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NH-44 Traffic to Remain Suspended at Night on June 12, 14 and 16 for Road Works

Srinagar, Jun 11 (NVI): Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will remain suspended during night hours on June 12, 14 and 16 to facilitate road relaying works being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), officials said on Thursday.

The District Magistrate of Ramban has granted permission for bituminous relaying works at various locations along NH-44, including the critical Nachlana stretch, following a request from the NHAI, officials said.

According to the order, traffic movement between Nashri and the Navyug Tunnel will remain suspended from 10 pm to 5 am during the intervening nights of June 12-13, June 14-15 and June 16-17.

To ensure smooth execution of the works, authorities have imposed restrictions on vehicular movement from both sides of the highway.

No vehicle will be allowed to move towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar from Udhampur after 5 pm on the specified dates, while traffic from Qazigund towards Banihal, Ramban, Udhampur and Jammu will be stopped after 8 pm, officials said.

Transporters carrying fresh perishable commodities and livestock have been advised to plan their loading and movement schedules accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

The authorities have also advised commuters to contact Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban and Udhampur before commencing their journey on NH-44 on June 13, 15 and 17 to obtain the latest traffic updates, officials added.(NVI)

US military attacks oil vessel with 24 Indians on board, 3 of them are missing
Late on Wednesday night, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Acting US Ambassador in New Delhi and a protest was lodged over the attack.

A vessel at sea (File pic)

New Delhi, June 10: At least 3 Indian seafarers are missing after their oil vessel was hit by the US forces near the coast of Oman, in second such incident in three days.

Their 21 other Indian colleagues were safely rescued, according to the Government of India.

Late on Wednesday night, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Acting US Ambassador in New Delhi and a protest was lodged over the attack.

According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, a commercial vessel — Settebello — came under attack off the coast of Oman earlier today.

It had 24 Indian crew on board, it said in a statement.

“Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” the statement added.

It condemned the attack but gave no details regarding the attacker.

However, later, US Military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a social media post, it said, “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions of the American forces.”

It also stated that “the U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.”

In the earlier incident too, a vessel with 24 Indian crew was attacked near the Oman coast on June 7.

However, all the 24 Indian crew on board the targeted vessel were safe and subsequently rescued.

“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” said the Indian Embassy statement which was retweeted by the Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry.

“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the statement said.

The attack came as fighting flared up again today between the US and Iran. (NVI)

Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir engulfed by unprecedented situation as locals rise

Sea of people in POJK on streets

Rawalakot (Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir): Unprecedented scenes were witnessed in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) throughout Wednesday as lakhs of Kashmiris converged upon Rawalakot tehsil as part of their protest against the illegal Pakistani rule in the territory.

Chanting slogans against Pakistan and its Army and shouting calls for revolution, men from all over POJK moved in mammoth convoys of cars and motorbikes to reach Rawalakot, the venue of the massacre of hundreds of Kashmiris by the Pakistani military three days back.

During halts, there were speeches by leaders of the agitation, which were full of attacks on Pakistan and its military for the atrocities that have been committed against Kashmiris over the last 78 years of illegal occupation.

It may be noted that in October 1947, Pakistan militarily and forcibly captured parts of Jammu and Kashmir, which was then a Princely State yet to accede to India.

The Kashmiri protesters described the Pakistani military as a “terrorist” force and particularly slammed Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Besides the long marches, protest demonstrations were held in all the tehsil headquarters, including in Gilgit-Baltistan, also a part of undivided Jammu and Kashmir which too was illegally occupied by Pakistan in October 1947.

The Kashmiris and people of Gilgit-Baltistan, in unison, demanded justice for civilians who were reportedly killed and injured during firing by Pakistani security forces amid recent protests.

The agitation is being led by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a non-political conglomerate of various organisations.

Among other demands, the JAAC is demanding the due rights of people of POJK, while highlighting that these territories are not part of Pakistan.

Speakers urged the international community and human rights organisations to take note of the situation and press for justice for the affected families.

The protesters have been braving bullets and other forms of oppression inflicted by the Pakistani military, particularly since June 7.

JAAC had given a call for an indefinite agitation from June 9 but it started early, thanks to the brutal crackdown by the Pakistani military and affiliated agencies beginning June 7.

With an objective of crushing the agitation even before it started, Pakistan had sent tens of thousands of its military personnel to PoJK, addiing to the lakhs of those already present in the occupied territories.

However, the Kashmiris refused to be cowed down and demonstrated their strong will to fight, particularly after the Pakistani military killed over 200 locals and injured thousands others in cold blood over a span of just 2 days.

Even on Tuesday, Pakistani military personnel fired bullets and teargas shells directly at protesters, causing several casualties.

The cunning military personnel then whisk away the dead bodies to hide the real casualty figure.

Even on Tuesday, entire PoJK echoed with slogans and chants against Pakistan, particularly its notorious Army and intelligence agency ISI.

At thousands of demonstration points, speaker after speaker narrated how the Pakistani military has been committing barbarism against Kashmiris on some or the other pretext.

They highlighted that the Pakistani military, even during the current round of agitation, has been killing Kashmiris in cold-blood by firing directly at them even when their protest is peaceful.

Rawalakot has been the worst sufferer, with most of the Kashmiris being killed and injured by the outsider Pakistani military personnel in this Tehsil of PoJK.

According to eye witnesses, the Pakistani military personnel even killed a local Kashmiri Superintendent of Police and four others after they tried to dissuade them from firing at the protesters.

The speeches were punctuated by slogans like “Yeh Jo Dehshat Gardi Hai, Iske Peeche Wardi Hai (Those behind this kind of terrorism are in uniform)”, implying that the Pakistani military is responsible for committing terrorism.

The speakers also pledged, amid strong cheering, the resolve that Kashmiris would no longer be afraid to the occupier Pakistan and its military.

“We will prefer to die than suffer humiliation anymore,” said an elderly man to a large crowd which responded by pledging their resolve to his commitment.

The people of PoJK have been silently suffering every since 1948 but it seems they have risen finally against the tyrant and illegal regime of Pakistan. (NVI)

3 Indian seafarers missing after attack on their vessel near Oman coast

ocean-going vessel
Representational image

New Delhi, June 10: The fate of 3 Indian seafarers is unknown as they have gone missing after their ship came under attack today near the coast of Oman, in the second such incident in less than a week.

According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, a commercial vessel — Settebello — came under attack off the coast of Oman earlier today.

It had 24 Indian crew on board, it said in a statement.

“Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” the statement added.

It condemned the attack but gave no details regarding the attacker.

“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” the Embassy said.

This is the second time in less than a week that a vessel carrying Indians has been hit near the Oman coast.

In the earlier incident, however, all the 24 Indian crew on board the targeted vessel were safe and rescued.

“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” said the Indian Embassy statement which was retweeted by the Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry.

“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the statement said.

The attack came as fighting flared up again today between the US and Iran. (NVI)

Chief Secretary Shapes New Rehabilitation Strategy for Drug Abuse Victims

Srinagar, Jun 10 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday approved a comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration framework for victims of drug abuse, aimed at ensuring their long-term recovery and successful return to mainstream society.

The framework was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and attended by senior officials from the finance, home, social welfare, education and health departments, among others.

Officials said the proposed model seeks to move beyond conventional de-addiction treatment by integrating medical care, psychosocial support, education, skill development, livelihood opportunities and sustained monitoring to prevent relapse.

Dulloo directed that the framework be implemented on a pilot basis through the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar, and one additional district before being expanded across the Union Territory.

He said each beneficiary would be provided an Individual Reintegration Plan (IRP) tailored to their specific educational, social and economic needs.

Under the proposed mechanism, addiction treatment facilities will function through a coordinated support system involving psychiatrists, counsellors, ASHA workers and social workers.

The chief secretary said ASHA workers would assist beneficiaries in adhering to treatment protocols and follow-up consultations, while social workers would facilitate their rehabilitation and integration into livelihood and welfare schemes.

He also stressed the need for community participation and suggested involving trained counsellors from self-help groups, educational institutions and health centres to strengthen outreach and follow-up efforts.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar assured full support for implementation of the initiative and called for refining the framework to make it more outcome-oriented.

According to officials, the framework is built around six objectives, including institutionalising a structured rehabilitation cycle, ensuring a seamless transition from treatment to socio-economic stabilisation, reducing relapse rates through continuous monitoring and promoting interdepartmental convergence.

Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez said the rehabilitation process would be carried out in three phases.

The first phase will focus on treatment and stabilisation, including assessment, detoxification and preparation of Individual Reintegration Plans. The second phase will concentrate on reintegration through education, skill development, employment and livelihood support, while the third phase will emphasise sustained monitoring, social inclusion and long-term socio-economic stability.

A key feature of the framework is mentor-led handholding, under which each beneficiary will be assigned a dedicated mentor to guide them through the rehabilitation process, monitor progress and facilitate access to opportunities and support services.

Head of IMHANS Srinagar, Prof Arshid Hussain, presented the proposed framework and highlighted evidence-based treatment protocols and the institution’s “Circle of Care” model for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Officials said the initiative aims to reduce relapse rates, improve recovery outcomes and enable recovering individuals to lead productive, dignified and self-reliant lives. (NVI)

CRPF DG Reviews Security Preparedness During Visit to Kashmir’s Central Kashmir

 

Srinagar, June 10 (NVI): Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Shri G.P. Singh, visited Gund area of central Kashmir as part of his tour of the Valley and reviewed the operational preparedness of the force, officials said on Wednesday.

During the visit, the CRPF chief stayed overnight at the 118 Battalion headquarters in Gund and inspected various infrastructure facilities.

Officials said Singh was briefed on the operational activities in the area of responsibility (AOR) and held discussions with senior officers and unit commanders on security planning and related operational issues.

The DG also interacted with CRPF personnel, reviewed their welfare measures and lauded their commitment towards maintaining peace and security in the region.

The visit forms part of the CRPF chief’s assessment of the security situation and operational readiness of units deployed across the Kashmir Valley, officials added.(NVI)

MoS Defence Seth Says J-K Witnessing Unprecedented Peace, Development Under Modi Govt

Srinagar, Jun 10 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing unprecedented peace, rapid infrastructure development and a tourism boom under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Kashmir, Seth said the Union Territory has undergone significant transformation over the past few years and is moving steadily on the path of growth and prosperity.

“The people of Kashmir are friendly and brotherly. I have been visiting the Valley regularly for the last five years and have seen remarkable changes. Development and progress are visible across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Highlighting improvements in connectivity, the minister said major infrastructure projects have drastically reduced travel time between Jammu and Srinagar.

“There was a time when the journey from Jammu to Srinagar took 12 to 14 hours. Today, it can be completed in around four-and-a-half hours, reflecting the scale of infrastructure development in the region,” Seth said.

Describing tourism as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, he said the Valley continues to attract visitors from across the country.

“Despite certain challenges in 2025, Kashmir received around 1.77 crore tourists. Earlier, tourist arrivals had crossed 2.66 crore. The number is expected to increase further as people from across India wish to experience the beauty and peace of Kashmir,” he said.

Seth said he met tourists from states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Jharkhand during his visit, which, he said, reflected Kashmir’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.

The minister credited Prime Minister Modi for accelerating development in sectors such as healthcare, roads, tunnels and bridges.

“Prime Minister Modi has provided unprecedented support for Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the region is witnessing rapid development and moving forward with confidence,” he said.

On the security situation, Seth said militancy had declined significantly and assured that the government remained committed to maintaining peace and stability.

“The Government of India will ensure there is no lapse in security. Peace, development and brotherhood will continue,” he said.

Referring to Kashmir’s cricket bat industry, Seth said nearly 30 lakh bats are manufactured annually in the Valley and exported to countries including Britain, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

He also claimed that people living in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were looking towards India’s development and growth while benefiting less from developmental initiatives.

Seth said India was progressing rapidly towards becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy and was on course to emerge as the world’s third-largest economy.

Referring to the completion of 12 years of the Modi-led government at the Centre, he said the period had been marked by transparent governance and a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.

“The era of scams has ended and a new chapter of accountability and development has begun,” he said.

The minister expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would continue to witness peace, prosperity and development in the years ahead.(NVI)

J&K govt orders high-level probe into Gulmarg Gondola malfunction

File Photo: Gulmarg,Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 10 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday constituted a high-level committee to investigate the technical malfunction of the Gulmarg Gondola cable car system that occurred on May 25, officials said.

According to an official order, the five-member committee will be headed by Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Mahmood Ahmad Shah and has been asked to submit its report within 10 days.

The panel includes Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Gulmarg Development Authority Tariq Hussain, Superintending Engineer Mechanical and Hospital Circle Kashmir Javeed Ahmad Tantray, and Executive Engineer Mechanical and Hospital Division Baramulla Mohammad Ismail Chechi.

The committee has been tasked with establishing the sequence of events that led to the malfunction and examining all relevant records, reports, communications and operational details related to the incident.

It will conduct a detailed technical investigation covering the mechanical, electrical, electronic, braking, communication, control and safety systems associated with the operation of the Gondola.

The panel will also scrutinise operational logs, fault indications, monitoring systems, inspection reports and maintenance records to ascertain the cause and extent of the failure.

According to the order, the committee will review standard operating procedures, maintenance protocols, inspection mechanisms and safety procedures governing the cable car system and assess whether these were adhered to at the time of the incident.

It has also been asked to examine whether any operational lapse, negligence, communication gap, supervisory failure, procedural deficiency, human error or administrative shortcoming contributed to the malfunction.

The committee will evaluate compliance with statutory provisions, technical standards, safety regulations, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) guidelines and prescribed maintenance schedules.

Besides, it will assess the effectiveness of emergency response measures, including evacuation procedures, passenger safety arrangements, communication systems and inter-agency coordination during and after the incident.

The government has authorised the panel to fix responsibility, wherever warranted, for any negligence or procedural violation by individuals, contractors, agencies or authorities associated with the operation and maintenance of the Gondola system.

The committee has also been asked to recommend immediate corrective measures for safe operation and restoration of the system, besides suggesting long-term reforms to prevent recurrence of similar incidents, the order said.(NVI)

MoD signs Rs 449 crore deal for GNSS jammers for Navy under Buy Indian category

New Delhi, Jun 10 (NVI): The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a Rs 449-crore contract with Bengaluru-based Accord Software and Systems Private Limited (ASSPL) for the procurement of 20 Enhanced Capability Global Navigation Satellite System (ECGNSS) Jammers for the Indian Navy.

The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category and envisages a minimum indigenous content of 75 per cent, an official statement said.

The agreement was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.

According to the Defence Ministry, the ECGNSS Jammers are designed to degrade satellite signal acquisition and tracking capabilities of adversary Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. The system is also capable of signal spoofing and deceptive jamming to counter hostile navigation and targeting capabilities.

The ministry said the induction of the systems will enhance the operational safety of Indian Navy warships in a multi-threat environment and strengthen the force’s electronic warfare capabilities.

Officials said the project is in line with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives and will contribute to the indigenisation of advanced defence technologies.

The contract is expected to further strengthen the country’s maritime security architecture while boosting the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, the statement added. (NVI)

Fighting between US and Iran erupts again

Iranian president Pezeshkian (File Pic)

New Delhi, June 10: After a lull of over two months, fighting between the US and Iran resumed today after American military carried out attacks at various places in the Persian country which retaliated by targeting US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

The US military attacked Qeshm Island and ports along the Iranian coast in the Strait of Hormuz last night.

The US military said the attacks constituted an “appropriate” response to the downing of one of its Apache helicopters yesterday.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said the US attacks had caused damage to a telecommunications tower in the town of Sirik and destroyed two water tanks there.

Hours later, it launched attacks on the US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

The IRGC said it launched drone attacks on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait, as well as a long-range missile strike on an airbase in Azraq, Jordan.

It also claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone in the skies over the Iranian city of Jam.

Iranian media showed videos released by the country’s military purportedly showing drones hitting some installation along a coastline.

The media claimed the installation was a US military base.

In a statement, IRGC warned that its forces remain fully prepared to deliver a “crushing and decisive” response to any US military actions and that Washington would bear full responsibility for the consequences of further escalation.

The Iranian attacks prompted air raid sirens in Kuwait and Bahrain.

The Kuwaiti military said it was “intercepting hostile aerial targets” in the country’s airspace but gave no further details.

In Jordan, the military said it intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran towards Azraq.

It said the operation “resulted in the fall of shrapnel without any human injuries or material damage”.

The war began when the US and Israeli launched joint air strikes on Iran on February 28.

It has caused huge problems to economies around the world as the global energy flows from West Asia have come to a halt.

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