SRINAGAR — What began as an emergency response after the Pahalgam terror attack has evolved into a round-the-clock support system for residents of Jammu and Kashmir across the country and beyond.
The dedicated toll-free helpline, 1800-8900-166, was launched by the Omar Abdullah-led government on April 25, 2025, as a 24×7 channel for people seeking emergency assistance, grievance redressal and coordination with authorities in other states.
The helpline was established in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, when reports of intimidation, harassment and assaults involving students and residents of Jammu and Kashmir studying or working outside the Union Territory began to surface.
The Chief Minister’s Office subsequently set up the control mechanism to provide immediate assistance, coordinate with state governments and law-enforcement agencies and provide citizens with a direct channel to seek help.
Officials told news agency KNO that the service has since expanded beyond its original purpose and now functions as a single-window support platform for residents facing difficulties across India and abroad.
The helpline has been used to assist students, facilitate emergency travel, coordinate with local administrations and address various public-service-related issues, officials said.
One of its significant interventions came during the Iran-Israel conflict, when scores of students from Jammu and Kashmir were stranded amid escalating tensions.
The helpline maintained communication with affected students, coordinated with their families in Jammu and Kashmir and facilitated the flow of information between the administration and those caught in the crisis, according to the source material.
The service also received appreciation from students and families following the Pahalgam attack, with those affected describing it as a dependable point of contact during a period of uncertainty and fear.
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 said the helpline has responded to thousands of calls and messages and often serves 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 provide residents of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of their location, with a direct line to the government.
More than a year after its launch, the helpline has increasingly been used not only as an emergency contact number but also as a support channel for students, workers, professionals and families from Jammu and Kashmir dealing with difficulties away from home.
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