDP is expected to touch Rs 1.45 lakh crore, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.89 per cent over the past decade. Per capita income is also on the rise, estimated to grow by 10.6 per cent to Rs 1,54,703 – an indicator of improving livelihoods.

Sectoral contributions to the GDP reveal a balanced economic structure; the primary sector contributes 20 per cent, the secondary 18.3 per cent, and the tertiary sector leads with 61.7 per cent.

Investment interest has surged, with over 8,500 applications proposing Rs 1.69 lakh crore in capital and employment opportunities for more than six lakh individuals. Land allotments under the Industrial Policy 2016–26 and the Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021–30 have facilitated industrial expansion, with 213 non-locals and 1,751 locals receiving plots for economic activity.

Entrepreneurship has emerged as a cornerstone of this transformation. The “Jammu Kashmir Konnect programme,” launched in January 2025, formalised a partnership between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute. The Startup Policy has already registered 988 ventures and conducted 601 awareness programmes across 20 districts, supported by incubators at IIT-Jammu, IIM-Jammu, and NIT-Srinagar.

A Rs 250 crore venture capital fund has further catalysed innovation in agri-tech, handicrafts, and digital services, a report published in The Geostrata magazine said.

Agriculture and horticulture have also seen renewed focus. The area under key horticulture crops has expanded by 10,000 hectares, and production has increased by 4.13 lakh metric tonnes. The Holistic Agriculture Development Plan envisions fruit cultivation across 50,000 hectares by 2047, aiming to boost rural incomes and diversify the agrarian economy.

Lavender farming under the Aroma Mission and integration of mandis into the electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) have brought transparency and profitability to farmers. Tourism, long considered the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, has experienced a dramatic resurgence.

In 2024, tourism contributed 7 per cent to the Union Territory’s GSDP, amounting to Rs 18,550 crore in nominal terms and Rs 10,150 crore in real terms. The government has allocated Rs 390 crore for tourism capital expenditure in 2026, with non-tax revenue from the sector expected to double from Rs 50 crore in 2025 to Rs 100 crore in 2026.

The administration’s tourism policy, launched in 2020, aims to generate 50,000 jobs annually and attract Rs 2,000 crore in investment each year. In 2024, a record 2.36 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir.

Air connectivity has expanded significantly, with Indian Airlines operating 4,300 flights to Srinagar between April and June 2025 – an increase of 12 per cent over 2024 and 21 per cent over 2023. Srinagar’s recognition as a UNESCO “World Craft City” and the successful hosting of the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting have elevated the region’s global profile.

Gulmarg remains a major attraction, with its Gondola ride drawing over 7.68 lakh visitors in 2024 and generating Rs 103 crore in revenue. The ski resort has hosted four editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for adventure tourism.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden also broke records, welcoming over 6.71 lakh visitors in just 20 days after its opening in March 2025. Srinagar’s first international marathon in October 2024 added another feather to the cap, with 2,005 participants and Rs 39.26 lakh in registration fees.

Infrastructure development has been central to this transformation. The Valley is witnessing a highway renaissance, with 47 projects spanning 810 km and Rs 41,735 crore in investment reshaping its terrain. The rollout of wayside amenities, including EV charging stations and rest areas, signals a future-ready approach to mobility.

Railway expansion, including the electrification of the Baramulla–Sangaldan line and the inauguration of the Banihal–Sangaldan stretch, has further enhanced connectivity. Education and healthcare have not lagged.

The IIM Jammu campus, three IITs, and dozens of Navodaya and Kendriya Vidyalayas reflect a commitment to nurturing talent. AIIMS Jammu, operational since August 2024, and the upcoming AIIMS Awantipora promise world-class medical care within the Valley.

Under Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY SEHAT, over 21 lakh golden cards have been issued, providing free health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year. Together, these developments reflect a region in transition – not just politically, but economically and socially.

The abrogation of Article 370 catalysed a shift from isolation to integration, from stagnation to growth. Jammu and Kashmir is no longer defined solely by its past; it is shaping a future rooted in opportunity, inclusion, and resilience.

From the quiet waters of Dal Lake to the heights of the Chenab Bridge, the region now stands poised – not just for development, but for dignity and lasting peace.

-IANS

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Former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti demanded on Tuesday that while deporting Pakistani nationals, the Government of India must make concessions for women from Pakistan who came here 30-40 years back, married locals and raised families here.

“The recent government directive to deport all Pakistani nationals from India has raised serious humanitarian concerns, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir. Many of those affected are women who came to India 30–40 years ago, married Indian citizens, raised families, and have long been part of our society. “We urge the government to reconsider this decision, and adopt a compassionate approach regarding women, children and the elderly. Deporting individuals who have lived peacefully in India for decades would not only be inhumane but would inflict deep emotional and physical distress on families who now know no other home,” she pleaded.

It must be recalled that many local youths, who went across to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) for getting training in arms, came back under the then state government’s rehabilitation policy for ultras. Many such men had married Pakistani nationals during their stay in PoK. These women also came to J&K with their husbands and have since been peacefully living in Kashmir, though without any official sanction to do so.

These women have many times agitated for grant of Indian citizenship since most of them are residents of PoK, which according to the resolution of the Parliament, is an inalienable part of J&K. No decision has so far been taken regarding these women and they continue to raise families, bring up their children and engage in routine chores like any citizen of the Union Territory. The husbands of these women have given up militancy and are living as normal citizens engaging themselves in business, agriculture, education or any other bona fide profession.

–IANS

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Dravidianist director TJ Gnanavel — who recently made a DMK propaganda film titled “Vettaiyan” starring Rajinikanth — has once again exposed where his loyalties lie. Speaking at the pre-release event of his new film “Tourist Family,” Gnanavel chose to pontificate about how “war is fundamentally inhumane,” virtue-signaling about India sending back Pakistani nationals receiving medical treatment, and peddling propaganda that is suspiciously favourable to Pakistan.

TJ Gnanavel is infamous for peddling prejudice and hate against Brahmins and Vanniyars in his propaganda movie “Jai Bhim” by distorting the actual facts of the real life incident. He also peddled propaganda favourable to the DMK on NEET and glorified British colonialist Macaulay as the harbinger of education in India through his movie Vettaiyan.

While speaking at the pre-release event of the film ‘Tourist Family’, TJ Gnanavel said “In today’s times, war is something that is fundamentally inhumane. It’s happening even now in front of us. We don’t know what impact it will have. From what we’ve seen, heard and read, even in war there are basic morals. You shouldn’t cross that. As someone who has studied Tamil literature, I can say it with conviction. Because when a war comes, you’ve to evacuate children, women, people who are ill, animals. Only after they’ve been evacuated you can declare war. This is what we’ve seen. But today you look. There’s no security in a tourist place. If that is cruel, even more cruel is that a Pakistani child who had come for medical treatment is being told to leave in 48 hours. This tragedy is also coming along. An action is having another reaction.”

Not once during his speech did he muster the courage to condemn the savage attack by Islamic terrorists. While lecturing about morality and compassion, he carefully avoided even mentioning, let alone condemning, the monstrous Islamic terrorist attack where non-Muslims (mostly Hindus) were humiliated — stripped to check for circumcision, forced to recite the Kalma at gunpoint, and then brutally gunned down in cold blood.

” போர் என்பது அடிப்படை மனித தன்மையற்றது.. இப்போ கூட நம்ம கண்ணு முன்னாடி நடந்துகிட்டு இருக்கு.. ” – இயக்குனர் ஞானவேல் பேச்சு..#Chennai | #TJGnanavel | #TouristFamily | #movie | #war pic.twitter.com/LsPtz9m7CM

— Polimer News (@polimernews) April 27, 2025

Instead of standing with the innocent victims, Gnanavel shamelessly tried to whitewash the unspeakable horrors committed by Islamist terrorists and played the victim card for Pakistan — a country that sponsors the very terror that butchered our own. His selective outrage and silence on Islamist savagery are as revealing as his misplaced sympathies.

He is not the only Dravidianist who has whitewashed the Pahalgam terror attack.

Kissflow CEO Suresh Sambandam, a Dravidianist sympathizer who thinks he can become Steve Jobs by wearing a black turtle-neck, chose to criticize Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu instead of condemning the terrorists responsible for the horrific Pahalgam attack.

Anti-National Dravidianist Piyush Manush chose to spew a conspiracy-laced rant, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the attack for political gain. His video statement, posted on 24 April 2025, on his official X account, shamelessly aligned with the usual anti-national narrative, sidestepping the perpetrators and instead targeting the Indian state.

Madan Gowri, who proudly boasts of being the “first Indian YouTuber” to visit Pakistan and return parroting propaganda about how “safe” Hindus are despite overwhelming evidence of forced conversions, kidnappings, and temple desecrations, published a 12-minute video on the brutal murder of 28 civilians—without once naming the Islamic terrorist ideology behind the attack.

Actress and singer Andrea Jeremiah took to Instagram—not to unequivocally condemn the perpetrators—but to deliver a sermon on hate, polarisation, and surveillance.

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Taking a firm stand in the United Nations (UN) on India’s territorial integrity, the senior BJP spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi asserted in no uncertain terms that “Jammu & Kashmir will remain an integral part of India.”

During the discussion on UN Peacekeeping operations, the representative from Pakistan mentioned that Pakistan’s involvement with UN peacekeepers started when the UN put up peacekeepers in 1948 in the disputed territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Calling it an “unnecessary” mention, Trivedi said that Pakistan has “again made an attempt to divert the August body from its agenda.” Exercising his ROR ( Right Of Reply), the veteran leader said: “The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir was, is and will remain an integral part of India.”

Trivedi went on to clarify the “unnecessary” mention made by the Pakistani delegate by drawing attention to the democratic exercises recently carried out in the region. “People of Jammu and Kashmir have recently exercised their democratic and electoral rights and elected a new government. Pakistan must desist from such rhetoric and falsehood because it will not alter the facts,” he averred.

Not dragging the matter further and away from the subject of discourse, the parliamentarian said at the forum: “Out of respect for other members of this forum, India will refrain from responding to any further attempts by Pakistan to abuse the UN procedures.”

Taking to his X handle, Trivedi further explained that since J&K has recently been through proper democratic elections for both Parliament and J&K Assembly, “The August forum of United Nations cannot be used in mentioning this type of non-substantive and misleading terms.”

The electoral turnouts in these elections in J&K have been notable and the participation of people in the democratic process has been celebrated. “This could have been possible because of firm foreign policies of PM Sri @narendramodi led government for strong and assertive India on international stage,” Trivedi expressed on X.

–IANS

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J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that “everybody must accept the reality” that J&K is a Union Territory. His comment came at a media interaction on the J&K Foundation Day – to coincide with the Reorganisation Act 2019 when the erstwhile state was downgraded to a UT, as the ruling NC and its allies, including the Congress, stayed away from the celebrations. Thursday was the 5th anniversary of J&K’s reorganisation into a UT.

“Things took the shape as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah that first, delimitation, then Assembly polls, and then statehood at an appropriate time. At present, J&K is a UT and everyone must accept this reality. When J&K becomes a state again, we will celebrate that day as well,” the Lt Governor said to a question about the ruling party’s abstention on the occasion. NC spokesman and MLA Tanvir Sadiq had on Wednesday announced that nobody from his party would attend the UT Day function at SKICC as it doesn’t accept J&K as a UT.

In an obvious reference to NC leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Cabinet ministers, Sinha said: “It was unfortunate that those who took oath under the Indian Constitution are opposing UT status of J&K. This reflects their dual character.” The LG said that Panchayat polls couldn’t be held due to the delay in reservation for backward classes and that the J&K administration is committed to holding the elections as soon as possible. He said that under the leadership of PM Modi, J&K touched new heights of development and peace. “The development is visible from roads to train to hospitals to medical colleges. The outside investment will soon go from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs one lakh crore. J&K Bank was pulled out from the debt and today this bank is a profit-earning institution that gives loans to everyone in need. Today it is a people’s bank. The progress bank is an example of a change J&K has gone through in the past few years.”

“In the past five years, J&K marched ahead with peace and prosperity. Lal Chowk’s identity was changed and today it is known for something else. Pulwama Chowk witnesses anti-terrorist protests and candlelight marches. Post 2019, the air has changed. In the past few days, some terrorist incidents took place where brave men lost their lives. But I believe that J&K Police and other forces will give the perpetrators a befitting reply,” the LG said. “Efforts are on to root out the terrorism from J&K. Time is not far when J&K would be free from terror. Peace is a must for J&K’s progress. Some people are trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. I request them, refrain from provocative statements as it was after huge efforts that J&K is a peaceful place today,” he said.

The NC and Congress decided to stay away from Thursday’s celebrations saying that whatever happened on August 5, 2019 (Abrogation of Article 370 &downgrading of J&K into UT) was unconstitutional and immoral.

–IANS

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Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha said on Saturday that the security forces had devised a new strategy to deal with the emerging terrorist threat and assured that every drop of innocent blood spilt by terrorists would be avenged. L-G Sinha remarked while addressing the parade of 629 BSF recruits passing out at the Humhama training centre in Budgam district. He said that the attack on innocent workers in Gagangir and the one in Baramulla district where army soldiers were killed is “highly condemnable”.

“India always wants peace with its neighbours, but unfortunately we have a neighbour that always tries to disturb peace in India despite facing ultimate poverty back home,” the L-G. Saying that the Border Security Force (BSF) is facing challenges on multiple fronts, be it protecting the LoC or the International Border, L-G Sinha emphasised the need for the force to expand its ambit and maintain close coordination with other central forces to tackle the challenges of terrorism. “The army and the central forces, including BSF, have to put in a collective effort to root out terrorism from J&K. BSF is one of the best central forces, but it needs to walk the extra mile,” he said, adding that security forces need to upgrade the technical capabilities to meet the drone challenges.

“Not just weapons, but narcotics are also being air-dropped through drones. We need to counter this challenge as drugs are consuming our younger generation. The finances earned out of narcotics sale is pumped in to fuel terrorism,” the L-G said. “The BSF should advance its technology, intelligence sharing, and enhance area domination,” he added. He praised the role of BSF in tackling terrorism in Punjab, saying that the force has great stories of valour and patriotism in its kitty.

“Your role in Kashmir is also appreciable. You are not working alone to fight terrorism but also on the civic front. This includes opening schools, helping the poor and dealing with the smuggling of weapons and drugs,” the L-G said. Wishing a bright future to the passing out recruits, L-G Sinha said that the BSF should train NCC cadets in a way so that they could be inducted into BSF tomorrow.

–IANS

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J&K administration on Thursday ordered a probe against a National Conference (NC) MLA for not standing in respect for the national anthem during Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony of Omar Abdullah as the Chief Minister.

Official sources here said that the J&K administration has ordered a probe against Hilal Akbar Lone, NC MLA from Sonawari Assembly constituency in Bandipora district for not standing up when the national anthem was played during the swearing-in ceremony of Omar Abdullah and his Council of Ministers.

Sources said that during the oath-taking ceremony at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on Wednesday, some attendees were not seen standing when the national anthem was played. Lone was one of them.

“To ascertain the veracity of the report, the CCTV footage of the event was also scanned. On being questioned, Lone said that he did not get up because of a medical condition,” sources said adding that just a couple of hours before the ceremony, Lone was seen standing and giving interviews to press.

“The entire footage of the event will be scanned to find out who all didn’t stand up during the national anthem,” sources confirmed. Omar Abdullah was administered the oath of office and secrecy by the J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.

Five MLAs including Surinder Choudhary, Sakina Itoo, Javaid Ahmad Rana, Javaid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma were sworn in as ministers in the Omar Abdullah-headed Council of Ministers. Omar Abdullah later announced that he is deputing Surinder Choudhary as the Deputy Chief Minister to give proper representation to Jammu division as he had promised before forming the government.

Omar Abdullah has taken over as the 14th Chief Minister of J&K, having served previously full six-year term from 2009 to 2015 as the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, he chaired a meeting of all the Secretaries of the UT administration at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.

Omar posted on his X on Thursday, “I’ll be travelling to Warwan, Kishtwar today to meet the families whose lives have been turned upside down by this devastating fire.”

Over 70 houses were destroyed in a devastating fire in the Warwan area of Kishtwar district. Locals and officials of civil administration engaged in dousing the flames literally with their bare hands during the blaze because in the remote area where the blaze occurred, there is no fire and emergency service station in vicinity.

–IANS

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From the 28 Assembly seats in the 2014 elections to three seats in the 2024 polls, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti has been decimated in J&K. Mehbooba Mufti suffered a double jolt in this election.

While her party got decimated, her daughter, Iltija Mufti also lost her first election from the once strong bastion of the Muftis, the Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency in Anantnag district. Reacting to her party’s defeat, Mehbooba Mufti put up a bold face. She said, “It is encouraging that the people came out and voted in such large numbers. So far as PDP is concerned, everybody must accept the people’s verdict. Winning and losing is part of the election process.”

Her senior leaders, Abdul Rehman Veeri, uncle Sartaj Madni, former minister Gulam Nabi Hanjoora, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Abdul Gaffar Sofi, Asiya Naqash and Mehboob Beg also failed to win any seat in these elections. Three winners of the PDP include Waheed ur Rehman Parra from Pulwama, Fayaz Ahmad Mir from Kupwara and Rafiq Ahmad Naik from Tral constituency. Among these, Waheed ur Rehman Parra has won more out of his support among the youth than the influence of the PDP in the Pulwama constituency. Fayaz Ahmad Mir was pitched against Nasir Aslam Wani of the NC and for Wani, Kupwara was an unexplored political constituency.

Tral was won by Rafiq Ahmad Naik as the Naik family is politically well entrenched in the Tral constituency. The NC had left this seat for the Congress in their pre-poll alliance agreement. The net deduction from all this is that the PDP has reached the nadir of its political existence in J&K.

The late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed formed the party in 1999 and 2024 has virtually brought the curtain down on this party. From its proclaimed status to play the kingmaker’s role after the 2024 polls, the PDP is left lonely and shorn of its past political clout in these elections. Whether the party is able to resurrect itself after having been flattened by its rivals in the NC, would have to be watched.

The inept handling of political alliances, the surprising choice of fielding her daughter Iltija Mufti by shifting the well-entrenched Abdul Rehman Veeri from Srigufwara-Bijbehara to Anantnag, and listening to advisors whose political experience is restricted to their drawing rooms. These are among the major reasons for the PDP’s rout in the 2024 assembly polls. In politics, however, nobody is ultimately out unless one chooses to call it a day.

–IANS

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Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday said that the people in J&K want Article 370 reinstated, but they have no expectations from the BJP. “We all want the return of Article 370 but we cannot expect anything from the BJP. Even Congress fails to speak on this crucial issue. Restoring Article 370 through the Assembly is impossible, but we can introduce legislation to ensure that no outsider can buy land or secure jobs in our region. This was the essence of Article 370,” Azad said while addressing a poll rally in Jammu.

“I do not cheat, lie, or mislead. I recognise that some people have become accustomed to falsehoods and have been voting based on those lies, but I speak the truth, which only a few may comprehend. I will never give false hope or make unrealistic promises,” he added. He said that for years, political parties have used division as a tactic, offering excuses not to develop both regions that have led to conflict, while those in power continue to enjoy their privileges. Ghulam Nabi Azad urged people to recognise that their shared struggles should unite them rather than create rifts, stressing that only through unity can genuine progress be achieved. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, he noted, “People witnessed real progress and development during my time. Through double and triple shifts, we initiated a developmental revolution that no other leader has been able to replicate. Many projects that I sanctioned remain incomplete to this day, highlighting the urgent need for a renewed focus on development.”

Azad acknowledged the disillusionment among people. “People are fed up with the empty promises that have resulted in nothing but chaos and division,” Azad stated. “Today, we must focus on creating jobs for our youth, who are increasingly becoming involved in drugs, this is the biggest issue we face.” He highlighted the desire for peace and unity among the people of Jammu, stating, “Whether in Samba, Gandhi Nagar, or Bakshi Nagar, the people of Jammu yearn for harmony. This is part of our Dogra culture and we must strive to maintain this unity. We cannot allow ourselves to be influenced by parties that seek to divide us.” Azad further said that his return to the state is driven by a desire to serve the poor, who remain deprived of basic necessities such as water and electricity. “We will restore the Roshni scheme, which previously benefited the poor, but unfortunately, this government revoked it. Our focus will be on ensuring that every citizen has access to the essential services they deserve,” Azad stated.

In his address, he also outlined a development agenda that includes the creation of more districts, schools, tehsils, colleges, and roads to enhance infrastructure and educational opportunities in the region.

–IANS

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