Srinagar: If you are planning to step out for New Year celebrations in Kashmir or Jammu tonight, expect strict security checks and a chilly surprise from the skies.
Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have been put on maximum alert today, December 31, to ensure peaceful New Year celebrations. From the busy streets of Srinagar to the highways of Jammu, police and paramilitary forces have intensified checking at all entry and exit points.
This high alert comes after security agencies received specific intelligence inputs about possible threats during the festive season. To counter this, the J&K Police and other agencies have deployed additional personnel at vital installations, markets, and tourist spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
Major Security Updates: What You Need to Know
- Drone Recovery in Poonch: In a major success yesterday, the Special Operations Group (SOG) recovered a suspicious drone in the Gohled village of Mendhar, Poonch. Agencies are investigating its origin.
- Highway Vigilance: If you are travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway or the Pathankot-Jammu route, be prepared for multiple frisking points. Every vehicle is being scanned to prevent any movement of anti-national elements.
- Border Grid Fortified: The Border Security Force (BSF) and Army have tightened the anti-infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) to foil any cross-border mischief during the foggy winter nights.
Weather Update: A ‘White New Year’ Likely?
It’s not just the police who are active; the weather gods are also making their presence felt. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted light to moderate snowfall across the Kashmir Valley and higher reaches of Jammu starting late tonight.
While this is great news for tourists in Gulmarg who are hoping for a “White New Year,” it also means slippery roads. The MeT office has advised commuters to drive carefully, especially on the Mughal Road and near the Jawahar Tunnel.
Why This Matters to You
For the common man in J&K, this means two things: Safety and Patience. While the intensified checking might cause slight delays in your travel plans tonight, these measures are crucial for public safety. If you are heading out for parties or family gatherings, carry your ID cards and cooperate with security personnel at checkpoints.
What Happens Next?
- Traffic Advisory: Expect potential traffic diversions in city centres like Lal Chowk (Srinagar) and Residency Road (Jammu) after 8:00 PM tonight.
- Weather Watch: Snowfall is expected to continue intermittently till January 1, 2026, which might affect early morning flights from Srinagar Airport. Check your flight status before leaving home tomorrow.
FAQs
Yes, Gulmarg is safe and fully booked for celebrations. However, due to the snowfall prediction, ensure your vehicle has anti-skid chains and drive slowly.
There is no official ban on parties, but authorities have asked hotels and organizers to maintain strict security protocols and end events within permissible time limits.
The highway is currently open, but if heavy snowfall occurs at the Jawahar Tunnel or Banihal, traffic may be suspended. Check the Traffic Police control room updates before travelling.
Security forces recovered an unidentified drone in an open field in the Mendhar sector of Poonch. It has been seized for forensic analysis.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the latest reports from J&K Police, official security briefings, and MeT department forecasts as of December 31, 2025. Travel advisories and weather conditions are subject to change. Please follow official government channels for real-time updates.
