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Srinagar installs over 1,000 cameras to strengthen traffic regulation, safety

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 19 (NVI): In a major initiative to enhance road safety and reduce traffic violations, the Srinagar Smart City project has successfully installed more than 1,000 state-of-the-art cameras across the city. The move is part of the implementation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), CEO Owais Ahmad revealed today.

Speaking to reporters, Ahmad explained that the newly installed cameras are designed to detect a variety of traffic violations, including failure to wear seatbelts, non-compliance with helmet laws, mobile phone usage while driving, and running red lights. He also noted that the system will soon include speed violation detection.

“On the first day of operation, the system issued 102 challans. Once a vehicle’s number plate is captured, the system automatically generates a challan, and the driver is required to pay the fine,” Ahmad explained.

Currently, the ITMS is operational at 33 of the 66 planned traffic junctions. The remaining signals are temporarily non-functional due to technical issues, but efforts are being made to address these problems and ensure full system functionality in the near future.

Utilizing high-resolution cameras and radar sensors, the ITMS continuously monitors traffic in real-time, processing data with advanced algorithms to provide instant insights into traffic patterns and enforce traffic regulations efficiently.

Ahmad expressed confidence that the ITMS would not only improve traffic flow but also enhance compliance with traffic laws, contributing to a safer, more organized Srinagar. (News Vibes of India)

J&K BJP defends Amit Shah, calls party ‘Custodians of Ambedkar’s Constitution’

BJP
BJP flag

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 19 (NVI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP’s) J&K unit strongly defended Union Home Minister Amit Shah today with party’s chief spokesperson, Sunil Sethi, reiterating the BJP’s commitment to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s constitutional principles.

Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sethi described BJP workers as “true soldiers of Ambedkar’s Constitution,” highlighting the party’s focus on safeguarding democracy, promoting equality, and ensuring social justice.

Sethi praised the BJP leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, stating that their “bold decisions” had rectified historical wrongs and strengthened India’s constitutional framework. “The BJP has always worked to protect and implement Ambedkar’s vision in modern governance, ensuring the Constitution remains the foundation of an inclusive and united India,” Sethi said.

Sethi launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing the party of weakening India’s socio-political fabric through what he termed “historical blunders.” He demanded an apology from Congress, citing key issues:

Sethi criticized the Congress for perpetuating the special status of Jammu & Kashmir under Article 370, arguing that it isolated the region and hindered its development. He lauded the BJP’s 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 as a “historic step” that ensured the full integration of Jammu & Kashmir into India and aligned with Ambedkar’s vision of equality.

Calling the emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi “one of the darkest chapters in Indian democracy,” Sethi accused the Congress of stifling dissent and undermining constitutional principles.

Sethi alleged that the Congress failed to uplift Dalits and other marginalized groups, despite championing their cause. In contrast, he said, the BJP has actively worked to empower these communities through targeted welfare policies.

He accused Congress of decades of corruption, economic stagnation, and administrative inefficiency, contrasting it with the BJP’s “clean and decisive governance” focused on development and progress.

Sethi said that the BJP’s leadership has taken tough but necessary decisions to correct historical mistakes. He said the party remains committed to ensuring the principles of democracy, equality, and justice—values enshrined in Ambedkar’s constitution—are upheld in letter and spirit.

“The Congress must acknowledge its mistakes and apologize to the nation for its repeated failures to uphold constitutional values,” Sethi concluded (News Vibes of India)

Coldest night in Srinagar at -6°C as Kashmir freezes in severe cold wave

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 19 (NVI): The biting cold has gripped Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with minimum temperatures plunging across the region. Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling low of , marking one of the coldest nights of the season.

In the Kashmir Valley, several areas experienced severe sub-zero temperatures. Shopian emerged as the coldest spot, recording a frigid -10.2°C, followed by Anantnag at -9.0°C. Other notable lows include Pulwama (-8.4°C), Sonamarg (-7.1°C), and Budgam (-6.9°C). Even popular tourist destinations like Pahalgam and Kulgam saw temperatures drop to -6.8°C and -6.6°C, respectively.

Famous Dal lake and other water bodies like river Jehlum were frozen at many spots’.

The Jammu region also felt the icy grip, though temperatures were relatively milder. The coldest spot was Udhampur at 0.1°C, with Banihal (-1.9°C) and Bhaderwah (-0.6°C) also dipping below freezing. Jammu city recorded 5.1°C, while Reasi and Poonch registered 1.4°C and 1.1°C, respectively.

In Ladakh, the cold wave intensified, with Kargil recording an extreme low of -13.5°C, making it the coldest location in the region. Leh followed closely at -11.2°C, continuing its tradition of harsh winter nights.

The persistent cold wave has impacted daily life across the region, with frozen water pipes and frost-covered roads becoming a common sight. The harsh weather conditions have also prompted authorities to issue advisories, urging residents to take precautions against the freezing temperatures.

With the ongoing winter deepening its grip, the region braces for colder days ahead as the mercury continues its downward trend.(News Vibes of India)

5 terrorists killed, 2 soldiers injured in Intense operation at Kulgam district

Security forces at an encounter site somewhere in Kashmir (File Pic)

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 19 (NVI): Security forces achieved a significant breakthrough in South Kashmir by neutralizing five terrorists during a fierce overnight gunfight in Kadder village, Behibagh, Kulgam district of South Kashmir.

Two soldiers sustained injuries in the operation, which began late Tuesday night.

A police officer told NVI that acting on a precise intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a joint team comprising the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles, and the CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation.

As the forces approached the suspected hideout, the terrorists opened heavy fire, triggering an extended gun battle. Two soldiers were injured in the initial exchange of fire and were immediately shifted to a medical facility, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

By the early hours of Thursday, five terrorists were killed. Their identities and affiliations are being verified. Officials confirmed that the operation was conducted with utmost care to prevent civilian harm in the densely populated area.

Search operations are ongoing in the vicinity to ensure there are no additional threats. Security personnel also recovered arms, ammunition, and other items from the site, indicating the group’s involvement in recent militant activities.

This operation is part of intensified counter-insurgency measures in South Kashmir, a region that continues to face security challenges. Authorities have urged residents of Kadder village to remain indoors as the area remains under strict restrictions for safety reasons.
Further details about the operation are awaited. (News Vibes of India)

LG Manoj Sinha chairs SMVD Shrine Board Meeting at Jammu

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 18(NVI): Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today presided over the 73rd meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan, where he launched several significant initiatives aimed at improving the overall experience for pilgrims.

An official statement said that the meeting, attended by key board members and senior officials, saw the dedication of two major pilgrim-centric facilities—the ‘Shubhra Bhawan’ Yatri Facilitation cum Staff Accommodation Complex at Banganga and the Yatri Facilitation Centre at the Railway Station in Katra. These facilities are designed to provide enhanced comfort and convenience for pilgrims during their visit.

In a bid to reduce congestion around the Bhawan area, Shri Sinha also laid the e-foundation stone for a new Exit Track. This new track is part of a broader plan to decongest the Bhawan area, making the pilgrimage smoother and more manageable for thousands of visitors. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor launched several digital initiatives, including the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and the introduction of an AI-powered Chatbot “Shakti” on the official Shrine Board website, which is expected to provide real-time support and information to pilgrims.

During the meeting, a comprehensive review was conducted on the progress of various ongoing and upcoming projects. The Board approved several new plans aimed at addressing safety, infrastructure, and the overall pilgrim experience. One of the key approvals was the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Shrine Board, the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and THDC India Limited (THDCIL). This collaboration is focused on identifying and treating slopes vulnerable to landslides and rockfalls along the Yatra route, ensuring the safety of pilgrims as they navigate the mountainous terrain.

Addressing the persistent issue of congestion near the Battery Car Point at Bhawan, the Board approved the construction of a dedicated parking facility for Battery Cars, which will be located opposite Parvati Bhawan, atop a three-story structure. This infrastructure development is expected to streamline the movement of pilgrims and reduce crowding in the area.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing efforts to improve facilities across various sectors, including the development of a new Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan, the expansion of accommodation at Sanjichhat, the creation of holding areas, and the construction of a Queue Complex at Darshani Deodi, Banganga, and Katra. A Master Plan for the Sanjichhat area was approved, addressing critical sectors such as accommodation, food points, water facilities, toilets, and queue management, all aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience.

In addition to these developments, the Board discussed various ongoing health and safety projects, such as the establishment of a Hospital, University, and Medical College in Kakryal, which are part of the broader vision for the region’s sustainable growth and infrastructure development.

One of the noteworthy decisions was the approval of a façade lighting project, which will enhance the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of the Shrine. This will involve revamping the lighting at the façade of the old Gufa in the Atka area, the three caves, and the sanctum sanctorum using modern LED and optic fiber lighting techniques.

The meeting also addressed the need for educational support for employees associated with the Shrine Board’s peripheral institutions, including the Medical College, Hospital, and other educational facilities in the Kakryal area. The CEO of the Shrine Board was directed to explore modalities to meet the educational needs of these employees.

A key highlight of the meeting was the Board’s approval of an additional Grant-in-Aid for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Charitable Society, which will support the operations of peripheral institutions like the Medical College, Nursing College, Gurukul, Sports Complex, and College of Nursing.

Earlier in the meeting, Anshul Garg, CEO of the SMVDSB, gave a detailed presentation on the status of various ongoing projects, the decisions taken in previous meetings. (News Vibes of India)

Eyes on the roads: E-Challan System now active in Srinagar, says SSP Traffic Muzaffar Shah

File Photo : SSP Traffic City (Srinagar) Muazafar Shah

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 18(NVI): In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety and curbing traffic violations, the E-Challan system has been officially activated in Srinagar today.

SSP Traffic Srinagar Muzaffar Shah said that this digital enforcement tool will ensure greater accountability for road users, with violations now being captured electronically for fines and penalties.

The introduction of the E-Challan system is part of the ongoing efforts to improve traffic management and discipline in Srinagar, a city that has long struggled with traffic congestion and reckless driving. The system will track violations in real-time through cameras and automated systems, making it more efficient and less prone to human error.

SSP Shah said that the E-Challan system aims to foster a more disciplined and law-abiding driving culture. He also warned motorists to be extra cautious on the roads, as strict enforcement would follow and violators would face penalties without exceptions. With this initiative, authorities hope to curb common offenses such as speeding, illegal parking and other violations that compromise public safety.

This shift to a digital approach represents a key step towards modernizing traffic management in Srinagar and is expected to yield better results in terms of road safety, reducing accidents, and making the city’s roads safer for both drivers and pedestrians. (News Vibes of India)

Mehbooba Mufti warns of environmental disaster, urges CM to act against Satellite Townships

File Photo : Former CM J&K Mehbooba Mufti

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 18 (NVI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today raised an alarm over the proposed satellite townships in Jammu and Kashmir, calling them a potential environmental catastrophe.

She urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to act swiftly and halt the large-scale diversion of agricultural land for these projects, which she claims could jeopardize the Kashmir’s fragile ecological balance and agricultural economy.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mehbooba highlighted that nearly 1,20,000 kanals of fertile agricultural land are being sacrificed to pave the way for these townships. She said that the Chief Minister has the power to intervene in this matter and must do so urgently. “There are issues beyond Omar Abdullah’s control, but this is something that is entirely within his hands. At the very least, he can take action here,” she said.

Mehbooba expressed concern over the lack of transparency and clarity surrounding these projects. She demanded answers about the purpose of the townships and their potential beneficiaries. “We need to know whether Srinagar is being decongested and its residents resettled in these townships, or if the townships are meant to bring in outsiders to settle here,” she remarked, hinting at fears of demographic shifts in the region.

The PDP chief further criticized the government’s disregard for the environmental and agricultural repercussions of the project. “This is not just about land—it’s about livelihoods, food security, and the environment. Turning fertile farmland into concrete jungles will have irreversible consequences,” she cautioned.

The proposed satellite townships have already sparked debates, with environmentalists, activists, and political groups warning of their far-reaching impact on the region’s ecology. Mehbooba’s statement adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding a re-evaluation of the project and greater accountability from the government.

As the issue continues to brew, Mehbooba’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between development and sustainability in Jammu and Kashmir—a balance that, she argues, is being dangerously tilted in the wrong direction (News Vibes of India)

Balochistan saw 98 cases of enforced disappearances, 12 extra-judicial killings: BNM Report

Protests against Karima Baloch's murder enter 3rd day in Balochistan
Protest against enforced disappearances. Baloch women staging protest to seek details of their kin who were illegally picked up by Pakistani forces. (File Pic)

Quetta, Dec 18 (NVI) Pakistan-occupied Balochistan and Karachi, the capital of Sindh Province, saw an alarming number of 98 enforced disappearances and 12 extra-judicial killings in the month of November by the Pakistan Army and its affiliates as part of their continued policy of ‘kill-and-dump’, according to a report.

The monthly report by Paank, the Human Rights Department of Baloch National Movement (BNM), has documented the cases of these enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings, said a statement issued by the BNM.

According to the report, the Pakistan Army and its affiliates continue to employ their ‘kill-and-dump’ policy under the controversial ‘Operation Silence.’

The practice of enforced disappearances involves illegally picking up individuals, torturing them in illegal confinement, executing them extrajudicially, and discarding their bodies in remote locations to silence dissent.

Among the 12 documented extra-judicial killings were Muhammad Nawaz, Ghulam Buzdar, and Jafar Marri, who were abducted and killed on November 6 in Musakhel, it said.

Bashir Ahmed, who had been missing since May from Gwadar, was found dead on November 23 in Awaran.

A particularly distressing case involves 16-year-old Israr Baloch, detained by the Counter Terrorism Department and later killed.

The report emphasizes that these military tactics are not limited to targeting insurgents but also extend to civilians, fostering an atmosphere of fear and employing collective punishment.

The military’s use of state-backed death squads, comprising criminal collaborators, further deepens the crisis.

These groups not only engage in acts of violence but are also implicated in illegal activities such as theft and drug trafficking, operating with near-total impunity.

Communities across Balochistan remain devastated by the loss and uncertainty surrounding their loved ones.

Paank’s data suggests that the actual number of disappearances and killings may be significantly higher, as many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation.

The Baloch National Movement called for urgent international attention to address the escalating violence and hold those responsible accountable.

Human rights advocates warn that global intervention is critical to ending these atrocities and ensuring justice for the affected families and communities. (NVI)

Police foils J&K Congress party’s Rajbhawan ‘Gherao’ over Statehood issue in Jammu

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 18 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Congress party’s planned Rajbhawan “Gherao” protest over the issue of statehood was foiled by the police in Jammu today.

The protest was part of the party’s efforts to demand the restoration of J&K’s statehood, which was revoked in 2019 when the J&K’s special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was also rolled back.

Congress MLAs, leaders and workers had gathered with the intention of marching to the Rajbhawan (Lieutenant Governor’s residence) as a symbol of protest. However, the police took preventive action, disallowing the protesters from reaching the location. In response, J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra stated that the protest was aimed at highlighting the delay in restoring statehood to the region. Karra said, “We were not allowed to march towards Raj Bhawan and hence we call off our protest here only (at Residency Road).”

The issue of statehood remains a significant point of contention in the region, with political parties and groups continuing to advocate for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. (News Vibes of India)

Army seizes arms, ammunition, narcotics in Kupwara district

File Photo

NVI Correspondent,

Srinagar, Dec 18 (NVI): Security forces in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and narcotics in a successful operation in the Amrohi area of the Tangdhar sector.

According to a statement from the Army’s Srinagar based 15 Corps, a joint search operation was launched in the area following reliable intelligence inputs. During the operation, forces seized four pistols, six pistol magazines, 4 kg of narcotics and other war-like stores.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a “terror-free” Kashmir, stating, “Chinar (15) Corps remains steadfast in its efforts to maintain peace and security in the Valley.” (New Vibes of India)

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