News for 'jammu'

A Salute To The Brave Who Gave Us Their All

A Salute To The Brave Who Gave Us Their All

Rediff.com16 May 2025

With respect and gratitude we honour the memory of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Operation Sindoor.

Army sniffer dog Phantom killed protecting troops in Jammu encounter

Army sniffer dog Phantom killed protecting troops in Jammu encounter

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

It sustained fatal bullet injuries on Monday while attempting to protect the troops from the terrorist assault.

'Hurriyat no more relevant in Valley, not even functional'

'Hurriyat no more relevant in Valley, not even functional'

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Former separatist leader Bilal Gani Lone criticizes the Hurriyat Conference for its irrelevance and Pakistan for creating problems in Jammu and Kashmir, urging a new approach for the region's future.

Villager killed, 3 hurt in Pak shelling in Poonch, Rajouri

Villager killed, 3 hurt in Pak shelling in Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com9 May 2025

A villager was killed and three others were injured in shelling by Pakistan in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts early Friday morning, prompting Army troops to retaliate. The shelling also caused significant damage to property, with many houses and hundreds of vehicles affected. The firing and shelling were directed at areas in Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu districts, apart from Kashmir's Kupwara and Baramulla districts, overnight.

'Saw missiles in the sky': Indian students evacuated from Iran

'Saw missiles in the sky': Indian students evacuated from Iran

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

"We saw missiles in the sky and heard bombs in our neighbourhood... We were petrified," said MBBS student Mir Khalif, his voice still trembling with fear, as he stepped out of the Delhi airport after being evacuated from war-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu.

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Rediff.com18 May 2025

People along the Line of Control and International Border in the Jammu region continue to live under the shadow of death, with unexploded mortar shells fired by Pakistani troops still embedded in farmlands and residential areas even though hostilities have stopped for nearly a week. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Despite the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan, locals describe the border areas as a 'death trap'. Sixty-two-year-old Balvinder Singh, who returned to his home in Pargwal sector on May 14, recounted a narrow escape. "Two shells exploded in our compound, damaging our house. Three more landed on our farmland. We were terrified and told our family to stay away from the fields until the Army could help," Singh told PTI. Army engineers later came to the village and safely defused the unexploded shells, bringing a temporary sense of relief. "Fear is writ large on the faces of people to these death traps in border hamlets", he said. Scenes of destruction are evident rooftops torn apart, broken houses, windows punctured by shrapnel, and carcasses of cattle lying in pools of blood. The acrid smell of gunpowder still lingers in the air. Sardar Gurmeet Singh faced a similar ordeal. His family could not re-enter their home as a live mortar shell had sunk into the compound in a village close to the International Border. "The army's bomb disposal squad removed it after four days, allowing us to finally enter, back home," he said. Indian Army engineers have launched a sweeping clearance operation across border districts, defusing over 80 unexploded shells in the past five days -- including 6 in Pargwal, 19 in Rajouri, 42 in Poonch, and 12 along the IB. "These shells, mostly 120 mm calibre, have a range of 15 to 30 km and pose a serious threat to both civilian and military targets," an Army officer said. "Many of them were fired by Pakistan during recent hostilities." On May 7, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The subsequent retaliation by Pakistan pushed the region to the brink of war. From 7 to 10 of May, 27 civilians were killed and over 70 injured in Pakistani shelling in the Jammu region. Farid Din Gujjar, a resident near the border, expressed fear about returning to his fields. "Several shells created deep craters in our paddy land. We cannot resume work until all unexploded ordnance is cleared. It's a death trap," he said. Army units, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, have evacuated high-risk zones and issued stern warnings to residents not to touch any suspicious objects or unexploded shells. In one major operation, 42 live shells were safely destroyed in the Poonch villages of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani. "All safety protocols were followed. The shells posed a serious danger to local lives," an Army spokesperson said, calling the effort a 'continued commitment to protect civilians and restore normalcy'. Poonch saw the vast majority of deaths due to shelling. Security officials said that Pakistan used a mix of mortar shells, armed drones, and missiles during the shelling spree, specifically targeting civilian habitations and border towns in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. As clearance operations continue, the border residents are slowly returning to their homes, but with caution, fear, and lingering uncertainty about shelling that may yet happen in the future.

BJP's Shelar likens targeting Hindi speakers to Pahalgam attack

BJP's Shelar likens targeting Hindi speakers to Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Amid violence against Hindi-speaking people, Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashish Shelar on Sunday drew parallels between the Pahalgam terror attack and the beating of 'Hindus' in Mumbai, which he said is condoned by some leaders.

Train to Valley: Political unity greets Kashmir rail launch

Train to Valley: Political unity greets Kashmir rail launch

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Political parties, cutting across affiliations and ideologies, Friday welcomed the Kashmir rail link inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping for a boost in trade and tourism in the valley.

SC bail for 23-year-old influencer accused of raping 40-year-old

SC bail for 23-year-old influencer accused of raping 40-year-old

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to a 23-year-old social media influencer accused of raping a 40-year-old woman, raising questions about the Delhi Police's investigation. The court questioned the basis of the rape charges, noting that the woman had gone voluntarily with the accused to Jammu. The court also remarked on the man's influence, asking "Who gets influenced by such people?"

Govt official, 2-year-old girl among 5 killed in Pak shelling in J-K

Govt official, 2-year-old girl among 5 killed in Pak shelling in J-K

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Raj Kumar Thapa, additional district development commissioner, Rajouri, and his two staff members were seriously injured when an artillery shell hit his official residence in Rajouri town, the officials said.

India shoots down Pakistani air force jet in Pathankot

India shoots down Pakistani air force jet in Pathankot

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Official confirmation from the government is still awaited, and more details are expected soon.

Two BSF posts to be renamed after Operation Sindoor martyrs

Two BSF posts to be renamed after Operation Sindoor martyrs

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Chawdhary announced this after laying a wreath at the Amar Prahari memorial at the BS Headquarters in Jammu in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.

Whistling via the Himalayas: Kashmir's train ride redefines scenic travel

Whistling via the Himalayas: Kashmir's train ride redefines scenic travel

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two specially designed Vande Bharat trains between Katra town and Srinagar city, reducing travel time between the two places by two to three hours and ensuring all-weather surface connectivity with the Kashmir valley.

Light A Candle For Pahalgam Martyrs

Light A Candle For Pahalgam Martyrs

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

Light a candle to their memory, to show their families and the world that we care. To show that we will not forget, nor will we forgive.

Pak troops violate ceasefire for 11th night in a row

Pak troops violate ceasefire for 11th night in a row

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Pakistan troops have violated the ceasefire agreement for the 11th consecutive night, firing on Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The firing began in Kupwara and Baramulla districts and spread to other sectors, including Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately. The ceasefire violation comes despite a recent phone call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on April 29. This marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries, following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April.

Pak shelling toll rises to 7 in J-K, more than 25 hurt

Pak shelling toll rises to 7 in J-K, more than 25 hurt

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The casualties were reported hours before India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities, which soared after the Indian Armed Forces hit terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this week in response to the Pahalgam attack.

Pak troops violate LoC truce for 12th straight night

Pak troops violate LoC truce for 12th straight night

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The firing exchanges are taking places in five districts out of seven border districts of Jammu and Kashmir. So far, there has been no firing reports along International Border in Samba and Kathua districts.

'People feel unsafe even in their homes'

'People feel unsafe even in their homes'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan's drone strikes and mortar shelling targeted six locations in Jammu, including the densely populated Rehari Colony, leaving one person injured and causing widespread damage. Residents described scenes of devastation and expressed fear, while others voiced defiance and called for action against Pakistan. The attacks, which occurred early Saturday, have been condemned by Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as the "worst targeting of civilians in Jammu city since 1971."

J-K polls: Congress sees worst performance in Jammu with 1 seat

J-K polls: Congress sees worst performance in Jammu with 1 seat

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

The Congress was fighting the elections in a pre-poll alliance with National Conference and had fielded 32 candidates, mostly in Jammu region, compared to 51 by the regional party.

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) remains on high alert along the International Border (IB) and has not let its guard down, BSF Inspector General, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand said on Tuesday. Operation Sindoor, aimed at preventing infiltration attempts, continues as Pakistan cannot be trusted, he added. Anand highlighted the BSF's robust response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, including destroying multiple terror launch pads and thwarting infiltration attempts.

'Enemies Of Peace Will Never Dictate Our Resolve'

'Enemies Of Peace Will Never Dictate Our Resolve'

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In an attempt to revive tourism in Kashmir after it was severely affected after the Pahalgam terror attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met prominent tour and travel operators from Maharashtra and Gujarat at a Pahalgam hotel on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Kabir, the son of Col Manpreet Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir, believes his father will return home after receiving the Kirti Chakra. The 10-year-old boy, who lit his father's pyre 19 months ago, clings to the hope that his father is alive and well, despite the reality of his death.

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

We have nothing to gain by raising our concerns internationally as our narrative has got entangled with several controversial concepts in the United Nations, asserts Ambassador T N Sreenivasan.

China, Pak listening, Jaishankar reminds SCO of its '3 evils' pitch

China, Pak listening, Jaishankar reminds SCO of its '3 evils' pitch

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Jaishankar said the UN Security Council condemned the attack and underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the reprehensible act and bring them to justice.

Can Congress ex-MLA win Jammu North for the BJP?

Can Congress ex-MLA win Jammu North for the BJP?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

Both candidates have shifted from their traditional constituencies - Sadhotra from Marh and Sharma from Akhnoor - after these two segments were reserved for Scheduled Castes.

PHOTOS: Surat goes under water after 100 mm of rains

PHOTOS: Surat goes under water after 100 mm of rains

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Various parts of Surat were flooded after incessant rainfall in the region. Over 100 mm of rain has blocked roads and led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas.

Did Pak assure US it would act against terrorists?

Did Pak assure US it would act against terrorists?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

In response to a question on President Donald Trump offering to "mediate" on the issue of Kashmir, Bruce said, "Well, I - obviously, I can't speak to what's on the mind or the plans of the President. What I do know is that I think we all recognise that President Trump in each step that he takes, it's made to solve generational differences between countries, generational war."

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says Operation Sindoor conveyed India's resolve to act against terrorism, following UN Security Council's call to bring Pahalgam attackers to justice.

Day after Op Sindoor, Pak resorts to shelling again

Day after Op Sindoor, Pak resorts to shelling again

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The Pakistan Army continued shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in four sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a befitting response by the Indian Army, officials said on Thursday. The intensity of cross-border firing was less than Wednesday, when Pakistan Army carried out one of the most intense artillery and mortar shelling in years targeting the forward villages in J-K following missile strikes by India as part of 'Operation Sindoor'.

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The BRICS nations condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, and criticized rising tariffs during their summit in Rio de Janeiro. They also addressed global challenges and called for reforms in international institutions.

Pak violates ceasefire for 7th night despite DGMOs talks, India responds

Pak violates ceasefire for 7th night despite DGMOs talks, India responds

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The exchange of fire occurred even though the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline on Tuesday amid rising tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

Pak opens firing along LoC, IB in J-K; India retaliates

Pak opens firing along LoC, IB in J-K; India retaliates

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

This marked the sixth consecutive night of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC, amidst heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

BSF troops given filthy coaches, 4 railways officials suspended

BSF troops given filthy coaches, 4 railways officials suspended

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

A controversy erupted after a train with dilapidated and dirty coaches was provided to ferry Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from Tripura for deployment during the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw suspending four officials and ordering an inquiry.

Army ramps up ops in Jammu, to boost military-civilian relations

Army ramps up ops in Jammu, to boost military-civilian relations

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The Indian Army has increased its operational footprint in the Jammu region, including the strategic occupation of the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range, a senior officer said. The army is playing a pivotal role in military-civilian coordination in creating a stable environment in the region, the officer said, adding that the force will continue its efforts to promote peace, security, and development in the area.

'Migration Will Be Most Challenging Aspect Of Census'

'Migration Will Be Most Challenging Aspect Of Census'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

'What is going on is the under counting of the migration population in urban areas.' 'It has been going on in the last few censuses.'

'We Heard Loud Explosions'

'We Heard Loud Explosions'

Rediff.com8 May 2025

''Everyone panicked. People started rushing home.' 'Many shopkeepers just pulled the shutters down and did not wait to lock up.'

BSF destroyed 118 Pak forward posts, surveillance system: Amit Shah

BSF destroyed 118 Pak forward posts, surveillance system: Amit Shah

Rediff.com30 May 2025

More than 118 Pakistani forward posts and their surveillance system were completely destroyed by the BSF during Operation Sindoor, dealing a major blow to the neighbouring country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday.

Air India, IndiGo cancel flights to 7 cities amid India-Pak tension

Air India, IndiGo cancel flights to 7 cities amid India-Pak tension

Rediff.com13 May 2025

This move comes as a precautionary measure, in light of airspace restrictions and heightened security.

Operation Sindoor: All 32 airports to resume ops, advisories issued

Operation Sindoor: All 32 airports to resume ops, advisories issued

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Civilian flight operations from the 32 airports across northern and western India, including Srinagar and Amritsar, were suspended from May 9 to May 15.

BSF destroys terrorist launchpads in Pak's Sialkot

BSF destroys terrorist launchpads in Pak's Sialkot

Rediff.com10 May 2025

This came after Pakistan initiated "unprovoked" firing on BSF posts in Jammu sector from 9 pm on Friday.