Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has given an important decision saying that cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade between India and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) will be considered as intra-state trade as per GST law. The court says that PoK is legally a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, hence the supplies there will be considered as intra-state trade.

This decision is a big blow to the traders who are facing investigation in tax demands and terror funding cases and who had challenged the show-cause notice on this issue.

For the first time the court commented on the status of POK

This is the first time in the last 75 years that an Indian court has made a direct comment on the legal status of PoK in any civil or tax case related to J&K. The division bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar was hearing the petition of several traders in this matter.

The traders argued that between 2017 and 2019, they had traded with the people of PoK in the barter system. He said that this business is zero-rated and should not be taxed.

LoC trade stopped after Pulwama attack

After the martyrdom of 40 CRPF soldiers in the Pulwama attack in 2019, the central government closed the LoC trade points of Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkot. Later, NIA investigation revealed that a network of traders was using this barter trade and the same money was later going into terror funding.

After this, ED and Income Tax Department also started investigation and irregularities like under-reporting of imports, over-reporting of exports, undeclared profits came to light. On these grounds, notices for sales tax and GST were sent.

Why did the court consider it intra-state trade?

The court clearly said that PoK is legally a part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, the location of supply and the place of supply will be considered within Jammu and Kashmir only. In such a situation, the cross-LoC trade at that time will be intra-state trade only and GST will be applicable on it.

The court said that the petitioners have alternative legal remedies under the CGST Act 2017, hence their petition cannot be accepted here.

Traders’ argument rejected

Traders said that the barter trade between Chakkan-da-Bagh (Poonch) to Rawalakot and Uri to Muzaffarabad was run under a mutual agreement between India and Pakistan. There was no tax on such trade and no exchange of currency.

But the court did not accept these arguments and said that whatever be the nature of business, the definition of location and supply is decided by law, hence GST will be applicable.

After this decision of the High Court, the old show-cause notices of the GST department have now become stronger. Traders will have to face tax demands. This observation of the court regarding the status of PoK may prove important in other cases in future also.

In a major decision following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given environmental clearance to the long-pending Sawalkot Hydropower Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. An official said, ‘The 40th meeting of the Expert Environment Assessment Committee (EAC) for river valley and hydropower projects was held on September 26 and the final approval was given on Thursday (October 09, 2025).’

Officials said that the Centre’s Environment Committee held extensive discussions before giving the approval. “The EAC has recommended environmental clearance without the need for new cumulative impact or carrying capacity studies, assessments that are typically mandated to evaluate the combined impacts of multiple projects within a river basin,” an official said.

Project designed as 1856 MW Hydropower Station

This relaxation is expected to speed up the implementation of the project. The approval comes at a time when India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025 and has renewed focus on harnessing the hydropower potential of Chenab.

According to official reports, the project, operated by NHPC, is designed as an 1856 MW hydropower station consisting of a 192.5 meter high concrete gravity dam and a reservoir spread over an area of ​​more than 1100 hectares. After completion, Sawalkot will be one of the largest hydropower projects located on the western rivers of the Indus system.

Approval processes may be affected

In June, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had described the project as being of ‘strategic importance’ and had urged the Environment Ministry to grant it expeditious approval. The power ministry had also warned that the new basin-wide studies could have an impact on the approval processes already initiated.

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) had already given the relaxation in July, saying that the guidelines for cumulative studies were issued in 2013, while the Sawalkot project was first started in 1984 and the rules cannot be applied retrospectively.

So many trees will be cut to build the dam

Under this project, 847.17 hectares of forest land in Udhampur, Ramban, Reasi and Mahour districts will be used and more than 2.22 lakh trees will have to be cut, of which more than 1.26 lakh will be in Ramban alone. This dam will be built in two phases, which will generate 1406 MW and 450 MW electricity.

Environmentalists in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed concern over the ecological impact of this project. In a report submitted to the State Pollution Control Board in 2016, they argued that classifying Sawalkot as a run-of-the-mill project is misleading, as its huge reservoir would alter the natural river flow and submerge vast tracts of land.

These livelihoods will be affected by the construction of the dam.

He also said that there are already many big dams on Chenab river including Dulhasti, Baglihar and Salal. NHPC said it has updated the baseline environmental data to meet current needs and collected new primary data during the monsoon 2022, winter 2023 and pre-monsoon 2023 seasons.

The company said the updated data addresses concerns that the original 2016 environmental studies were out of date. Experts have warned that large dams like Sawalkot could affect downstream river flows, fish migration and sediment transport, destabilizing agricultural lands along the river channel and flood plains.

Project delayed due to centre-state disputes

Large reservoirs in the steep valleys of the Himalayas can also increase slope instability and landslide risk. As per the Environment Ministry’s own guidelines, projects that do not get in-principle forest clearance within 18 months will have to update their baseline studies.

Sawalkot has been facing delays for decades due to Centre-state disputes and objections under the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan had earlier sought information about the project, but India refused, saying that as per the treaty, information was required six months before the start of construction.

Promise of electricity and employment to the people

Now with the treaty suspended, the government has included Sawalkot among its strategic core priorities. Tenders have already been issued for several components, making the project a test case for striking a balance between national security and environmental protection.

For communities living along the Chenab River, the project promises electricity and jobs, but also threatens the loss of forests, land and riverine habitats that have shaped local life for generations.

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In Jammu and Kashmir, the head of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti targeted the BJP fiercely. He said on Wednesday (1 October) that people in Kashmir are being forced to stand for the national anthem on the ‘gun of guns’. Mehbooba Mufti has created a big controversy by making such allegations against the BJP.

Mehbooba Mufti said that it is the failure of the government to stand out during the national anthem. The PDP Chief made this statement at a time when dozens of youths sitting in the TRC football ground on Tuesday (September 30) were detained by the police.

‘Our student life was not forced’- Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba Mufti said in the city’s Baghat area, “It is unfortunate that the BJP has brought this place to a situation where they are forcing people to stand for the national anthem on the strength of guns. I remember my student life, whenever the national anthem was ringing, we used to stand in honor.

Police sources said that 15 spectators were detained in a police martyr football tournament in Srinagar on Tuesday evening, as they did not stand during the national anthem allegedly.

The national anthem was not understood due to the low voice of the band

The families of the prisoners have blamed the ‘slow and vague’ band presentation for the incident, which they claim that the audience did not know about the launch of the national anthem. The final of the police martyr football tournament, which also attended the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, at the Synthetic Turf Football Ground at TRC, Srinagar.

No response from Jammu and Kashmir Police

Sources said that he was detained for not following the protocol of standing during the national anthem. The National Honor Prevention Act, 1971, the national anthem and the national flag impose a ban on disrespect. However, no official confirmation or statement has been issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Police so far.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has clearly stated that instead of aligning with BJP to restore state status, I would prefer to resign. He said that after the elections, I had the option to include BJP, but we did not do so. If we had included the BJP in the rule, perhaps by now we would have got the status of the state back, but I am not ready to do so.

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir asked his leaders and activists questions, “Are you ready to deal with that deal?” Tell me if you are ready. Because I am not ready to deal with that deal. If it is necessary to include someone in the rule, then you should confess my resignation by kindly and make some MLA here the Chief Minister and make a rule with the BJP. I am not ready to make. ”

VIDEO | Anantnag: J&K CM Omar Abdullah Said, “After the Elections, I Had the option to include the BJP, but we did not. That, I would raather Resign Than Include the BJP. ” pic.twitter.com/mijwwbsihg

– Press Trust of India (@Pti_News) September 30, 2025

Omar Abdullah mentioned Mehbooba Mufti

Omar Abdullah also mentioned PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. He said, “The way Mehbooba Mufti did in 2016, at that time the BJP could be ruled without BJP. Congress and National Conference were also ready. The BJP could be kept out of the rule. At that time it became an excuse that Jammu has to be represented. We also represent Jammu without involving BJP in this rule. Today is the deputy CM of Jammu without BJP. ‘

It does not take much time to deteriorate- Omar Abdullah

Earlier, CM Omar Abdullah said on Monday (September 30) that the people of the Union Territory have been patient with their demand to restore state status, but the Center should not take advantage of it. Abdullah warned, “The situation does not take long to worsen. We do not want the blood of innocents to flow again here. We will keep keeping our demands peacefully. ”

There is a good news for tourists and weather lovers, as the Meteorological Department has predicted the first snowfall of the weather between 5 to 6 October in the higher areas of North, Central and South Kashmir as well as Chenab Valley.

According to the detailed forecast issued from Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Director, Meteorological Department, the weather is generally likely to remain dry from 1 October to 4 October, light rains, thunderstorms and strong winds are likely in late evening or night.

Advice to farmers to continue harvesting

Dr. Ahmed further said that from October 5 to 7, it will be cloudy, light to moderate rains, thunderstorms and strong winds are likely to blow in between and light snowfall is also likely to occur in high altitude areas in many places in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that from 8 to 10 October, there is a possibility of dry weather in the entire region usually. In its consultation, the Meteorological Department has advised farmers to continue with harvesting, safe storage and other agricultural works till the afternoon of October 4.

Slow decline in day temperature

The Director of the Meteorological Department further said that from tomorrow, the temperature of the day is expected to decline gradually, which will reduce significantly during October 5 and 6. Also, the minimum temperature in Jammu is expected to be close to 23 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature can go up to 26.3 degrees.

The average mercury is expected to remain up to 27.2 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Apart from this, the wind speed will be around E 6.2 km/h. The air will run at about 26.1 degrees with a speed of 14.1 km/h. Cold can increase in some areas with a drop in temperature at night. In the coming days, weather changes can be seen with cold air.

If you want to visit Jammu and Kashmir then there is good news for you. After security review in Jammu and Kashmir, it has been decided to reopen several closed tourist places from 29 September. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha himself has given this information.

LG Manoj Sinha said that the leading tourist spots of Kashmir and Jammu Division will be opened again to tourists. Let us know that these tourist spots were stopped precautionary after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Which sites will be opened?

The places that will be opened in Kashmir Division are Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Postshaw Park and Command Post, Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar area of ​​Kathua, Shiva Cave (Salal) of Reasi. All these places will be opened in a phased manner from September 29. The Lieutenant Governor tweeted that this decision was taken after extensive review in the UHQ meeting with the security agencies and the district administration.

After a thorough security review and discussion in today’s uhq meeting, I’ve ordered reopening of more tourists in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which was tamporarily closed as priorial measures.

– Office of LG J&K (@Officeoflgjandk) September 26, 2025

Tourist spots closed after terrorist attack

After the killing of 26 tourists in the Pahalgam terror attack in the last months, tourism activities were banned in these areas due to security reasons. At that time, the administration had run a large -scale operation vermilion in which action was taken on terrorist bases in Pakistan and POK. In June, the administration started the process of reopening 16 tourist places, but some sensitive places were still closed.

Tourism and local economy promoted

With the opening of tourist destinations once again, the local economy is expected to get new energy in Kashmir and Jammu regions. Local business and hotel-restaurant industries were affected due to terrorist incidents and security restrictions. It is believed that this decision is not only relief for tourists but will also promote the employment and income of the local people.

The National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has received a big statement on violence erupted in Leh, Ladakh. Farooq Abdullah supported the Ladakh violence through a press conference. He said, “The people of Ladakh are fighting for their statehood. Earlier they had raised their point peacefully but when no promises were made to him, they left Gandhi’s path and chose the path of movement.”

Farooq Abdullah further said, “People set fire to BJP’s office in Leh. I set the police vehicles on fire. I will ask the rule of India that our state is from the border of China and Pakistan. You do not provoke the spark here. You do not wait to make a spark again and this kingdom gets burnt again.”

‘No foreign forces, this voice of the people of Ladakh’

NC chief Farooq Abdullah said about the Ladakh violence, “Some people are saying that violence is happening here due to foreign forces. I want to tell that there is nothing like that. It is the voice of the people here. Those who are doing wrong with our state, they will have to learn from Ladakh.”

#Watch Srinagar, J&K | On the Violence in Leh, Jknc Chief Farooq Abdullah Says, “The reason behind the violence was that he (sonam wangchuk) There that they should be listed in the Sixth… pic.twitter.com/zuvdlkccgia

– ANI (@ani) September 25, 2025

Supporting the agitators of Leh, Farooq Abdullah said, “Now the youth here have decided to know but our state should not go. The National Conference has always chosen the path of peace and Gandhi, but what our children will do cannot be said. It cannot be said. Such issues should be talked about solving, not to confuse it.”

‘We are with all children’- Farooq Abdullah

He further said, “What is happening in Ladakh, we are with all those children. What is happening in Ladakh is happening due to the leaders sitting in Delhi. They should wake up. Otherwise it will be too late.”

When Farooq Abdullah was asked whether China has captured India’s land? In response, the NC chief said, “If not occupied, then why do the BJP people say that we have to take back? We are not able to do petroling there.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Saturday (September 20) that it is not right to link the case of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) President Yasin Malik with politics. He said that this matter should be completely left to the court. Omar insisted that Malik chose the path of conversation after putting arms and has always been in favor of the conversation.

This statement came at a time when PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding to adopt a human view in cases against Yasin Malik. Mehbooba says that Malik has chosen the way to leave violence and do politics in a democratic manner.

No need to do politics- Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah said, “There is no need to do politics. Regardless of his political ideology, I just know that whatever he started, he gave up arms and adopted the path of peace. He tried to resolve the issues through talks and always in favor of talks.”

Leave the decision on the courts

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah further said that the courts should be allowed to take decisions independently. He said, “The court decisions should be left to the courts. It is not a good thing to put political pressure on the courts.”

Many cases against Malik

Yasin Malik is currently serving life imprisonment in a case of terror funding. He was arrested in February 2019. Apart from this, there are many more cases on him, including the kidnapping of Rubaiya Saeed, daughter of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Saeed and attack on Indian Air Force personnel in Rawalpora in 1990.

Expect help for flood victims

Apart from the case of Yasin Malik, the Chief Minister also expressed concern over the recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir. He told that this flood has caused huge destruction in the state.

Regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said, “The Prime Minister is coming and we will make him aware of the situation and the damage done to the people. We hope that he will provide a good package for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”