Jammu and Kashmir union territory

2026-05-06T07:40:36Z

82.132.221.133:

{{Short description| Region administered by India}}
{{About|the region administered by India as a union territory|other uses|Jammu and Kashmir (disambiguation)}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Jammu and Kashmir
| settlement_type = Region administered by [[India]] as a [[union territory]]<ref name=britannica-2022-j&k/><ref name=ladakh-britannica-current>{{citation|chapter=Ladakh|title=Encyclopaedia Britannica|date=1 March 2021|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|chapter-url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ladakh|access-date=2 April 2022|quote=Ladakh, large area of the northern and eastern Kashmir region, northwestern Indian subcontinent. Administratively, Ladakh is divided between Pakistan (northwest), as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, and India (southeast), as part of Ladakh union territory (until October 31, 2019, part of Jammu and Kashmir state); in addition, China administers portions of northeastern Ladakh.|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407153837/https://www.britannica.com/place/Ladakh|url-status=live}}</ref>
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Pahalgam Valley.jpg
| photo2a = Akhnoor Fort - Jammu - Jammu and Kashmir - DSC 0001 JPEG.jpg
| spacing =
| position = centre
| size = 250
| border = 0
| color =
| foot_montage = ''From top to bottom:'' [[Lidder Valley]], [[Akhnoor Fort]]
}}
| image_blank_emblem =
| blank_emblem_size =
| blank_emblem_type =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| image_flag =
| image_map = File:Kashmir region. LOC 2003626427 - showing sub-regions administered by different countries.jpg
| map_alt = Map of the disputed Kashmir region showing areas of control by India, Pakistan, and China
| map_caption = A map of the disputed [[Kashmir]] region with the two Indian-administered union territories Jammu and Kashmir and [[Ladakh]] shown in [[tan (color)|tan]].<ref name=tertiary-kashmir/>
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 4
| mapframe-marker = city
| coordinates = {{Coord|33|5|24|N|74|47|24|E|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Administering state]]
| subdivision_name = [[India]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[India]]
| subdivision_name2 =
| established_title = [[List of Indian state days|Formation]]
| established_date = 16 March 1846 31 October 2019 (bifurcated and reorganized into a union territory)
| seat_type = [[Capital city|Capitals]]
| seat = [[Srinagar]] (May–October) [[Jammu]] (November–April)<ref name="Darbar Move">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/what-is-the-darbar-move-in-j-k-all-about/article18409452.ece |title=What is the Darbar Move in J&K all about? |author=The Hindu Net Desk |date=8 May 2017 |newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110135648/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/what-is-the-darbar-move-in-j-k-all-about/article18409452.ece |archive-date=10 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| parts_type = [[List of districts in India|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Jammu and Kashmir|20]] (2 divisions)
| government_footnotes =
| governing_body = [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]
| leader_title = [[List of lieutenant governors of Jammu and Kashmir|Lieutenant Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Manoj Sinha]]
| leader_title1 = [[List of chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[Omar Abdullah]]<ref name="IE_Oct16-2024"/> ([[JKNC]])
| leader_title2 = [[List of deputy chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir|Deputy Chief Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Surinder Kumar Choudhary]]<ref name="IE_Oct16-2024"/> ([[JKNC]])
| leader_title3 = [[State legislative assemblies of India|Legislature]]
| leader_name3 = [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly]] (90+5) seats
| leader_title4 = [[17th Lok Sabha|National Parliament]]
| leader_name4 = [[Parliament of India]] : [[Rajya Sabha]] (4) : [[Lok Sabha]] (5)
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{Britannica|id=300213|title=Jammu and Kashmir}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 42,241
| area_rank =
| elevation_max_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197506500/Saser-Kangri|title=Saser Kangri|journal=The American Alpine Journal|date=1975|first1=Jogindar|last1=Singh|access-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214115923/http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197506500/Saser-Kangri|archive-date=14 February 2019|url-status=live|page=67}} [https://aac-publications.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/aaj/1975/PDF/AAJ_1975_20_1_065.pdf pdf of original pages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202850/https://aac-publications.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/aaj/1975/PDF/AAJ_1975_20_1_065.pdf |date=24 June 2021 }}</ref>
| elevation_max_m = 7,135
| elevation_max_point = [[Nun Kun|Nun Peak]]
| elevation_max_rank =
| elevation_min_footnotes =
| elevation_min_m = 247
| elevation_min_point =  [[Chenab River]]
| elevation_min_rank =
| population_total = 12,267,013
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Vijaita |title=Only J&K will use 2011 Census for delimitation |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/only-jk-will-use-2011-census-for-delimitation/article30952006.ece |access-date=6 November 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201124902/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/only-jk-will-use-2011-census-for-delimitation/article30952006.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_note =
| registration_plate = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|JK]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-JK]]
| unemployment_rate =
| blank_info_sec1 = {{Increase}} 0.760 (High)<ref>{{cite web |title=India: Subnational HDI |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/IND/ |website=Global Data Labs |access-date=8 June 2025 |archive-date=23 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> (6th)
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2023)}}
| blank1_info_sec1 =
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2024)}}
| blank_info_sec2 = 82.0%<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/AnnualReport_PLFS2023-24L2.pdf |title=Annual Report, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (July 2023 – June 2024) |date=23 September 2024 |publisher=National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India |pages=A-10 |chapter=Appendix-A: Detailed tables, Table (7): Literacy rate (in per cent) of persons of different age groups for each State/UT (persons, age-group (years): 7 & above, rural+urban (column 6)) |archive-date=11 June 2025 |access-date=8 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250611105708/https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/AnnualReport_PLFS2023-24L2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[List of Indian states and union territories by literacy rate|26th]])
| blank2_name_sec2 =
| blank2_info_sec2 =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[Urdu]], [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]]<ref name="OfficialLang">{{cite web |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222037.pdf |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020 |publisher=The Gazette of India|date=27 September 2020 |access-date=27 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019215035/http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222037.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020 | work=Rising Kashmir | date=23 September 2020 | url=http://risingkashmir.com/news/parliament-passes-jk-official-languages-bill-2020 | access-date=23 September 2020 | archive-date=24 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924141909/http://risingkashmir.com/news/parliament-passes-jk-official-languages-bill-2020 }}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Gujari language|Gojri]], [[Pahari-Pothwari|Pahari]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Bhadarwahi language|Bhadarwahi]], [[Sarazi]], [[Khowar language|Khowar]], [[Shina language|Shina]], [[Burushaski]], [[Bateri language|Bateri]]{{refn|1=<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistan's "Burushaski" Language Finds New Relatives |url=https://www.npr.org/2012/06/20/155454736/pakistans-burushaski-language-finds-new-relatives |work=National Public Radio |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211220947/https://www.npr.org/2012/06/20/155454736/pakistans-burushaski-language-finds-new-relatives |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Languages">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RRbIAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA184 |title=The Parchment of Kashmir: History, Society, and Polity |last=Khan |first=N. |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1-137-02958-4 |page=184|access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223184947/https://books.google.com/books?id=RRbIAAAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&pg=PA184#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=23 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Bhadrawahi |encyclopedia=Ethnologue: Languages of the World |location=Dallas |publisher=SIL International |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/language/bhd |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325040143/https://www.ethnologue.com/language/bhd |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Bateri |encyclopedia=Ethnologue (Free All) |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/language/btv |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323141203/https://www.ethnologue.com/language/btv |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SimonsFenning2017">{{cite book|last1=Simons|first1= Gary F. |last2=Fennig|first2=Charles D. |title=Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Twentieth Edition|year=2017|publisher=[[SIL International]]|location= Dallas}}</ref><ref name="Crane1956">{{cite book|last=Crane|first=Robert I.|title=Area Handbook on Jammu and Kashmir State|year=1956|publisher=University of Chicago for the Human Relations Area Files|page=179|quote=Shina is the most eastern of these languages and in some of its dialects such as the Brokpa of Dah and Hanu and the dialect of Dras, it impinges upon the area of the Sino-Tibetan language family and has been affected by Tibetan with an overlay of words and idioms.}}</ref><ref name="Dadri">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNqOjvaAb9cC&pg=PA6 |title=Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir: Ancient times to Shimla Agreement |last1=Aggarwal |first1=J. C. |last2=Agrawal |first2=S. P. |date=1995 |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |isbn=978-81-7022-557-7|access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001711/https://books.google.com/books?id=XNqOjvaAb9cC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA6#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=24 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.jk.gov.in/}}
| footnotes =
| official_name =
| module =
}}

'''Jammu{{efn|Pronounced variably as {{IPAc-en|ˈ|dʒ|æ|m|uː|audio=en-us-Jammu.oga}} {{respell|JAM|oo}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|dʒ|ʌ|m|uː}} {{respell|JUM|oo}}.<ref name="EPD">{{Citation |last=Jones |first=Daniel |author-link= Daniel Jones (phonetician) |title= English Pronouncing Dictionary |editor=Peter Roach |editor2=James Hartmann |editor3=Jane Setter |place=Cambridge |publisher= Cambridge University Press |orig-date=1917 |year=2003 |isbn=978-3-12-539683-8 }}</ref>}} and Kashmir'''{{efn|Pronounced variably as {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|æ|ʃ|m|ɪər|audio=en-us-Kashmir.oga}} {{respell|KASH|meer}} or {{IPAc-en|k|æ|ʃ|ˈ|m|ɪər}} {{respell|kash|MEER}}.<ref name="EPD"/>}} ({{small|abbr.}} '''J&K''') is a region administered by [[India]] as a [[union territory]]<ref name=britannica-2022-j&k>{{citation|last1=Akhtar|first1=Rais|last2=Kirk|first2=William|chapter=Jammu and Kashmir|title=Encyclopaedia Britannica|date=22 March 2021|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.|chapter-url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir|access-date=2 April 2022|quote=The union territory is part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. ... The territory that India administered on its side of the line, which contained both Jammu (the seat of the Dogra dynasty) and the Vale of Kashmir, took on the name Jammu and Kashmir. However, both India and Pakistan have continued to claim the entire Kashmir region|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619220652/https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir|url-status=live}}</ref> and consists of the southern portion of the larger [[Kashmir]] region, which has been the subject of a [[Kashmir#Kashmir dispute|dispute]] between India and Pakistan since 1947 and between India and China since 1959.<ref name=tertiary-kashmir>The application of the term "administered" to the various regions of [[Kashmir]] and a mention of the Kashmir dispute is supported by the [[WP:TERTIARY|tertiary sources]] (a) through (e), reflecting [[WP:DUE|due weight]] in the coverage. Although "controlled" and "held" are also applied neutrally to the names of the disputants or to the regions administered by them, as evidenced in sources (h) through (i) below, "held" is also considered politicised usage, as is the term "occupied", (see (j) below). 
(a) {{citation|title=Kashmir, region Indian subcontinent|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent|access-date=15 August 2019|archive-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813203817/https://www.britannica.com/place/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent|url-status=live}} (subscription required) Quote: "Kashmir, region of the northwestern Indian subcontinent ... has been the subject of dispute between India and Pakistan since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. The northern and western portions are administered by Pakistan and comprise three areas: Azad Kashmir, Gilgit, and Baltistan, the last two being part of a territory called the Northern Areas. Administered by India are the southern and southeastern portions, which constitute the state of Jammu and Kashmir but are slated to be split into two union territories."; (b) {{citation|last1=Pletcher|first1=Kenneth|title=Aksai Chin, Plateau Region, Asia|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Aksai-Chin|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402090308/https://www.britannica.com/place/Aksai-Chin|url-status=live}} (subscription required) Quote: "Aksai Chin, Chinese (Pinyin) Aksayqin, portion of the Kashmir region, at the northernmost extent of the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia. It constitutes nearly all the territory of the Chinese-administered sector of Kashmir that is claimed by India to be part of the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir state."; (c) {{citation|chapter=Kashmir|title=Encyclopedia Americana|publisher=Scholastic Library Publishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l_cWAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA328|year=2006|isbn=978-0-7172-0139-6|page=328}} C. E Bosworth, University of Manchester Quote: "KASHMIR, kash'mer, the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent, administered partly by India, partly by Pakistan, and partly by China. The region has been the subject of a bitter dispute between India and Pakistan since they became independent in 1947"; (d) {{citation|last1=Osmańczyk|first1=Edmund Jan|title=Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements: G to M|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fSIMXHMdfkkC&pg=PA1191|year=2003|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-415-93922-5|pages=1191–|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=29 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229003302/https://books.google.com/books?id=fSIMXHMdfkkC&pg=PA1191|url-status=live}} Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir: Territory in northwestern India, subject to a dispute between India and Pakistan. It has borders with Pakistan and China." (e) {{citation|last=Talbot|first=Ian|title=A History of Modern South Asia: Politics, States, Diasporas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eNg_CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA28|year=2016|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-19694-8|pages=28–29|access-date=12 June 2023|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408222659/https://books.google.com/books?id=eNg_CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA28|url-status=live}} Quote: "We move from a disputed international border to a dotted line on the map that represents a military border not recognized in international law. The line of control separates the Indian and Pakistani administered areas of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir."; (f) {{citation|last=Skutsch|first=Carl|editor-last=Ciment|editor-first=James|title=Encyclopedia of Conflicts Since World War II|edition=2nd|year=2015|orig-date=2007|isbn=978-0-7656-8005-1|chapter=China: Border War with India, 1962|location=London and New York|publisher=Routledge|page=573|quote=The situation between the two nations was complicated by the 1957–1959 uprising by Tibetans against Chinese rule. Refugees poured across the Indian border, and the Indian public was outraged. Any compromise with China on the border issue became impossible. Similarly, China was offended that India had given political asylum to the Dalai Lama when he fled across the border in March 1959. In late 1959, there were shots fired between border patrols operating along both the ill-defined McMahon Line and in the Aksai Chin.}} (g) {{citation|last=Clary|first=Christopher|year=2022|title=The Difficult Politics of Peace: Rivalry in Modern South Asia|publisher=Oxford University Press|location = Oxford and New York|isbn=978-0-19-763840-8|page=109|quote=Territorial Dispute: The situation along the Sino-Indian frontier continued to worsen. In late July (1959), an Indian reconnaissance patrol was blocked, "apprehended", and eventually expelled after three weeks in custody at the hands of a larger Chinese force near Khurnak Fort in Aksai Chin. ... Circumstances worsened further in October 1959, when a major class at Kongka Pass in eastern Ladakh led to nine dead and ten captured Indian border personnel, making it by far the most serious Sino-Indian class since India's independence.}} (h) {{citation|last=Bose|first=Sumantra|title=Kashmir: Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ACMe9WBdNAC&pg=PA294|year=2009|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-02855-5|pages=294, 291, 293|access-date=12 June 2023|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408222808/https://books.google.com/books?id=3ACMe9WBdNAC&pg=PA294|url-status=live}} Quote: "J&K: Jammu and Kashmir. The former princely state that is the subject of the Kashmir dispute. Besides IJK (Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir. The larger and more populous part of the former princely state. It has a population of slightly over 10 million, and comprises three regions: Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh.) and AJK ('Azad" (Free) Jammu and Kashmir. The more populous part of Pakistani-controlled J&K, with a population of approximately 2.5 million.), it includes the sparsely populated "Northern Areas" of Gilgit and Baltistan, remote mountainous regions which are directly administered, unlike AJK, by the Pakistani central authorities, and some high-altitude uninhabitable tracts under Chinese control." (i) {{citation|last=Fisher|first=Michael H.|title=An Environmental History of India: From Earliest Times to the Twenty-First Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kZVuDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA166|year=2018|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-107-11162-2|page=166|access-date=12 June 2023|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408222539/https://books.google.com/books?id=kZVuDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA166|url-status=live}} Quote: "Kashmir's identity remains hotly disputed with a UN-supervised "Line of Control" still separating Pakistani-held Azad ("Free") Kashmir from Indian-held Kashmir."; (j) {{citation|last=Snedden|first=Christopher|title=Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5amKCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA10|year=2015|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-1-84904-621-3|page=10|access-date=12 June 2023|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408222514/https://books.google.com/books?id=5amKCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA10|url-status=live}} Quote:"Some politicised terms also are used to describe parts of J&K. These terms include the words 'occupied' and 'held'."</ref>

The [[Line of Control]] separates Jammu and Kashmir from the [[Kashmir#Current status and political divisions|Pakistani-administered]] territories of [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] in the west and north respectively. It lies to the north of the Indian states of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and to the west of [[Ladakh]] which is administered by India as a union territory.<ref name=ladakh-britannica-current/> [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]] has persisted in protest over autonomy and rights. In 2019, the [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act]] was passed, reconstituting the former [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] into two union territories: Ladakh in the east and the residuary Jammu and Kashmir in the west.<ref name="Gazette2"/>

[[Srinagar]] and [[Jammu]] jointly serve as the capital of the region, which is divided into two divisions and 20 [[Districts of Jammu and Kashmir|districts]]. The area holds substantial mineral deposits, including [[sapphire]], [[borax]], and [[graphite]]. Agriculture and services drive the economy, with major contributors being [[horticulture]], handicrafts, and tourism. Apple cultivation is one of the largest industries, employing 3.5 million people and producing 10% of the [[gross state domestic product]]. Despite these activities, over 10% of the population lives [[Below Poverty Line|below the national poverty line]].

== Terminology ==
Jammu and Kashmir is named after the two regions it encompasses{{ndash}}the [[Jammu region]] and the [[Kashmir Valley]]. India collectively refers to the parts of [[Kashmir]] under Pakistani administration as "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir" (POK), and considers the region corresponding to [[Azad Kashmir]] as part of Jammu and Kashmir.<ref name="Snedden 2013 p.2-3">{{cite book |first=Christopher |last=Snedden |author-link=Christopher Snedden |title=Kashmir: The Unwritten History |publisher=HarperCollins India |year=2013 |isbn=978-93-5029-898-5 |pages=2–3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-enigma-of-terminology/article5621801.ece|title=The enigma of terminology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016082903/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-enigma-of-terminology/article5621801.ece|archive-date=16 October 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 January 2014}}</ref> Pakistan collectively refers to the Indian-administered territories of Kashmir as "Indian-occupied Kashmir" (IOK) or "Indian-held Kashmir" (IHK).<ref>{{cite web |first=Ali |last=Zain |url=http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pakistani-flag-hoisted-pro-freedom-slogans-chanted-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-567/ |title=Pakistani flag hoisted, pro-freedom slogans chanted in Indian Occupied Kashmir – Daily Pakistan Global |work=Daily Pakistan Global |publisher=En.dailypakistan.com.pk |date=13 September 2015 |access-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118114311/http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pakistani-flag-hoisted-pro-freedom-slogans-chanted-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-567/ |archive-date=18 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/World/298421-Pakistani-flag-hoisted-once-again-in-Indian-Occupi |title=Pakistani flag hoisted once again in Indian Occupied Kashmir |website=Dunya News |date=11 September 2015 |access-date=17 November 2015 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718013420/http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/World/298421-Pakistani-flag-hoisted-once-again-in-Indian-Occupi |url-status=live }}</ref> Neutral sources use "Indian-administered Kashmir"/"Pakistan-administered Kashmir" and "Indian-controlled Kashmir"/"Pakistan-controlled Kashmir" to demarcate the areas.<ref>South Asia: fourth report of session 2006–07 by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Foreign Affairs Committee page 37</ref>

== History ==
{{For|the history prior to Indian administration|Kashmir#History}}

After the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1947–1948]], three distinct areas of the [[princely state]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] were under Indian control: Muslim-majority [[Kashmir Valley]], Hindu-majority [[Jammu region]], and Buddhist-dominated [[Ladakh district]].<ref name=BBC6Aug>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-49234708 Article 370: What happened with Kashmir and why it matters] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20190808171557/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-49234708 |date=8 August 2019 }}. BBC (6 August 2019). Retrieved 7 August 2019.</ref> These regions were constituted as [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] state and accorded special status by [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India]], adopted in 1950. In contrast to other [[states of India]], Jammu and Kashmir established its own constitution, [[Flag of Jammu and Kashmir|flag]], and administrative autonomy.<ref>{{citation |author=K. Venkataramanan |title=How the status of Jammu and Kashmir is being changed |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 August 2019 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/explained-how-the-status-of-jammu-and-kashmir-is-being-changed/article28822866.ece?homepage=true |access-date=7 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808005453/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/explained-how-the-status-of-jammu-and-kashmir-is-being-changed/article28822866.ece?homepage=true |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1954, [[Article 35A of the Constitution of India|Article 35A]] was introduced via a [[President of India#Executive powers|Presidential Order]] under Article 370, empowering the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislature]] to define permanent residents and bar Indian citizens from other states from purchasing property.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/article-370-and-35a-revoked-how-it-would-change-the-face-of-kashmir/articleshow/70531959.cms|title=Article 370 and 35(A) revoked: How it would change the face of Kashmir|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=5 August 2019|archive-date=5 August 2019|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805090537/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/article-370-and-35a-revoked-how-it-would-change-the-face-of-kashmir/articleshow/70531959.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> From the early 1950s, Jammu and Kashmir used the titles of Prime Minister and ''Sadr-e-Riyasat'' for its executive heads, as permitted under Article 370 and formalised in the [[Delhi Agreement of 1952]].<ref name="noorani">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BIAyDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT712|title=Constitutional Questions and Citizens' Rights: An Omnibus Comprising Constitutional Questions in India: The President, Parliament and the States and Citizens' Rights, Judges and State Accountability|author=[[A. G. Noorani]]|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|page=712|date=5 December 2005|isbn=978-0-19-908778-5 }}</ref> The [[Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir|Constituent Assembly]], tasked with drafting the constitution and deciding Article 370's future, adopted the [[constitution of Jammu and Kashmir]] in 1957 and then dissolved without recommending 370's abrogation, leading to the provision's indefinite continuation.<ref name="BBC6Aug" />

In 1953, [[Sheikh Abdullah]], the first [[Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir]], was dismissed and jailed by the Indian government over [[Kashmir Conspiracy Case|charges of conspiracy]], accused of espousing the creation of an independent country. Over the following decades, Article 370 was steadily diluted through presidential orders that extended various provisions of the Indian constitution to the state without full legislative consent, weakening its autonomy. This deepened political disillusionment, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.<ref name="miller"/> In 1965, through a Presidential Order, the [[Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad]]-led Congress government in Jammu and Kashmir amended the constitution to replace the titles of Prime Minister and ''Sadr-e-Riyasat'' with Chief Minister and Governor, aligning them with other Indian states.<ref name="noorani"/> Abdullah was released in 1968 and, following the [[Indira–Sheikh Accord]] of 1975, returned to power as chief minister after a political reconciliation with the central government.<ref name="miller">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bwqe_JdLDUYC&pg=PA179|title=Autonomy and Armed Separatism in South and Southeast Asia|author=Bibhu Prasad Routray|year=2012 |department=Chapter: Autonomy and Armed Separatism in Jammu and Kashmir|page=179|editor=Michelle Ann Miller|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=9789814379977 }}</ref> After his death in 1982, unrest and violence persisted in the Kashmiri Valley and, following a [[1987 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|disputed state election in 1987]], an [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|insurgency]] persisted in protest over autonomy and rights.<ref name="BBC6Aug" /> In the early 1990s, amid the rise of militancy and targeted violence, a mass [[exodus of Kashmiri Hindus]] occurred from the Kashmir Valley.<ref>{{cite news|title=219 Kashmiri Pandits killed by militants since 1989 |date=24 March 2010|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/24/stories/2010032461230900.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325203907/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/24/stories/2010032461230900.htm|archive-date=25 March 2010}}</ref> Through the 1990s and 2000s, the region witnessed prolonged violence between insurgent groups and Indian security forces.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jeelani|first1=Mushtaq A.|title=Kashmir: A History Littered With Rigged Elections|url=http://www.mediamonitors.net/jeelani4.html|website=Media Monitors Network|access-date=24 February 2017|date=25 June 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051443/http://www.mediamonitors.net/jeelani4.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

While Article 370 had come to be seen as effectively permanent, it historically faced ideological opposition. In the 1950s, [[Syama Prasad Mookerjee]], founder of the [[Bharatiya Jana Sangh]] (BJS), opposed Article 370 on grounds that it hindered national integration and created unequal constitutional treatment.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/syama-prasad-mookerjee-jammu-kashmir-integration-9063688/|title=How Syama Prasad Mookerjee fought for J&K's integration with India|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=12 December 2023|first=Arjun|last=Sengupta|archive-date=4 September 2025|access-date=24 June 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250904004521/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/syama-prasad-mookerjee-jammu-kashmir-integration-9063688/|url-status=live}}</ref> In their [[2019 Indian general election]] manifesto, the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (successor to the BJS) pledged its revocation.<ref name=BBC6Aug/> After its victory, the [[Parliament of India]] passed resolutions to [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|repeal Article 370]] in August 2019, and Article 35A was abolished through suspension of the 1954 Presidential Order.<ref>{{cite news |first=Arshi |last=Aggarwal |title=Article 370 powers gone, Lok Sabha passes J&K bifurcation bill: All you need to know |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/article-370-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-bifurcation-all-you-need-to-know-1578034-2019-08-07 |access-date=22 June 2024 |work=India Today |date=7 August 2019 |archive-date=22 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622112541/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/article-370-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-bifurcation-all-you-need-to-know-1578034-2019-08-07 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, a [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|reorganisation act]] was also passed to reconstitute the state into two union territories: the new union territory of [[Ladakh]], with the residual state continuing as the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-live-govt-to-move-jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-for-passage-in-lok-sabha/article28831274.ece|title=Parliament Live | Lok Sabha passes Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, Ayes: 370, Noes 70|date=6 August 2019|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=6 August 2019|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806081421/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-live-govt-to-move-jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-for-passage-in-lok-sabha/article28831274.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The reorganisation took effect from 31 October 2019.<ref name="Gazette2">{{citation|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210412.pdf|title=In exercise of the powers conferred by clause a of section 2 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.|date=9 August 2019|access-date=9 August 2019|author=Ministry of Home Affairs|work=[[The Gazette of India]]|archive-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809153916/http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210412.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In the days that followed, nearly 4,000 people, including two former Chief Ministers and hundreds of other politicians, were arrested by the Indian authorities in Kashmir;<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |title=Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-detentions/thousands-detained-in-indian-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-reveals-idUSKCN1VX142 |work=Reuters |date=12 September 2019 |first1=Devjyot |last1=Ghoshal |first2=Alasdair |last2=Pal |archive-date=12 September 2019 |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190912122413/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-detentions/thousands-detained-in-indian-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-reveals-idUSKCN1VX142 |url-status=live }}</ref> the state was put under a [[2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown|lockdown]] and communication and internet services were suspended.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir in lockdown after autonomy scrapped |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49246434 |access-date=6 June 2021 |work=BBC News |date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231212023318/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49246434 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2020, the government notified a domicile law to replace the previous 'permanent residents' scheme. Under the new law, any one that resided in Jammu and Kashmir for 15 years, or studied for seven years and appeared for Class 10 and Class 12 exams, would be deemed to be a 'domicile'. Government officials that served in Jammu and Kashmir for 10 years and their children also become eligible for domicile status.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ahmad |first1=Mudasir |last2=Sareen |first2=Pallavi |date=1 April 2020 |title=New Domicile Law Opens J&K State Jobs for Outsiders, Lowest Grade Jobs Reserved for Locals |url=https://thewire.in/government/jk-domicile-law-jobs-centre |work=The Wire |access-date=29 April 2025 |archive-date=24 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324032438/https://thewire.in/government/jk-domicile-law-jobs-centre |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 11 December 2023, the [[Supreme Court of India]] unanimously upheld the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, while also directing the union government to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and hold legislative assembly elections no later than September 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Live Updates: Supreme Court Backs Centre On Scrapping Of Jammu & Kashmir Special Status |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/article-370-verdict-live-updates-supreme-court-verdict-on-validity-of-scrapping-article-370-in-jammu-and-kashmir-today-4652207 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=NDTV |date=11 December 2023 |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404222547/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/article-370-verdict-live-updates-supreme-court-verdict-on-validity-of-scrapping-article-370-in-jammu-and-kashmir-today-4652207 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Anando |last=Bhakto |title=Jammu and Kashmir: Supreme Court upholds abrogation of Article 370 in landmark decision |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/news/jammu-kashmir-supreme-court-upholds-abrogation-of-article-370-in-landmark-decision/article67627243.ece |access-date=22 June 2024 |work=Frontline |date=11 December 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212175854/https://frontline.thehindu.com/news/jammu-kashmir-supreme-court-upholds-abrogation-of-article-370-in-landmark-decision/article67627243.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|assembly election]] was held from September to October 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Baseless accusations: NC on rumours of post-poll alliance with BJP in J-K |url=https://www.business-standard.com/elections/jammu-kashmir-elections/baseless-accusations-nc-on-rumours-of-post-poll-alliance-with-bjp-in-j-k-124100400502_1.html |access-date=6 October 2024 |agency=Press Trust of India |work=Business Standard |date=4 October 2024}}</ref> The alliance led by [[Jammu & Kashmir National Conference]] formed the first government of the residual union territory<ref>{{cite news |last=Ashiq |first=Peerzada |date=8 October 2024 |title=NC-Congress alliance set to form govt. in J&K, BJP wins big in Jammu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-election-results/article68733305.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=9 October 2024 |archive-date=9 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009015836/https://www.thehindu.com/elections/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-election-results/article68733305.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> with [[Omar Abdullah]] as [[List of chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir|chief minister]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Omar Abdullah To Take Oath As Jammu And Kashmir Chief Minister On October 16 |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/omar-abdullah-to-take-oath-at-new-jammu-and-kashmir-chief-minister-on-october-16-2806841.html |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=Zee News |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113015450/https://zeenews.india.com/india/omar-abdullah-to-take-oath-at-new-jammu-and-kashmir-chief-minister-on-october-16-2806841.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Geography==


===Topography===
[[File:Kashmir top.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Topographic map]] of Jammu and Kashmir, with visible altitude for the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region.]]

Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, [[Chenab Valley]], [[Poonch River|Poonch]] Valley, [[Sind Valley]], and [[Lidder Valley]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Vij|first=Shivam|date=5 May 2017|title=Kashmir Is A Prison With Three Walls|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/05/04/kashmir-is-a-prison-with-three-walls_a_22070340/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505073150/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/05/04/kashmir-is-a-prison-with-three-walls_a_22070340/|archive-date=5 May 2017|access-date=9 August 2019|work=[[HuffPost]]}} [https://shivamvij.in/2017/05/05/755/ Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127011554/https://shivamvij.in/2017/05/05/755/ |date=27 January 2021 }}</ref> The Kashmir Valley is {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide and {{convert|15520.3|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} in area.<ref name="AA1">{{cite web|url=https://www.asianage.com/columnists/indus-water-flow-can-t-be-stopped-721|title=Indus: The water flow can't be stopped|first=Mohan|last=Guruswamy|work=[[The Asian Age]]|date=28 September 2016|access-date=9 August 2019|archive-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809150759/https://www.asianage.com/columnists/indus-water-flow-can-t-be-stopped-721|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Himalayas]] divide the Kashmir Valley from the [[Tibetan Plateau]] while the [[Pir Panjal]] range, which encloses the valley from the west and the south, separates it from the [[Punjab Plain]] of the [[Indo-Gangetic Plain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinion/a-tryst-of-the-heart-and-history-along-the-karakoram-highway/|title=A Tryst of the Heart and History along the Karakoram Highway|first=Asma|last=Khan|work=[[Greater Kashmir]]|date=26 April 2018|access-date=9 August 2019|archive-date=6 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406204844/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinion/a-tryst-of-the-heart-and-history-along-the-karakoram-highway/|url-status=live}}</ref> Along the northeastern flank of the Valley runs the main range of the Himalayas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/india-pakistan-conflict-07032019/|title=Why India and Pakistan keep fighting over Kashmir – the history of the Kashmir conflict|first=Mihai|last=Andrei|work=GME Science|date=11 March 2019|access-date=9 August 2019|archive-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809150802/https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/india-pakistan-conflict-07032019/|url-status=live}}</ref> This valley has an average height of {{convert|1850|m|ft}} above sea-level,<ref name="AA1" /> but the surrounding Pir Panjal range has an average elevation of {{convert|10000|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/in-the-past-the-mountain-passes-were-entry-exit-points-for-travellers-and-invaders/article22136536.ece|title=Doorway of the gods: Himalaya crosses five countries|author1=Vrinda|author2=J. Ramanan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 December 2017|access-date=9 August 2019|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802011319/https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/in-the-past-the-mountain-passes-were-entry-exit-points-for-travellers-and-invaders/article22136536.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Jhelum River]] is the major Himalayan river which flows through the Kashmir Valley.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jhelum-River|title=Jhelum River|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|date=15 December 2015|access-date=9 August 2019|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202125406/https://www.britannica.com/place/Jhelum-River|url-status=live}}</ref> The southern Jammu region is mostly mountainous, with the [[Shivalik Hills|Shivaliks]], the middle and the great Himalayas running parallel to each other in a southeast–northwest direction. A narrow southwestern strip constitutes fertile plains. The [[Chenab River|Chenab]], [[Tawi River|Tawi]] and [[Ravi River|Ravi]] are important rivers flowing through the Jammu region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/29-Jul-2019/flooding-alert-issued-as-india-releases-water|title=Flooding alert issued as India releases water|work=[[The Nation (Pakistan)|The Nation]]|author=Agencies|date=29 July 2019|access-date=9 August 2019|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718013426/https://www.nation.com.pk/29-Jul-2019/flooding-alert-issued-as-india-releases-water|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Banihal Pass, Jammu and Kashmir, India.jpg|thumb|400px|View from the [[Banihal pass]]; the pass connects the [[Vale of Kashmir]] (left) with the mountainous [[Jammu division|Jammu region]] (right)]]

===Climate===
The climate of Jammu and Kashmir varies with altitude and across regions. Southern and southwestern areas have a sub-tropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. This region receives most of its rainfall during the [[monsoon]] season. In the east and north, summers are usually pleasant. The effect of the monsoon diminishes in areas lying to the [[leeward side]] of the [[Pir Panjal]], such as the Kashmir valley, and much of the rainfall happens in the spring season due to [[western disturbances]]. Winters are cold, with temperatures reaching sub-zero levels. [[Snowfall]] is common in the valley and the mountain areas.

==Administrative divisions==
[[File:J,K and L - Indian Union Territories.jpg|thumb|Jammu and Kashmir union territory (J and K) is bordered in carmine colour. Ladakh union territory (L) is bordered in blue colour.]]
{{Main|List of districts of Jammu and Kashmir}}

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir consists of two [[Divisions of India|divisions]]: [[Jammu Division]] and [[Kashmir Division]], and is further divided into 20 [[Districts of India|districts]].<ref name=MHA>{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |title=Ministry of Home Affairs:: Department of Jammu & Kashmir Affairs |access-date=28 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208212815/http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |archive-date=8 December 2008 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!| Division
!| Name
!| Headquarters
!| Area (km2)
!| Area (sq miles)
!| Rural Area (km2)
!| Urban Area (km2)
!| Ref
|-
!rowspan=11|[[Jammu Division|Jammu]]
||[[Kathua district]]
|| [[Kathua]]
| {{convert|2502|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2458.84|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|43.16|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0107_PART_A_DCHB_KATHUA.pdf |page=8 |work=Census of India 2011, Part A |title=District Census Handbook Kathua |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120172907/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0107_PART_A_DCHB_KATHUA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Jammu district]]
|| [[Jammu (city)|Jammu]]
| {{convert|2342|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2089.87|2}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|252.13|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0121_PART_A_DCHB_JAMMU.pdf |pages=13, 51, 116 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Jammu, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116185556/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0121_PART_A_DCHB_JAMMU.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0121_PART_B_DCHB_JAMMU.pdf |pages=13, 24 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Jammu, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116055111/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0121_PART_B_DCHB_JAMMU.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Samba district]]
|| [[Samba, Jammu|Samba]]
| {{convert|904|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|865.24|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|38.76|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0122_PART_A_DCHB_SAMBA.pdf |pages=9, 34, 36, 100 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Samba, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054240/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0122_PART_A_DCHB_SAMBA.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0122_PART_B_DCHB_SAMBA.pdf |pages=10, 12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Samba, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116055129/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0122_PART_B_DCHB_SAMBA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Udhampur district]]
|| [[Udhampur]]
| {{convert|2637.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2593.28|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|43.72|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0119_PART_B_DCHB_UDHAMPUR.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Udhampur |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116055036/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0119_PART_B_DCHB_UDHAMPUR.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Reasi district]]
|| [[Reasi]]
| {{convert|1719|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1679.99|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|39.01|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0120_PART_A_DCHB_REASI.pdf |pages=9, 37, 88 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Reasi, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054200/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0120_PART_A_DCHB_REASI.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0120_PART_B_DCHB_REASI.pdf |pages=9, 13, 24 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Reasi, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116055054/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0120_PART_B_DCHB_REASI.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Rajouri district]]
|| [[Rajouri]]
| {{convert|2630|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2608.11|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|21.89|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0106_PART_A_DCHB_RAJOURI.pdf |pages=11, 107 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Rajouri, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053915/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0106_PART_A_DCHB_RAJOURI.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0106_PART_B_DCHB_RAJOURI.pdf |pages=9, 10, 12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Rajouri, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054900/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0106_PART_B_DCHB_RAJOURI.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir|Poonch district]]
|| [[Poonch (town)|Poonch]]
| {{convert|1674|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1649.92|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|24.08|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0105_PART_A_DCHB_PUNCH.pdf |pages=9, 99 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Punch, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053841/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0105_PART_A_DCHB_PUNCH.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0105_PART_B_DCHB_PUNCH.pdf |pages=11, 13, 24 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Punch, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054835/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0105_PART_B_DCHB_PUNCH.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Doda district]]
|| [[Doda, Jammu and Kashmir|Doda]]
| {{convert|8912.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|8892.25|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|19.75|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0116_PART_B_DCHB_DODA.pdf |pages=9, 12, 99 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Doda, Part B |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054946/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0116_PART_B_DCHB_DODA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Ramban district]]
|| [[Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir)|Ramban]]
| {{convert|1329.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1313.92|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|15.08|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0117_PART_B_DCHB_RAMBAN.pdf |pages=10, 12 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Ramban, Part B |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116055000/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0117_PART_B_DCHB_RAMBAN.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Kishtwar district]]
|| [[Kishtwar]]
| {{convert|1644.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1643.37|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|0.63|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0118_PART_B_DCHB_KISHTWAR.pdf |pages=9, 10, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kishtwar, Part B |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116055015/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0118_PART_B_DCHB_KISHTWAR.pdf |url-status=live }} Part B page 9 says the rural area is {{cvt|1643.65|km2}}, while pages 10 and 22 says {{cvt|1643.37|km2}}.</ref>
|-
!colspan=2|Total for division
!26,293
!10,151
!{{round|25794.95|2}}
!colspan=2|{{round|498.05|2}}
|-
!rowspan=11 |[[Kashmir Division|Kashmir]]
||[[Anantnag district]]
|| [[Anantnag]]
| {{convert|3574|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|3475.76|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|98.24|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0114_PART_A_DCHB_ANANTNAG.pdf |page=9 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Anantnag, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053354/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0114_PART_A_DCHB_ANANTNAG.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0114_PART_B_DCHB_ANANTNAG.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Anantnag, Part B |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201021150/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0114_PART_B_DCHB_ANANTNAG.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Kulgam district]]
|| [[Kulgam]]
| {{convert|410|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|360.20|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|49.80|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0115_PART_A_DCHB_KULGAM.pdf |page=10 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kulgam, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053742/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0115_PART_A_DCHB_KULGAM.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0115_PART_B_DCHB_KULGAM.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kulgam, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054749/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0115_PART_B_DCHB_KULGAM.pdf |url-status=live }} Part B page 12 says the area of the district is {{cvt|404|km2}}, but page 22 says {{cvt|410|km2}}.</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Pulwama district]]
|| [[Pulwama]]
| {{convert|1086.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1047.45|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|38.55|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0112_PART_B_DCHB_PULWAMA.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Pulwama, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054654/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0112_PART_B_DCHB_PULWAMA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Shopian district]]
|| [[Shopian]]
| {{convert|612.87|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|607.43|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|5.44|2}}
||<ref>{{Cite web |title=Demography {{!}} Shopian District, Government of Jammu and Kashmir {{!}} India |url=https://shopian.nic.in/demography/ |access-date=24 March 2026 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0113_PART_A_DCHB_SHUPIYAN.pdf |page=10 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Shupiyan, Part A |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053726/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0113_PART_A_DCHB_SHUPIYAN.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0113_PART_B_DCHB_SUPHIYAN.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Shupiyan, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054712/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0113_PART_B_DCHB_SUPHIYAN.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Budgam district]]
|| [[Budgam]]
| {{convert|1361|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1311.95|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|49.05|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0102_PART_A_DCHB_BADGAM.pdf |pages=10, 46 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Badgam, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053410/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0102_PART_A_DCHB_BADGAM.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0102_PART_B_DCHB_BADGAM.pdf |pages=11, 12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Badgam, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054333/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0102_PART_B_DCHB_BADGAM.pdf |url-status=live }} Part A says the district area is {{cvt|1371|km2}}, Part B says {{cvt|1371|km2}} (page 11) and {{cvt|1361|km2}} (page 12s and 22).</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Srinagar district]]
|| [[Srinagar]]
| {{convert|1978.95|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1684.42|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|294.53|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0110_PART_A_DCHB_SRINAGAR.pdf |pages=11, 48 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Srinagar, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=21 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121205634/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0110_PART_A_DCHB_SRINAGAR.pdf |url-status=live }} Part A page 48 says the district area was {{cvt|2228.0|km2}} in 2001 and {{cvt|1978.95|km2}} in 2011.</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Ganderbal district]]
|| [[Ganderbal]]
| {{convert|1049|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|233.60|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|25.40|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0111_PART_B_DCHB_GANDERBAL.pdf |pages=11, 12 and 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Ganderbal, Part B |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054514/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0111_PART_B_DCHB_GANDERBAL.pdf |url-status=live }} Part B page 11 says the district area is {{cvt|393.04|km2}}, but pages 12 and 22 say {{cvt|259.00|km2}}.</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Bandipora district]]
|| [[Bandipore|Bandipora]]
| {{convert|345|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|295.37|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|49.63|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0109_PART_A_DCHB_BANDIPORE.pdf |pages=10, 47 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Bandipora, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053429/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0109_PART_A_DCHB_BANDIPORE.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0109_PART_B_DCHB_BANDIPORE.pdf |pages=11, 20 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Bandipora, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054400/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0109_PART_B_DCHB_BANDIPORE.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Baramulla district]]
|| [[Baramulla]]
| {{convert|4243|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|4179.44|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|63.56|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0108_PART_A_DCHB_BARAMULA.pdf |page=11 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Baramulla, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053447/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0108_PART_A_DCHB_BARAMULA.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0108_PART_B_DCHB_BARAMULA.pdf |page=22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Baramulla, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054424/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0108_PART_B_DCHB_BARAMULA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Kupwara district]]
|| [[Kupwara]]
| {{convert|2379|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2331.66|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|47.34|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0101_PART_A_DCHB_KUPWARA.pdf |page=7 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kupwara, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053817/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0101_PART_A_DCHB_KUPWARA.pdf |url-status=live }} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0101_PART_B_DCHB_KUPWARA.pdf |pages=11, 12 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kupwara, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116054812/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0101_PART_B_DCHB_KUPWARA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
!colspan=3|Total for division
!15,948
!6,156
!{{round|15226.41|2}}
!colspan=2|{{round|721.54|2}}
|}

==Transportation==

===Air===
[[File:Lapangan terbang Srinagar.jpg|thumb|[[Srinagar Airport]], [[Srinagar]]]]
Jammu and Kashmir has two major airports at the two capitals of the territory: [[Jammu Airport]] at Jammu and [[Srinagar Airport]] at Srinagar, which is also the only international airport in the territory. These airports have regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, [[Bangalore]], [[Chandigarh]] and other major cities of the country. In 2025, Jammu Airport began undergoing expansion, including a 45,000 m² terminal with night-landing capabilities.<ref name="JammuAirport">{{cite news |title=Foundation stone of new state-of-the-art terminal of Jammu Airport |author=FE Online |work=The Financial Express |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-pm-modi-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-new-state-of-the-art-terminal-of-jammu-airport-all-you-need-to-knownbsp-3399541/ |date=20 February 2024 |archive-date=20 August 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820202748/https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-pm-modi-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-new-state-of-the-art-terminal-of-jammu-airport-all-you-need-to-knownbsp-3399541/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Srinagar Airport is also undergoing expansion, with the construction of a 71,500 m² terminal.<ref name="SrinagarAirport">{{cite news |title=RK Exclusive: Srinagar's Rs 1800 cr airport terminal project set to get final nod |author=Abid Bashir |work=Rising Kashmir |url=https://risingkashmir.com/rk-exclusive-srinagars-rs-1800-cr-airport-terminal-project-set-to-get-final-nod/ |date=22 February 2025 |archive-date=19 August 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819163207/https://risingkashmir.com/rk-exclusive-srinagars-rs-1800-cr-airport-terminal-project-set-to-get-final-nod/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2025, [[Udhampur Air Force Station]] was assessed by a government committee for the feasibility of launching commercial flight operations as an airport.<ref>{{cite news |title=Expert panel to assess Udhampur airport for potential commercial flight operations |author=Adil Akhzer |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/expert-panel-to-assess-udhampur-airport-for-potential-commercial-flight-operations/ |date=24 March 2025 |archive-date=18 August 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818164508/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/expert-panel-to-assess-udhampur-airport-for-potential-commercial-flight-operations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An aerial [[Parvatmala|ropeway]] for [[Shankaracharya Temple]] in Srinagar is planned for completion in 2026 and will cut ascent time from 30 minutes to five minutes.<ref name="Ropeway">{{cite news |title=Ropeways Looking Up: With 8 Projects Expected to be Ready by 2026, What the Future Holds for Cable Cars |author=Nivedita Singh |work=News18 |url=https://www.news18.com/india/ropeways-looking-up-with-8-projects-expected-to-be-ready-by-2026-what-the-future-holds-for-cable-cars-8794672.html |date=28 February 2024 |archive-date=15 August 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815150416/https://www.news18.com/india/ropeways-looking-up-with-8-projects-expected-to-be-ready-by-2026-what-the-future-holds-for-cable-cars-8794672.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Railway===
[[File:Chenab Rail Bridge, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, India.jpg|thumb|left|[[Chenab Rail Bridge]] on the [[Jammu–Baramulla line]]]]
The [[Jammu–Baramulla line]] of the [[Northern Railways]] is the only major railway line in Jammu and Kashmir. Its completion integrates the Kashmir Valley into India’s national rail grid and provides a direct rail link from other parts of India to the region.<ref name="JammuRailDivision" /> The line comprises [[Chenab Rail Bridge]], the highest railway bridge in the world, and [[Anji Khad Bridge]], the only cable-stayed railway bridge in India.<ref name=printstat1>[https://theprint.in/india/jk-will-be-given-the-status-of-a-state-by-pm-modi-says-cm-omar-abdullah/2649525/ J&K will be given the status of a state by PM Modi, says CM Omar Abdullah] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607173821/https://theprint.in/india/jk-will-be-given-the-status-of-a-state-by-pm-modi-says-cm-omar-abdullah/2649525/ |date=7 June 2025 }}, The Print, 6 June 2025.</ref> The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, a 272 km broad-gauge line that connects the Kashmir Valley to mainland India, achieved completion in December 2024 with the [[Reasi]]-[[Katra, Jammu and Kashmir|Katra]] section (17 km), which features the Chenab Rail Bridge.<ref name="ChenabBridge">{{cite news |title=Connecting bridge: On the Chenab Rail Bridge |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/connecting-bridge-on-kashmir-india-and-the-chenab-rail-bridge/article69683163.ece |work=The Hindu |date=12 June 2025 |archive-date=12 June 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612133309/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/connecting-bridge-on-kashmir-india-and-the-chenab-rail-bridge/article69683163.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The Banihal-Baramulla segment (118 km), among others, is electrified.<ref>{{cite news |title=Railways enhancing Jammu and Kashmir's infrastructure: A look at Indian Railways' tunnels and bridges transforming connectivity in J&K |author= |work=The Financial Express |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-enhancing-jammu-and-kashmirs-infrastructure-a-look-indian-railways-tunnels-and-bridges-transforming-connectivity-in-j-k-3707136/ |date=26 March 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818003205/https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-enhancing-jammu-and-kashmirs-infrastructure-a-look-indian-railways-tunnels-and-bridges-transforming-connectivity-in-j-k-3707136/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Jammu railway division]], established in January 2025, oversees 742 km of operational tracks. It manages routes such as Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot, Batala-Pathankot, and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar.<ref name="JammuRailDivision">{{cite news |title=Rail Division for Jammu and Train to Kashmir – Modi Govt's 2025 Plans |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-rail-division-direct-train-to-kashmir-modi-government-2025-plans-9763281/ |work=The Indian Express |date=7 January 2025 }}</ref> The division oversees the operation of [[Vande Bharat Express]] trains between Jammu and Srinagar.<ref name="JammuRailDivision" /><ref name=printstat1/>

=== Roads ===
[[File:Jammu Srinagar Highway.jpg|thumb|[[Jammu–Srinagar National Highway]]]]
As of August 2022, the total road network in Jammu and Kashmir encompasses 41,141 km.<ref>{{cite news |title=Road construction in Jammu and Kashmir gathers record pace after scrapping of Article 370 |author= |work=[[Daily Excelsior]] |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/road-construction-in-jammu-and-kashmir-gathers-record-pace-after-scrapping-of-article-370/ |date=4 August 2022 |archive-date=25 April 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425181700/https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/road-construction-in-jammu-and-kashmir-gathers-record-pace-after-scrapping-of-article-370/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There are 11 [[National highways of India|national highways]], together constituting 1,752.16 km.<ref>{{cite report |title=MoRTH Annual Report for the Year 2022-23 |author=Ministry of Road Transport and Highways |url=https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/MoRTH%20Annual%20Report%20for%20the%20Year%202022-23%20in%20English.pdf |page=122 |year=2023 |archive-date=18 September 2023 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918110400/https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/MoRTH%20Annual%20Report%20for%20the%20Year%202022-23%20in%20English.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The responsibility for road maintenance and development is distributed among multiple agencies, with the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department managing 10,461 km in Jammu division and 13,953.9 km in Kashmir division, while [[Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana|PMGSY]] oversees 6,878 km in Jammu and 3,415.4 km in Kashmir.<ref name="RoadGazette">{{cite report |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Road Gazette 2022 |author=Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department |url=https://www.jkpwdrb.nic.in/pdfs/229_2022.pdf |year=2022 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712000634/https://www.jkpwdrb.nic.in/pdfs/229_2022.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Border Roads Organisation]], [[National Highways Authority of India|NHAI]], and [[National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited|NHIDCL]] collectively manage 4,439.3 km of strategic roads.<ref name="RoadGazette" />

The [[Jammu–Srinagar National Highway]], a segment of the [[National Highway 44 (India)|NH44]], is the main highway in the territory connecting the two capitals by road. National Highways 1, 144, 144A, 444, 501, 701 and 701A are the other NHs in the territory.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is enhanced by structures like the 9 km [[Chenani–Nashri Tunnel]].<ref name="ChenaniTunnel">{{cite news |title=Chenani-Nashri Highway Tunnel: Beginning of a New Era |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/centre/chenani-nashri-highway-tunnel-beginning-of-a-new-era/articleshow/57940918.cms |work=The Times of India |date=31 March 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816015302/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/centre/chenani-nashri-highway-tunnel-beginning-of-a-new-era/articleshow/57940918.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> This tunnel bypasses 41 km of road length and reduces travel time by 2 hours.<ref name="ChenaniTunnel" /> The [[Mughal Road]] provides an alternative 84 km route connecting Shopian district with the Poonch and Rajouri districts.<ref name="MughalRoad">{{cite news |title=Mughal Road Reopens After 3-Month Closure |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/04/15/mughal-road-reopens-for-one-way-traffic-after-three-month-closure/ |work=[[Kashmir Observer]] |date=15 April 2025 }}</ref> This route was originally used by [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] Emperor [[Akbar]] to conquer Kashmir and served as an ancient trade pathway.<ref name=Hasan>{{citation |last=Hasan |first=Mohibbul |title=Kashmir under the Sultans |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EUlwmXjE9DQC |year=1959 |publisher=Aakar Books |isbn=978-81-87879-49-7 |ref={{sfnref|Hasan, Kashmir under the Sultans|1959}}}}</ref>{{rp|24}} Despite its historical significance and scenic value, the route faces seasonal accessibility challenges due to heavy snowfall and remains closed during winter months.<ref name="MughalRoad" />

=== Water ===
While waterways had historically served as vital routes for transportation and trade, their full potential remains largely untapped.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 February 2024 |title=Kashmir's inland waterways: A path to economic and touristic transformation |url=https://www.jkpi.org/kashmirs-inland-waterways-a-path-to-economic-and-touristic-transformation/ |publisher=Jammu and Kashmir Policy Institute |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-date=15 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815130512/https://www.jkpi.org/kashmirs-inland-waterways-a-path-to-economic-and-touristic-transformation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Inland Waterways Authority operates a regional office in Srinagar.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 May 2025 |title=IWAI sets up its new office in Srinagar |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128419 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-date=14 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514064903/https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128419 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, [[Indus River|Indus]], and Ravi were accorded the status of national waterways.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 January 2018 |title=4 major rivers in J&K declared 'national waterways': JK govt |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/4-major-rivers-in-jk-declared-national-waterways-jk-govt/articleshow/62722333.cms |publisher=The Economic Times |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-date=21 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821000449/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/4-major-rivers-in-jk-declared-national-waterways-jk-govt/articleshow/62722333.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Water transport on the Jhelum, revived in 2021 under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, introduced 30-seat "Bus Boats" and luxury pontoons, reducing downtown Srinagar commute times.<ref name="BusBoat">{{cite news |title=Luxury bus boat to revive decades-old water transport on river Jhelum |author= |work=Live Mint |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/luxury-bus-boat-to-revive-decades-old-water-transport-on-river-jhelum-see-pics-11626601369685.html |date=18 July 2021 |archive-date=26 August 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826151716/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/luxury-bus-boat-to-revive-decades-old-water-transport-on-river-jhelum-see-pics-11626601369685.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Dal Lake in Srinagar is a major tourist attraction, with traditional wooden [[shikara]]s operating daily. In December 2024, [[Uber]] launched a boat-hailing service on Dal Lake, allowing tourists to book shikara rides using their application.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 December 2024 |title=Uber Shikara in Kashmir: Explore Dal Lake with India's first water transport service |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/uber-shikara-in-kashmir-explore-dal-lake-with-indias-first-water-transport-service/asias-first-water-transport-service-uber-shikara/slideshow/115963536.cms |work=The Economic Times }}</ref>

==Demographics==
As per the 2011 census, Jammu and Kashmir has a total population of 12,267,013. The sex ratio is 889 females per 1000 males. Around 924,485 (7.54%) of the population is [[List of Scheduled Castes in Jammu and Kashmir|scheduled caste]] and more than 18.55% of the population belongs to the [[scheduled tribes]].{{efn|This includes 1,275,106 (10.39%) who were granted the [[scheduled tribes]] (ST) status in 1991, mainly [[Gujjar]], [[Bakerwal]], [[Gaddi people|Gaddi]], and Sippi, as well as 8.16% Paharis who were granted the status in 2024. The [[Paddari]]s were also granted ST status in 2024, as were some sub-groups of the Gaddis (Gadda Brahmin) and Sippis (Koli).<ref>{{cite web |last=Sharma |first=Arun |date=1 August 2024 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-are-the-paharis-and-paddaris-proposed-for-st-status-in-jk-8870220/lite/ |title=Who are the Paharis and Paddaris, proposed for ST status in J&K? |work=The Indian Express |access-date=12 June 2025 |archive-date=12 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612092629/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-are-the-paharis-and-paddaris-proposed-for-st-status-in-jk-8870220/lite/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gandhi |first=Anjali |date=13 September 2024 |url=https://www.swaniti.com/analysis-of-the-constitution-jammu-and-kashmir-scheduled-tribes-order-amendment-bill-2023/ |title=Analysis of The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 |work=Swaniti |access-date=12 June 2025 |archive-date=12 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612092629/https://www.swaniti.com/analysis-of-the-constitution-jammu-and-kashmir-scheduled-tribes-order-amendment-bill-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} The SCs are mostly concentrated in the Jammu region. The region also has a minority Christian community.

{{pie chart
|caption=Religions in Jammu and Kashmir (2011)<ref name="census2011-C01"/>
|label1=[[Islam]]|color1=green|value1=68.80
|label2=[[Hinduism]]|color2=darkorange|value2=28.80
|label3=[[Sikhism]]|color3=yellow|value3=1.90
|label4=[[Christianity]]|color4=dodgerblue|value4=0.28
|label5=Other|color5=grey|value5=0.21
}}

===Religion===
The majority of the population of Jammu and Kashmir is Muslim and a large minority is Hindu.<ref name="census2011-C01">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Religion: Jammu and Kashmir |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11376/download/14489/DDW01C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718013149/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11376/download/14489/DDW01C-01%20MDDS.XLS |url-status=live }}</ref> The population of the [[Kashmir Division]] is predominantly Muslim (96.41%) with small Hindu (2.45%) and Sikh (0.81%) communities. In 2022, only 808 [[Kashmiri Hindu]] Pandit families remained in the valley after their [[Exodus of Kashmiri Hindus|forced displacement]] by Islamic militants.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Sajid |last2=Pandey |first2=Tanushree |date=8 June 2022 |url=https://theprint.in/feature/locked-up-like-animals-pandits-want-to-flee-kashmir-hope-its-their-last-exodus/988337/ |title='Locked up like animals' – Pandits want to flee Kashmir, hope it's their last exodus |work=[[The Print]] |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812171422/https://theprint.in/feature/locked-up-like-animals-pandits-want-to-flee-kashmir-hope-its-their-last-exodus/988337/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shias]] are mostly concentrated in the [[Budgam district]], where they form about 30–40% of the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/are-kashmiri-shias-the-next-pandits/|title=Are Kashmiri Shias The Next Pandits?|date=14 November 2013|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621185324/http://www.tehelka.com/are-kashmiri-shias-the-next-pandits/|archive-date=21 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=ThePrint-27Sep19>{{Cite news |last1=Iyer-Mitra |first1=Abhijit |date=27 September 2019 |title=After scrapping of Article 370, Shias in Kashmir are in a state of relief and caution |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/after-scrapping-of-article-370-shias-in-kashmir-are-in-a-state-of-relief-and-caution/297510/ |access-date=11 September 2021 |work=[[ThePrint]] |archive-date=22 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022132331/http://theprint.in/opinion/after-scrapping-of-article-370-shias-in-kashmir-are-in-a-state-of-relief-and-caution/297510/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Jammu Division]] is predominantly Hindu (67.5%) with a significant Muslim population (30%). The Muslims form a majority in the [[Rajouri district|Rajouri]] (63%), [[Poonch district, India|Poonch]] (90%), [[Doda district|Doda]] (54%), [[Kishtwar district|Kishtwar]] (58%) and [[Ramban district|Ramban]] (71%) districts of Jammu, while the Hindus form a majority in [[Kathua district|Kathua]] (88%), [[Samba District|Samba]] (86%), [[Jammu District|Jammu]] (84%) and [[Udhampur district|Udhampur]] (88%) districts. [[Reasi district]] has an almost equal number of Hindus and Muslims.<ref name="2011 Census">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref> The [[Dogra people|Dogras]] and various organisations of Hindu-majority Jammu region have demanded a separate state after bifurcation of the territory, on the basis of cultural, linguistic and religious differences from neighbouring [[Kashmiris]] (who are predominantly [[Muslim]] by faith).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/explained-protests-for-jammu-statehood-the-idea-of-jammu-and-kashmir-trifurcation-and-rss-2002-resolution-news-210475|title=Explained: Protests For Jammu's Statehood, The Idea Of Jammu & Kashmir's Trifurcation, And RSS 2002 Resolution|date=19 July 2022|access-date=18 January 2023|archive-date=25 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225025800/https://www.outlookindia.com/national/explained-protests-for-jammu-statehood-the-idea-of-jammu-and-kashmir-trifurcation-and-rss-2002-resolution-news-210475|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/india/movement-launched-across-jammu-for----separate-state---.html|title=Movement launched across Jammu for 'separate State'|website=The Pioneer|access-date=18 January 2023|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718013027/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/india/movement-launched-across-jammu-for----separate-state---.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jammu/ikkjutt-activists-detained-after-protests-demanding-separate-state-for-jammu-8035521/|title=IkkJutt activists detained after protests demanding separate state for Jammu|date=18 July 2022|access-date=18 January 2023|archive-date=19 July 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220719055455/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jammu/ikkjutt-activists-detained-after-protests-demanding-separate-state-for-jammu-8035521/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Language===
{{Pie chart
| caption = Languages in Jammu & Kashmir [[2011 Census of India]].<ref name="census2011-C16"/>
| label1 = [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]]
| value1 = 52.87
| color1 = limegreen
| label2 = [[Dogri language|Dogri]]
| value2 = 20.48
| color2 = red
| label3 = [[Gujari language|Gojri]]
| value3 = 9.25
| color3 = turquoise
| label4 = [[Pahari language|Pahari]]
| value4 = 7.98
| color4 = pink
| label5 = [[Hindi]]
| value5 = 2.28
| color5 = orange
| label6 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| value6 = 1.76
| color6 = lightcoral
| label7 = Others
| value7 = 5.38
| color7 = grey
}}
[[File:Language in Jammu and Kashmir (2011).jpg|thumb|Largest language spoken by district In Jammu and Kashmir, 2011 census]]

The most widely spoken language is [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], the mother tongue of {{sigfig|53.27|2}}% of the population according to the 2011 census. Kashmiri is primarily spoken in the Kashmir Valley and in the upper reaches of the Chenab Valley, with a sizeable number of speakers in Jammu City. Other major languages include [[Dogri language|Dogri]] ({{sigfig|20.04|2}}%), [[Gojri language|Gojri]] ({{sigfig|9.05|2}}%), [[Pahari language (Kashmir)|Pahari]] ({{sigfig|7.8|2}}%), [[Hindi]] ({{sigfig|2.43|2}}%), [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] ({{sigfig|1.75|2}}%),<ref name="census2011-C16"/> [[Balti language|Balti]], [[Bateri language|Bateri]], [[Bhadarwahi language|Bhadarwahi]], [[Brokskat]], [[Changthang]], [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]], [[Purik language|Purik]], [[Sheikhgal]], [[Spiti Bhoti language|Spiti Bhoti]], and [[Zangskari language|Zangskari]]. [[Dogri language|Dogri]], Pahari, is spoken throughout the plains areas of Jammu division, as well as in parts of the hills. The hill people speak several languages. In the Pir Panjal Range, bordering Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the main language is [[Pahari-Pothwari]], as well as [[Gujari language|Gojri]], the language of the Gujjar tribe. In the eastern hills of Jammu division are spoken various [[Western Pahari|Western Pahari languages]] such as [[Sarazi language|Siraji]] and [[Bhadarwahi language|Bhaderwahi]], which merge with the dialects of western Himachal Pradesh.<ref name="census2011-C16">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Jammu and Kashmir |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10206/download/13318/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0100.XLSX |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718013022/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10206/download/13318/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0100.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, several other languages, predominantly found in neighbouring regions, are also spoken by communities within Jammu and Kashmir: [[Bhattiyali language|Bhattiyali]], [[Chambeali language|Chambeali]], [[Churahi language|Churahi]], [[Gaddi language|Gaddi]], [[Hindko]], [[Lahul Lohar language|Lahul Lohar]], [[Pangwali language|Pangwali]], [[Pattani language|Pattani]], [[Sansi language|Sansi]], and [[Shina language|Shina]].<ref>{{Ethnologue21}}</ref>

[[Urdu]] is also widely understood and spoken, particularly in the Kashmir region where it acts as the lingua franca alongside Kashmiri and also serves as a medium of instruction along with [[English language|English]], while [[Hindi]] is taught and understood in the southern areas of Jammu.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}

==Education==
{{main|List of institutions of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir}}

[[File:University_Convocation_Complex,_University_of_Kashmir.png|thumb|left|University of Kashmir]]
According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate in Jammu and Kashmir was 67.17%, male literacy was 75%, while female literacy was at 56.43%.

[[University of Kashmir]] located in Srinagar is the main university in the territory. Other universities include [[University of Jammu]], [[Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir]], [[Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University]], [[Islamic University of Science & Technology]], etc. Major institutions of higher education are [[National Institute of Technology, Srinagar|NIT Srinagar]], [[IIT Jammu]], [[Indian Institute of Management Jammu|IIM Jammu]], [[Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences|NIFT]] Srinagar and [[Institute of Hotel Management|IHM]] Srinagar. Medical colleges include [[Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences|SKIMS]], and the [[Government Medical College, Srinagar|Government Medical College]] in Srinagar and [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Vijaypur, Jammu]].

==Government and politics==
{{main|Government of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly}}

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is administered under the provisions of [[:s:Constitution of India/Part VIII#Article 239|Article 239]] of the [[Constitution of India]]. Article 239A, originally formulated for the union territory of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puduchery]], is also applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.<ref name="Indian Express">[https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-bifurcation-ladakh-union-territory-key-takeaways-from-reorganisation-bill-article-370-amit-shah-5880177/ Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill passed by Rajya Sabha: Key takeaways] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805144345/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-bifurcation-ladakh-union-territory-key-takeaways-from-reorganisation-bill-article-370-amit-shah-5880177/ |date=5 August 2019 }}, The Indian Express, 5 August 2019.</ref>

===Executive branch===
[[File:Omar Abdullah (Cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Omar Abdullah]] has been [[Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|chief minister]] since October 2024.]]
The [[President of India]] appoints a [[List of Governors of Jammu and Kashmir|Lieutenant Governor]] for the union territory.<ref name="Indian Express"/> A [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir|Council of Ministers]] led by a [[Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister]] is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor from the membership of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly|legislative assembly]]. Their role is to advise the Lieutenant Governor in the exercise of functions in matters under the jurisdiction of the legislative assembly. In other matters, the Lieutenant Governor is empowered to act in his own capacity.<ref name="Indian Express"/> [[Omar Abdullah]] has been chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir since October 2024.<ref name="IE_Oct16-2024">{{cite news |last1=Masood |first1=Bashaarat |date=16 October 2024 |title=As Omar takes oath as J&K CM, here are the ministers in his Cabinet |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/omar-abdullah-jammu-and-kashmir-cm-cabinet-ministers-9622879/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=16 October 2024 |archive-date=6 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106104921/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/omar-abdullah-jammu-and-kashmir-cm-cabinet-ministers-9622879/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

There are 42 administrative departments under the [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]], through which executive functions are carried out.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jammu and Kashmir District {{!}} Government of Jammu and Kashmir {{!}} India |url=https://www.jkgad.nic.in/leftmenu/AdminDeptt.aspx |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250908032538/https://www.jkgad.nic.in/leftmenu/AdminDeptt.aspx |archive-date=8 September 2025 |access-date=30 March 2026 |website=jkgad.nic.in}}</ref>

===Legislative branch===
[[File:India Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly 2024.svg|thumb|Membership by party in the [[13th Jammu and Kashmir Assembly]]]]
The legislative branch of government is a unicameral [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly|legislative assembly]], whose tenure is five years. The legislative assembly may make laws for any of the matters in the [[State List]] of the Constitution of India except "public order" and "police", which will remain the preserve of the central [[Government of India]]. The Lieutenant Governor also has the power to promulgate ordinances which have the same force as the acts of the legislative assembly.<ref name="Indian Express"/>

Elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly were held in [[2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|September and October 2024]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-election-in-2021-after-delimitation-ec-sources-2230726.html|title=Jammu and Kashmir assembly election in 2021 after delimitation: EC sources|date=29 August 2019|website=Zee News|access-date=26 October 2019|archive-date=1 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001114237/https://zeenews.india.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-election-in-2021-after-delimitation-ec-sources-2230726.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Judicial branch===
[[FILE:Stamp of India - 2006 - Colnect 158978 - High Court of Jammu - Kashmir.jpeg|thumb|The [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]] on postal stamps of India]]
The union territory is under the jurisdiction of the [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]], which also serves as the high court for [[Ladakh]].<ref name="Indian Express"/> Police services are provided by the [[Jammu and Kashmir Police]].<ref name="trnscpt">{{cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/salient-features-of-jammu-kashmir-reorganization-bill-146998|title=Salient Features Of Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Bill [Read Bill]|first1=Devesh|first2=Iti|last1=Ratan|last2=Johri|date=7 August 2019|website=LiveLaw.in: All about law|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=19 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519084336/https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/salient-features-of-jammu-kashmir-reorganization-bill-146998|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Parties===
The main political parties active in the region are the [[Jammu & Kashmir National Conference]] (leader: [[Omar Abdullah]]) the [[Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party]] (President: [[Mehbooba Mufti]]) the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (State President: [[Sat Paul Sharma]]), the [[Indian National Congress]] (State President: [[Tariq Hameed Karra]]), and the [[Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference]] (President: [[Sajjad Gani Lone]]). Other parties with a presence in the region include the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]], the [[Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party]], and the [[Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party]] (President: [[Altaf Bukhari]]).

===Local government===
The rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir are governed by [[Panchayati raj in India|Panchayati Raj Institutions]] under the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, which was passed in March 1989. It establishes a three-tier system of local government, similar to the rest of India: Halqa Panchayat at the village level, Block Development Council at the block level, and District Development Council at the district level.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Bhat |first=Imtiyaz Ahmad |title=Local Self Government of Jammu and Kashmir: A Critical Analysis
|journal=International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field |volume=5 |issue=2 |date=February 2019 |pages=26–
|url=https://www.ijirmf.com/wp-content/uploads/IJIRMF201902004.pdf |access-date=29 April 2026}}</ref> There are a total of 4291 halqa panchayats, 286 block development councils, and 20 district development councils.<ref>{{cite web |title=List of Subordinate Offices under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj |url=https://jkpanchayat.jk.gov.in/subordinateoffice.php |website=Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Jammu and Kashmir |publisher=Government of Jammu and Kashmir |access-date=29 April 2026}}</ref>

Urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir are governed by Urban Local Bodies under the J&K Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 and J&K Municipal Act, 2000. It provides for [[Municipal corporation (India)|Municipal Corporations]] in cities with a population of one lakh or more, [[Municipal council (India)|Municipal Councils]] for medium towns, and [[Nagar panchayat|Municipal Committees]] for smaller towns. At present, there are 80 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), including two Municipal Corporations (at [[Jammu Municipal Corporation|Jammu]] and [[Srinagar Municipal Corporation|Srinagar]]), six Municipal Councils, and 72 Municipal Committees.<ref>{{cite report |title=Profile of Urban Local Bodies
|work=Annual Technical Inspection Report on Urban Local Bodies for the year ended 31 March 2015 |publisher=Comptroller and Auditor General of India |location=Jammu and Kashmir |date=2017 |url=https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2017/Chapter_1_Profile_Or_Urban_Local_Bodies_of_Annual_Technical_Inspection_Report_on_Urban_Local_Bodies_for_the_year_ended_31_March_2015,_Government_of_Jammu_and_Kashmir.pdf
|access-date=29 April 2026}}</ref> Elections are held in every five years for these local bodies, and conducted by [[Jammu and Kashmir State Election Commission|J&K State Election Commission]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Role and Functions |url=https://secjk.nic.in/AboUs%20(5)RolFunctions.html |website=State Election Commission, Jammu and Kashmir |publisher=Government of Jammu and Kashmir |access-date=29 April 2026}}</ref>

===Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament of India===
Jammu and Kashmir sends five members (MPs) to the lower house of the [[Indian parliament]] (the [[Lok Sabha]]) and four members to the upper house (the [[Rajya Sabha]]).

;Lok Sabha constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Constituency No. !! style="width:180px;" |Constituency !! Reserved for (SC/ST/None)
|-
| align="centre" |1||[[Baramulla (Lok Sabha constituency)|Baramulla]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |2 ||[[Srinagar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Srinagar]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |3 ||[[Anantnag–Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency|Anantnag-Rajouri]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |4 ||[[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |5 ||[[Jammu (Lok Sabha constituency)|Jammu]]|| align="centre" |None
|}

== Economy ==
[[file:Kashmiri apple.jpg|thumb|200px|Apples of Kashmir are famous for their taste]]
Jammu and Kashmir's economy is primarily services-based and agriculture-oriented.<ref name="IBEF"/> The [[gross domestic product]] of Jammu and Kashmir was estimated at {{INRConvert|3.15|lc|year=2026}} in 2026–27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_15_03_2021.xls|title=MOSPI State Domestic Product, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation|publisher=Government of India|date=15 March 2021|access-date=17 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415164725/http://www.mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_15_03_2021.xls|url-status=live}}</ref> In the fiscal year 2023–2024, it is expected that Jammu and Kashmir's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will exceed Rs 2.30 lakh crore, with a growth rate of 10 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Akmali |first1=Mukeet |title=J&K's economy projected to grow 10% in 2023-24 |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/front-page/jks-economy-projected-to-grow-10-in-2023-24 |access-date=6 August 2023 |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003010954/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/front-page/jks-economy-projected-to-grow-10-in-2023-24 |url-status=live }}</ref> Along with [[horticulture]] and [[agriculture]], tourism is an important industry for Jammu and Kashmir, accounting for about 7% to its economy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/jammu-and-kashmir-s-tourism-flourishes-receives-highest-footfall-since-independence-1947-11665122159734.html|title=Jammu and Kashmir's tourism flourishes, receives highest footfall in 75 years|date=7 October 2022|website=mint|access-date=7 October 2022|archive-date=30 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530044641/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/jammu-and-kashmir-s-tourism-flourishes-receives-highest-footfall-since-independence-1947-11665122159734.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Kashmir Valley is known for its [[sericulture]] and cold-water fisheries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thekashmirimages.com/2021/03/16/time-for-skuast-jammu-to-start-horti-dairy-farming-agri-engineering-deptts-lg/|title=Time for SKUAST-Jammu to start Horti, Dairy Farming, Agri Engineering deptts: LG|date=16 March 2021|work=The Kashmir Images|archive-date=18 July 2023|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718012014/https://thekashmirimages.com/2021/03/16/time-for-skuast-jammu-to-start-horti-dairy-farming-agri-engineering-deptts-lg/|url-status=live}}</ref> Wood from Kashmir is used to make high-quality cricket bats, popularly known as Kashmir Willow.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/nov/05/jalandhar-bats-with-pakistani-goods-1692212.html|title=Jalandhar bats with Pakistani goods|date=5 November 2017|work=The New Indian Express|archive-date=5 June 2024|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605005404/https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/nov/05/jalandhar-bats-with-pakistani-goods-1692212.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Major agricultural exports from Jammu and Kashmir include apples, pears, cherries, plums, saffron and walnuts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/jk-special-report-ready-reckoner-of-top-agri-product-manufacturers-and-industry-bodies-from-jammu--kashmir-1.1609037238326|title=J&K special report: Ready reckoner of top agri-product manufacturers and industry bodies from Jammu & Kashmir|date=27 December 2020|work=[[Gulf News]]|archive-date=18 July 2023|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718012923/https://gulfnews.com/uae/jk-special-report-ready-reckoner-of-top-agri-product-manufacturers-and-industry-bodies-from-jammu--kashmir-1.1609037238326|url-status=live}}</ref> The traditional [[Kashmiri handicrafts]] industry employs a large workforce of around 340 thousand artisans and has potential for producing export goods.<ref name="IBEF"/> Small-scale cottage industries include carpet weaving, silks, shawls, basketry, pottery, copper and [[Silversmith|silverware]], [[Kashmir papier-mâché|papier-mâché]] and [[Kashmir walnut wood carving|walnut wood]].<ref name="IBEF"/> The [[horticulture]] sector is the next biggest source of income in the economy. The temperature of Jammu and Kashmir is also suited to [[floriculture]] and can support various species of flora.<ref name="IBEF"/>
[[File:1700s Boteh Example from - a Dochalla Shawl in the WOVENSOULS collection.jpg|thumb|Boteh from an Antique Kashmiri Dochalla Shawl]]
Over 500 mineral blocks are present in Jammu and Kashmir, 261 of which are in the Kashmir Division alone.<ref name="TKIMin"/> [[Kishtwar]] is known as the 'land of sapphire and saffron'.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/jammu-todays-paper/kishtwar-couple-globalising-local-produce-promoting-kashmiri-dogra-arts-and-crafts|date=11 July 2021|author=Syed Amjad Shah|work=Greater Kashmir|title=Kishtwar couple globalising local produce; promoting Kashmiri-Dogra arts and crafts|archive-date=17 July 2024|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717113002/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/jammu-todays-paper/kishtwar-couple-globalising-local-produce-promoting-kashmiri-dogra-arts-and-crafts/|url-status=live}}</ref> Resources such as timber, herbs and medicinal shrubs, edibles such as mushroom, [[Pinus gerardiana|chilgoza]], [[Nigella sativa|black zeera]], and saffron are available in the forests.<ref name="KishEx"/> The sapphire reserve mines of Machail, [[Paddar]] are a source of mineral wealth.<ref name="KishEx">{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/kishtwar-ignored-beauty/|date=15 March 2020|title=Kishtwar Ignored Beauty|work=Daily Excelsior|archive-date=18 July 2023|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718013418/https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/kishtwar-ignored-beauty/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jammu and Kashmir is the only administrative unit in India with a large amount of [[borax]] and sapphire resources.<ref name="TKIMin"/> It possesses 36 per cent of the graphite, 21 per cent marble and 14 per cent of [[gypsum]] present in India.<ref name="TKIMin"/> Coal, limestone and [[magnesite]] are found scattered among the different districts of the union territory.<ref name="TKIMin"/>

Other minerals of significance that occur are [[bauxite]], [[ball clay]] and [[Kaolinite|china clay]] in Udhampur; [[bentonite]] in Jammu; [[diaspore]] in Rajouri and Udhampur; graphite in Baramulla; lignite and marble in Kupwara; quartz and silica sand in Anantnag, Doda and Udhampur; and quartzite in Anantnag district.<ref name="TKIMin"/> In addition, the [[Ministry of Mines (India)|Department of Geology and Mining]] has determined the presence of minerals such as [[magnetite]], [[dolomite (mineral)|dolomite]], fuel mineral, decorative building stones, slate, and gemstones. All are materials with commercial and industrial uses in many products and factories.<ref name="TKIMin">{{cite news|url=https://thekashmirimages.com/2020/09/11/new-mining-policy-in-jk-interests-of-locals-are-paramount-not-revenue/|title=New Mining Policy in J&K: Interests of locals are paramount, not revenue|date=11 September 2020|work=The Kashmir Images|archive-date=18 July 2023|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718012305/https://thekashmirimages.com/2020/09/11/new-mining-policy-in-jk-interests-of-locals-are-paramount-not-revenue/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the fiscal year 2019–20, total exports from Jammu and Kashmir amounted to {{INRConvert|188.18|m|year=2020}}.<ref name="IBEF">{{cite web|url=https://www.ibef.org/states/jammu-and-kashmir-presentation|title=Jammu And Kashmir Presentation And Economic Growth Report|date=29 July 2021|publisher=[[India Brand Equity Foundation]]|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522022643/https://www.ibef.org/states/jammu-and-kashmir-presentation|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Jammu & Kashmir Bank]], which is listed as a [[NIFTY 500]] conglomerate, is based in the union territory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/market/stock-market-stats/|title=The Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd. - Stock Price|access-date=2 August 2021|work=The Financial Express|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421033835/https://www.financialexpress.com/market/stock-market-stats/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest recipients of grants from the central government annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jakfinance.nic.in/budget/budget2122/8%20Demands%20for%20Grants%202021-22.pdf|title=Demand for Grants of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir 2021-22.|access-date=2 August 2021|publisher=Finance Department Jammu and Kashmir|archive-date=26 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926133408/https://www.jakfinance.nic.in/budget/budget2122/8%20Demands%20for%20Grants%202021-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the [[Sustainable Development Goals]] Index 2021, 10.35 per cent of the population of Jammu and Kashmir live below the national poverty line, the [[List of Indian states and union territories by poverty rate|third-highest among union territories]] in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://kashmirobserver.net/amp/|title=10.35% Population In J&K Living Below Poverty Line: Survey|date=11 June 2021|access-date=11 June 2021|work=Kashmir Observer|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206065329/https://kashmirobserver.net/2021/09/23/real-kashmir-win-1st-futsal-championship-2021/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Apple cultivation===
The apple industry is a significant source of employment in Jammu and Kashmir, generating the highest number of jobs. It provides approximately 400-man-days of work per year per hectare of orchards, supporting a workforce of 3.5 million people. Moreover, it contributes approximately 10 per cent to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). In the year 2020–2021, the apple production in Kashmir was reported to be 1,695,000.00 metric tonnes, while in the Jammu Division, it stood at 24,415.69 metric tonnes. The combined apple production for the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir amounted to 1,719,415.69 metric tonnes. Notably, the Kashmir Valley is the primary contributor to these numbers, accounting for 75 per cent of India's total apple production and exporting around 1.8 million metric tonnes of apples annually.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haneef |first1=Mohammad |title=Kashmir's Apple: An 800-year-old economical backbone of Kashmir |url=http://risingkashmir.com/kashmirs-apple-an-800-year-old-economical-backbone-of-kashmir |access-date=6 August 2023 |work=[[Rising Kashmir]] |date=31 March 2023 |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711070846/http://risingkashmir.com/kashmirs-apple-an-800-year-old-economical-backbone-of-kashmir |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Media ==
{{main|Media in Jammu and Kashmir}}

[[File:Floating Post Office - Dal Lake - Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir.jpg|thumb|200px|Floating Post Office, Dal Lake - Srinagar]]
The [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI) regulates all major aspects pertaining to media and telecommunications in Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0gfeQc1ZBqIC&pg=PA112 |publisher=Georg Thieme Verlag |page=112 |id=GGKEY:BJ6HEPE0NRE}}</ref> In addition, the Jammu and Kashmir administration released their [[media policy]] in 2020 which enabled government officers to sanction journalists and media organisations for disseminating "[[fake news]]", and is valid for the next five years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/media/kashmir-new-media-policy-press-freedom|title=Why Journalists Are Worried About the New Media Policy in Jammu and Kashmir|date=17 July 2020|website=The Wire|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-date=5 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905083246/https://thewire.in/media/kashmir-new-media-policy-press-freedom|url-status=live}}</ref> The policy attracted criticism for allegedly reducing people to "passive recipients of the information the government intends to disseminate."<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.epw.in/engage/article/kashmir-media-policy-accentuating-curbs-freedom-press|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|title=Kashmir Media Policy: Accentuating the Curbs on the Freedom of Press|date=19 August 2020|pages=7–8|archive-date=8 January 2021|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108015509/https://www.epw.in/engage/article/kashmir-media-policy-accentuating-curbs-freedom-press|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Press Council of India]] (PCI) expressed concern over the provisions of fake news in the policy, as it "interferes with the free functioning of the press."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jun/17/press-council-of-india-seeks-jk-govt--reply-on-fake-news-in-its-media-policy-2157594.html|title=Press Council of India seeks J&K govt reply on 'fake news' in its media policy|work=The New Indian Express|date=17 June 2020|archive-date=18 April 2024|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418011142/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jun/17/press-council-of-india-seeks-jk-govt--reply-on-fake-news-in-its-media-policy-2157594.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Major periodicals in Jammu and Kashmir include ''[[Greater Kashmir]]'', ''[[Rising Kashmir]]'', ''Kashmir Times'', ''[[Daily Excelsior]]'', ''Elite Kashmir'' and ''Kashmir Monitor''.<ref name="PDMIB-2016">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fPgADgAAQBAJ&pg=PT169|title=Mass Media in India - 2004|publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|year=2016|isbn=978-81-230-2338-0}}</ref> [[DD Kashir]] is the state-owned television broadcaster.<ref>{{cite web | title=Kashmir gets its own version of KBC from today | website=The Tribune | date=29 April 2019 | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/j-k/kashmir-gets-its-own-version-of-kbc-from-today-765559 | access-date=29 July 2021 | archive-date=1 August 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801194400/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/j-k/kashmir-gets-its-own-version-of-kbc-from-today-765559 | url-status=live }}</ref> Popular private television channels are [[ETV Urdu]] and Gulistan News.<ref>{{cite web | title=Amid Shutdown, a Private News Channel Connects Thousands in J&K | website=The Wire | date=24 September 2019 | url=https://thewire.in/media/kashmir-shutdown-gulistan-news | access-date=29 July 2021 | archive-date=26 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926155419/https://thewire.in/media/kashmir-shutdown-gulistan-news | url-status=live }}</ref> In association with [[All India Radio]], DD Kashir has established high power transmitters along the [[India–Pakistan border]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/dec/16pak2.htm |title=Rediff on the NeT: AIR, DD to counter Pak propaganda along border areas |work=Rediff.com |date=16 December 1999 |access-date=29 July 2021 |archive-date=9 September 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909174741/http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/dec/16pak2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Radio Sharda, a worldwide community radio service for [[Kashmiri Pandit]]s, was started by Ramesh Hangloo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/the-borderline-cases-of-jammu-kashmir-116020501436_1.html|title=The borderline cases of Jammu & Kashmir|last=Mohan|first=Archis|date=6 February 2016|work=Business Standard India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108034459/https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/the-borderline-cases-of-jammu-kashmir-116020501436_1.html|archive-date=8 November 2017}}</ref> FM Tadka 95.0, [[BIG FM 92.7]], [[Radio Mirchi]] and [[Red FM 93.5]] are private FM radio stations.<ref>{{cite web | title=FM radio stations and their audiences bloom in restive Kashmir | website=Asia Times | date=25 September 2018 | url=https://asiatimes.com/2018/09/fm-radio-stations-and-their-audiences-bloom-in-restive-kashmir/ | access-date=29 July 2021 | archive-date=5 May 2021 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20210505040516/https://asiatimes.com/2018/09/fm-radio-stations-and-their-audiences-bloom-in-restive-kashmir/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Internet shutdowns are frequent in Jammu and Kashmir. As of February 2021, the region had 300 internet shutdowns since 2012. In 2020 alone, this number was 115, the highest of any year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India: number of internet shutdowns J&K 2021|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096574/india-number-of-internet-shutdowns-jammu-kashmir/|access-date=29 July 2021|website=Statista|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405093345/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096574/india-number-of-internet-shutdowns-jammu-kashmir/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Sports ==
{{Main|Sports in Jammu and Kashmir}}

[[File:First ever Khelo India Winter Games.jpg|thumb|Inauguration of the first Khelo India Winter Games]]
Sports tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir are organised by both the Indian army and police, as well as mainstream political parties and the [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]].<ref name="Gupta-2020"/> Sportspersons who represent India in tournaments face stigmatisation from separatists.<ref name="Gupta-2020">{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Amit|date=16 October 2020|title=Sports in Kashmir: How 5 journalists run a magazine that focuses on local sports|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/sport/others/to-be-a-sportsman-in-kashmir-in-these-grim-times-cant-be-easy/articleshow/78693513.cms|website=Mumbai Mirror|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924214842/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/sport/others/to-be-a-sportsman-in-kashmir-in-these-grim-times-cant-be-easy/articleshow/78693513.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Jammu and Kashmir has 18 stadiums, 23 training centres, three indoor sports complexes and 42 government-maintained playing fields.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dteyssjk.nic.in/youth-sports/infra.html|title=Department of Youth Services & Sports|website=Department of Youth Services and Sports|publisher=Government of Jammu and Kashmir|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129051640/http://dteyssjk.nic.in/youth-sports/infra.html|archive-date=29 November 2019}}</ref> Srinagar is home to the [[Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium]], a stadium where international cricket matches have been played.<ref name=cricinfo>{{cite web | url = http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/match_results.html?class=2;id=559;type=ground | title = Records / Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Srinagar / One-Day Internationals | publisher = [[ESPNcricinfo]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140813232013/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/match_results.html?class=2%3Bid%3D559%3Btype%3Dground |archive-date=13 August 2014}}</ref> The [[Maulana Azad Stadium]] in Jammu is one of the home venues for the [[Jammu and Kashmir cricket team]].<ref name=ca>{{cite web|title=Molana Azad Stadium, Jammu|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Grounds/14/1059.html|work=[[CricketArchive]]|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=19 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119225729/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Grounds/14/1059.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Bakshi Stadium]] in Srinagar, named after [[Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad]], hosts football matches.<ref name=bakshitoi>{{cite news | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/JK-stadium-hosts-football-match-after-25-year-gap/articleshow/14972629.cms | title = J&K stadium hosts football match after 25-year gap | work = The Times of India | date = 16 July 2012 | access-date = 1 August 2021 | archive-date = 11 May 2013 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130511194756/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-16/india/32697338_1_football-clubs-bakshi-stadium-santosh-trophy }}</ref>

Institutions such as the [[Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports]] provides mountaineering, skiing and adventure courses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ut-govt-denies-pensionary-benefits-to-retired-employees-of-jimws/|title=UT Govt denies pensionary benefits to retired employees of JIM&WS|website=Daily Excelsior|date=5 July 2021|last1=Excelsior|first1=Daily|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718013149/https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ut-govt-denies-pensionary-benefits-to-retired-employees-of-jimws/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar]], located on the banks of [[Dal lake]], is considered one of the best golf courses in India.<ref name=golf>{{cite web|title=India|url=http://www.rtj2.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=listcats&cat_id=55&Itemid=37|publisher=Robert Trent Jones – Golf Architects|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212020422/https://www.rtj2.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=listcats&cat_id=55&Itemid=37|archive-date=12 December 2013}}</ref> Jammu and Kashmir was also host to the first [[Khelo India Winter Games]], held in 2020 in Gulmarg.<ref name="Ashiq-2020">{{Cite news|last=Ashiq|first=Peerzada|date=7 March 2020|title=Khelo India Winter Games kicked off in J&K|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/khelo-india-winter-games-kicked-off-in-jk/article31011206.ece|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=18 July 2023|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718012400/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/khelo-india-winter-games-kicked-off-in-jk/article31011206.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Jammu and Kashmir came first with the most gold medals at 26, followed by the Indian Army team with 8 gold medals.<ref name="Iveson-2020">{{Cite web|last=Iveson|first=Ali|date=15 March 2020|title=Hosts win 26 gold medals as first-ever Khelo India Winter Games conclude|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1091948/khelo-india-winter-games|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219123227/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1091948/khelo-india-winter-games|archive-date=19 December 2020|website=Inside the Games}}</ref> The second edition of the winter games were also held in Gulmarg in 2021, with Jammu and Kashmir coming first again.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 March 2021|title=Spectacular Closing Ceremony of 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games organized at Gulmarg|url=http://www.knskashmir.com/spectacular-closing-ceremony-of-2nd-khelo-india-national-winter-games-organized-at-gulmarg-65215|website=Kashmir News Service|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718012151/http://www.knskashmir.com/spectacular-closing-ceremony-of-2nd-khelo-india-national-winter-games-organized-at-gulmarg-65215|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir}}

[[File:Vaishno.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Vaishno Devi Temple]] in winter]]
Tourism is a significant pillar for Jammu and Kashmir's economy, contributing substantially to employment and the gross domestic product. Estimates suggest that tourism accounts for around 7–15% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, with approximately half of the population engaged directly or indirectly in tourism-related activities.<ref name="Deshpande2021">{{cite web|title=What terror attacks like Pahalgam mean for J&K's economy|date=30 April 2025|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pahalgam-terror-attack-jammu-kashmir-economy-9974315/|access-date=28 May 2025|archive-date=1 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501024446/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pahalgam-terror-attack-jammu-kashmir-economy-9974315/|url-status=live}}</ref> The sector supports a wide range of economic activities, including hospitality, handicrafts, transport, and local services, and is vital for the socio-economic development of the territory.<ref name="Emerald2024"/>

Some major tourist attractions are [[Srinagar]], the [[Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar|Mughal Gardens]], [[Gulmarg]], [[Pahalgam]], [[Patnitop]], [[Bhaderwah]] and [[Jammu]]. Every year, thousands of Hindu [[pilgrim]]s visit holy shrines of [[Vaishno Devi Temple|Vaishno Devi]] and [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath]] which has had significant impact on the economy.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200709130350.htm |work=Online edition of The Hindu |title=Amarnath Board to study yatra impact on Kashmir economy |access-date=6 June 2009 |location=Chennai, India |date=13 September 2007 |archive-date=9 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109091413/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200709130350.htm }}</ref><ref name="Emerald2024">{{cite book|chapter=The Role of Tourism in the Economic Development of Jammu and Kashmir Region| doi=10.1108/978-1-83608-326-920241012 |chapter-url=https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/978-1-83608-326-920241012/full/pdf?title=the-role-of-tourism-in-the-economic-development-of-jammu-and-kashmir-region|access-date=28 May 2025 | title=Sustainable Tourism, Part B | date=2024 | last1=Kumar | first1=Raushan | last2=Pathak | first2=Niranjan Deo | last3=Jha | first3=Shiv Swaroop | pages=209–221 | isbn=978-1-83608-327-6 }}</ref> The Kashmir valley is one of the top tourist destinations in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200903181221.htm|work=Online edition of The Hindu|title=Foreign tourists flock Kashmir|access-date=18 March 2009|location=Chennai, India|date=18 March 2009|archive-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109091716/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200903181221.htm}}</ref> [[Gulmarg]], one of the most popular [[ski resort]] destinations in India, is also home to the world's highest green [[golf course]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB119332713217271534?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=Fairway to Heaven|author=Cris Prystay|date=26 October 2007|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=15 February 2020|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718012246/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB119332713217271534?mod=googlenews_wsj|url-status=live}}</ref>
The government has prioritised the development of tourism infrastructure and the promotion of both traditional and off-beat destinations, aiming to expand the sector and ensure sustainable growth.<ref name="CNBCTV18">{{cite web|title=Over 2.35 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024|date=14 March 2025|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/destinations/over-2-35-crore-tourists-visited-jammu-and-kashmir-in-2024-govt-is-now-promoting-srinagar-19573656.htm|access-date=28 May 2025|archive-date=24 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424233637/https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/destinations/over-2-35-crore-tourists-visited-jammu-and-kashmir-in-2024-govt-is-now-promoting-srinagar-19573656.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir has been profoundly affected by periods of insurgency, political instability, and violence. The onset of militancy in the late 1980s led to a dramatic decline in tourist arrivals, especially in the Kashmir Valley. For instance, tourist numbers in the valley fell from over 550,000 in 1989 to fewer than 10,000 in 1996, with both domestic and foreign tourism severely impacted.<ref name="Kumar2021">{{cite web|title=Tourism and Terrorism- A Study of Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1174&context=jti|access-date=28 May 2025|archive-date=1 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401043632/https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1174&context=jti|url-status=live}}</ref> The Jammu region, while less affected, also experienced a reduction in visitors during periods of heightened unrest.<ref name="Kumar2021"/> Episodes of violence and terror attacks have repeatedly disrupted the sector, leading to mass cancellations and long-term damage to the region's image as a safe destination.<ref name="JOHR">{{cite web|title=Insurgency as a stumbling block to the development of tourism industry of Kashmir valley|url=https://www.johronline.com/articles/insurgency-as-a-stumbling-block-to-the-development-of-tourism-industry-of-kashmir-valley.pdf|access-date=28 May 2025|archive-date=14 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241014105209/https://www.johronline.com/articles/insurgency-as-a-stumbling-block-to-the-development-of-tourism-industry-of-kashmir-valley.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Notably, the 2019 advisory from the Government of India, following the abrogation of Article 370, resulted in the abrupt evacuation of tourists and a near-complete shutdown of the industry.<ref name="Kumar2021"/> Terror attacks such as the [[2025 Pahalgam attack]], which resulted in significant loss of life, have led to widespread cancellations, a sharp decline in bookings, and the closure of many tourist sites as part of security measures.<ref name="TOI2025">{{cite web|title=Terrorism and tourism can't go hand-in-hand: Tour operators|work=The Times of India|date=26 April 2025|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/terrorism-and-tourism-cant-go-hand-in-hand-tour-operators/articleshow/120605803.cms|access-date=28 May 2025|archive-date=15 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515081927/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/terrorism-and-tourism-cant-go-hand-in-hand-tour-operators/articleshow/120605803.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reuters2025">{{cite web|title=India shuts over half Kashmir tourist spots in security review after attack|work=Reuters |date=29 April 2025 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-shuts-over-half-kashmir-tourist-spots-security-review-2025-04-29/|access-date=28 May 2025 |last1=Bukhari |first1=Fayaz |last2=Patel |first2=Shivam }}</ref>

The immediate aftermath of such incidents typically sees a steep drop in tourist arrivals, with ripple effects on employment and local businesses dependent on tourism.<ref name="TOI2025"/> The sector’s recovery often takes several years, and recurring instability continues to act as a major constraint on its full potential.<ref name="JOHR"/> Despite these challenges, the region has demonstrated resilience, with tourism numbers rebounding during periods of relative calm. Periods of decrease in violence boosts tourism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/Tourists-arrival-gives-boost-to-J-K-economy-news-jm3v4cihjai.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716071016/http://www.sify.com/news/Tourists-arrival-gives-boost-to-J-K-economy-news-jm3v4cihjai.html|archive-date=16 July 2011|title=Tourists arrival gives boost to J-K economy|work=Sify}}</ref> In 2024, Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 23 million tourist visits.<ref name="CNBCTV18"/> However, the volatility associated with insurgency is a persistent obstacle to sustainable tourism development.<ref name="JOHR"/>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
{{reflist|group=note}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)]], for the entity that existed till 1952
* [[Kashmiriyat]]
* [[Kashmiri cinema]]
* [[Literature of Kashmir]]
* [[Music of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Kus Bani Koshur Karorpaet]]
* [[AIR Srinagar]]
* [[Central University of Kashmir]]
* [[Central University of Jammu]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir cricket team]]
* [[Real Kashmir F.C.]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir football team]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir Rifles]]
* [[Fauna of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Mansar-Surinsar Wildlife Sanctuary]]
{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://jk.gov.in/ Government of Jammu and Kashmir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614035323/http://jk.gov.in/ |date=14 June 2022 }}
* [https://jkgad.nic.in/ General Administration Department]
* [http://jkrajbhawan.nic.in/ Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir]
* [https://jammukashmir.s3waas.gov.in/ Jammu and Kashmir district portal]

{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}}
{{Regions and administrative territories of Kashmir}}
{{Kashmir Valley}}
{{States and Union Territories of India}}
{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:North India|*]]
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[[Category:Countries and territories where Kashmiri is an official language]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Pakistan]]
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IndianPedia - User contributions [en]

Jammu and Kashmir union territory