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Mechanised Infantry Marks 47th Raising Day with Tributes, Strategic Lecture

Mechanised Infantry Marks 47th Raising Day with Tributes, Strategic Lecture

New Delhi, Apr 2 (NVI): The Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army on Thursday marked its 47th Raising Day with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and a memorial lecture focusing on emerging strategic challenges, reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence and national service.

On the occasion of the 47th Raising Day of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, to honour the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. At the National War Memorial, Major General R Premraj, Additional Director General of Mechanised Infantry, along with serving personnel, laid a wreath and paid rich tributes on behalf of all ranks of the Regiment.

As part of the Raising Day commemorations, the 6th General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture was also organised at the Sapta Shakti Auditorium, Jaipur Military Station, under the mentorship of Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, Chief of Staff, South Western Command and Colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The theme of the lecture, “Challenges of Pursuing Strategic Autonomy in an Increasingly Fractious World”, reflected the importance of strategic thought in a rapidly evolving global environment.

The lecture was organised by the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi. The keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command.

The lecture also featured distinguished speakers who shared insights on the changing international relations landscape, as well as defence and security perspectives. The event was attended by military personnel, veterans and scholars.

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment occupies a vital place in the Indian Army’s war-fighting framework, combining the mobility and firepower of mechanised platforms with the close-combat capability of infantry soldiers. The Regiment continues to adapt to the demands of the modern battlefield through capability enhancement and technological integration, ensuring that the Mechanised Infantry remains operationally ready, future-oriented and capable of operating effectively in multidomain operations.

The 47th Raising Day celebrations reaffirmed the Mechanised Infantry Regiment’s steadfast commitment to its glorious legacy, operational excellence, technological modernisation and dedicated service to the nation. (KNC)

Govt Places 136 Senior Lecturers as In-charge Principals, Promotions of ZEOs in Final Stage: Sakeena Itoo

Jammu, Apr 2 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Thursday said that 136 Senior Lecturers have been placed as in-charge Principals during December 2025 and January 2026, while the process to promote 114 Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) as in-charge Principals is in its final stage.

Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by legislator Javid Hassan Baig in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister said the steps are aimed at filling vacant posts of Principals across the School Education Department (SED) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Itoo informed the House that out of 15 Higher Secondary Schools in Baramulla constituency, nine are currently without Principals, and efforts are underway to fill these posts through promotions.

She further said that 27 Teachers, Masters and Lecturers have been deployed in Higher Secondary Schools of Baramulla, in addition to their existing duties, to teach subjects in which they have expertise.

The Minister also informed that 594 Lecturer vacancies in various subjects have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), with selection lists nearing completion and some selections already received.

She added that the department has also initiated placement of Postgraduate (PG) Masters and Teachers as in-charge Lecturers in different disciplines. Since January 2026, 48 PG Masters/Teachers have been elevated as in-charge Lecturers in Geography, 10 in Dogri and 87 in Political Science.

Itoo said that similar elevations in other disciplines are in the pipeline and will be finalised soon to address the shortage of subject-specific teachers across Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla constituency—(NVI)

Water Supply to Remain Disrupted in Parts of Srinagar on April 6: Officials

Jal Jeevan Mission
Representational image

Srinagar, Apr 2 (NVI): The water supply in several parts of Srinagar and adjoining areas is likely to remain affected for nearly 24 hours on April 6 due to urgent repair works on the Sindh Power Canal water, officials said on Thursday.

The public notice issued by the Water Works Division Srinagar, the repair work will be carried out by the Canal and Irrigation authorities on April 6, impacting raw water supply to key water treatment plants at Alusteng and Rangil.

“As a result, potable water supply in major parts of Srinagar city and adjoining areas may face disruption for approximately 24 hours, beginning from 6 am on Monday (April 6) to 6 am on Tuesday (April 7),” the notice said.

The affected areas include Zakora, Gulab Bagh, Alusteng, Khalmulla, Habak, Naseem Bagh, Buchpora, Soura, Anchar, Zoonimar, Nowshera, Hawal, Alamgari Bazar, Rajouri Kadal, Nallahmar, Nowhatta, Lal Bazar, Hazratbal, Nigeen, Rainawari, Khanyar, Nawab Bazar, Habba Kadal, Basant Bagh, Karan Nagar, Eidgah, Maharajgunj, Zaina Kadal, Batamaloo and adjoining localities.

Authorities have advised residents to store sufficient water to meet their needs during the period of disruption.

Officials said the PHE Provincial Control Room will remain operational round-the-clock to address public grievances regarding water shortage.

They also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to the public.(NVI)

No Immediate Shortage of Essentials in J&K, Says Omar Abdullah

File Photo : CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Apr 02 (NVI) : Jammu Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that stocks of LPG and other essential fuels in the Union Territory are adequate at present, while cautioning that a prolonged international conflict could impact supplies in the future.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir, like the rest of the country, has no direct control over global developments. He, however, assured that the current reserves of essential commodities, including fuel, are sufficient for the next 10–15 days.

He added that if the conflict continues for a longer duration and shortages emerge at the national level, the Union Territory could also face disruptions. “As of now, there is no immediate cause for concern,” he said.

Referring to a recent meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said the Centre has assured uninterrupted supply of essentials through multiple channels.

He further said that the administration is closely monitoring the situation and any changes will be promptly communicated to the public.(NVI)

Top-Level Police Reshuffle in J&K; DIGs, SSPs Among 82 Shifted

Srinagar, Apr 2 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday ordered a major reshuffle in the police department, transferring and posting 82 officers across various ranks with immediate effect.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, the transfers have been carried out in the interest of administration.

Among the top-level changes, Tejinder Singh has been appointed as IGP CID, while Sarah Rizvi will serve as IGP Crime, J&K. Shahid Mehraj Rather has been posted as Director, Police Telecommunication, and Shridhar Patil Daulu as DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua.

Haseeb-ur-Rehman has been posted as DIG Traffic Kashmir, while Nisha Nathyial will serve as DIG IR Jammu. Dr. Vinod Kumar has been appointed DIG North Kashmir Range, and Maqsood-ul-Zaman as DIG Armed Kashmir. Shiv Kumar Sharma has been posted as DIG Udhampur-Reasi.

Sargun has been appointed DIG Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban, while Sandeep Wazir will serve as DIG Rajouri-Poonch. Anita Sharma has been posted as DIG Civil Defence and SDRF Jammu, and Jatinder Singh Johar as DIG Headquarters PHQ.

At the SSP level, Amod Nagpure Ashok has been posted as SSP Anantnag, while Amritpal Singh will serve as SSP Udhampur. Sudhanshu Dhama has been appointed SSP Ganderbal, and Mukund Tibrewal as SSP Reasi. Hariprasad K.K. will serve as SSP Budgam.

Further, Kartik Shrotriya has been posted as SSP Doda, while Shamsher Hussain will serve as SSP PCR Jammu. Liaqat Ali has been appointed SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir.

Several other postings and transfers have been ordered across CID, SDRF, JKAP, IR battalions, and district police units, impacting administrative and operational positions across the Union Territory.

The government stated that the reshuffle aims to streamline policing, enhance administrative efficiency, and strengthen law enforcement across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Over 16,000 kanals of govt land under encroachment in Jammu and Kashmir; eviction process underway: CM

J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Assembly

Jammu, Apr 2: More than 16,000 kanals of land of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) are currently being encroached upon and eviction drives are being carried out in a phased and time-bound manner, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today.

Speaking in the Assembly, he responded to a query by BJP MLA Dr Narinder Singh Raina by informing that the total land managed by the JDA amounts to 80,976 kanals and 10 marlas, of which 16,127 kanals and 10 marlas are under illegal occupation.

“Eviction notices are issued under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, and regular eviction and demolition drives are conducted in coordination with the district administration and police,” Abdullah said.

He said field inspections occur regularly to prevent new encroachments, and the eviction of illegal occupants is being implemented in a phased and time-bound manner, following statutory procedures.

In response to a query regarding details of the encroachers, including whether they are politicians, bureaucrats, private individuals, or organisations, the Chief Minister said the JDA does not maintain records categorised by these groups.

“Encroacher lists are received from the Revenue department and maintained on a land parcel-wise or location-wise basis,” he said in his response, emphasising that actions are taken strictly according to legal provisions to ensure transparency and accountability. (NVI)

LG Manoj Sinha Hands Appointment Letter to Martyr SI’s Wife Under Rehab Scheme

Jammu, Apr 2 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday handed over an appointment letter to Smt. Alka Sharma, wife of martyred Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma, under the Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme, 2022.

The Lieutenant Governor also assured all possible assistance and support to the bereaved family.

The Lieutenant Governor assured all possible assistance and support to the bereaved family.

The J&K Police Braveheart made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in 2024 while courageously fighting and neutralizing a most-wanted gangster in Kathua.(NVI)

Indus Water Treaty suspended, moves afoot to revive power plant in Kashmir after 34 years
Mohra Hydroelectric Project was built in 1902 but became defunct after floods in 1992

Mohra Power Plant in Kashmir (File Pic)

Srinagar, Apr 2: Months after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, a 124-year-old hydroelectric project on River Jhelum in Baramulla district of Kashmir is being re-activated after remaining defunct for 34 years.

The Mohra Hydroelectric Project (MEP), considered heritage project, is located in Boniyar area of Uri in Baramulla, a district bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), and a process has been set in motion to revive it.

Built way back in 1902, the power plant was shut down in September 1992 after facing extensive damage due to floods.

According to the government, the Board of Directors (BoD) of the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has approved a proposal to float a Limited Tender Enquiry (LTE) for the engagement of a Transaction Advisor (TA) from firms empanelled with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).

The Transaction Advisor, thus selected, will assist in the renovation, modernization, upgradation and operation and maintenance (RM&OM) of the Mohra HEP.

The BoD further authorized the Managing Director of JKSPDC to finalize the Terms of Reference (ToR) and the evaluation framework, constitute a tender committee, and issue the award to the selected Transaction Advisor.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently stated in the Assembly that the pace of construction of power projects in the Union Territory is being speeded up with the Indus Water Treaty being kept in abeyance.

Jammu and Kashmir has remained electricity-deficient for decades and one of the main reasons has been handicap to construct power plants on River Jhelum because of the IWT of 1960.

Under the IWT, the rights of usage of 6 common rivers have been divided between India and Pakistan. These rivers are – Jhelum, Chenab (of Jammu and Kashmir), Indus and Ravi, Beas and Sutlej (of Punjab).

The IWT mandates that India has restrictive rights over Jhelum, Chenab and Indus which flow from this country to the Pakistani side. Accordingly, India cannot build dams on these three rivers, whose usage is limited to agriculture and drinking.

On the other hand, India has unrestricted rights over Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers.

After the gruesome terror massacre in Pahalgam in Kashmir on April 22 last year by terrorists from Pakistan, India suspended the IWT as one of the measures of retaliation.

 

The Jammu and Kashmir government stated in the Assembly that the BoD of JKSPDC had deliberated on the matter related to Mohra Hydroelectric Project and taken a decision regarding the 10.5 MW power plant.

Although the present capacity of 10.5 MW is a modest one, officials are confident that it can be increased once the project is reactivated.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared by the IIT Roorkee whose team visited the site recently.

Considered one of the oldest hydroelectric projects in South Asia, the Mohra plant was built during the rule of Maharaja Ranbir Singh. It is said that the machinery for the plant was brought on horse carts from Rawalpindi in present-day Pakistan.

The power plant was constructed by Canadian-born engineer Major Alian de Litbniere and had unique engineering features, including an 11-kilometre-long wooden flume that acted as a water conductor.

The project was first damaged during the 1959 floods, but engineers restored it and expanded its capacity from 4 MW to 9 MW. The power generation capacity was later increased to 10.5 MW.

Dy CM Flags Forest Land Hurdle in Key Road Widening Project

Jammu, Apr 2 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said that prior forest clearance is essential for the proposed road expansion project, citing that a substantial portion of the alignment falls under forest land.

Addressing the Assembly, he noted that the existing road, with a width of about 5.5 metres, is inadequate to manage the increasing traffic volume. He attributed the surge in vehicular movement to the growing industrial activity at Lassipora.

Choudhary emphasized that widening and upgrading the road is crucial to ease congestion and ensure smoother connectivity in the key industrial belt.(NVI)

Omar Abdullah Thanks Centre for PMGSY-I Extension Till 2027

J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Assembly

Srinagar, Apr 2 (NVI): Omar Abdullah on Thursday thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-I) in Jammu and Kashmir till March 2027.

The Chief Minister said the extension would help expedite the completion of key rural road projects across the Union Territory.

He said the decision is expected to improve connectivity in remote and rural areas, enhancing access to essential services and contributing to overall development in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.(NVI)

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