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TTP kills 5 personnel of Pakistani forces, injures several others in attacks

Fighters of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). File Pic

Peshawar, June 18: As part of its ongoing ‘Operation Khyber’, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has killed 5 personnel of the Pakistani forces and injured several others in the latest round of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces.

According to TTP spokesman Muhammad Khorasani, two personnel were killed and 3 injured in an attack on a police post in Adenzai in Direk Payan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province last night.

In South Waziristan, a soldier was killed in a sniper attack on a military post located in Kot Ghabbarg in Zarmilna tehsil last evening, he said in a statement to NVI.

TTP also carried out an attack using a Grenade Launcher at a security check post in Ghazni Khel in Lakki Marwat district, killing one soldier and injuring three others, he said.

In Khyber district, a soldier was killed in a sniper attack at a military post in Tirah Maidan two days ago, the spokesman said.

The TTP also carried out an attack in Karachi in Sindh Province in which two Pakistani police personnel were injured, according to the spokesman. (NVI)

Indian Army Contingent Leaves for Multinational Military Exercise in Mongolia

New Delhi, June 18 (NVI): An Indian Army contingent departed on Thursday for Mongolia to participate in the multinational military exercise Khaan Quest 2026, scheduled to be held from June 20 to July 3 at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar.

The exercise will bring together military forces from several countries to enhance interoperability and cooperation in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

According to the Army, the exercise began as a bilateral drill between the United States and Mongolian Defence Forces in 2003 and evolved into a multinational peacekeeping exercise in 2006. The 2026 edition marks the 23rd iteration of the exercise.

The Indian contingent comprises 40 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Jat Regiment, along with soldiers from other arms and services.

The exercise aims to prepare participating contingents for peacekeeping missions in a multinational environment through joint planning and execution of tactical drills. Key activities will include setting up static and mobile checkpoints, cordon-and-search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, counter-improvised explosive device (IED) drills, combat first aid and casualty evacuation procedures.

The Army said participation in the exercise reflects India’s commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and its strategic partnership with Mongolia.

The exercise is also expected to provide an opportunity for participating nations to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures, while fostering operational readiness and strengthening military-to-military ties. (NVI)

ICG Inducts First Indigenous Hovercraft, Boosts Maritime Capability

New Delhi, June 18 (NVI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday inducted the first of six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), or hovercraft, being built by Chowgule & Company Private Limited, in a move aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance, coastal security and rapid response capabilities.

The hovercraft was inducted into service at a ceremony held in Goa in the presence of senior Coast Guard officials and representatives of the shipbuilding industry.

According to officials, the induction marks a significant step in enhancing the ICG’s operational effectiveness across a wide range of maritime duties while supporting the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The indigenous platform is expected to improve the force’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging maritime challenges in coastal and shallow-water areas.

The Coast Guard said the induction reflects its continued focus on modernisation and capability enhancement to safeguard the country’s maritime interests and strengthen coastal security infrastructure.

The contract for the construction of six indigenous ACVs was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company Private Limited. Once inducted, the fleet is expected to provide greater operational flexibility and boost the Coast Guard’s mission readiness.

The induction also highlights the growing capabilities of India’s domestic shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sector, officials said. (NVI)

Amarnath Yatra: Kulgam Police Tighten Vigil Along National Highway

Srinagar, June 18 (NVI): Police have intensified security checks along the National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district ahead of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, officials said on Thursday.

Senior police officers supervised naka checking operations at several strategic locations, where security personnel carried out inspections of vehicles, verified documents and frisked suspicious persons as part of enhanced security measures, they said.

The intensified checking is aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine and preventing any untoward incidents during the yatra, officials added.

According to police, the security arrangements form part of a broader strategy to strengthen surveillance, maintain law and order, and provide a secure environment for both pilgrims and local residents.

Police have urged commuters and the public to cooperate during checking procedures and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

The intensified naka checking drive will continue throughout the yatra period as part of the district’s overall security preparedness, officials said. (NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Visits Kheer Bhawani Temple Ahead of Annual Mela

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal

Ganderbal (Kashmir), June 18 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited Kheer Bhawani Temple, one of the most revered shrines of Kashmiri Pandits, and directed officials to ensure all pending works are completed ahead of the annual mela on June 22.

Abdullah participated in the prayers at the temple of Goddess Durga, located in Tullamulla area of Ganderbal district.

He interacted with temple priests and other stakeholders to understand their requirements and concerns.

He also inspected arrangements being made for devotees expected to arrive from different parts of the country and abroad for the annual mela.

He noted that some works were still pending and assured that the administration would make every effort to complete them before the mela begins.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said the Kheer Bhawani Mela is an important religious occasion that draws devotees from across the world.

He said he visited the shrine as the local MLA to assess the preparedness of various departments and review facilities being put in place for pilgrims.

He directed the concerned departments to expedite the remaining works and ensure adequate facilities, including basic amenities and logistical support, are available for devotees.

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, held at the historic shrine in Tulmulla, is one of the most significant religious events of the Kashmiri Pandit community and witnesses participation of devotees from across the country every year. (NVI)

Intermittent Rain, Thunderstorms Likely Across J&K Till June 24: Weather Forecast

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, June 18 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness intermittent thundershowers at scattered places over the next seven days, with most activity expected during afternoon and evening hours, according to a weather forecast issued on Thursday.

The forecast indicates the possibility of thundershowers in parts of the Union Territory from June 18 to June 22, while a few areas may also receive light showers during the early morning hours on June 21 and 22.

Weather conditions are expected to remain largely stable on June 23, although isolated places may witness brief thundershowers towards late afternoon or evening. Similar weather activity is again likely at scattered locations on June 24.

Forecasters said the showers are not expected to occur at every location each day, but isolated areas may experience gusty winds and hailstorms along with thunderstorms.

In view of the prevailing weather conditions, orchardists have been advised to undertake spraying operations during the early morning hours and in phases to minimise the risk of chemicals being washed away by rain.

The advisory comes as horticultural activities remain in full swing across Kashmir Valley. Officials have urged farmers and orchard owners to keep track of local weather updates and take necessary precautions during thunderstorm activity. (NVI)

PDD Lineman Dismissed Over Terror Links in South Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 17 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has dismissed a Power Development Department (PDD) employee from service over his alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities in Bijbehara South Kashmir Anantnag district, officials said on Thursday.

Mohammad Shafi Malik, a lineman from Eidgah Mohalla in Bijbehara, was removed from service under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution, which allows dismissal of a government employee without a departmental inquiry under exceptional circumstances, they said.

According to officials, Malik had allegedly been associated with the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) since 2016 and was facing trial in multiple criminal cases.

They said three FIRs linked to alleged anti-national activities and two stone-pelting cases were registered against him at Bijbehara police station.

Security agencies had also reported that terrorists were found hiding at Malik’s residence in Arwani, Bijbehara, in June 2017, which led to an encounter in which three terrorists were killed, officials said.

Based on inputs provided by the Home Department and security agencies, the government concluded that sufficient grounds existed for invoking Article 311(2)(b), dispensing with a departmental inquiry in the interest of public security and administration, they added.

The dismissal order was issued by Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar, citing the seriousness of the allegations against the employee, they said.(NVI)

Pakistani Currency, Note Bearing Pakistani Mobile Numbers Recovered During Search Operation in Poonch

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, June 18 (NVI): Security forces recovered Pakistani currency notes and a slip containing Pakistani mobile phone numbers during a search operation in the Mendhar area of Poonch district, officials said on Thursday.

Officials that the recovery was made by a Road Opening Party (ROP) of 118 Territorial Army during an area domination and search operation near Bhattaduriyan along the NH-144A in Mendhar.

During the operation, personnel recovered Pakistani currency notes along with a handwritten slip bearing several Pakistani mobile numbers, they said.

Officials said the recovered material has been taken into possession for examination, while further investigation has been initiated to ascertain its origin and possible links.

More details are awaited. (NVI)

Army Jawan Dies in Accidental Firing at Poonch Camp; Inquiry Ordered

Representational Picture

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, June 18 (NVI): An Army jawan died in an alleged accidental firing incident at the headquarters of the 16 Rashtriya Rifles in the Draba area of Surankote in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

The deceased has been identified as Naik B.D. Rao of 16 Rashtriya Rifles (ASC), they said.

According to officials, the soldier was on night duty when the incident occurred in the early hours of the day. He was found with a fatal firearm injury at the post.

The body was shifted to Sub-District Hospital Surankote for medico-legal formalities, officials said.

An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident, while further details are awaited. (NVI)

Telegram approaches Delhi High Court against Government Ban order

New Delhi, June 17: Telegram today approached the Delhi High Court against the central government’s temporary ban on its operation in India.

The Union Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology yesterday ordered blockade of access to Telegram messaging App till June in view of the NEET UG re-test scheduled for June 21.

The government’s came in the wake of a huge controversy surrounding the leak of NEET UG paper when the exam was conducted on May 3.

The investigation into the paper leak was earlier handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

According to the agency, the integrity of the examination was allegedly compromised after question papers were circulated in PDF format through messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram, before the exam took place.

The temporary restriction was ordered as part of efforts to stop the spread of unauthorised examination material ahead of the re-test.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), the nodal agency for conducting the NEET exams, welcomed the Centre’s decision, describing it as a step aimed at protecting the integrity of the medical entrance examination.

In a statement issued after the decision, the NTA said the restriction was imposed through a direction under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2020. The order limits access to Telegram for a specific and short period ending on June 22.

According to the agency, concerns had been raised over several Telegram channels that were allegedly operating in recent weeks with names suggesting links to leaked examination papers and organised malpractice.

Some of the channels reportedly used names such as “Paper Leaked NEET”, “Re-NEET 2026”, “Private Mafia”, and “Ree NEET Mafiaa”.

The action followed responses submitted by the NTA and the Ministry of Education.

Authorities said the move was necessary to curb the spread of misleading information and prevent any attempts to compromise the conduct of the upcoming re-examination.

The NTA stated that the temporary restriction would help ensure a fair and transparent examination process for candidates appearing in the NEET re-exam. (NVI)

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