As the first direct Vande Bharat Express from Jammu chugged into the Kashmir valley on Thursday, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promised to focus on connecting remote areas like Poonch, Rajouri and Uri to the country's rail network. (Pics/PTI)

A charged political atmosphere  and contrasting narratives on women’s empowerment in Jammu was seen as BJP and Congress workers held competing protests over the Women’s Reservation Act. (Pics/PTI)