Tourists sit near Happy New Year 2021 sign on snow at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir on the eve of the New Year. The resort is witnessing a huge rush of visitors, with most of them not adhering to social distancing norms and other COVID-19 related precautions.
An army personnel dressed as Santa Claus distributes sweets among local youth during Christmas celebrations at Army Camp Larkipora in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A polling official pumps sanitizer on the hands of voters standing in a queue as they wait to cast their votes for the 7th phase of District Development Council (DDC) elections, at Archander Hama area of Pattan in Baramulla District of North Kashmir.
A man removes snow from his boat after overnight snowfall in Srinagar. The Kashmir valley continues to reel under intense cold wave for the past few days with widespread snowfall in the hilly areas.
Farmers carry a basket filled with walnuts to leave them for drying in the sun during harvesting season, amid COVID-19 pandemic, in Anantnag District of South Kashmir.
A farmer removes walnuts' covers before leaving them to dry in the sun during harvesting season, amid COVID-19 pandemic, in Anantnag District of South Kashmir. Kashmir is the main contributor to India's walnut production and every year walnuts are exported to various parts of the country.
Lt Gen B S Raju, General-Officer-in-Command of strategically located XV corps in Kashmir. A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.
Indian paramilitary officers take cover behind armored vehicles during a gunbattle in Yedipora village, north of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir. Two suspected rebels were killed and an army officer and a policeman injured in an ongoing gunfight in Kashmir, police said Friday.
A security personnel stands guard along the Srinagar-Ladakh Highway, at Gagangir in Ganderbal District of Central Kashmir.
Security personnel stands guard during an encounter with militants at Pantha Chowk area, on the outskirts of Srinagar. Three militants and a police officer were killed in the gunfight.
Kashmiri Shiite Muslims flagellate themselves during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Kashmir. Muharram is a month of mourning in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. Authorities had imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar, the region's main city, to prevent gatherings marking Muharram from developing into anti-India protests.
Riflewoman of Assam Rifles poses with an elderly man after being deployed for the first time in Kashmir.
People offer the funeral prayers for BJP leader Sheikh Waseem Bari and his father and brother, who were killed by the militants, in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel patrol along the high-altitude mountain ranges in Kashmir.
Army personnel during an encounter with militants at Pampore in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.
Security forces jawans stand guard during an encounter with the militants in the Kangan area of Pulwama district of south Kashmir. Three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants were killed in the gun-battle.
Army personnel display arms and ammunation recovered after the arrest of three militants, in Lolab area of Kupwara in north Kashmir.
In this file photo, is seen Commander-in-Chief of Hizbul Mujahideen Riyaz Naikoo. Naikoo was killed in an encounter with security forces at Beighpora area in Pulwama district of South Kashmir.
CRPF personnel pay tribute at a memorial to the 40 CRPF jawans, who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack in February last year, at Letapora of Pulwama District of South Kashmir.
Army soldiers during an encounter in which top three miltant commanders were killed, at Wani in Shopian district of south Kashmir.
Men walk on a road along a snow covered village after heavy snowfall at Ferozpora, Tangmarg in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
Chinar Corps personnel carry a an expecting mother Shamima, who required an emergency help, to hospital through heavy snow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the valour and professionalism of the Chinar Corps personnel. "Our Army is known for its valour and professionalism. It is also respected for its humanitarian spirit,” PM Modi wrote while replying to a tweet by the Chinar Corps, Indian Army.
A man clears snow from his vehicle after heavy snowfall at Ferozpora village of Tangmarg in Baramulla district of north Kashmir. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been closed for last four days due to heavy snowfall.
A security personnel checks a vehicle as others stand guard during snowfall, in Srinagar. Snowfall in Kashmir threw life out of gear for the second day on Monday and forced cancellation of all flights to and fro Srinagar airport.
Army personnel take positions near a house where militants were hiding, during a cordon-and-search operation, at Gulshanpora in Tral area of South Kashmir. Three militants were killed during the encounter.
Army jawans celebrate Christmas outside their camps at a snow-covered mountain in north Kashmir.
Five youths, who were allegedly misguided, unite with their families in Baramulla district. The police handed over the youths to their families after apprehending them from Uri sector.
Army personnel during rescue operation of civilians stranded due to heavy snowfall near Zojila Pass in J&K. Approximately 300-350 people, including women and children, were stranded at heights above 11,000 feet and temperatures of minus 7 degrees.
Tourists walk on the snow-covered field after the recent pre-seoson heavy snowfall at Gulmarg in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A barber attends to a customer inside his rented room as others wait in Srinagar. Earlier this month, the government revoked Kashmir's decades-old special status guaranteed under India's constitution. The government followed the move with an intense crackdown including a media blackout and backed by thousands of troops.
Security personnel stands guard during restrictions, in Srinagar. Restrictions were imposed in Srinagar city after posters issued by separatists called on people to march to the local United Nations military observer group office.
Security personnel stands guard during restrictions, in Srinagar. Restrictions were imposed in Srinagar city after posters issued by the separatists called on people to march to the local United Nations military observer group office.
Director General of Police Dilbag Singh and other police officers carry the coffin of special police officer (SPO) Bilal Ahmad during a tribute paying ceremony in Baramulla district of Kashmir. Ahmad was killed in an encounter with the militants.
Security personnel stand guard at a check point during restrictions, after Centre abrogated Article 370 and divided Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, in Srinagar.
Shikaras lay abandoned at a ghat as restrictions continue in the Valley, at Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Border Security Force personnel perform on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik with NSA Ajit Doval during a function on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day, at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, in Srinagar.
A view of a blocked road during restrictions following the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370, in Srinagar.
A security personnel stands guard during restrictions following the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370, in Srinagar.
A security personnel stands guard near a blocked road during restrictions following the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370, in Srinagar. Most phone lines in the Valley will be gradually restored over the weekend and schools will reopen area-wise next week, a top Jammu and Kashmir official said while announcing the easing of restrictions in a phased and 'orderly way'.
Army personnel stand guard during restrictions, in Jammu. Restrictions and night curfews were imposed in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir as the Valley remained on edge with authorities stepping up security deployment.
A worker carries cricket bats at a factory showroom at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A worker walks past willow clefts which are used for manufacturing of cricket bats, in a factory in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Cricket bats on display for sale at a factory showroom at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Workers give finishing touches to cricket bats in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Cricket bats being weighed before the finishing touches, in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Workers give shapes to cricket bats in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A worker sprays anti-termite chemical on willow clefts used for manufacturing of bats in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A worker laminates cricket bats in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A bend-saw driver shapes willow for cricket bats in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A worker puts threads on the handle of a cricket bats in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Workers give shapes to cricket bats in a factory at Halmullah in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Muslims pray on the first Friday of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on a road in Srinagar Indian controlled Kashmir. Islam's holiest month is a period of intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts.
Villagers carry the body of top rebel commander Muhammad Lateef Dar during his funeral procession in Dogripora, south of Srinagar. Three suspected rebels were killed in a gunbattle with forces in Kashmir.
Kashmiri Shiite children light candles at the grave of their relative to mark Shab-e- Barat, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Kashmir. Muslims visit ancestral graveyards for the salvation of the souls of the departed and also believe that all sins will be forgiven by praying to Allah throughout the Shab-e Barat night.
Voters stand in a queue to cast vote during the second phase of general elections, at polling station in Tikri of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir.
A security personnel stands guard as voters queue to cast their vote during the second phase of general elections, at a polling station in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmiri voters stand in a queue to cast their votes outside a polling station at Shadipora, outskirts of Srinagar.
Children walk on the debris of a house destroyed during a gunbattle between militants and security forces, at Hajin area of Bandipora district of North Kashmir. Two LeT militants and a minor boy Aatif Ahmad held hostage by ultras were killed in the encounter.
Villagers attend the funeral procession of a minor boy Aatif Ahmad, who was killed while being held hostage by two alleged LeT militants, during a gunbattle with security forces at Hajin area of District Bandipora of North Kashmir.
Villagers attend the funeral prayers of a minor boy Aatif Ahmad, who was killed while being held hostage by two alleged LeT militants, during a gunbattle with security forces at Hajin area of District Bandipora of North Kashmir.
People dismantle a portion of a house destroyed in a gunbattle in Tral village, south of Srinagar. Two suspected rebels were killed in a gunbattle with forces in Kashmir, police said.
People gather near the debris of IAF's MI-17V5 chopper that crashed in a village in Budgam, J&K.
Security personnel stand guard at the site of suicide bomb attack at Lethpora area, in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.
Officials from Forensic Science Laboratory(FSL) inspect the wreckage of a bus at the site of Thursday's explosion in Pampore, Kashmir.
Boys walk at a village covered with a white blanket of snow after snowfall at Gagangir in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
A local boy enjoys sledge ride during fresh snowfall at Gagangir in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
Tourists enjoy horse ride during fresh snowfall at Gagangir in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
A view of a village covered with a white blanket of snow during snowfall at Gagangir in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
People walk at road during fresh snowfall at Gagangir in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. Kashmir received its first snowfall of the New Year, breaking a month-long dry spell in the Valley.
An elderly man tries to cut frozen water with an axe to get to his destination in district Baramulla of north Kashmir.
People carefully navigate over frozen water at Tangmarg in district Baramulla of north Kashmir.
Men cross a stream as huge icicles hang from a bridge at Tangmarg in district Baramulla of north Kashmir.
People carefully navigate over frozen water at Tangmarg in district Baramulla of north Kashmir. The residents in Kashmir experienced huge relief from the intense cold wave conditions as the mercury improved by several degrees across the valley and Ladakh region last night, even as the minimum temperature continued to settle below the freezing point.
Youth look at an icicle formed due to the bursting of a water supply line at Tangmarg in Baramulla Distrct of North Kashmir.
A tourist takes photos of icicles formed due to burst of a water supply line during a snowfall at Pahalgam in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A view of Betab Valley after a fresh snowfall at Pahalgam in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Workers at lunch-break during peeling of the bark off the wicker sticks, softened in boiling water, at Soibugh in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
Family members and relatives pay tribute to L/NK Nazir Ahmad of 34 RR, who lost his life while fighting terrorists in Shopian, at his native village, in Chak Ashmuji in Kulgam district of South Kashmir.
People inspect a damaged house where four Hizbul Mujahideen militants and a soldier were killed during an encounter, at Shopian district of South Kashmir.
Snow is cleared from Srinagar-Jammu National highway at Qazigund in south Kashmir. Authorities re-opened the highway for light motor vehicles.
People walk on a snow covered road after heavy snowfall, in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
A view after fresh snowfall at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla District of North Kashmir.
A view after fresh snowfall at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla District of North Kashmir. According to the officials, moderate snowfall was witnessed in Gulmarg, where nearly six inches of snow has accumulated, while snowfall was heavier in the higher mountain reaches at many places in the Valley.
Tourists enjoy horse ride after seasons first snow fall at famous ski resort of Gulmarg, in Distrct Baramulla of North Kashmir.
Kitted out in a manner more in accordance with contemporary fashions, Kashmiri militants greeted readers with an enthusiastic, if hazardous, salute from the pages of Outlook’s first issue in October 1995.
A man shows bullet shells found after a gunbattle between security forces and suspected militants in Srinagar.
People clearing debris from the damaged house where militants were hiding during an encounter, at Kulgam district of South Kashmir.
Security personnel stand guard at a polling station during the first phase of elections for urban local bodies, in Budgam district of central Kashmir.
Security personnel stand guard at a polling station during the first phase of elections for urban local bodies, in Budgam district of central Kashmir.
A Kashmiri man looks out from the window of his house as Indian policemen inspect the site of shooting in Srinagar. Police say suspected rebels have shot and killed two activists affiliated with a pro-India Kashmiri political group.
Farmers work in a paddy field during the harvesting season of the crop, in Budgam district of central Kashmir. The yield of this year is better than the last year, as per reports.
Police officers and relatives shoulder the coffin of the slain police constable Nissar Ahmad Dhobi after a wreath laying ceremony in Shopian. The militants had abducted three SPOs and killed them later.
