Srinagar, June 12

IGP Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, chaired a security review meeting to assess preparedness and strengthen security arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Muharram observances, and Mela Kheer Bhawani at Police Control Room (PCR), Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the senior officers of J&K Police, CRPF, ITBP, Intelligence Agencies, BSF, SSB, Traffic, Railways, Telecommunication, and other agencies. Among those present were the IG BSF Ftr Hqrs Kashmir, IG CRPF KOS, IG CRPF Srinagar, IG ITBP, Addl Commissioner SB Srinagar, DIG IR Kashmir, all range DIsG of Kashmir Zone, DIsG of SSB Srinagar, Traffic Kashmir, Armed Kashmir, Railways J&K, ITBP, CRPF South Srinagar, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSsP/PDs of Kashmir Zone, SSsP of Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kasmir, security Kashmir, APCR Kashmir, CID CIK, Telecom Kashmir, Asst Director SIB Srinagar, GSO1 (IS) HQ 15 Corps, and SP Cargo Srinagar.

During the meeting, participating officers briefed the chair on the deployment strategies, route security, intelligence coordination, traffic regulation, communication preparedness, emergency response mechanisms and logistical arrangements put in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming events.

Reviewing the arrangements, IGP Kashmir stressed the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination, uninterrupted communication channels and a unified operational approach to ensure a safe and secure environment during the forthcoming events.

Reviewing the security arrangements and preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra, IGP Kashmir directed the officers to ensure strict adherence to established SOPs and to undertake preventive measures.

Birdi underscored the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and readiness, particularly at vulnerable locations and along designated pilgrimage routes.

The IGP Kashmir also reviewed contingency planning, disaster response preparedness, crowd management mechanisms and coordination protocols to ensure swift and effective handling of any unforeseen situation.

While reviewing arrangements for Muharram, he emphasised the importance of ensuring the peaceful and smooth conduct of all religious processions and gatherings across the Valley.

The IGP Kashmir directed officers to make comprehensive security and traffic arrangements along designated procession routes, establish effective crowd management mechanisms, and maintain close liaison with organisers and community representatives.

Reviewing preparations for Mela Kheer Bhawani, IGP Kashmir directed officers to put in place robust security and facilitation measures for devotees expected to participate in the annual religious event.

He emphasised the need for thorough sanitization of the shrine premises, adequate deployment of security personnel, and proper traffic management plans.

Birdi stressed that all necessary measures should be taken to provide a safe, secure, and hassle-free experience to the devotees visiting the shrine.

Concluding the meeting, the IGP Kashmir expressed confidence in the collective preparedness of all participating agencies and reiterated the commitment of the security establishment to ensure peaceful, secure and successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra, Muharram, and Mela Kheer Bhawani.

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New Delhi, June 12

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah separately met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and raised concerns over the proposed closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to 16, 2026, scheduled under Phase III of the runway resurfacing project.

During the meetings, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of maintaining uninterrupted air connectivity to Jammu & Kashmir, particularly during the peak autumn tourism season when the Valley attracts a large number of visitors from across the country.

While acknowledging that the resurfacing works are essential for operational safety and fully respecting the operational assessment of the Indian Air Force, Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the timing of the final phase of the project, which coincides with one of the busiest periods for the tourism sector.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Ministers that air services to the Valley have already been curtailed since April owing to the earlier phases of the resurfacing programme. He noted that a complete suspension of flights during the first half of October would adversely affect tourism, hospitality, transport, handicrafts and allied sectors that sustain thousands of livelihoods across Jammu & Kashmir.

Highlighting the broader economic implications, Omar Abdullah said the proposed closure could lead to large-scale travel disruptions and cancellations, causing inconvenience to residents and visitors alike while impacting business activity during a crucial tourism season.

In his meeting with the Defence Minister, the Chief Minister requested that the Indian Air Force examine the possibility of shortening or phasing the final stage of the runway works without compromising safety or operational requirements.

He further requested that, in the event a complete closure of Srinagar Airport becomes unavoidable, minimal civil flight operations, commensurate with the operational capacity of the Awantipora Air Base, may be permitted from the air base during the closure period to ensure essential air connectivity for the region.

Recalling his earlier tenure as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah noted that during the runway resurfacing works in September 2010, civil flights had successfully operated from Awantipora under a coordinated arrangement involving the Ministries of Defence and Civil Aviation.

“We are working on possible alternatives to minimise the disruption & maintain a basic flight schedule as was done in the past when the airport closed for similar reasons in 1998 & 2010,” the Chief Minister said.

During his meeting with the Union Civil Aviation Minister, the Chief Minister sought intervention to facilitate discussions with the Ministry of Defence on reviewing the timing of Phase III, including the possibility of shortening, phasing or shifting the closure to a leaner travel window without compromising safety requirements.

He also requested that contingency arrangements be explored in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force to ensure continued air connectivity to the Valley in the event the closure remains unavoidable.

The Chief Minister emphasised that any alternative operational arrangement would require extensive inter-agency coordination and advance planning, and therefore needed to be initiated well ahead of the scheduled closure period.

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Srinagar, June 11

Traffic movement on sections of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway will be suspended during night hours on June 12, 14 and 16 to facilitate road repair and relaying works in Ramban district, traffic authorities said on Thursday.

According to a traffic advisory, the District Magistrate of Ramban has authorised the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake bituminous relaying work at various locations, including the Nachlana stretch on National Highway 44.

As a result, traffic between Nashri and the Navyug Tunnel will remain suspended from 10 pm to 5 am on the intervening nights of June 12-13, June 14-15 and June 16-17, the advisory said.

Authorities said no vehicle would be allowed to travel from Udhampur towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar after 5 pm on the notified dates.

Similarly, traffic from Qazigund towards Banihal, Ramban, Udhampur and Jammu will not be permitted after 8 pm.

The traffic police advised passengers and operators of light motor vehicles to undertake journeys during daytime and avoid night travel on the highway.

The advisory cited risks from shooting stones, landslides, movement of nomadic groups and ongoing construction activity along the Ramban-Banihal stretch as reasons for the restrictions.

Officials said the temporary curbs were necessary to ensure the safe and timely completion of the highway improvement project, which is aimed at improving road conditions and easing traffic flow on the region’s main road link between Kashmir and Jammu.

Transporters carrying perishable goods and livestock have been advised to plan their movements in advance to avoid disruptions.

Travellers intending to use the highway on June 13, 15 and 17 have been urged to check the latest traffic advisories before commencing their journeys.

The traffic police sought public cooperation, saying the restrictions were being imposed in the interest of public safety and to facilitate completion of the road works.

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Srinagar, June 10

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to chair a high-level meeting in New Delhi on June 12 to review security arrangements and overall preparedness for the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3 in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), top security commanders and civil administration officials are expected to attend the meeting, which will focus on ensuring a secure and incident-free pilgrimage.

The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28.

The review is expected to assess the operational readiness of security and civil agencies, infrastructure preparedness and arrangements for pilgrims amid evolving security challenges in the region.

The MHA has sanctioned 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces for deployment during the Yatra. The forces will operate alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and other security agencies to secure the pilgrimage routes and related facilities.

The meeting forms part of a series of annual reviews conducted by the Union Home Minister ahead of the pilgrimage to strengthen the multi-layered security grid and coordinate arrangements among various agencies.

Officials said deliberations are expected to focus on counter-terrorism operations, anti-infiltration measures and the broader security situation along the Line of Control, amid concerns over increased infiltration attempts and developments across the border.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of Border Security Force Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior officials from the MHA, Army, CRPF, BSF, National Investigation Agency and intelligence agencies are likely to participate.

Officials are expected to brief Shah on security assessments, infrastructure development, logistics, healthcare facilities and other arrangements being put in place for the pilgrimage.

The meeting was initially scheduled for June 8 but was deferred due to the Home Minister’s engagements, officials said.

Ahead of the proposed review, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting in Srinagar on Wednesday to assess preparations for the Yatra.

Sinha directed all departments and security agencies to complete arrangements related to security, infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and pilgrim services.

“Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” he said.

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Srinagar, June 10

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir during a two-day visit to the Northern Command, with a focus on the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and ongoing counter-terrorism operations, officials said on Wednesday.

General Dwivedi visited the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur on June 9 and was briefed on the prevailing security scenario, operational dynamics along the Line of Control (LoC), and measures being undertaken to prevent infiltration and counter militant activity in J&K.

The Army chief stressed the need for enhanced operational readiness, continuous vigilance and greater adoption of emerging technologies to strengthen effectiveness in an evolving security environment, officials said.

He interacted with officers of the Northern Command and formation headquarters through a hybrid format and reviewed multi-domain operations, infrastructure development, combat readiness and modernisation initiatives.

“He underscored the importance of harnessing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to enhance operational effectiveness in an increasingly dynamic security environment,” the Army said in a statement.

General Dwivedi also praised troops for maintaining a high level of operational preparedness and for their role in ongoing security operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the Army chief was briefed by senior commanders on the strategic environment in Jammu and Kashmir, including efforts aimed at preventing infiltration and strengthening the counter-terrorism grid.

During the visit, General Dwivedi felicitated several military veterans for their contributions to social welfare, community development and support to ex-servicemen.

According to the Army, the veterans have played significant roles in supporting ex-servicemen, widows of soldiers, education initiatives and community development programmes.

Their contributions also included assistance during disaster relief operations and support to security forces through local outreach and intelligence inputs.

General Dwivedi concluded his visit on Wednesday after holding a series of operational review meetings and interactions with senior military commanders, officials said.

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Srinagar, June 10

Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) G P Singh on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra during the first day of a three-day visit to Kashmir, officials said.

The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.

Singh chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar with senior CRPF officers and unit commanders to assess security preparedness and review measures aimed at ensuring a safe and incident-free pilgrimage.

Officials said discussions focused on strengthening the security grid across Kashmir, enhancing coordination among agencies and maintaining a secure environment for the large number of pilgrims expected to undertake the annual journey to the cave shrine.

Senior commanders were directed to intensify counter-terrorism operations, particularly in higher reaches overlooking the traditional Pahalgam and Baltal pilgrimage routes, while maintaining heightened surveillance in vulnerable areas and the plains, officials said.

The measures are aimed at preventing militant threats and ensuring uninterrupted movement of pilgrims along the yatra routes.

As part of his visit, Singh inspected the headquarters of the 118 Battalion at Gund in Ganderbal district, where he reviewed operational infrastructure and interacted with personnel deployed in the area.

He was briefed on the security situation and operational responsibilities in the unit’s area of deployment and held discussions with senior officers on security planning, force deployment and preparedness for the pilgrimage.

Officials said the CRPF will deploy 128 companies, including five women contingents, for duties related to crowd management, route sanitisation, convoy security and area domination operations during the pilgrimage.

The force will work in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, Border Security Force and other security agencies as part of a multi-layered security framework.

Security arrangements will include enhanced surveillance, multiple checkpoints and rapid-response mechanisms to address potential threats, officials said.

The Amarnath Yatra attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across India each year and is among the largest annual religious pilgrimages in the country.

Officials said Singh’s visit would include further reviews of security deployments, transit camps and coordination mechanisms along the pilgrimage routes in the coming days.

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Srinagar, June 10

Two soldiers were killed in an accidental explosion at a forward Army post near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday, officials said.

The incident occurred at Baz Post in the Kamalkote area of Uri sector, close to the LoC, officials said.

According to Army officials, the explosion took place during the handling of weapons by a patrol team that had returned to the post in the early hours of the day.

Two soldiers sustained critical injuries in the blast and were evacuated to the Army’s Base Hospital in Srinagar, where they later succumbed to their injuries despite medical efforts, officials said.

The deceased were identified as Sowar Chavan Vikram Balkrishna and Sapper Jadhav Arjun Rajendra, both natives of Maharashtra.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated, officials said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to the soldiers and expressed condolences to their families.

“I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Bravehearts, Sowar Chavan Vikram Balkrishna and Sapper Jadhav Arjun Rajendra. The nation shall remain forever grateful to their selfless devotion to duty,” Sinha said in a statement.

The Army’s Chinar Corps also paid tribute to the two soldiers.

“Their unwavering courage, devotion and selfless service will continue to inspire generations,” the Corps said in a statement, adding that it stood with the bereaved families.

The Line of Control, a heavily militarised de facto border between India and Pakistan, stretches across several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora in Kashmir, and Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region.

Security along the LoC is maintained by the Army, while the Border Security Force guards the International Border. Both forces remain engaged in counter-infiltration and border-security operations.

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Srinagar, June 10

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday welcomed the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, describing it as a major milestone towards achieving all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

In a statement, the chamber said the successful completion of tunnel excavation and the connection of both ends marked a significant achievement in the region’s infrastructure development and would have far-reaching economic benefits.

KCCI said the project would provide year-round connectivity across the Zojila Pass, reducing travel time and ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, goods and essential supplies between Kashmir and Ladakh.

The chamber said improved connectivity was expected to strengthen trade, tourism and logistics while enhancing market access for horticulture and handicraft products. It added that the project could also attract investment and create employment opportunities across the region.

KCCI said it had written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, congratulating him on the breakthrough and acknowledging the ministry’s role in advancing major infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region.

The chamber described the tunnel as a landmark engineering achievement and said ongoing investments in highways, tunnels and transport infrastructure were laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and greater regional integration.

According to KCCI, the completion of the Zojila Tunnel and related connectivity projects is expected to boost trade, improve accessibility and contribute to sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The chamber also expressed appreciation for the continued focus of the central and Jammu and Kashmir governments on strengthening transport connectivity and reiterated its support for infrastructure initiatives aimed at promoting economic development in the region.

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Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, June 9
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday witnessed the historic breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel Project at Minamarg in Kargil district.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Members of Parliament, public representatives, senior officials and distinguished guests were also present on the occasion.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena joined the event virtually and lauded this significant milestone in the Zojila Tunnel Project.
The breakthrough marks a major milestone in India’s road infrastructure development and brings the country closer to realising year-round connectivity between J&K and Ladakh.

Zojila Tunnel: A Landmark Engineering Achievement
Being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1, the nearly 14-km-long bi-directional Zojila Tunnel is one of India’s most ambitious mountain infrastructure projects, being developed at a cost of approximately Rs 6,800 crore. Built at altitudes ranging from 2900 metres to 3310 metres, the project represents a significant engineering accomplishment in one of the world’s most challenging terrains.
Despite heavy snowfall, harsh weather conditions and complex geological challenges, the project has progressed steadily through the efforts of engineers, workers, consultants, contractors, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and other stakeholders. Gadkari congratulated all those associated with the successful breakthrough.

Advanced Safety Features and World-Class Infrastructure
Gadkari highlighted that the tunnel will be equipped with modern ventilation systems, automatic fire detection systems, advanced CCTV surveillance and cross-passage facilities for pedestrians to ensure safe and efficient travel.
To address snow loads and geological challenges, the project includes eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, 40 culverts, snow galleries, catch dams, avalanche protection structures, approach roads and state-of-the-art safety arrangements.

Transforming Connectivity, Tourism and Strategic Mobility
Gadkari said that the Zojila Tunnel is much more than a transportation project and will serve as a gateway to development for the region.
Upon completion, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg will be reduced from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes, resulting in significant savings in time and fuel. The project will also reduce accident risks and disruptions caused by avalanches and adverse weather conditions.
The tunnel is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, improve access to remote areas and strengthen connectivity to border regions. From a national security perspective, year-round connectivity will enable faster and more efficient movement of the Indian Army, equipment, supplies and logistics, thereby strengthening strategic preparedness.
The project will also generate employment opportunities, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life of local communities through enhanced connectivity and regional integration.

Major Connectivity Projects Strengthening Ladakh
The minister stated that road and tunnel projects worth about ₹18,000 crore are under implementation between Kargil and Leh-Ladakh.
Among the important initiatives is the Kargil–Zanskar–Padum highway project, which is improving access to the Zanskar region while strengthening strategic connectivity and facilitating Army movement.
To improve traffic management in Leh, South and North Bypass projects are being developed to provide seamless movement for vehicles travelling towards Srinagar, Manali and Khardung La without entering the city.
Gadkari also highlighted the proposed Fatu-La Twin-Tube Tunnel and Kela Pass Tunnel, which will improve all-weather connectivity and enhance access to key tourism destinations, including Pangong Lake.

Direct All-Weather Connectivity on the Manali–Leh Axis
The minister informed that tunnel projects are being planned at Baralacha La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La along the Manali–Leh route.
These projects will substantially improve travel reliability, reduce journey time and strengthen year-round connectivity to Ladakh.

Highway Development Worth Rs 1.35 Lakh Crore Underway in J&K
Following the breakthrough, Gadkari highlighted the Government’s broader efforts to transform road infrastructure across J&K and Ladakh.
He informed that highway projects worth approximately Rs 1.35 lakh crore, comprising completed, ongoing and upcoming works, are being implemented across Jammu & Kashmir to strengthen connectivity, improve logistics efficiency and accelerate socio-economic development.

High-Speed Corridors Transforming J&K
Gadkari said that four major high-speed corridors are under development to strengthen connectivity across J&K.
The Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar corridor is nearing completion and will significantly reduce travel time through upgraded highway infrastructure and tunnel networks.
The Jammu–Chenani–Anantnag corridor will improve connectivity between the Chenab Valley districts and Kashmir Valley, while the Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri corridor will strengthen connectivity in North Kashmir and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods.
The Jammu–Akhnoor–Poonch corridor is also progressing rapidly and is expected to improve connectivity in border districts while providing substantial travel-time savings.

Strategic and Border Connectivity Initiatives
The minister highlighted several upcoming projects of strategic importance, including the Katra–Srinagar High-Speed Corridor, the Rafiabad–Kupwara–Chowkibal–Tangdhar road project and the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri corridor.
These projects will improve access to border areas, facilitate tourism, support horticulture activities and strengthen strategic infrastructure.
A new corridor connecting Surankote, Bufliaz, Supen, Doodhpathri and Magam is also under planning to enhance connectivity between the Pir Panjal region and Kashmir Valley.

Ring Roads to Improve Urban Mobility
Gadkari stated that the Srinagar Ring Road project is being implemented in multiple phases to decongest the city and facilitate seamless movement towards Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Gurez, Kargil and Leh. Connectivity to Srinagar Airport and the railway station is also being strengthened through dedicated spur links.
Similarly, the Jammu Ring Road project is being developed to reduce urban congestion and improve traffic circulation around the city. The proposed eastern section will further strengthen regional connectivity and provide a shorter route towards Katra.

Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway to Strengthen Regional Linkages
The Minister said that the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Greenfield Expressway will provide faster and more efficient connectivity between Delhi and Katra while strengthening economic linkages across northern India and improving access to Jammu & Kashmir through a modern access-controlled corridor.

Tunnel Infrastructure Driving a Connectivity Revolution
Highlighting the Government’s focus on tunnel infrastructure in the Himalayan region, Shri Gadkari said that tunnel construction has become a key component of highway development to ensure all-weather connectivity, improve road safety and enhance strategic mobility.
He emphasized that these infrastructure initiatives are not merely transportation projects but instruments of economic growth, tourism development, employment generation, regional integration and national security.
Gadkari said that the successful breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel symbolises the emergence of a New India that transforms geographical challenges into opportunities for development, prosperity and national progress.

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