Thursday, September 24, 2026
Home Blog Page 117

Rain, Thunderstorms Likely Across J-K Till June 14; Farmers Advised Caution

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, June 11 (NVI): Rain and thunderstorm activity is likely to affect several parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next three to four days, with weather conditions expected to remain unstable till June 14, according to weather observers.

The forecast indicates that intermittent spells of rain may be accompanied by gusty winds, lightning, hailstorms and intense showers at some places across the Union Territory.

Officials said the weather activity is not expected to be continuous and is more likely to occur during the afternoon, evening and night hours.

In view of the possibility of adverse weather, farmers have been advised to suspend field activities till June 14 and remain vigilant, as weather conditions could deteriorate at short notice.

Authorities have also urged residents to exercise caution during thunderstorms and avoid venturing into vulnerable areas during periods of intense weather activity.(NVI)

LG Sinha Calls for Greater Participation in Hockey, Attends Inter-School Tournament Finale in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the administration aims to encourage more schools and youngsters to take up hockey and establish the Union Territory as a hub of world-class hockey talent.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the ALFA Hockey Inter-School Tournament-2026 at the Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf in Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Sinha said sustained investments in sports infrastructure, grassroots competitions and community engagement have helped boost the popularity of the sport across Jammu and Kashmir.

The tournament witnessed participation from 32 schools representing several districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, Kulgam and Shopian.
Congratulating the winners and participants, the Lieutenant Governor said the event provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and realise their sporting potential.

“It is our aim to see more schools and more young players take up hockey in the coming years and establish Jammu and Kashmir as a cradle for world-class hockey talent,” Sinha said.

He said the administration is developing a talent pipeline that would support players from the school level to regional and national competitions.

Highlighting recent developments in sports infrastructure, Sinha said synthetic hockey turfs at Srinagar, Pulwama and Poonch have created new opportunities for aspiring players, while modern facilities are also being developed at Bandhu Rakh and K.K. Hakku Stadium in Jammu.

According to the Lieutenant Governor, these projects will strengthen training facilities, coaching programmes and talent identification initiatives, laying a strong foundation for future national-level players.

Sinha also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing opportunities and resources for youth, enabling them to contribute to the vision of a developed India.

The event was attended by senior civil, police and sports officials, coaches, students and teachers from participating schools.(NVI)

One more vessel attacked near Oman coast, Indians suspected on board

Smoke emanates from a vessel after being attacked. (File pic)

New Delhi, June 11: One more vessel, with Indians believed to be on board, was attacked today near the coast of Oman today, in the third such incident since June 7.

“We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details,” said the Indian Embassy in Oman in a social media post.

It, however, gave no further details.

Unconfirmed reports say the vessel may be M.T. Jalveer with 20 Indians on board.

The latest attack comes a day after the US strike on a Palau-flagged vessel, with 24 Indian crew on board, near the coast of Oman.

Two of them were killed and one is still missing.

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 last evening.

“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 last evening.

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

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 26 Pakistani soldiers, injuring ‘numerous’ others

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters at some undisclosed location. File Pic.

Quetta (Balochistan), June 11: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) today claimed to have killed 26 personnel and injured “numerous” others of the occupying Pakistani forces in Balochistan in multiple attacks during which it established control over police stations and seized wapons and vehicles.

These casualties and damage were casued by the BLA in 15 operations in various parts of Balochistan between June 1 and June 10.

The operations included direct armed assaults and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks targeting the occupying Pakistani military, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

“During these engagements, the fighters successfully seized control of three police stations and checkpoints, capturing military vehicles and weapons belonging to the occupying forces,” he said.

Twenty-six personnel of the occupying forces were killed and numerous others were injured in these attacks, he added.

The killed personnel of the Pakistani forces included a Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) of Military Intelligence (MI) along with three accompanying personnel.

“These organized and multi-faceted operations executed during the first 10 days of June stand as clear evidence of BLA’s expanding operational reach, the exceptional performance of its intelligence wing ‘ZIRAB’, and its capability to establish territorial control,” the spokesman said.

“The heavy casualties and material losses inflicted on the occupying forces, the elimination of high-ranking military officials, and the control established over state installations clearly demonstrate that the Baloch resistance movement is now in a position to check the enemy’s military expansion and assert its strategic dominance,” he added.

The details shared are as follows:

On June 1, in Kurdgap, Mastung, fighters targeted an outpost of the occupying army with mortar fire, resulting in the death of three personnel and injuring four others.

On the same day, during intense clashes with the occupying forces in Kurdgap, three BLA fighters, Sangat Maqbool, Sangat Salahuddin, and Sangat Waheed embraced martyrdom.

On June 3, in Ahmed Wal, Nushki, an occupying military convoy was targeted in a planned ambush near the railway crossing, leaving at least two enemy personnel dead and several others injured.

On the same day, an IED attack in the Manguchar area of Kalat killed one member of the occupying army’s bomb disposal squad and injured two others.

The occupying Pakistani army attempted to advance into the Chidgi area of Panjgur, triggering prolonged clashes.

Multiple personnel of the occupying forces were killed and injured, while a military helicopter was severely damaged after being targeted by fighters with heavy weaponry.

Three valiant BLA fighters, Sangat Talar, Sangat Babar, and Sangat Khalil embraced martyrdom during these engagements.

In Wakai, Zamran, an occupying military vehicle was completely destroyed in a remote-controlled IED blast at Kirpasi, resulting in the death of three personnel and injuring several others.

On the same day, foot soldiers of the occupying army were targeted by fighters in an IED attack at Kalg in Tegran, killing one soldier on the spot.

On June 6, in Iskalko, Kalat, fighters targeted foot soldiers of the occupying army as they attempted an aggressive advance into the area.

Three personnel were killed instantly, forcing the remaining troops to retreat.

Subsequently, the occupying forces attempted to advance using armored vehicles, prompting fighters to launch a multi-directional counter-attack.

This secondary engagement resulted in four additional enemy fatalities and numerous injuries, with fighters successfully capturing one armored vehicle and associated military hardware.

Following the setback, the occupying forces resorted to mortar fire and indiscriminate shelling of civilian settlements using gunship helicopters.

BLA fighter Sangat Kaka Zaheer embraced martyrdom during these clashes.

On the same day, foot soldiers of the occupying army were targeted in an IED blast in the Jabshan area of Zamran, leaving one personnel dead and another injured.

Furthermore, the occupying army was engaged in the Bulbul area of Zehri, Khuzdar, when enemy forces attempted to advance into the territory with tanks, armored personnel carriers (APCs), and transport vehicles.

In the ensuing 10-hour clash, more than four personnel of the occupying forces were killed and several others injured, while one armored vehicle sustained severe structural damage.

In Kalatak, Turbat, Baloch Liberation Army fighters targeted and eliminated a high-ranking officer of the occupying Pakistani army’s Military Intelligence (MI), Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Arsalan Halim, along with three accompanying personnel.

The operation took place as they departed from the occupying army’s camp in Nasirabad in a three-vehicle convoy.

The MI officer was moving in disguise under the protection of a state-backed ‘Death Squad’, a movement closely tracked by BLA’s intelligence wing, ZIRAB.

Utilizing authentic and confidential data provided by ZIRAB, the fighters executed a precise strike, leaving the occupants of the vehicle no time to respond and neutralizing them on the spot.

On June 7, in Kalg, Gorkop area of Kech, fighters launched a tactical armed assault on foot soldiers of the occupying forces, inflicting casualties.

On June 8, in Ahmed Wal, Nushki, fighters ambushed a bus convoy transporting personnel of the occupying forces near the railway crossing. A direct hit on one of the buses resulted in multiple casualties, with several personnel killed and injured.

On June 9, in Turbat city, operatives from the Baloch Liberation Army’s Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) executed a complex, organized operation, detonating a magnetic bomb planted at the entrance gate of an occupying forces checkpoint while four personnel were inside.

BLA fighters launched a systematic assault on the Narhan police station in Duki and successfully established full territorial control over the facility.

During the raid, one policeman took up a defensive position and fired upon the fighters; he was neutralized in retaliatory fire.

After gaining complete control of the station, fighters confiscated all available weapons and military equipment, while the remaining police personnel were released unharmed.

On June 10, BLA fighters seized control of the Sultan Police Station in the Dinar area of Pishin, as well as the Gilo police checkpoint in Dolangi, Gulistan tehsil of Qilla Abdullah.

The personnel present were taken into custody, and 15 different weapons, military hardware, and operational vehicles were seized.

The fighters subsequently set fire to the police station, bulldozed a significant section of the facility, and completely destroyed the checkpoint using explosives.

The BLA paid rich tributes to “all its valiant fighters for their immortal sacrifices in the defense of the Baloch nation, and reiterates its principled stance that precise and severe blows against the enemy’s military, intelligence, and economic assets will continue with full intensity until the complete end of foreign occupation and subjugation on Baloch soil.” (NVI)

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 at a protest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir

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)

1...116117118...1,751Page 117 of 1,751

MUST READ