By: Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Aug 13: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi, on Wednesday said the ongoing hunt for terrorists in Kulgam district has entered its final stages, while full dress rehearsals and security drills for Independence Day have been successfully carried out across the valley.
Speaking to reporters at the Bakshi Stadium here after reviewing the rehearsals, IGP Birdi said the search operation in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam — which began on August 1 — is in its final stage and the details will be shared accordingly, if necessary.
“The Akhal operation is in its final stage and further details will be shared in due course,” the Kashmir Police Chief added.
It is worth mentioning that the Akhal Kulgam operation has been one of the longest anti-terror operations in recent years, during which two army personnel were killed and ten soldiers were injured. A local terrorist was also neutralised.
On Independence Day preparations, the IGP said all contingents participated smoothly in rehearsals across districts. “In Srinagar, where the main event will take place, we have made multi-tier security arrangements with the police and Central Armed Police Forces. High-rise spotters are in place to ensure proper security coverage,” he said.
Birdi urged the public to participate in the August 15 celebrations in large numbers.
Regarding the recent infiltration attempt in Uri, the IGP said the matter is under investigation as part of an ongoing counter-insurgency operation. (KNO)
Haj 2026: Low response opens it to all applicants
Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Aug 13: All pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir who applied for Haj 2026 are expected to be selected this year, as the number of applications received is far below the UT’s allotted quota.
Officials privy to the development said that, against a total quota of 7,963 pilgrims, including a basic share of 5,963 (4.9% of the national allotment) and a special quota of 2,000, the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has received only 5,154 applications from J&K.
“This is well within the sanctioned limit and guarantees selection for all who applied before the cut-off date,” an official said. “The digital random selection (Qurrah) process is expected to be completed on or around August 13, 2025.”
For Haj 2026, the all-India quota is projected at 175,020, of which 70 per cent (1,21,701) falls under the HCoI share.
The official added that pilgrims have been advised to prepare for the first instalment payment of Rs 1,52,300 per head by August 20, 2025, followed by the second instalment of Rs 1,25,000 in October and the final payment in December.
The authorities have urged applicants to keep their travel documents ready and attend upcoming training sessions. (KNO)
