The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has reopened the investigation into the 1998 Wandhama massacre, in which 23 Kashmiri Pandits were killed in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The move comes nearly three decades after the case remained unresolved.

The massacre took place on the intervening night of January 25 and 26, 1998, when a group of militants wearing army fatigues entered Wandhama village. According to reports, the attackers gathered members of Kashmiri Pandit families before opening fire. Twenty-three people, including nine women and four children, were killed.

The victims belonged to families who had remained in Kashmir after the mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits following the outbreak of militancy in the Valley in 1990. Five of those killed were reportedly visitors from Jammu who had come to meet relatives.

The police had registered a case following the massacre, but the investigation did not reach a conclusive outcome. The SIA has now taken up the case again as part of a wider effort to revisit several unresolved killings of Kashmiri Pandits from the early years of militancy.

Officials said the fresh investigation will involve examining earlier records and available evidence, reviewing the previous probe and pursuing new leads. The agency is also expected to rely on witness statements and other credible evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

The reopening of the Wandhama case is part of a broader SIA investigation into several high-profile killings. The agency has also revisited cases involving Kashmiri Pandit leader Tika Lal Taploo and retired judge Neelkanth Ganjoo. It has separately investigated the killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat.

The SIA has said its objective is to establish the facts through evidence and witness testimony and bring the decades-old cases to their logical conclusion.

The reopening of the Wandhama massacre case is significant for the victims' families and comes amid renewed efforts by investigators to examine unresolved cases linked to militancy-era violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable was killed in a terrorist attack in the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag district on Wednesday, highlighting the continuing security challenges in the Kashmir Valley during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed terrorist outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to security officials, terrorists opened fire on police personnel at around 12:30 pm while they were deployed in the busy Lal Chowk market as part of security arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra. Security personnel immediately retaliated, leading to a brief exchange of fire.

Head Constable Ashiq Hussain sustained critical bullet injuries during the attack. He was rushed for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

Massive Search Operation Underway

Following the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and other security agencies launched a large-scale cordon-and-search operation across the area.

Officials sealed all entry and exit routes around Lal Chowk and intensified vehicle checks and identity verification of pedestrians. Additional security personnel were deployed to prevent any further incident and to trace the attackers.

Investigators are working to determine the number of terrorists involved and the escape route they may have used. Preliminary assessments indicate that the attackers may still be hiding in nearby localities, prompting security forces to continue search operations.

Attack During Amarnath Yatra Security

The incident occurred while police personnel were deployed to ensure security for pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the country's largest religious pilgrimages. Authorities have maintained heightened security across Jammu and Kashmir during the yatra, deploying thousands of police and paramilitary personnel to secure pilgrimage routes and sensitive locations.

Despite the attack, officials said security arrangements for the pilgrimage remain fully operational, with additional vigilance being maintained across the Valley.

TRF Claims Responsibility

Soon after the attack, The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility. The outfit has been identified by Indian security agencies as a proxy organisation linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and has been involved in several attacks targeting civilians and security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

Security agencies are investigating the claim while continuing efforts to identify and neutralise those involved in Wednesday's attack.

Recent Security Alert Along the LoC

The incident comes just days after the Indian Army thwarted a suspected infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.

On the night of 17 July, Army personnel detected suspicious movement near the Tarkundi forward area and opened fire. Officials said intermittent firing continued for nearly 90 minutes. Although no casualties were reported, security forces believe suspected militants were attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory.

A search operation was launched after the firing, but no arrests were made.

Security Vigil Intensified

Following the Anantnag attack, security agencies have further strengthened surveillance across south Kashmir. Intelligence units are coordinating with local police and Army formations to prevent additional attacks, particularly during the Amarnath Yatra.

Officials have appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, while assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain peace and ensure the safety of pilgrims and civilians.

Originally from Bihar's Motihari district, Tanushree belongs to the 2017 batch of the Indian Police Service and has spent a significant part of her career in Jammu and Kashmir. During her tenure, she handled key law-and-order responsibilities in districts affected by militancy while also working to strengthen public trust in the police.

Her departure from Pulwama has drawn attention not only because of her policing record but also due to the relationship she developed with local communities, especially women and young people. Residents and social media users have shared messages appreciating her service and wishing her success in her new assignment.

Before joining the IPS, Tanushree served as an Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). She later cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and was allotted the Jammu and Kashmir cadre. A graduate in Textile Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, she followed an unconventional path from design studies to counter-insurgency policing.

One of the most widely discussed moments from her career came during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where she recounted an anti-terror operation carried out during her early years in the Valley.

Speaking at the event, Tanushree described an operation against a Hizbul Mujahideen commander identified as Junaid, who was allegedly involved in militant recruitment activities. According to her account, security agencies received intelligence about the militant's presence at a supporter’s residence. A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF personnel launched an operation to surround the location.

She recalled that the encounter turned intense after the militants opened fire on security personnel. One security officer was injured during the exchange. Tanushree admitted that witnessing such a situation firsthand was initially intimidating, but she praised the courage of the security forces, who continued the operation while ensuring the injured personnel received medical assistance. The operation ultimately ended with the neutralisation of the militants involved.

During the same interaction, Prime Minister Modi expressed interest in Tanushree's educational background and learned that she had studied textile design before entering the civil services. Referring to the contrast between her academic training and policing duties, he remarked on the unique journey from working with textiles to tackling terrorism.

The Prime Minister also suggested that she use her design expertise to engage with women involved in traditional handicrafts and textile work in Kashmir. He encouraged her to interact with local artisans and self-help groups, share modern design perspectives and help promote skills that could create economic opportunities for women in the region.

The suggestion reflected a broader emphasis on combining security initiatives with community development and grassroots engagement. Tanushree later spoke about the interaction as one of the memorable moments of her career.

Over the years, she has served in districts such as Shopian and Pulwama, both of which have witnessed security challenges and anti-militancy operations. Colleagues and residents have often highlighted her calm approach, communication skills and focus on public outreach.

With her transfer to Delhi, Tanushree leaves behind a chapter that combined counter-terror responsibilities with community-focused policing. For many in Kashmir, her tenure is being remembered not only for maintaining law and order but also for efforts to build confidence between citizens and the police administration.

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Zakir Ahmad Ganai was killed during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, marking another significant success for security forces in their ongoing crackdown on terrorism in the Valley. Ganai, who was among the 14 most-wanted local terrorists identified after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, was found dead on Wednesday after security personnel recovered his body from the encounter site. The operation, launched on Saturday, entered its fifth consecutive day as forces continued extensive search operations across the region. Officials said the mission involved the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), with multiple elite units participating to eliminate remaining militants and dismantle terror infrastructure in south Kashmir.

Five-Day Operation Ends in Major Success

The anti-terror operation began in the Chanapora area of Shopian after intelligence agencies received credible inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists hiding in the region. Security forces launched a coordinated search involving the Army's Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel.

Although two terrorists were neutralised during the initial phase of the operation on Saturday, Ganai's body was recovered only after an extensive search conducted over several days. Dense orchards and difficult terrain reportedly slowed the recovery process, prompting security forces to deploy additional personnel and surveillance measures.

The Army's Victor Force sealed all possible escape routes, while lighting arrangements were installed to facilitate night operations. Search teams continued combing nearby villages and forested areas to ensure no militants managed to flee.

Linked to Multiple Terror Activities

According to security officials, Zakir Ahmad Ganai hailed from Matlahama village in Kulgam district and had been active in south Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region since 2023. Intelligence agencies believe he played an active role in coordinating Pakistan-backed terror activities in the Valley.

His name surfaced prominently during investigations into the April 2026 Pahalgam terror attack, following which central agencies released a list of 14 local terrorists allegedly associated with Pakistan-based terror organisations. Authorities had also demolished the houses of several identified militants as part of the intensified crackdown.

Officials said Ganai had been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba since 2024 and was considered a key operative within the outfit's local network.

Nine Terrorists Eliminated So Far

With Ganai's elimination, security agencies have neutralised nine of the 14 terrorists identified after the Pahalgam attack. Five militants from the list remain at large and continue to be the focus of intelligence-based operations across south Kashmir.

The government's anti-terror campaign has intensified over the past year through a series of coordinated operations, including Operation Sindoor, Operation Keller, Operation Mahadev, Operation Akhal, Operation Gudder and the ongoing Operation Sherowali. These missions have targeted terrorist hideouts, overground worker networks and infiltration routes across the Union Territory.

Officials maintain that counter-terror operations will continue until the remaining wanted terrorists are tracked down and eliminated.

More than 50 British lawmakers have signed a letter calling for diplomatic intervention as Pakistani security forces crack down on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leaving 11 dead and over 70 injured.

Markets shut, protests widen

The situation across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains volatile. Markets in Muzaffarabad stayed closed on Tuesday, with shutdowns continuing in Bhimbar and Kotli. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets, defying a government crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the anti-government group leading the agitation.

Local sources said tear gas was fired at demonstrators following fresh clashes with JAAC workers. The unrest has triggered a communications blackout, making it difficult to verify ground-level developments independently.

Diplomatic pressure builds

Imran Hussain, the UK MP who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, confirmed that over 50 lawmakers have backed a letter to the British Foreign Office. The MPs expressed concern over arrests, internet and mobile service disruptions, and the deteriorating situation in the region.

"The letter urges the British government to take diplomatic action," Hussain said. British Kashmiris, according to the June 6 letter, have been unable to contact relatives in PoJK amid the blackout.

What India said

New Delhi did not hold back. On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of circulating "fake news and videos" to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in PoK. He expressed concern over reports of police brutality and said the international community must hold Pakistan accountable.

India has consistently maintained that territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation remain an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

11 dead, over 70 injured

The casualty figures tell a grim story. Seven civilians and four police personnel have been killed, officials said. More than 70 others have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Violence escalated after JAAC activists gathered outside a hospital morgue to protest the alleged killing of a member in police firing. Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan told Reuters that four police officers and a passer-by died after protesters opened fire. Six protesters were killed in the subsequent security response.

Police have described the incident as a terrorist act, claiming JAAC-linked individuals used shotguns and other weapons. The regional government banned JAAC on June 5 under anti-terrorism laws and launched a crackdown on its supporters.

What's behind the PoK unrest?

Despite government claims that most of JAAC's 38 demands have been accepted, the group continues its agitation. Key demands include the abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats, along with broader economic and governance reforms.

Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against civilians. "The unrest reflects growing public dissatisfaction in PoJK," he said, arguing that protesters seeking their rights are being met with force instead of dialogue.

The coming days will determine whether diplomatic pressure mounts or the protests spread further.

J&K Police bust LeT module, 5 held including Pakistani terrorists

J&K Police bust LeT module with cross-border links; two Pakistani operatives and three aides arrested in coordinated crackdown

Major crackdown unfolded

In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), arresting five individuals, including two Pakistani terrorists. The arrests were made following coordinated raids across multiple states, officials said on Tuesday.

The operation marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terror networks operating in the Kashmir Valley and beyond.

Arrests across states

According to officials, security agencies conducted searches at 19 locations spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The joint operation involved central intelligence agencies alongside local police units.

Authorities confirmed that incriminating materials were seized during the raids, though details were not disclosed due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

Key accused identified

One of the arrested terrorists has been identified as Abdullah, also known as Abu Huraira, who had reportedly been absconding for 16 years. The second Pakistani national was identified as Usman alias Khubaib.

Officials said both had infiltrated India around 2010 and remained active in various districts of the Kashmir Valley over the years.

Local aides role

Three local aides from Srinagar were also taken into custody. They were identified as Mohammad Nakeeb Bhatt, Adil Rashid Bhatt, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, alias Mama.

Investigators revealed that these individuals provided logistical support, including shelter, food, and communication assistance, to the foreign terrorists. They were allegedly in direct contact with handlers operating across the border.

Network and operations

Preliminary findings indicate that the module functioned as a support system for terrorist activities, facilitating movement, funding, and safe havens. Officials said the network played a crucial role in sustaining militant operations in the region.

Sources indicated that the two Pakistani operatives had, at one point, commanded a group of nearly 40 militants. Most of these operatives were neutralised in previous counter-insurgency operations by security forces.

Escape and fake IDs

Investigators also uncovered that one of the operatives had managed to leave the country earlier using forged documents and fake identities. This movement was allegedly facilitated by a wider LeT network extending into other Indian states.

Authorities are now probing the extent of this network and identifying additional suspects who may have assisted in the escape and cross-border coordination.

Security impact assessed

Security experts view the bust as a significant development in curbing terror infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The dismantling of such modules is expected to disrupt logistical chains that enable militant activities.

Officials stated that intelligence-sharing between state and central agencies has improved in recent years, allowing for more precise and coordinated operations.

What lies ahead

Further interrogation of the arrested individuals is underway, and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. Security agencies are also analysing seized materials to uncover financial trails and communication links.

The J&K Police bust LeT module operation is expected to have wider implications for counter-terror efforts, particularly in identifying sleeper cells and cross-border networks.

As part of the latest news today, this India news update underscores continued vigilance by security forces against terrorism. The case remains a key public interest story within the broader national and international news landscape, with further government updates anticipated in the coming days.