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Operation Sheruwali Enters 32nd Day in Rajouri, Search Operations Continue

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, June 23 (NVI): The ongoing anti-terror operation Sheruwali, entered its 32nd day on Tuesday in the Dorimal-Gambir Mughlan area of Manjakote sector in Rajouri district, with security forces continuing extensive search operations in the region.

Officials said security personnel are carrying out intensive searches in the dense forested terrain to track down suspected terrorists believed to be hiding in the area. The operation, launched on the basis of intelligence inputs, has emerged as one of the longest ongoing counter-terror operations in the region.

Security forces have maintained a tight cordon around the area and intensified surveillance as part of the operation. Searches were continuing when reports last came in. —(NVI)

Human skeletal remains found in Haryana, sent advanced scientific research

Excavation at Rakhigarhi in Haryana

By Arun Kumar Das

New Delhi, June 23: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently excavated human skeletal remains in Rakhigarhi in Haryana and these have been handed over to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), a national research institute of repute under Union Ministry of Culture for detailed scientific investigation.

The findings from the Rakhigarhi remains are expected to contribute substantially to understanding the origins, health, mobility, and biological history of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations.

 

Prof BV Sharma, Director of AnSI said that the transfer, carried out under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, is expected to significantly advance multidisciplinary research into one of the most important urban centres of the Indus-Saraswati Civilization.

Rakhigarhi, spread across approximately 550 hectares in Haryana, is widely recognized as the largest known settlement of the Indus-Saraswati Civilization.

Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of continuous habitation from the Early Harappan to the Mature Harappan periods, including planned settlements, drainage systems, craft production centres, trade networks, and burial grounds.

During excavations, conducted by ASI’s Excavation Branch-II, Greater Noida, in the 2025–26 field season, eight burials were uncovered at Mound No. 7, an area previously identified as a cemetery.

Three complete human skeletons, along with skeletal fragments recovered from other burials, have now been transferred to AnSI’s ancient human skeletal repository and laboratory in Kolkata for detailed examination.

The remaining skeletal materials obtained at these sites are also expected to be transferred in a few days.

Several scholars in the fields of Skeletal Biology, archaeology, and Genetics welcomed the initiatives of Anthropological Survey of India in regard to the research on Indus-Saraswati Civilization.

Professor Vijay Prakash, former faculty member of Andhra University, described the transfer of skeletal materials as an important step toward ensuring that biological heritage recovered through archaeological excavations is scientifically analyzed and preserved by national institutions for the benefit of future generations.

Prof Udai Pratap Singh of Lucknow University similarly said the transfer marks an important milestone in strengthening India’s palaeoanthropological research tradition.

He noted that AnSI’s expertise in human biology and osteology places it in a strong position to reconstruct aspects of population history, health, lifestyle, and cultural adaptation in the Indus Saraswati Civilization.

Researchers believe the remains present a rare opportunity to apply modern scientific techniques, including ancient DNA analysis, stable isotope studies, osteological assessments, palaeopathological investigations, and environmental reconstruction.

These approaches are expected to provide valuable insights into ancestry, migration patterns, diet, disease prevalence, adaptation strategies, and human-environment interactions during the Harappan period.

According to AnSI, the research will be conducted in collaboration with leading scientific institutions.

Officials noted that while AnSI has maintained a long tradition of osteological research on remains recovered from Indus-Saraswati sites since its establishment in 1945, activities in this field had diminished over the years due to various challenges.

In recent years, however, the institution has undertaken efforts to revive palaeoanthropological research through the formation of dedicated research teams and specialized training programmes for scientific personnel.

AnSI has recently completed palaeopathological studies on skeletal remains from several Indus-Saraswati sites and is preparing scientific publications based on its findings.

The transfer of the Rakhigarhi remains is expected to further strengthen research capabilities, particularly in the field of ancient DNA analysis.

The institution also plans to expand collaborations with organizations such as the Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Geological Survey of India, and research groups working on palaeoclimate.

Anthropologist Professor Subhash Walimbe, formerly of Deccan College, Pune, emphasized the importance of intensive anthropological examination of the remains to understand how urbanization influenced human biological and pathological responses.

Officials said the collaboration between ASI and AnSI represents a significant effort to integrate archaeology, anthropology, genetics, and environmental sciences in the study of India’s ancient past. (NVI)

Anand Jain Appointed DGP of Ladakh

 

Srinagar, June 22 (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed senior IPS officer Anand Jain as the Director General of Police (DGP) of the Union Territory of Ladakh with immediate effect, according to an official order.

Jain, a 1999-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, has been transferred from Jammu and Kashmir to Ladakh and will serve as the police chief of the Union Territory until further orders, the order said.

Before his latest posting, Jain was serving in Jammu and Kashmir Police and held several key positions, including Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone), Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Additional Director General of Police (Armed).

The appointment comes as part of the Centre’s administrative reshuffle in the AGMUT cadre, officials said.(NVI)

Narco-CASO, JeI-Linked Searches Carried Out Across Kulgam

Srinagar, June 22 (NVI): Police on Monday conducted searches at the residences of members and sympathisers of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in several areas of Kulgam district and simultaneously launched a Narco-Cordon and Search Operation (Narco-CASO) as part of efforts to maintain public order and curb drug trafficking, officials said.

The searches were carried out in the Yaripora, Behibagh and Frisal areas of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesperson said.

He said the anti-drug operation was launched alongside the searches to identify and take action against persons allegedly involved in narcotics-related activities.

During the operation, police teams carried out searches and verification drives in the areas concerned, the spokesperson said.

Police said the measures were aimed at preventing activities detrimental to peace and security and dismantling drug networks operating in the district.

Further investigation and verification are underway, officials added.(NVI)

Army Jawan Found Unconscious in Jammu’s Nagrota, Dies; Probe Underway

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, June 22 (NVI): An Army jawan was found unconscious in his room at a military establishment in the Nagrota area on the outskirts of Jammu and was later declared dead, officials said on Monday.

The soldier was found unconscious in his accommodation at Kore Jagir during the intervening night of June 21 and 22, the officials said.

Army authorities informed the police, following which a team from Nagrota Police Station reached the spot and initiated preliminary proceedings.

The body was shifted to the Army Hospital in Satwari for medico-legal formalities and post-mortem examination, they said.

Police have started an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the soldier’s death.

The exact cause of death will be known after the completion of legal and medical procedures, officials added.(NVI)

LG Manoj Sinha Offers Prayers at Kheer Bhawani Shrine on Jyeshtha Ashtami

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Srinagar, Jun 22 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday paid obeisance at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal district on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

Officials said the Lieutenant Governor offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people and sought blessings at the temple, a prominent place of worship for Kashmiri Pandits.

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir as well as other states, who gathered at the shrine in Tulmulla to mark the auspicious occasion.

Also read:

Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits Attend Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla Temple in Kashmir

 

The administration had put in place elaborate arrangements, including security, transportation, healthcare and other facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage and religious gathering.(NVI)

Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits Attend Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla Temple in Kashmir

Kashmiri Pandits at Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 22 (NVI): Thousands of Kashmiri Pandit devotee from Jammu and Kashmir and different parts of the country gathered at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district on Monday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela held on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

Devotees started arriving at the shrine early in the morning to offer prayers at the temple dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, popularly known as Mata Kheer Bhawani.

The temple witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day amid religious fervour and devotion.

Many members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, including those who had travelled from outside Jammu and Kashmir, participated in the annual festival and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony.

District officials said elaborate arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the mela. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore said the administration had ensured adequate facilities, including security, traffic management, healthcare, sanitation and other essential services for the devotees.

Also read:

Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra Flagged Off from Jammu Amid Record Participation

“We welcome all pilgrims visiting the shrine. Necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage,” he said.

Senior police officers also visited the shrine and reviewed security arrangements. The Kashmir Police extended greetings to devotees and expressed hope that the festival would strengthen peace, harmony and brotherhood in the region.

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most important religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community and is observed every year at the historic Tulmulla shrine in central Kashmir.(NVI)

Army’s oldest Signals veteran joins troops for Yoga Day celebrations in Delhi

New Delhi, June 21 (NVI): Retired Lieutenant General M.S. Sodhi, former Signal Officer-in-Chief, participated in International Yoga Day celebrations with troops of the Corps of Signals in the national capital on Sunday, showcasing the spirit of fitness and camaraderie across generations of soldiers.

Lt Gen Sodhi, who is in his centenary year, was joined by the incumbent Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt Gen Vivek Dogra, during the event organised by 1 Army Headquarters Signal Regiment.

According to the Army, a large number of serving personnel and their family members took part in the yoga session conducted by trained instructors to mark International Yoga Day 2026.

The event highlighted the importance of physical and mental well-being among troops while reflecting the strong bond between veterans and serving soldiers.

Army officials said the gathering also underscored the role of the Corps of Signals in ensuring secure and reliable communications for the armed forces, enabling seamless connectivity through modern technologies.

The participants performed various yoga exercises and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle in line with the objectives of International Yoga Day. (NVI)

CM Omar Greets People on Mela Kheer Bhawani, Prays for Peace in J-K

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Jun 22 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday extended greetings to the people, especially members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani and prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being across the Union Territory.

In a message, Abdullah conveyed his wishes to devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage to the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district and other temples across Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the festival holds immense spiritual significance and reflects the rich cultural and civilisational heritage of the region.

The chief minister said Mela Kheer Bhawani symbolises faith, devotion, harmony and coexistence, values that have long been associated with Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture.

Abdullah expressed hope that the occasion would further strengthen communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect among all sections of society.

He also prayed that the celebrations bring happiness, progress and prosperity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.—(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 30 personnel of Pakistani forces

Balochistan
Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOQ) of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta (Balochistan), June 22: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight said it killed 30 personnel and injured many others of occupying Pakistani military and imposed economic blockade in various parts of Balochistan over the last 10 days.

In a statement, BLA said its fighters carried out 26 operations in various regions, targeting the occupying Pakistan army’s camps, checkpoints, and convoys, as well as their collaborators.

As part of economic blockade, checkpoints were established on highways, and vehicles supplying economic resources to the occupying state were targeted, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

The BLA fighters also destroyed bridges on central highways, he said.

In these attacks between June 11 and June 20, a total of 30 personnel of the occupying military were killed and several others injured, he said, adding heavy financial losses were also caused to the enemy.

Also Read:

BNM holds demonstration in Germany to highlight Pakistan’s atrocities in Balochistan

During clashes with the occupying forces, BLA lost one fighter Safar Khan.

“Paralyzing the enemy state economically and militarily is a fundamental part of our strategy,” the BLA spokesman said.

“The Baloch Liberation Army reiterates its commitment that these organized operations and the economic blockade will continue with greater intensity until the complete expulsion of the occupying military from Baloch land and the achievement of national independence,” he declared. (NVI)

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