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CM Omar Abdullah Writes to Punjab Counterpart Over Alleged Illegal Levy on Livestock Carriers

CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Jun 29 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, urging him to intervene in the alleged unauthorised collection of fees from livestock transport vehicles passing through Punjab, officials said on Monday.

In his letter, Abdullah said the issue had been raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which alleged that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir were being stopped by certain contractor groups linked to cattle fairs and forced to pay unauthorised charges despite carrying valid permits and statutory documents.

He said such practices were causing delays, financial losses to transporters and adversely affecting animal welfare.

The chief minister referred to the findings of an internal committee constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, which reportedly found that transporters were being compelled to make substantial payments during transit without any apparent legal sanction.

Abdullah noted that livestock movement is exempt from GST and said the alleged levy was placing an additional burden on the trade, with a likely impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also expressed concern that the practice could continue during the upcoming cattle fair contract period unless appropriate safeguards were put in place.

Seeking Punjab’s intervention, Abdullah urged Mann to ensure the smooth and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through the state and prevent any unauthorised interference or collection of charges from transporters carrying valid documents.

He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved in the spirit of cooperation between the two neighbouring states, officials said.(NVI)

JKLF terrorist Yasin Malik, 4 others chargesheeted in 36-year-old murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse
SIA Files 737-Page Chargesheet After 35 Years; Says Killing Was Part of JKLF Conspiracy to Spread Terror, Target Kashmiri Pandits

JKLF chief Yasin Malik (File Photo)

Srinagar, June 29 (NVI): After a long period of 36 years, law has finally caught with pro-Pakistan chief of JKLF terror outfit Yasin Malik in the brutal murder of a Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat as he has been named in a chargesheet in the case along with 4 other associates.

The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, has filed a 737-page chargesheet before a special court in Srinagar in connection with the abduction, torture and killing of Sarla Bhat, who was a nurse at the government-run Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciencies (SKIMS).

The young Sarla was abducted on April 18, 1990, from the vicinity of the hospital located in Soura area, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

The SIA said she was subjected to brutal torture before being shot dead with automatic weapons at Omer Colony, Malbagh, Srinagar.

The agency, which was handed over the case in 2024, said the investigation established that the murder was not an isolated act but part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) to spread fear and terror during the early years of militancy.

The chargesheet names Mohammad Yasin Malik, then Chief Commander of JKLF and now Chairman of the terror outfit, along with Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Mohammad Yousuf Sofi alias Idrees and Ghulam Mohammad Taploo.

Malik is currently lodged in judicial custody in another case while Hamid Sheikh, Sofi and Taploo have died during the interim period.

Proceedings have also been initiated against absconding accused Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo, who is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the SIA, the investigation found that allegations branding Sarla Bhat as an “informer” were fabricated and used as a pretext for her targeted killing.

The agency said the murder formed part of a systematic campaign of terrorist violence intended to spread fear among civilians, particularly the Kashmiri Pandit community, and facilitate their forced displacement from the Valley.

The accused have been chargesheeted under Sections 364, 341, 302, 201 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), relevant provisions of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), and the Arms Act.

The SIA said the chargesheet is based on extensive oral, documentary, forensic, ballistic, medical and electronic evidence collected and re-examined during the fresh investigation.

The case, originally registered in 1990, was transferred to the SIA on March 18, 2024, on the directions of the Director General of Police, J&K.

Calling the filing of the chargesheet a historic milestone, the SIA said the investigation reaffirms that no terrorist crime becomes immune with the passage of time and that those responsible for acts of terror will continue to face the law, regardless of the years elapsed.

The agency said the chargesheet represents not only the culmination of a 35-year pursuit of justice but also a tribute to the victim and a strong message that terrorism has no limitation period and perpetrators cannot evade accountability indefinitely. (NVI)

BLA: Took Control of 2 Pakistani Military Camps, killed 13 soldiers in Balochistan

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

Quetta (Balochistan), June 29 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed 13 personnel of the occupying Pakistani forces in twin-attacks in Balochistan during which its fighters took full control of two military camps and seized the entire booty of weapons and ammunition

The organized military operation was carried out in the Ziarat area of Balochistan, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

Giving details, he said BLA freedom fighters launched a simultaneous attack on two military camps of the occupied Pakistani army stationed at “Kharwari Baba” in Ziarat yesterday.

“Advancing from multiple directions, the freedom fighters encircled the camps and, after a fierce clash, successfully established complete control over both camps,” the spokesman said.

As a result of this close-quarter combat, 9 personnel of the occupying forces were killed on the spot, while other soldiers of the defeated enemy fled the battlefield, leaving behind their positions and weapons, he added.

After capturing the camps, the freedom fighters seized a large quantity of modern military weapons, communication equipment, and ammunition stockpiles into their possession, and subsequently set both military camps on fire, destroying them completely.

Meanwhile, other detachments of the freedom fighters set up blockades on the main highway to secure control of the routes.

During this time, the freedom fighters ambushed the reinforcing convoy of the occupying army and police attempting to advance towards Kharwari Baba at two different locations, Jeeyand Baloch said.

In these successful attacks, 4 more enemy personnel were killed and several others were injured, while their military vehicles were also immobilized, he added.

“The Baloch Liberation Army reiterates its commitment that such organized, coordinated, and decisive attacks on enemy positions will continue with greater intensity until the complete independence of occupied Balochistan and the total withdrawal of the occupying forces,” he declared. (NVI)

Pakistan conducts big attack on Afghanistan; kills 36 civilians, injures 163

Condition of a house hit by Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan last night

Kabul, June 29: In yet another outrageous cross-border military action, Pakistan killed at least 36 and injured 163 civilians in Afghanistan by carrying out air strikes at various places last night.

Most of the dead and injured are children and women and the toll is likely to increase as many of the wounded are in critical condition, according to Afghan officials.

The Taliban regime of Afghanistan condemned the Pakistani action, saying the “cowardly act” was “crime and atrocity”.

The Afghan regime said civilian houses were hit in the Pakistani air strikes in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces last night.

“According to the reports available thus far, the attacks carried out last night resulted in the martyrdom of 36 civilians, including women and children, while 163 others sustained injuries,” said Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Taliban regime, in a post on X at 11.20 AM (Afghanistan time).

Giving details, he said in Mandokhail Village of Paktia Province, Pakistani fighter jets bombed a civilian residence.

As a result, two persons — an elderly man and a child — from the household were killed while other members of the family sustained injuries, he said.

Subsequently, when local residents rushed there to conduct rescue operations, the area was bombed again, resulting in the killing of 28 villagers and injuries to 158 others, he said.

In Paktika Province, the house of a civilian was bombed in Walust village, Fitrat said.

Six individuals, mostly women and children, were killed here, he said.

Pakistan also bombed Barolo village in Kunar province in which a civilian house was completely destroyed, the Deputy Spokesperson said, adding there was no loss of life here.

Pakistani military also conducted ground operations in some areas of Afghanistan, according to the officials in Pakistan.

Pakistan has been repeatedly conducting airstrikes inside Afghanistan, ostensibly to target TTP bases but the victims have been civilians, mostly children and women.

After one such action on February 22, there was a major military escalation between the two neighbours, which went on for a month.

In a single airstrike in March, the Pakistani military hit a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, killing and injuring over 700 patients, doctors and other medical staff.

After that, earlier this month, Pakistani airstrikes killed 13 civilians, mostly children, in Afghanistan. (NVI)

 

 

Rusted hand grenade found during canal cleaning in Sopore, destroyed safely

Srinagar, Jun 29 (NVI): A rusted hand grenade was found during the cleaning of a canal in the Sangrama area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday and was later destroyed safely, officials said.

The grenade was noticed during the canal cleaning operation and was taken into police custody, the officials said.

They said the Bomb Disposal Squad was alerted immediately and destroyed the explosive following standard safety procedures.

No loss of life or damage to property was reported in the incident, officials added.—(NVI)

Amarnath Yatra begins ceremonially, J&K LG Performs ‘Pratham Puja’ Holy Cave

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha performs puja at Amarnath Cave in Kashmir today

Srinagar, June 29 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ‘Pratham Puja” at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual pilgrimage scheduled to commence on July 3 in the Kashmir Valley.

The 57-day pilgrimage to the Holy Cave of Lord Shiva in the mountains of south Kashmir will begin simultaneously from the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district on July 3.

It will conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

The Lieutenant Governor offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people and invited devotees from across the country to participate in the pilgrimage in large numbers.

Sinha said the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, the Army, police, security forces, local residents, service providers and volunteers were working in close coordination to ensure a safe, smooth and memorable pilgrimage for devotees.

He said significant improvements in infrastructure and pilgrim facilities, along with the support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, had strengthened preparations for the annual Yatra.

Senior civil, police and shrine board officials were present during the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the holy cave.—(NVI)

Heatwave Likely to Grip Kashmir; Srinagar May Record Season’s Highest Temperature Today

Srinagar, June 29 (NVI): A sharp rise in day temperatures is expected across Kashmir Valley on Monday, with Srinagar likely to record a maximum temperature of 34-35 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day of the season so far, according to weather forecasts.

The forecast said several other parts of the Valley are also likely to witness their highest temperatures of the season as hot and dry weather conditions continue.

People have been advised to remain hydrated, drink plenty of water, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. (NVI)

Baramulla Police deny terror attack claims, register FIR over fake social media posts

Baramulla Police deny terror attack claims, register FIR over fake social media posts

Srinagar June 29 (NVI): Baramulla Police on Monday dismissed as “false and fabricated” the viral social media claims alleging a terrorist attack on a police station in the north Kashmir district, firing at government offices and a proposal to cancel the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra.

In a statement, police said no such terrorist attack or firing incident had taken place anywhere in Baramulla and termed the reports regarding the proposed cancellation of the annual pilgrimage as “completely false and misleading.”

The police said the circulation of the fabricated content appeared to be a deliberate attempt to create fear, spread panic, disturb public tranquillity and undermine public confidence during the ongoing yatra.

An FIR has been registered and an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for creating, publishing and circulating the misinformation, the statement said.

Police said strict legal action would be taken against all those found involved, including individuals who knowingly shared or forwarded the false content with the intention of amplifying the misinformation.

The public has been advised not to circulate unverified content on social media and to rely only on information issued through official government and police channels, the statement added.(NVI)

‘I want justice for son’: father of techie Sarthak Mattoo killed in Delhi road accident

Thar vehicle which was involved in accident

Gurugram, June 28: “I want justice for my son, nothing else,” says Surender Matoo, the wailing Kashmiri Pandit father of 34-year-old Sarthak who died in a crash between his bike and a Mahindra Thar in Vasant Kunj in South Delhi.

Sarthak, a techie, was on his way from his home in Gurugram in Haryana to Noida in Uttar Pradesh for work when the accident occurred near Rajokri flyover yesterday morning.

According to the Police, a PCR call alerted the Vasant Kunj South police station about a severely injured motorcyclist after a collision involving a car.

Sarthak was taken to the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Initial probe suggests that the Thar was being driven recklessly, changing lanes on the highway before colliding with the motorcycle.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections and the Thar driver has been arrested and the vehicle seized.

Sarthak left home at around 6:30 am and the family was informed about the accident nearly an hour later, his father said.

“He (Sarthak) was wearing the best quality helmet. You can see the scratches on it,” Surender Mattoo said about his son while showing the head protective gear to the media persons at his residence.

The wailing father made appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi Police Comissioner for justice.

“I want justice for my son. We want nothing else, no compensation,” Surender Mattoo says, while pleading that “the killers should not be allowed to go scot free”.

The Thar vehicle is registered with a Bengaluru-based private company and had been leased to Sagar Saha, who was seated in the front passenger seat at the time of the accident, according to the police.

Also read:

Pakistani military installation attacked in Karachi, several soldiers killed, injured

During questioning, Saha told police that his friend, Apurv Singh, a 30-year-old private employee from Uttar Pradesh currently residing in Gurugram, was driving the SUV.

Singh has been arrested and the vehicle seized.

Sarthak’s family has alleged that those inside the Thar abandoned him after the collision. (NVI)

LG Reviews Amarnath Yatra Preparations at Baltal, Stresses Safety and Pilgrim Convenience

Srinagar, Jun 28 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday reviewed the preparations for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra at Baltal in Ganderbal district and directed all departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage.

Chairing a high-level meeting with senior civil, police and security officials, Sinha reviewed infrastructure, security measures and other facilities being put in place for the yatra.

He instructed all stakeholder departments to ensure that essential amenities are fully functional so that pilgrims are provided a safe, comfortable and well-organised environment.

“My priority is that every pilgrim can enjoy the spiritual journey and leave with a truly enriching and fulfilling experience,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Describing the pilgrimage as a “moment of faith and shared joy”, Sinha said the arrangements should reflect that spirit and ensure proper care of devotees.

The Lieutenant Governor reviewed preparations related to sanitation, healthcare, drinking water, electricity, transportation, weather forecasting, evacuation plans, parking facilities, langars, registration counters, road maintenance, disaster management, flood mitigation measures, animal husbandry services and availability of essential commodities.

He directed police and security agencies to maintain the highest level of vigilance and ensure close coordination for the safety and security of pilgrims.

Sinha also asked the concerned departments to increase the number of on-the-spot registration counters to facilitate quicker registration and reduce waiting time for devotees.

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore gave a detailed presentation on the preparations made by various departments, while Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the security arrangements, including personnel deployment, surveillance, access control, traffic management and emergency response measures.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, civil administration, police and security forces.—(NVI)

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