Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has given a big statement on Saturday regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits. He said that the time has come for Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the future of the changed Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the journey of this community from displacement to global success is a great example of courage, courage and determination.

LG Manoj Sinha said, “The real meaning of a meaningful life is how much we make our society and motherland better for those who come after us.” He also said that this is the right time for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. Manoj Sinha addressed the two-day long ‘Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave: From Exile to Excellence’ at SKICC.

What did LG Manoj Sinha say in his address?

During the program, LG Sinha said that this meeting is a historic moment. It showcases the achievements of the Kashmiri Pandit community and their unbreakable bond with their motherland. He said that despite the difficulties, the success of the Kashmiri Pandit community is the real test of life, because individual success alone cannot contribute to the society and future generations.

This conference of Kashmiri Pandits is based on a two-pronged strategy. First, to take stock of the ground situation and determine whether conditions are favorable for their return to their ancestral homes. Second, to inform the Union Home Minister and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir about his experience and suggestions regarding the current situation in the valley.

The members of the delegation have come from different parts of the world, such as America and many European countries. Many of them are returning to the valley for the first time after 36 years. Dr. Surinder Kaul, a Kashmiri Pandit who has become an American citizen, said, “I studied in Kashmir, completed MBBS from the government medical college here and then I had to leave from here. Today I live in California and have returned to my motherland after 36 years.”

Delegation participating in the two-day conference

This delegation is participating in a two-day conference in Srinagar. This also includes non-resident Kashmiri Pandits, government employees working under the PM package and other social and religious organizations associated with the RSS. Possibilities of return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandit community were discussed in the conference.

Dr. Surinder said, “We want to come back and live here, but our grievances and questions against the local people still remain. When jihadi elements targeted us, why did they (Kashmiri Muslims) not stand with us?” Nasir Aslam Wani, advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who represented the Omar Abdullah government in this meeting. He tried to reduce the anger of the Pandits by announcing the resumption of the apex committee for the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

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He said the grievances are from both sides and should be resolved between members of the “family”. He said, “I want to announce that in the near future we will restart the apex committee with members from all sections to expedite the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community. We are all members of the same family, home affairs should be at home.”

The delegation will submit findings and suggestions to the Home Ministry.

After the conference, the delegation plans to compile its findings and suggestions into a report which will be submitted to the Union Home Ministry. The report will be presented to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and is expected to outline key concerns, suggestions and possible measures to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.

Members of the Kashmiri Pandit community who participated in the tour expressed optimism about the current situation and said that the circumstances looked favorable for their return. However, he stressed that the success of any return process would largely depend on the support and acceptance of the majority Muslim population of the Kashmir Valley.

For many members of the delegation, the visit has been an emotional journey. Returning to the Valley after more than three decades brought back memories of childhood, friendship and the sense of community that once existed among different religious groups in Kashmir.

The delegation’s conference at SKICC in Srinagar is expected to conclude with a set of suggestions, which will be presented to the Union Home Minister. These discussions are likely to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the long-awaited return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland.

Kashmiri Pandits reached Kashmir in search of their roots, became emotional during worship in temples.

A big update has come out regarding Amarnath Yatra, one of the most special pilgrimages of Hindu religion in Jammu and Kashmir. This experience of faith and devotion is going to start once again for the devotees. Every year thousands of devotees reach Amarnath during this journey to have darshan of Lord Shiva.

Registrations for Amarnath Yatra 2026 will start from April 15. Preparations for this are being completed. This journey is going to start from 3rd July. This information has been given from the office of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding Amarnath Yatra. It will be registered in 554 bank branches across the country.

Lieutenant Governor’s office gave information through post

This information has been given through a tweet issued from the office of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. In which it is said that Amarnath Yatra will start from 3rd July 2026 this year and will end on Raksha Bandhan 28th August 2026, which will last for a total of 57 days. The first puja to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva will be conducted on Jyeshtha Purnima, 29 June 2026. Advance registration for the Yatra will start from 15 April 2026 through both offline and online modes.

This change happened in the registration this time

This time there has been a big change in the registration process for Amarnath Yatra. The registration process for the journey will be done on ‘first come, first served’ basis. The person who registers first will get the chance to travel first. This time a daily limit has also been fixed for the passengers.

Also, permits will be issued online using biometric system. To undertake the journey, the age of the devotee should be between 13 years to 70 years. Also, women who are more than 6 weeks pregnant will not be allowed to have darshan. At present, extensive arrangements and preparations are being started by the administration for the safety of the devotees regarding the Yatra.

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To make Jammu and Kashmir drug free, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha has announced the biggest and strictest action so far against drug smugglers. Launching the ‘100-day drug-free Jammu and Kashmir campaign’ at the MA Stadium in Jammu, the LG made it clear that those who ruin the future of the youth will not be spared at any cost.

The administration has implemented a new ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ (SOP) to completely eliminate the smugglers’ network financially and legally.

All-round attack on smugglers, important documents will be canceled

Referring to the strict functioning of the administration, the Lieutenant Governor said that now not only cases will be registered against people involved in drug trade, but punitive action will be taken against them. Passports, Aadhar cards and driving licenses of drug smugglers will be cancelled. All their movable and immovable properties will be confiscated and bank accounts will be frozen and financial investigation will begin. Big smugglers will be identified and publicly exposed at the police station level, so that others can learn a lesson.

Narco-terrorism: ‘The neighboring country is sending poison’

Speaking on the security front, LG Sinha said that drug trafficking is being used as a weapon to foster terrorism and destabilize the society. He said, “A neighboring country is sending drugs to hollow out our youth. This is not just an addiction, but a weapon against our future.” He gave clear instructions to the police and agencies – “Do not harass the innocent, but do not let the guilty escape.”

Emphasis on community participation and rehabilitation

LG Sinha made it clear that this battle cannot be won on the strength of administration alone. He called for conducting foot marches and awareness campaigns in the entire state. Appealing to women, especially mothers and sisters, to take responsibility for this movement, he said that their awareness can bring a big change.

Along with this, the administration has adopted the humanitarian approach and implemented ‘Jammu and Kashmir Drug Abuse Treatment, Counseling and Rehabilitation Center Rules, 2026’ for the treatment of the victims. Now only genuine de-addiction centers with adequate facilities will be allowed to function. The LG said, “We have to bring the victims back to normal life, but we have to crush those who trap them.”

Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma on Sunday asked Pakistan to improve its ways and said that hatred can be removed not by hatred but by love. Actually, Satish Sharma had contested the 2024 assembly elections as an independent candidate. He also won from Chhamb in this election. After winning the elections, Satish extended his support to Omar Abdullah and his party National Conference. After which Satish Sharma is a minister in the Jammu and Kashmir government.
Speaking to reporters after attending an event in Gulmarg in Baramulla district, Sharma said that a large number of tourists are visiting the valley as a result of the efforts of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He says that tourism is being promoted in the Abdullah government. The state will benefit from this in the times to come.

Hotels are full – Satish Sharma

“Abdullah toured the entire country to reassure people and today we are seeing the results… hotels are full,” he said. He was saying this after attending the laser and cultural program organized in connection with the sixth ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ (KIWG). These games are going to start in Gulmarg from Monday.

The attitude of neighboring countries should improve – Satish Sharma

Without naming Pakistan, the Youth Services and Sports Minister said that the neighboring country should improve its attitude as the people of Jammu and Kashmir are peace loving. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the laser and torch show on the eve of the sixth “Khelo India Winter Games” in Gulmarg on Sunday. According to officials, Lieutenant Governor Sinha inaugurated the festival and created an atmosphere of a grand winter celebration.

In a step towards strengthening the security of pilgrims, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in Jammu on Sunday approved increasing the insurance cover for pilgrims from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per person.

Actually, this decision was taken in the board meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The board said it reviewed and approved the actions taken since the last meeting. The spokesperson said that with the aim of strengthening the functioning of the Board and improving pilgrimage services, important decisions were taken on 25 agenda points.

Review taken of infrastructure projects

He said the progress of major infrastructure projects was reviewed in the meeting, which include construction of exit route in Bhawan (temple complex), widening of travel route from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, slope stabilization work, construction of Shri Shankaracharya Temple and associated facilities at Katra and construction of school for disabled people at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu.

Instructions to ensure highest standards of safety

The spokesperson said that the board has directed to strictly adhere to the timelines while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. In respect of the newly constructed helipad at Hutt village, the Board approved that after signing of the revised MoU, it will provide one time financial grant to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board under the Shrine Act for development and upgradation of pilgrimage infrastructure.

Helicopters will fly from the same helipad

He also said that for the convenience of the pilgrims, helicopter services for both the pilgrimage sites will be operated from the same helipad. LG Manoj Sinha directed the Shrine Board to reaffirm its commitment towards environmental sustainability with special emphasis on promoting cleanliness and greenery in Katra city and surrounding areas.

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.

A large -scale administrative reshuffle has been made in Jammu and Kashmir. 14 IAS officers have been transferred. After the order from the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor administration, changes have been made at the administrative level. Jammu and Kashmir divisions have received new divisional commissioners. DC of Kupwara, Samba, Bandipur, Poonch and Kathua has also been transferred.

Anshul Garg, an IAS officer of 2013 batch, has been made the new divisional commissioner of Kashmir division. Anshul Shri Mata Vaishno Devi was handling the responsibility of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the Shrine Board. Now he has been transferred to the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Division.

Srikanth Balasaheb becomes the new DC of Kupwara

New DCs of Kupwara, Samba, Bandipur, Poonch and Kathua have been created. Srikanth Balasaheb Susse has been given the responsibility of Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kupwara. Srikanth Balasaheb is a 2016 batch IAS officer. He was working on the post of Managing Director in Jammu Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited before being made Deputy Commissioner.

Dr. Rakesh Minhas became the new DC of Jammu

Dr. Rakesh Minhas has been given the responsibility of the new deputy commissioner of Jammu. Minhas is a 2016 batch IAS officer. Earlier, he was handling the responsibility as DC of Kathua, but now he has been transferred and appointed as Jammu DC.

Ayushi Sudan’s responsibility of Samba DC

IAS officer Ayushi Sudan has also been transferred. He has now been given the responsibility of Deputy Commissioner of Samba. Sudan is a 2017 batch IAS officer. Earlier she was handling responsibility as Kupwara DC.

Indu Kanwal Bandipora’s new DC

IAS officer Indu Kanwal has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora. Earlier, he was handling the responsibility of Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board. Now by transferring them, the responsibility of DC of Bandipora has been given.

Ashok Kumar Sharma gets the responsibility of Poonch’s new DC

IAS officer Ashok Kumar Sharma has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner of Poonch. Earlier, he was working as a special secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, but now he has got the new responsibility of Poonch DC.

Rajesh Sharma Kathua’s new DC

Along with this, DC Rajesh Sharma of Samba has also been transferred. He has now been posted as Deputy Commissioner of Kathua.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has made a statement on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. He said that since Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has taken responsibility for security failure in the Pahalgam terror attack, he should resign from his post.

The AIMIM chief told reporters in Nanded, Maharashtra, that he would seek reply from the Modi government at the Center in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament on the terrorist attack in Basaron near Pahalgam on 22 April, killing 26 people.

Asaduddin Owaisi was part of the all -party delegation

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi was part of the multi -party delegation who traveled to Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Algeria to prominently put India’s anti -terrorism stance and its operation vermilion prominently after the Pahalgam terror attack.

What did the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha say,

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recently admitted in an interview to a newspaper that the Pahalgam attack took place due to intelligence and he takes responsibility for it. When asked about this, Owaisi said, “If he (the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir) has taken responsibility, he should resign. 26 Indians in Pahalgam were brutally killed by asking their religion, because they were Hindus. If the Lieutenant Pal was suffering so much, they should resign.”

He said, “26 people were murdered by asking their religion and you (Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir) are saying this when your term is about to end.”

Government should answer this- Owaisi

Owaisi said, “We will ask the Modi government who is responsible for the Pahalgam attack?” Who is accountable for this attack? How did the terrorists reach there and why there was no police protection on the spot? We will ask these questions to the government in the upcoming Parliament session. ”He said that this happened due to default in security and the government should answer it.

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All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Musslimin (AIMIM) President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said on Wednesday (July 17, 2025) that the Pahalgam terrorist attack should be avenged and ‘Operation Sindoor’ should be continued.

Addressing a public meeting held in Bodhan city in Telangana on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) in protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, he alleged that the Pahalgam terror attack is an example of the security omission of the Prime Minister Modi government.

Owaisi targeted him for the alleged remarks of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for taking responsibility for the security failure of the Pahalgam terror attack. Owaisi said, ‘Manoj Sinha is taking responsibility after about three months of the incident. If he is responsible for this, then he should leave his post.

Pointing to the Center, the AIMIM president said, ‘Pahalgam should be avenged. Continue operation vermilion. We will question you until they are caught four terrorists who killed 26 Indians by asking their religion. He said, ‘Pahalgam is a living example of Modi government’s security lapse.’

Asaduddin Owaisi also spoke on bulldozer action during this period and said that there is China on one side which is increasing its influence in Bangladesh and on the other hand some people in our country are talking about demolition and bulldozers.

Owaisi said that the action that is going on about breaking the house, running bulldozers and mosques is not good for the country. Owaisi said that he wants to tell BJP leaders that our country is in danger from Pakistan and China, there is a need to pay attention to it.

He said, ‘You need to pay attention to those, which remain a threat to us. What are you doing in the country? ‘ Owaisi also attacked the government regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill and said that this is ‘black law’.

Amarnath Yatra 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that after the incident of Pahalgam on April 22, the preparations are in full swing despite some time barrier in Shri Amarnath Yatra registration and so far more than 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed their participation.

However, due to security reasons, all vehicles going for travel will have to walk in a safe convoy ahead of Jammu and follow the cut off timing. This will also apply to the passengers who will travel by private vehicles.

The number of passengers falls declining

In Srinagar, LG Sinha said that before the incident, more than 2.36 lakh devotees had registered. He said, “There has been a slight decline in the number, but is gaining momentum again. We are confident that more pilgrims will be involved in the coming days.”

He said that last year there was a record turnout of 5.12 lakh pilgrims, which was the highest in 12 years. Although this year has seen a decline of 10.19% so far, the officials are optimistic.

Helicopter services have been postponed for the journey this year due to many previous incidents and safety concerns. However, Sinha said that in the last years, the total of these services had only 8% in the movement of pilgrims, so its impact would be minimized overall.

To make security and traffic easier, both Baltal and Chandanwari-Pahalgam routes have been increased from 4-5 feet to 12 feet. Sinha said, “Earlier rain used to disrupted traffic on narrow tracks, but now these sensitive points have been secured from cross-career.”

Permanent housing facilities are being constructed in Baltal and Nunwan camps and most of the parts will be prepared this year despite a minor delay. Both base camps now have 100 -bed hospitals, with additional doctors and paramedics deployed.

LG said that in order to maintain cleanliness, the Zero landfill target is being achieved again this year with the coordinated efforts of Shrine Board and Rural and Urban Development Departments.

Technology has also been taken advantage of. After EKYC verification, RFID-based tracking has been arranged for all pilgrims and service providers. There is a high-definition camera and a modern command-and-control center for surveillance that works round the clock. A dedicated police control room is also monitoring the journey in real time.

LG Sinha appealed to passengers

Appealing to the passengers, LG Sinha said, “I appeal to all the passengers to follow the guidelines for the journey due to safety measures, and even passengers who travel by private or private vehicles, travel in the convoy for a journey ahead of Baghwati Nagar camp in Jammu. This will be safe without any hassle”.

To streamline movement, a new footover bridge has been built in Nunwan, which has eliminated duplicate check-in and has become easier to enter the camp. Additionally, the convoy system from Lakhanpur to Valley has been made more efficient.

A comprehensive three-level security system is applicable on all camps and routes, in which Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CAPF are jointly deployed. All service providers have been verified. Pilgrims are covered under insurance. Emergency response mechanisms are active during pilgrimage.

LG Sinha also accepted the important role of local residents in ensuring a warm and welcome environment for the passengers. He said, “The love and hospitality given by the people of Kashmir cannot be found anywhere else.”

He said that the Muharram procession in Srinagar will follow the traditional routes just like last year. Complete arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and respectable compliance.

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