From terror link crackdown to stray dog crisis: What’s going on in Jammu and Kashmir?

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed two government teachers for their alleged links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba network, exercising powers under Article 311 of the Indian Constitution. The move is part of the administration’s ongoing zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in the region.

The first teacher, Ghulam Hussain from Reasi district, was found to have worked as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) for Lashkar-e-Taiba, maintaining encrypted communication with militants and aiding recruitment and funding. He was arrested in 2023. The second teacher, Majid Iqbal Dar from Rajouri district, was identified as an OGW connected to the terror-financing network and was arrested earlier last year after an IED recovery in Rajouri. Officials noted that both individuals had continued to exhibit radical tendencies even while under detention.

According to reports, Lieutenant Governor Sinha said that anyone supporting terrorism, ideologically or financially, is “equally dangerous”, reaffirming that the zero-tolerance policy would continue until peace and prosperity were restored in Jammu and Kashmir.

Assembly protest and suspension of BJP MLAs

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaos as three BJP legislators were removed from the House after entering the well in protest. The MLAs were demanding a discussion on the plight of flood victims and alleged corruption in the Roads and Buildings Department.

Speaker’s repeated calls for order were ignored, prompting marshals to escort the protesting members — R.S. Pathania, Sunil Bhardwaj, and Surinder Kumar — out of the House. The disruption temporarily halted proceedings before business resumed.

Dog bite crisis: Over 2 lakh cases in three years

In another key update, government data presented in the Assembly revealed a total of 2,12,968 dog bite cases reported across Jammu and Kashmir from 2022 to 2025 — averaging nearly 146 cases per day. Jammu and Srinagar districts recorded the highest numbers, while Shopian and Ramban reported the lowest.

Authorities said that significant progress has been made under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes. Since June 2023, over 48,900 dogs have been sterilised, and multiple ABC centres have been made operational to expand preventive measures.

Officials added that districts with higher urban populations continue to face more severe stray dog challenges, with Srinagar Municipal Corporation scaling up sterilisation and vaccination efforts under Phase-1 of its year-round control initiative.
(With agency inputs)