Srinagar, Sep 1: A toll-free helpline launched by the Omar Abdullah-led government in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack has evolved into a round-the-clock support mechanism for residents of Jammu and Kashmir facing difficulties across India and abroad.
The 24×7 helpline (1800-8900-166) was launched on April 25, 2025, to assist students and residents of J&K following reports of intimidation, harassment and assaults on people from the Union Territory studying or working outside.
Set up through the Chief Minister’s Office, the helpline was initially intended to provide emergency assistance, coordinate with state governments and law-enforcement agencies, and offer families a direct channel to seek help.
Officials said the service has since expanded into a single-window support platform, assisting students, facilitating emergency travel, coordinating with local administrations and addressing various public-service-related concerns.
One of its significant interventions came during the Iran-Israel conflict, when students from Jammu and Kashmir were stranded amid escalating tensions. The helpline helped maintain communication with affected students, their families and authorities while facilitating the flow of information during the crisis.
The service also received appreciation from students and families following the Pahalgam attack, when uncertainty and concerns over the safety of J&K residents outside the UT were high.
Officials said the helpline has handled thousands of calls and messages despite being managed by a single officer posted at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The officer monitors calls, coordinates responses and follows up with departments and authorities across jurisdictions.
Government sources said the initiative reflects the administration’s effort to remain accessible beyond conventional office channels and provide residents with direct access to government assistance regardless of their location.
More than a year after its launch, the helpline has increasingly become a support and reassurance mechanism for students, workers, professionals and families from Jammu and Kashmir seeking assistance away from home.
