In a move to enhance air connectivity ahead of the peak tourist season, flight operations at Leh airport have increased from eight to 18 per day, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced on Sunday. Saxena also stated that two additional flights are expected to begin operations shortly, offering visitors greater flexibility in planning their travel. He encouraged tourists to visit Ladakh for what he described as an “unforgettable” experience. “Ladakh is all set to welcome a larger number of visitors than before. Pleased to announce a major boost to air connectivity with Leh, as the tourist season begins in Ladakh,”…
Author: KO Web Desk
US President Donald Trump says the American officer who went missing in Iran after the downing of his F-15E fighter jet has been rescued and is “now safe and sound”. “WE GOT HIM!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the recovered officer, identified as a “highly respected Colonel”, is now “SAFE and SOUND” after being stranded “behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran.” According to the Associated Press, the service member had been missing since Friday, when Iran downed a US F-15E Strike Eagle. US officials later confirmed the rescue, marking the recovery of both crew members…
Security forces initiated a search operation in a Samba district of Jammu, prompted by sightings of three suspicious individuals, according to officials. Reports said that, a villager from Bedh Khad in the Darui area reported seeing three unidentified men—one hauling a heavy backpack—moving along a dry streambed after nightfall. Though no weapons were observed, the men were suspected of being terrorists. In response, the local police’s Special Operations Group, supported by the Army and paramilitary troops, launched an operation to locate the suspects. Officials confirmed that the search was continuing in the village and nearby areas, but that no contact…
National Conference (NC) and Congress MLAs on Monday demanded a judicial inquiry into the Ganderbal encounter, alleging that an innocent civilian was killed in a staged gunfight. Raising the issue before the beginning of Question Hour, NC legislators stood up, insisting that such incidents should not happen and stressing the need to distinguish between militants and civilians. “It shouldn’t happen. We admit that the LG has ordered an inquiry, but the Home Department and the Home Minister should send out a message that no innocent should be killed in this sensitive state. There must be a distinction between militants and…
Lt Governor has placed IPS officer Sanjeev Kumar Khajuria under suspension with immediate effect, pending an enquiry into alleged financial irregularities. According to Government Order No. 185-Home of 2026 dated March 25, 2026, Khajuria, who was serving as Commandant of JKAP-4 Security Battalion and also holding the additional charge of Commandant, 1st Border Battalion Jammu, is facing allegations of misappropriation of General Provident (GP) funds and irregularities in income tax deductions concerning police personnel of the JKAP-4 Security Battalion, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com. The order states that during the period of suspension, the officer will remain attached to…
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan Saturday visited the strategically important areas under Chinar Corps, Srinagar. During the visit CDS reviewed the security landscape and operational posture along LoC in North Kashmir and commended the formation’s exemplary operational preparedness, doctrinal coherence and resolute professionalism. At Baramulla, he was briefed on Future Force Application & Technology Infusion. In his address to the Officers of the Chinar Corps, he highlighted that the character of warfare is undergoing profound transformation, necessitating a shift from Domain-Centric Approach to Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), underpinned by a robust & integrated architecture. He underscored the centrality…
The Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy is being implemented to address porcupine-induced damage to saffron crops in Pampore and adjoining areas, with field evidence confirming active presence of the species in the region. This information was given by Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmad Rana, while replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Legislator Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi. The Minister said that habitat conditions such as caves, crevices, hilly terrain and overgrown private lands provide favorable shelter for porcupines near saffron-growing areas. To mitigate the issue, the Government has proposed a…
The JK Centre for Peace and Justice (JKCPJ) on Saturday successfully organized the first chapter of Season 2 of its flagship “Let’s Connect” initiative at Badamwari, Srinagar, bringing together around 60 participants in a warm, open, and engaging environment. The session was designed to foster meaningful human connections while encouraging open conversations around mental health in a serene outdoor setting. Participants actively engaged in a series of interactive activities, including Perception vs Person, Soul on Paper, and Miscommunication Chain, which added depth, reflection, and energy to the overall experience. Speaking on the occasion, Director Nadir Ali expressed optimism about the…
Even as the Meteorological Department predicted that the wet spell would continue for over next 24 hours, upper reaches of Kashmir on Friday received fresh snowfall, while rain lashed the plains. Officials said that snowfall was recorded in Gurez, Tulail, Razdan Top and other upper reaches of North Kashmir, while rainfall was reported from the plains, including Srinagar city. The Meteorological Department predicted that erratic weather conditions would prevail across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with intermittent rain and snowfall expected in several parts of the region. According to the MeT office, generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate…
Official data has revealed that more than 18 lakh kanals of land are under encroachment across Jammu and Kashmir, while only about 29,000 kanals have been retrieved from squatters to date. According to government figures, a total of 18,38,735.42 kanals of land have been encroached upon. This includes 17,22,993 kanals of state land and 1,15,742.42 kanals of forest land. Revenue department officials stated that they have taken action under the Land Revenue Act to remove encroachers. They described the situation as a matter of concern and confirmed that eviction drives are ongoing, though no fixed deadline has been established. “Eviction…