Launched after Pahalgam attack, CM’s helpline now lifeline for many

Srinagar, Aug 31: What began as an emergency response to a moment of fear and uncertainty has evolved into a critical support system for Jammu and Kashmir residents across the country and beyond.
The dedicated toll-free helpline (1800-8900-166), launched by the Omar Abdullah-led government on April 25, 2025, has emerged as a round-the-clock bridge between the administration and people in need, handling everything from distress calls and emergency assistance to grievance redressal and coordination with authorities in other states.
The helpline was set up in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, when reports of intimidation, harassment and assaults on students and residents of Jammu and Kashmir studying or working outside the Union Territory began to surface.
Faced with growing anxiety among families, the Chief Minister’s Office moved swiftly to establish a 24×7 control mechanism to provide immediate assistance, ensure coordination with state governments and law-enforcement agencies, and offer a direct channel for citizens seeking help.
Officials said that the service has since grown far beyond its original mandate, transforming into a single-window support platform for Kashmiris facing difficulties across India and abroad. The helpline has been used to assist students, facilitate emergency travel, coordinate with local administrations, and address a range of public-service related issues.
One of its most notable interventions came during the Iran-Israel conflict, when scores of students from Jammu and Kashmir found themselves stranded amid escalating tensions. The helpline played a key role in maintaining communication with affected students, coordinating with their families back home, and facilitating the flow of information between the administration and those caught in the crisis.
The service also earned widespread appreciation in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, with students and families describing it as a dependable point of contact during a period of uncertainty and fear.
Remarkably, the operation is being managed by a single officer posted at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, who monitors calls, coordinates responses and follows up with departments and authorities across jurisdictions.
Despite its lean structure, officials say the helpline has responded to thousands of calls and messages, often serving as the first point of contact for people seeking urgent intervention.
Government sources said the initiative reflects the administration’s effort to remain accessible beyond traditional office channels and ensure that residents of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of where they are located, have a direct line to the government.
As the helpline completes more than a year of operations, it has increasingly come to be viewed not merely as an emergency contact number, but as a reassurance mechanism for students, workers, professionals and families from Jammu and Kashmir navigating challenges far from home.
For many, a call to 1800-8900-166 has become synonymous with the assurance that help is only a phone call away. (KNO)