Amid the ongoing hunger strike for the construction of the Government Degree College (GDC) Thathri campus, Doda MLA Mehraj Malik has sought the intervention of the Education Minister, urging the immediate commencement of the long-pending project. In a letter dated August 21, 2026, the MLA highlighted that despite the college being sanctioned in 2010 and classes beginning in 2011, a permanent campus has yet to be built, forcing students to study in inadequate infrastructure. He also drew attention to the public agitation underway in Thathri and called for all pending formalities to be completed so that construction work can begin without further delay.

A massive fire that broke out in the early hours of Friday completely destroyed a two-storey house in Shayal Pora village of Gundna tehsil in Doda district, leaving a family without its belongings and savings. The blaze also damaged a nearby shop and partially affected a hospital building. While no casualties were reported, residents from several neighbouring villages joined hands for hours to bring the fire under control and later urged the administration to provide compensation to the affected families and improve road connectivity to ensure timely emergency response in the area.

The indefinite hunger strike for the construction of the Government Degree College (GDC) Thathri campus began on Wednesday outside the SDM Office, Thathri, with social activist Manoj Kumar leading the protest. The agitation received support from youth leaders, former Municipal Committee councillors, and members of civil society, who said students have waited for years for a permanent college campus despite the institution being sanctioned long ago. Protesters demanded the immediate commencement of physical construction work, arguing that continued delays have deprived generations of students of adequate educational infrastructure and opportunities.

A father tragically drowned in the Nallah Sandran in Anantnag district while attempting to save his five-year-old son who had fallen into the water. The child was rescued and is stable, while police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur and Ramban reviewed the progress of the 1,800 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, a significant hydropower initiative by NHPC Limited in Jammu and Kashmir. The project awaits key government approvals before tender openings.

A light motor vehicle caught fire on National Highway-44 near Shalgadi Nallah in Banihal on Monday evening. All passengers travelling in the vehicle were reported safe, though the vehicle sustained significant damage.

Five people have died in a tragic road accident in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar district after a vehicle skidded and fell into the Chenab River. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences and directed officials to provide immediate assistance to the affected families.