The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has been placed under house arrest ahead of Martyrs’ Day observance in Srinagar, her daughter Iltija Mufti said on Sunday (July 12, 2026). “We have been placed under house arrest on the eve of Martyrs’ Day for reasons best known to J&K Police,” Ms. Iltija posted on X.

“This is the normalcy they claim to have established in Kashmir? Make no mistake the local government too is hand in glove using police in Sidhra to demolish homes and place opponents in detention when convenient,” Ms. Iltija alleged.

July 13 is commemorated as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu and Kashmir as a tribute to the 22 persons who were killed by the Dogra army outside Srinagar’s Central Jail in 1931. The L-G administration had dropped the day from the list of gazetted holidays in 2020.

The PDP also expressed “serious concern” over what it described as “the continuing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir”.

At a meeting of the party’s core committee, a PDP spokesperson said: “Members noted that the persistent culture of raids, repeated searches and coercive measures has cast a shadow over normal civic life, creating a widespread sense of harassment and insecurity among ordinary citizens. The leadership observed that a democratic society cannot flourish where people continue to live under an environment of constant apprehension.”

The spokesperson said an in-depth discussion on the “unending trauma being faced by hundreds of families whose loved ones continue to languish in jails for prolonged periods, often without timely conclusion of trials, was held”.

“In several cases, even after courts grant bail, fresh cases are registered, resulting in continued incarceration. Such practices, the committee said, deepen public alienation and raise serious questions about the credibility of institutions that people expect would safeguard their constitutional and legal rights,” the spokesperson said.

The committee also condemned the restrictions imposed on the observance of Martyrs’ Day.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday (July 12, 2026) said a commitment made by the country’s highest elected leader should carry weight. 

“In (Jammu’s) Katra, the Prime Minister talked about the restoration of J&K’s Statehood, with these words that ‘it isn’t an ordinary promise but Modi’s promise’. If the PM makes a promise, it should carry some weight, and there should be some action on it,” said Mr. Abdullah, addressing a public rally in J&K’s winter capital Jammu.

This was the second major public rally by the ruling National Conference (NC) ahead of its proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to demand restoration of Statehood and constitutional guarantees. On Saturday (July 11), Mr. Abdullah addressed a similar rally in J&K’ summer capital Srinagar. 

He said, “Whenever the people of Jammu and Kashmir seek fulfilment of the promise, we are told it will happen ‘at the appropriate time’. The restoration of Statehood is not the cause of any one party; it is the cause of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. That is why we have invited every political party and leader to join us on July 20. With elections still years away, this is the time to rise above politics and stand united for our shared future,” said Mr. Abdullah.

Referring to the Centre’s outreach to Ladakh with Article 371 safeguards, Mr. Abdullah said, “If dialogue and constitutional safeguards can be offered to those who choose to protest, why are the democratic aspirations of the people of J&K denied? We seek nothing more than the restoration of our rightful Statehood and the authority to govern through the mandate given to us by the people.”

Responding to the BJP’s scathing attack following allegations that the party had offered ₹20-₹30 crore to buy NC’s legislators, Mr. Abdullah said, “They (the BJP) never tire of plotting and breaking up parties. In Maharashtra, look at the parties of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. What have you done to Mamata Banerjee’s party in West Bengal and the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab? You yourselves boastfully claim that you ran Operation Lotus.”

He alleged, “If the BJP is unable to join the government ‘through the front door’, it tries to rule ‘through the back door’.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said restoration of Statehood is a must to ensure good days for J&K, adding, “Give us back Statehood so that we can address employment issues. This is the voice of the people of J&K.”

Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory in 2019 when the Centre ended its seven decades of special status under Article 370. The NC came to power in 2024, and after assuming office as the Chief Minister, Mr. Abdullah met Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and pressed for Statehood status.

The National Conference has announced a sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.  

CPI(M) backs sit-in

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) extended support to the July 20 protest.

“The decision of the 5th August 2019—when Article 370 and Article 35-A were abrogated—was taken without any consultation with stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir, and it remains as an unprecedented assault on the rights of the people. It was not an attack on one party or one region alone, but one that touched every community, caste and creed in the entire region,” said CPI9M) State Secretary Abass Rather.

Mr. Rather appealed to every political party, organisation and citizen, regardless of ideology or affiliation, to set aside the differences and join hands on this common cause on July 20.

“This is in the larger interest of the constitutional order of the country. Any further delay in this regard is bound to further deepen the widespread discontentment and disillusionment of the people,” he added.

A teaser of Chauhaan, an upcoming film by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, has evoked sharp reactions from locals as well as Jammu and Kashmir’s regional political parties over its representation of pellet-hit victims.

The teaser shows a youth hit by pellets in the eyes during protests. Mr. Devgn’s voiceover describes it as “limited damage”.

Over 10,000 locals were hit by pellets in Kashmir from 2010 to 2016. The highest number of 6,000 locals, including protesters, were hit by pellets in 2016, in four months of street protests from July to October of that year, according to official data. At least 782 were hit in the eyes, and many lost their vision in both eyes or in one eye, the data show.

Ruling National Conference (NC) spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar termed the film’s teaser “a compilation of propaganda”.

“It has put Goebbelsian propaganda to shame. It is full of content that can incite violence in Kashmir. Mocking children and young people who have lost their eyesight, some even their life, and opening up the old scars of their families is nothing short of a spiteful agenda against Kashmiris,” Mr. Dar said.

The NC spokesman urged the producers to “take the teaser down”. “Down with people who celebrate violence. Mr. Devgn, you are a disgrace,” Mr. Dar said.

Wajahat Farooq Bhat, who heads Save Youth Save Future, a non-profit working with victims of militancy in Kashmir, asked the filmmaker “to stop glorifying violence through fictional ‘alpha male’ heroes and endless gunfights”.

“For decades, we buried our loved ones, lived through bomb blasts, gunfire, curfews, fear, and uncertainty. There was nothing glamorous, heroic, or entertaining about that reality. It destroyed families, stole childhoods, and held an entire generation hostage. Kashmir today is striving to move forward,” Mr. Bhat said.

Filmmakers should “stop reducing Kashmir to a perpetual battlefield and its people as props in stories of violence”, he said. “Stop recycling the same narratives simply because conflict sells. We are tired of others profiting from our suffering while ignoring our progress. If you truly want to tell the story of Kashmir, tell the story of resilience instead of rage, of rebuilding instead of destruction, of aspirations instead of ammunition, of ordinary people reclaiming their lives after decades of pain,” Mr Bhat said.

Many netizens termed the trailer as a “trivialisation”, and “deeply insensitive” towards those who have lived through the devastating consequences of shotguns with metal pellets used by security forces for crowd control. Sahil Parray, a social activist, expressed concern over “the vilification of Kashmiris”. “Laughing at pellet victims would sell tickets? How much more hatred are you (Bollywood) going to spread?” Mr. Parray said.

The teaser has been mentally disturbing for pellet victims, who are still coping with the trauma of losing sight fully or partially in Kashmir in 2016. “The movie teaser scrolled the entire scene when I was hit. The mere recollection gives us sleepless nights,” a pellet-hit victim said on condition of anonymity. 

According to an official research paper on the psychological cost of pellet-hit victims in Kashmir, patients who received injuries to the eye had significantly higher psychiatric morbidity. Among the ones with eye injuries, depression was the commonest psychiatric disorder (30.38%), followed by adjustment disorder (16.92%), panic disorder (13.08%), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and (10.77%) with generalized anxiety disorder, the study said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday (June 27, 2026) said Islam Sufis and scholars — who came to India in the 12th and 13th centuries — learnt the ideals of co-existence from Indian scriptures, and were inspired by the vision of Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism, and Jainism. 

“They (Islamic Sufis and scholars) found unique Indian culture rooted in love, spirituality and compassion, and equality. Sufi saints were inspired by the vision of Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism, and Jainism and they learnt the ideals of co-existence from Indian scriptures,” Mr. Sinha said. He was speaking at the ‘Interfaith Dialogue’ organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation of India in Srinagar.

Mr. Sinha said numerous repositories of Sanskrit knowledge were translated into Arabic. “Our ancestors prayed, ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaḥ, Sarve Santu Niramayaḥ’ – may all be happy, may all be free from illness. This prayer is not for one religion or sect but it is a prayer for the welfare of all humanity. I believe this is India’s identity.”

He said the world recognises Hinduism Sanatana Dharma “never imposed itself and embraced diversity and coexistence”.

“Ancient India built a foundation of respect, giving Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism freedom to flourish. India’s legacy as an ancient civilisation rooted in mutual respect, where diverse faiths coexist, flourish, and teach the world the wisdom of peace,” Mr. Sinha added.

He said in a world facing conflicts and intolerance, the core spirit of Sanatana Dharma and Indian philosophy can serve as a guiding light. “Today, the world may be divided by religion, language, and race, but Indian thought has the unique power to bridge these divides,” the L-G said.

Further, he said that India is a living idea that declares humanity should live together as one family. He said the young generation must carry this vision forward, reminding the world that peace is possible through mutual respect.

On arrangements ahead of Amarnath yatra

Mr. Sinha also met with civil society groups, business leaders, and religious heads in Srinagar to discuss the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

He appealed to all sections of the society to actively support and contribute to this sacred journey, which is a true symbol of social harmony and he urged the public to come forward to ensure a memorable spiritual experience for all pilgrims.

“Let us unite across all sectors to make this year’s pilgrimage a beacon of faith, unity, and devotion. As pilgrims embark on the sacred journey to Baba Barfani’s cave, let us transform our devotion into compassionate action, making this Yatra a true testament to ultimate experience and human kindness,” he said.

The L-G stated that yatra has shaped our faith, culture and identity since time immemorial. “The sacred Yatra reminds us of our eternal bond with Lord Shiva, the symbol of infinite power, knowledge and compassion. Each year pilgrims come from across the country and abroad and they bring not only their prayers but also the hopes and aspirations of all humanity,” he added.

He said this is an occasion when Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and followers of all faiths in Jammu Kashmir stand together in the cause of human service. “That unity is our greatest strength,” he added.

The yatra will begin from July 3 and go on till August 28 this year.

Fearing a negative impact on tourism, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (June 12, 2026) expressed concern over the proposed closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to 16 this year and met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi.

A spokesperson of the J&K government said Mr. Abdullah, during the meetings, underscored the importance of maintaining uninterrupted air connectivity to the Union Territory, “particularly during the peak autumn tourism season when the Kashmir Valley attracts a large number of visitors from across the country”.

The proposed closure of the airport from October 1 to 16 is scheduled under Phase-3 of the runway resurfacing project.

Mr. Abdullah acknowledged that the resurfacing works are essential for operational safety and fully respected the operational assessment of the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, he expressed concern over the timing of the final phase of the project, “which coincides with one of the busiest periods for the tourism sector”.

The spokesperson said the Chief Minister informed the Union Ministers that air services to the valley have already been curtailed since April owing to the earlier phases of the resurfacing programme.

“A complete suspension of flights during the first half of October would adversely affect tourism, hospitality, transport, handicrafts and allied sectors that sustain thousands of livelihoods across Jammu & Kashmir,” said Mr. Abdullah.

In his meeting with the Defence Minister, the spokesperson said Mr. Abdullah requested the Indian Air Force to examine the possibility of shortening or phasing the final stage of the runway works without compromising safety or operational requirements.

He also proposed that in the event that complete closure of Srinagar Airport becomes unavoidable, the operational capacity of the Awantipora Air Base “may be permitted from the air base during the closure period to ensure essential air connectivity for the region”.

Recalling his earlier tenure as Chief Minister, Mr. Abdullah noted that during the runway resurfacing works in September 2010, civilian flights had successfully operated from Awantipora under a coordinated arrangement involving the Ministries of Defence and Civil Aviation.

In his meeting with the Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Abdullah also sought intervention to facilitate discussions with the Ministry of Defence on reviewing the timing of Phase-3, including the possibility of shortening, phasing or shifting the closure to a leaner travel window without compromising safety requirements.

He urged that contingency arrangements be explored in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force “to ensure continued air connectivity to the Valley in the event the closure remains unavoidable”.

“Police briefly halted a demolition drive in the outskirts of Jammu city on Saturday (May 23, 2026) to remove two tabletop national flags from the building being pulled down,” officials said.

“The police officials stopped the demolition for a brief period and ensured that the Tricolour was taken out of the building with due respect before the operation continued,” an official said.

The incident occurred during an ongoing demolition drive against properties allegedly belonging to a suspected drug peddler, identified as Bablu, in the Miran Sahib area on the city’s outskirts. A purported video showing a policeman taking out two tabletop national flags from a room during the demolition drive surfaced on social media.

According to officials, the demolition team, led by sub-inspector Rinku Sharma, paused the operation and sent a policeman inside the building to retrieve the national flags before resuming the drive.