Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Home Blog Page 11

“Ensure Tight Security, Effective Crowd Control During Upcoming Festivals”: IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi to Officials
Chairs high-level review meet at PCR Kashmir to assess security arrangements for Shab-e-Qadr, Navratra, Eid-ul-Fitr, Nauroz

Srinagar, Mar 11 (NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi on Wednesday chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir to assess and finalise security arrangements for the upcoming festivals and events across the Kashmir Valley.

As per news NVI IGP Birdi, chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to evaluate and finalize security arrangements for the upcoming festivals/events in the Kashmir Valley.

The meeting was attended by IG BSF Ftr, Additional Commissioner SB Srinagar; DIsG of CRPF (South/North Srinagar & KOS); DIG Armed Kashmir; DIsG IRP/Traffic Kashmir; all Range DIsG of Kashmir Zone; all District SSsP of Kashmir Zone; Assistant Director SIB Srinagar; Colonel GS 15 Corps; SSsP of PCR Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, Railways Kashmir, CID SB Kashmir, APCR, and other senior officers.

The meeting primarily focused on reviewing security arrangements in anticipation of the upcoming festivals/events, particularly Shab-e-Qadr, Navratra, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Nauroz. Discussions centered on safeguarding public security, ensuring law and order, and facilitating the smooth conduct of these large-scale events.

With many festivals approaching, which typically see large gatherings for religious observances at places of worship across the Kashmir Valley, the IGP Kashmir issued clear directives for effective crowd control management.

He emphasized the need for adequate security measures to prevent overcrowding, ensure public safety, and maintain the orderly conduct of events across the valley.

Specific instructions were given to control entry and exit points, deploy personnel at strategic locations, and collaborate with local community leaders for seamless event coordination.

Officers were instructed to enhance vigilance, conduct random checks at sensitive locations, and increase security patrols to mitigate any potential threats during the festivals.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to ensure the highest level of preparedness and coordination for the smooth and successful conduct of all the events. (NVI)

CM Stresses Cultural Identity in New JK House Infrastructure

New Delhi, Mar 11 (NVI): Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed plans for the expansion and modernisation of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) House properties across the country and stressed that the upcoming infrastructure should reflect the Union Territory’s rich cultural heritage and identity.

During a review meeting attended by Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar and senior officials of the Resident Commission and concerned departments, the Chief Minister assessed ongoing projects, budgetary requirements and future development plans aimed at strengthening J&K’s institutional presence outside the Union Territory.

Officials informed the meeting that the government is planning to establish new JK Houses in Dwarka in the national capital and at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, while also undertaking the revamp and modernisation of existing government properties in several states and Union Territories.

The Chief Minister directed officers to ensure that new constructions and renovation of existing JK House facilities incorporate architectural elements reflecting Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct cultural legacy along with modern infrastructure.

“These government properties should showcase the heritage and identity of Jammu and Kashmir while serving as functional facilities for officials, students, patients and visitors from the Union Territory,” he said.

The meeting reviewed the status of J&K government properties located in Dwarka and 5, Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai, and also discussed proposals for expansion and modernisation of accommodation and administrative facilities.

Officials informed that steps have been initiated to establish a new JK House in Dwarka, New Delhi, to augment accommodation and administrative infrastructure for officials and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir.

Similarly, the government is pursuing the development of a JK House at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai to strengthen J&K’s presence in the country’s financial capital.

Regarding the Navi Mumbai project, officers said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹29.56 crore has been submitted to the administrative department along with a capital expenditure proposal of around ₹30 crore for construction of the facility.

While reviewing the proposal for a JK House in Amritsar, the Chief Minister asked officials to take up the issue of land consolidation with the Punjab government, noting that the presently available land parcels are scattered and may not be suitable for developing a functional government facility.

He directed the officers to request the Punjab government to allot a single consolidated plot so that a properly planned JK House can be developed in Amritsar.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of assigning construction and renovation works to government agencies such as the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to ensure efficient execution of the projects.

The Chief Minister also advised officers to study similar facilities established by other states and Union Territories across the country and adopt best practices in infrastructure development and service delivery.

Earlier, Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the status of various properties managed by the Resident Commission, including offices, staff quarters, guest houses and VIP accommodation facilities.

He also highlighted proposals for upgradation of VIP rooms into suites at the Chanakyapuri JK House Complex, redevelopment of the Rajaji Marg property in New Delhi and extension of guest house facilities at 5, Prithviraj Road.

The meeting also reviewed the condition of other J&K government properties under the Resident Commission in cities including Chandigarh, Amritsar, Malabar Hill in Mumbai and Sirsa in Haryana. — (NVI)

Ensure Uninterrupted Supply of Petroleum Products Across J&K: Minister Satish Sharma
Reviews fuel, LPG stock position; directs strict monitoring, action against hoarding and black marketing

Jammu, Mar 11 (NVI): Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, IT, Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position and supply of petroleum products across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East.

During the meeting, as per (NVI) Minister Satish assessed the availability of essential petroleum products including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG and reviewed preparedness to tackle any possible supply disruptions arising due to the ongoing geopolitical developments.

Commissioner/Secretary FCS&CA Saurabh Bhagat, Director FCS&CA Jammu/Kashmir Rifat Kohli and Dr Sagar Dattaraya, along with representatives of major oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), besides officials from Legal Metrology and the department’s finance and distribution wings, attended the meeting.

The Minister took a detailed review of the current stock levels of petroleum products across the Union Territory, the operational status of fuel depots and LPG bottling plants, and the supply chain mechanism to ensure smooth availability of fuel to consumers.

Satish Sharma emphasized the need to maintain adequate buffer stocks and strengthen coordination with oil marketing companies to address any logistical challenges. He directed officials to closely monitor the situation and ensure that no district faces shortage of essential petroleum products.

He also called for proactive planning in view of the developments in the Middle East and asked the concerned authorities to keep contingency plans ready while maintaining regular coordination with oil companies to ensure timely replenishment of stocks.

Reassuring the public, the Minister said that the government is closely monitoring the situation and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that petroleum products remain readily available across Jammu and Kashmir.

He further directed officials to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding, black marketing and overcharging of petroleum products and LPG cylinders, while asking Legal Metrology and enforcement teams to intensify inspections at fuel stations and LPG outlets to safeguard consumer interests. (NVI)

Fuel, LPG Stocks Sufficient in Kashmir; Minimum 13-Day Stock Available, No Need for Panic Buying: Div Com Garg

petrol
Representational image

Srinagar, Mar 11 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday said that sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available in the Kashmir division and there is no need for panic buying by the public.

Speaking at a press conference, as per NVI, Garg said, the stock position of essential petroleum products is being closely monitored by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs on a daily basis.

He said that the Kashmir division currently has more than 15 days of petrol and diesel stock, while around 13 days of LPG supply is available, adding that the overall storage capacity in the division can hold supplies for 15 to 20 days at maximum levels.

He urged people to rely only on official information regarding the availability of essential commodities and avoid unnecessary rush at petrol pumps and LPG outlets. Garg clarified that while certain restrictions have been placed on commercial LPG, these do not apply to domestic consumers, hospitals or educational institutions, and therefore there is no shortage of LPG in the region.

The Divisional Commissioner also said that district administrations have activated control rooms and constituted special teams to keep a check on hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies. He warned that strict action will be taken against those found involved in such illegal activities.

Garg further said that the government is closely monitoring the market situation during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan and ahead of Eid, while inspections by food safety, legal metrology and other enforcement teams have been intensified to ensure availability, quality and fair pricing of essential commodities across Kashmir. (NVI)

J&K Bank Employee Killed, Three Injured in Road Accident in Kulgam

Kulgam Mar 11 (KNC): A Jammu and Kashmir Bank employee died while three others were injured after a vehicle met with an accident in the Sopat Devsar area of Kulgam district on Wednesday, officials said.

The deceased has been identified as Shahnawaz Ah Rather, a resident of Watihal in Qazigund area of south Kashmir, they said.

Rather, who was working as an employee in J&K Bank, was among four persons injured in the accident.

All the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, where Rather later succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

The condition of the three other injured persons is stated to be stable and they are under medical observation.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further investigation, they added.(NVI)

J&K Sets Up High-Level Panel to Oversee Climate Change Action Plan

Srinagar, Mar 11 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a Union Territory Level Steering Committee (UTLSC) to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the Climate Change Action Plan in the Union Territory.

According to an official order issued by the government, the committee will be headed by the Chief Secretary as its Chairperson.

The panel comprises Administrative Secretaries of several key departments including Jal Shakti, Power Development, Agriculture Production, Public Works (R&B), Disaster Management, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Medical Education, Planning Development and Monitoring, Forest Ecology and Environment, Science and Technology, Industries and Commerce, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and Transport.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) J&K will also be a member of the committee, while the Director, Environment, Ecology and Remote Sensing (DEERS) J&K will serve as the Member Secretary.

As per the order, the committee will consider and approve the Climate Change Action Plan for the Union Territory and oversee its periodic review and updates. It will also provide strategic guidance to integrate climate change concerns into government policies, sectoral plans and development programmes in line with national commitments and sustainable development goals, the order said. (NVI)

Senior Lashkar Commander Hamza Yousuf Killed During Infiltration Attempt in Nowshera Sector

Jammu, Mar 10 (NVI): A senior commander of the Pakistan-based terrioist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba was killed by the Indian Army during an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nowshera sector of Jammu region, officials said on 10 March tuesday evening.

The slain terrioist has been identified as Hamza Yousuf, who was reportedly a senior commander associated with a Lashkar launchpad module operating across the border.

According to official sources, the infiltration bid was foiled on March 10 in the Nowshera sector under the  of the 16 Corps. During the operation, troops of the 14 Assam Regiment engaged the infiltrating terrorist near the LoC and neutralised him after a brief exchange of fire.

Officials said the terrioist was attempting to sneak into Indian territory from across the border when alert troops detected the movement and launched an operation, resulting in his elimination.

The operation was carried out by the Nowshera Infantry Brigade, and the Army is continuing area domination and search operations in the sector to rule out the presence of any additional infiltrators.—(NVI)

Middle East War: Strait of Hormuz choked, Alarming situation for all nations
Iran has threatened not to allow 'even a litre of oil' to transit, US fears venturing into the globally critical maritime corridor

By Ajay K. Kaul

New Delhi, Mar 11: The US, which trumpets the claim about possessing the most powerful military in the world, does not dare to provide escort facilities to the oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz amidst Iran’s threat to target any vessel associated with America, Israel or their friendly countries.

Despite having a massive armada, including two aircraft carriers, deployed in the maritime area around Iran, the US Navy has turned down requests from oil and shipping industries for defence escorts through the 166-kilometre long passage.

The refusal has been made in view of the threats posed by Iran, which has publicly stated that it will not allow “even a litre of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz if the cargo is linked to the US, Israel or their friends.

The American refusal comes even as President Donald Trump has been claiming that the US military is having a strong control over the situation in the Middle East and is dominating the skies in the region.

Iran has already been targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz and some of them have been hit, forcing a de facto closure of the maritime transit corridor which is extremely critical for movement of petroleum products for distribution globally.

The Persian nation has been defiant despite Trump warning that the US would carry out attacks “200 times more” than the present if any ship in the Strait of Hormuz is attacked.

Two days back, Trump told CBS News that escorts would begin “as soon as possible” and “when reasonable.”

Yesterday, US Energy Secretary, in a social media post, said the US has started providing escorts but he deleted it soon after.

The claim was mocked by Iran’s Parliament Speaker, who said the US Energy Secretary may be talking about actions on a ‘PlayStation’ (video games).

Subsequently, White House spokesperson, when asked about it at a press conference last night, stated that the US has not provided any escorts.

IMPACT OF CLOSURE:

Before the start of the war on February 28, around 140 tankers would transit the Strait of Hormuz each day. But with the effective closure of the Strait, more than 700 tankers of various countries are said to be held up.

The stoppage of movement of oil-ferrying vessels and tankers has severely impacted the flow of energy globally, resulting in shortages of fuel and continuing spike in prices.

India, which is hugely dependent on supplies of crude oil and gas from the countries in the Middle East, is among the many countries hit by the choking of supplies.

If the same situation continues, there will be fuel crisis in many countries around the globe.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ:

It is nearly 166 kms long maritime corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Iran is located on its north side, while UAE and Oman fall on the southern side of the Strait.

Providing the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically critical maritime corridor for movement of goods by ships, since centuries.

The territorial waters of Iran constitute a major part of the corridor, particularly in a hump area where the Strait has the narrowest width of around 30 kms.

Accordingly, the ships have to pass through the territorial waters of Iran as also Oman under the ‘Transit Passage’ provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLAWS).

This Convention has been accepted by most countries, including the US.

US DEPLOYMENT IN THE REGION:

Iran has been showing defiance even when the US has two aircraft carriers — USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford — deployed close to Iran.

One more aircraft carrier — USS George H.W. Bush — is also said to be moving towards the region for deployment.

These are nuclear-powered carriers, each equipped with 75 most-advanced fighter planes, and escorted by cruisers and guided-missiled destroyers.

DEPLOYMENT BY US ALLIES:

In addition to the armada of the US, its allies also have deployed substantial assets in the region.

France has Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, the country’s biggest nuclear-powered ship, deployed close to Iran.

Britain has also deployed fighter planes, warships and other military assets in the region around Iran.

DEPLOYMENT OF MINES:

To demonstrate it really means that it won’t allow “even a litre of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is said to be deploying thousands of small mines in the waters there.

While the US today claimed to have destroyed three mine-laying vessels in the Strait, the threat is clearly felt by it seriously. Obviously, Trump is wary of more American soldiers getting killed or injured and its additional military assets being destroyed.

Such an eventuality would hurt him politically at home, besides causing international humiliation.

That is the reason for its refusal to provide escorts to any oil ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

MeT Predicts Cloudy Weather, Intermittent Rain and Snow in J&K Till March 19

File photo

Srinagar, Mar 11 (NVI): The Meteorological Department on Wednesday said that erratic weather conditions are likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir till March 19, with intermittent spells of rain in plains and snowfall over higher reaches.

An official from the MeT Centre Srinagar told (NVI) that generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and snowfall over higher reaches is expected at scattered to many places on March 11 and 12.

He said the weather is likely to remain generally dry on March 13 and 14.

The official further said that from the night of March 15 to the morning of March 16, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with a spell of light rain and snowfall over higher reaches at scattered places.

On March 17, generally cloudy conditions are expected with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at isolated places towards the night, he said.

For March 18 and 19, the MeT department has predicted generally cloudy weather with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at scattered places across the Union Territory.

The official added that from March 20 to 21, the weather is expected to remain generally dry, though a brief spell of light rain at isolated places cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, the MeT department has issued an advisory warning of possible temporary traffic disruptions over higher reaches and important passes due to the prevailing weather conditions.

Farmers have been advised to resume farm operations during the expected dry spell on March 13 and 14.(NVI)

JKSA Seeks Amit Shah’s Intervention Over Action Against Kashmiri Students at Mewar University

Srinagar, Mar 11 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his intervention regarding action taken against Kashmiri students studying at Mewar University after they protested over the alleged lack of recognition of their nursing course.

In a letter addressed to the Home Minister, the association raised concerns about the situation of more than 50 Kashmiri students enrolled in the fifth semester of the B.Sc Nursing programme at the university.

According to JKSA, the students recently came to know that the course allegedly lacks mandatory statutory approvals from the Indian Nursing Council and the Rajasthan Nursing Council.

The association said the students are nearing completion of their degree programme within the next four months and are facing uncertainty over the validity of their qualifications and future employment prospects.

JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said the students were admitted under a scholarship scheme funded by the Indian Army and have already completed several semesters.

He said the students approached the university administration seeking clarification and documentary proof regarding the recognition status of the course. However, the authorities allegedly failed to provide a clear response.

Following this, the students staged a peaceful protest within the campus demanding transparency and assurance regarding the recognition of the programme.

The association alleged that instead of addressing the concerns, the university administration lodged an FIR against 17 Kashmiri students who participated in the protest, while 33 others were suspended.

JKSA National President Umar Jamal urged the Home Minister to intervene to safeguard the academic interests and safety of the students.

He also appealed to the Home Minister to take up the matter with the Government of Rajasthan to revoke the FIR against the students and withdraw the suspension orders.

The association further demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged assault, harassment and intimidation of the students and sought facilitation for migration of the affected students to another recognised institution to safeguard their academic future. (NVI)

1...101112...1,543Page 11 of 1,543

MUST READ