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.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government ordered an inquiry on Friday into Kumar Rajeev Ranjan
The Jammu and Kashmir Government ordered an inquiry on Friday into Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, for allegedly using abusive language against Beenish Wani. Mandeep Kaur will lead the probe, while Amit Vermani serves as presiding officer. The report is due in 15 days. Omar Abdullah wrote to Atul Dulloo to prevent retributive action against Wani.
Omar Abdullah writes to Chief Secretary to ensure Beenish Wani faces no retribution
On October 16, 2026, Tanvir Sadiq stated that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote to the Chief Secretary to ensure JKAS officer Beenish Wani faces no retribution. Kumar Rajiv Ranjan, an IAS officer, allegedly used abusive language against Wani during a Mission Yuva scheme meeting on October 15. Mehbooba Mufti, Aga Syed Ruhullah, and Naeem Akhtar demanded strict action against Ranjan.
IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly used foul language against junior officer Bilquis Wani
On Thursday, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, a 2010 batch IAS officer and Secretary in Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly used foul language against junior officer Bilquis Wani during an online meeting regarding the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Mantasha Binti Rashid and Peoples Democratic Party leader Naeem Akhtar protested the incident. The CBI booked Ranjan in 2025 for amassing assets beyond legal income.
J&K Labour Secretary allegedly abused JKAS officer during virtual Mission YUVA review meeting
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Secretary of the Labour & Employment Department in Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly abused Beenish Wani, a JKAS officer, during a virtual Mission YUVA review meeting. Wani confirmed the incident, while Ranjan claimed she provoked him. The Department of Labour and Employment issued a clarification, stating that professional decorum is essential and the matter will be taken to its logical conclusion.
J&K High Court bars fuel-driven shikara motorboats and jet skis on Dal Lake
On October 15, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) High Court, including Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Judge Rajesh Sekhri, barred fuel-driven shikara motorboats and jet skis on Dal Lake. The court directed the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, Tourism Department, and J&K Police to enforce this, while exempting emergency boats. A CAG report noted a 10.15% shrinkage in open water from 15.40 square kilometres in 2007 to 12.91 square kilometres in 2020.
Andrabi retracts uniform Friday sermons after Mirwaiz, Omar Abdullah and critics spark backlash
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, led by Darakshan Andrabi, proposed uniform Friday sermons to address social evils like drug abuse. This move sparked backlash from Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema, and Omar Abdullah of the National Conference. Critics accused the BJP government of curbing religious freedom. Following outcry, Andrabi retracted the statement, leaving content to independent scholars.
J&K Waqf Board's uniform Friday sermon plan faces opposition from Omar Abdullah and others
On October 11, Darakshan Andrabi, chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, met imams and khateebs in Srinagar to discuss a core committee for uniform Friday sermons. While R.S. Pathania supported the move, Omar Abdullah, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Naser Ul Islam criticized it as state interference. Mehbooba Mufti and leaders from PDP, JKPC, AIP, and J&K Apni Party also opposed the initiative.
Indian Railways to build viewing platforms and engineering museum at 359m-high Chenab bridge
Indian Railways is constructing viewing platforms and an engineering museum at the Chenab bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. Inaugurated by Narendra Modi last year, the 1300-meter-long steel arch bridge stands 359 meters above the river. Part of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (USBRL) line, it connects Katra to Srinagar in less than 3 hours via Vande Bharat.
J&K High Court asks UT administration to explain policies letting politicians retain government accommodation
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court asked the UT administration to explain policies allowing political figures to retain government accommodation. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri heard a case involving Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ravinder Raina. Monika Kohli stated a committee recommended continuing allotments until March 2027. The court will hear the case again on November 12, 2026.
Court declares Mushtaq Ahmad Mir proclaimed offender over alleged Jamaat-e-Islami hawala funding
A special court in Jammu, presided by Special Judge Prem Sagar, declared Mushtaq Ahmad Mir a proclaimed offender. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed the application under Section 84 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) regarding funding for Jamaat-e-Islami through Al-Huda Education Trust. Mir allegedly sent hawala funds to Shamsi to fund secessionist activities after the trust was formed in Rajouri.
J&K Waqf Board faces backlash over reported verbal instructions for uniform Friday sermons
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board faced criticism after an online meeting on Sunday where verbal instructions were reportedly issued to Imams for uniform Friday sermons. Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, the J&K Peoples Conference, and the Awami Ittehad Party condemned the move. Tariq Hussain Qari and Mohammad Akram expressed resentment, while Dr Darakhshan Andrabi denied issuing any written orders.
Mehbooba Mufti opposes NC proposal to build boulevard on Dal Lake’s western shore
On Monday, October 12, 2026, Mehbooba Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opposed a proposal by National Conference (NC) legislator Tanvir Sadiq to build a boulevard on Dal Lake’s western shore. The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) also criticized the plan, citing a 10.15% lake size reduction from 2007 to 2020. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged sustainable mountain development in Srinagar.
