Jammu and Kashmir news & politics
The latest news from Jammu and Kashmir, where Omar Abdullah (National Conference) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: crime violence, protest opposition, foreign policy.
LG Manoj Sinha orders transfer of 100 senior police officers including 28 IPS officers
On Friday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the transfer of 100 senior police officers in Jammu and Kashmir, including 28 IPS officers. New chiefs were appointed for Ganderbal, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ramban, Poonch, Sopore, Handwara, and Awantipora. Danesh Rana became Managing Director of J-K Police Housing Corporation. Other moves included Garib Dass, Haseeb Mughal, Abdul Jabbar, Shahid Mehraj Rather, Swarn Singh Kotwali, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, and Bisma Qazi.
CISF jawan Mohammad Mushtaq dies from gunshot injuries in Reasi district
A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan, Mohammad Mushtaq (37) of Mardi village, died from gunshot injuries on Friday in Reasi district. Karam Veer Singh, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Reasi, stated he was referred to a specialized hospital after receiving first aid for critical injuries. Police and the CISF have launched investigations into the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Railway Board cancels 250+ trains as CJP protest strands Jammu Tawi and Katra passengers
On October 9, 2026, the Railway Board cancelled over 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations due to anticipated traffic congestion for a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest on October 10 demanding the removal of Gyanesh Kumar. Passengers from Jammu Tawi and Katra were stranded. The Jammu railway division established help desks and deployed staff to assist passengers.
J&K Waqf Board chairperson demands investigation into alleged assault on youth Fahim Nazir
Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, J&K Waqf Board chairperson, condemned an alleged assault on Kashmiri youth Fahim Nazir by Congress workers on October 8, 2026. The incident occurred after Nazir praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposed Rahul Gandhi protests. On October 9, 2026, Andrabi demanded an impartial investigation. Simultaneously, youth in Srinagar protested the New Delhi beating on Gupkar Road.
Khursheed Ganai warns new rules will cause large-scale construction in residential areas
On October 9, 2026, the Group of Concerned Citizens and head Khursheed Ganai warned that new rules for ‘Ease of doing Business’ and ‘Ease of Living’ would cause large-scale construction. The bill, introduced by Omar Abdullah on September 28 and approved by Manoj Sinha, allows white and green industries in residential areas under Schedules 2, 3, and 5.
NIA files 535-page chargesheet linking Pakistan to February 22 Kishtwar attack
On October 9, 2026, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a 535-page chargesheet against Maneer Ahmed and three slain Pakistan-based terrorists for a February 22 attack in Kishtwar. The NIA linked the conspiracy to Pakistan, involving Saifullah of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Kashmir Tigers (Azrael Group). Ahmed faces UAPA charges for harboring terrorists who killed security personnel and locals.
Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq announces all Friday sermons in Kashmiri language
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Kashmir chief cleric, announced that all Friday sermons on October 16 will be delivered in the Kashmiri language. This coordinated khutbah across mosques and imambargahs aims to preserve local identity and heritage. The initiative follows the urs of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. Subsequent sermons will address unity, drug abuse, suicide, mental health, social media misuse, family concerns, and environmental responsibility.
Saffron Kingdom director Sheikh Arfat released after ICE detention due to malfunctioning payment portal
Sheikh Arfat, 42, director of Saffron Kingdom, was released on October 8, 2026, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him for 14 days starting September 24. Despite a bond granted October 6, he remained at Caroline Detention Centre until October 8 due to a malfunctioning payment portal. Arfat, son of Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, faces a hearing on October 27.
Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature for "bold and inventive oeuvre"
Anne Carson, a 76-year-old professor born in Toronto on June 21, 1950, won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. The committee cited her "bold and inventive oeuvre," including 'Nox', an elegy for her brother Michael Carson. Michael fled Canada in 1979 after a drug-dealing case, spent 22 years traveling India and Europe on false passports, and died in Copenhagen in 2000.
J&K High Court orders revival of medical student's passport to complete MBBS in Tehran
On October 8, 2026, the J&K High Court directed authorities to revive a passport for a female medical student at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Kish Campus. The court ruled she must complete her MBBS course after her passport was impounded in May due to an adverse police report regarding her father's 1997 case. Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal ordered a fresh security audit.
Mirwaiz urges release of prisoners with health issues as NIA rejects Shabir Shah's bail
On October 7, 2026, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court rejecting bail for separatist leader Shabir Shah. Despite a Supreme Court grant in March this year, Shah, head of the banned Democratic Freedom Party, remains incarcerated since his 2017 arrest for alleged terror financing. Mirwaiz urged the Government of India to release prisoners suffering from health issues.
LG Manoj Sinha transfers 49 officers impacting 30 departments in Jammu and Kashmir
On October 7, 2026, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha transferred 49 officers, including Mamta Yadav and Basharat Qayoom, impacting over 30 departments in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah previously criticized the dual power system regarding these transfers. The National Conference seeks the Transaction of Business Rules to demarcate roles, but the file remains pending with Lok Bhavan.
