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LG Manoj Sinha Offers Prayers at Kheer Bhawani Shrine on Jyeshtha Ashtami

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Srinagar, Jun 22 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday paid obeisance at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal district on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

Officials said the Lieutenant Governor offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people and sought blessings at the temple, a prominent place of worship for Kashmiri Pandits.

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir as well as other states, who gathered at the shrine in Tulmulla to mark the auspicious occasion.

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Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits Attend Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla Temple in Kashmir

 

The administration had put in place elaborate arrangements, including security, transportation, healthcare and other facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage and religious gathering.(NVI)

Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits Attend Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla Temple in Kashmir

Kashmiri Pandits at Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 22 (NVI): Thousands of Kashmiri Pandit devotee from Jammu and Kashmir and different parts of the country gathered at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district on Monday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela held on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

Devotees started arriving at the shrine early in the morning to offer prayers at the temple dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, popularly known as Mata Kheer Bhawani.

The temple witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day amid religious fervour and devotion.

Many members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, including those who had travelled from outside Jammu and Kashmir, participated in the annual festival and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony.

District officials said elaborate arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the mela. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore said the administration had ensured adequate facilities, including security, traffic management, healthcare, sanitation and other essential services for the devotees.

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Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra Flagged Off from Jammu Amid Record Participation

“We welcome all pilgrims visiting the shrine. Necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage,” he said.

Senior police officers also visited the shrine and reviewed security arrangements. The Kashmir Police extended greetings to devotees and expressed hope that the festival would strengthen peace, harmony and brotherhood in the region.

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most important religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community and is observed every year at the historic Tulmulla shrine in central Kashmir.(NVI)

Army’s oldest Signals veteran joins troops for Yoga Day celebrations in Delhi

New Delhi, June 21 (NVI): Retired Lieutenant General M.S. Sodhi, former Signal Officer-in-Chief, participated in International Yoga Day celebrations with troops of the Corps of Signals in the national capital on Sunday, showcasing the spirit of fitness and camaraderie across generations of soldiers.

Lt Gen Sodhi, who is in his centenary year, was joined by the incumbent Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt Gen Vivek Dogra, during the event organised by 1 Army Headquarters Signal Regiment.

According to the Army, a large number of serving personnel and their family members took part in the yoga session conducted by trained instructors to mark International Yoga Day 2026.

The event highlighted the importance of physical and mental well-being among troops while reflecting the strong bond between veterans and serving soldiers.

Army officials said the gathering also underscored the role of the Corps of Signals in ensuring secure and reliable communications for the armed forces, enabling seamless connectivity through modern technologies.

The participants performed various yoga exercises and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle in line with the objectives of International Yoga Day. (NVI)

CM Omar Greets People on Mela Kheer Bhawani, Prays for Peace in J-K

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Jun 22 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday extended greetings to the people, especially members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani and prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being across the Union Territory.

In a message, Abdullah conveyed his wishes to devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage to the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district and other temples across Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the festival holds immense spiritual significance and reflects the rich cultural and civilisational heritage of the region.

The chief minister said Mela Kheer Bhawani symbolises faith, devotion, harmony and coexistence, values that have long been associated with Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture.

Abdullah expressed hope that the occasion would further strengthen communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect among all sections of society.

He also prayed that the celebrations bring happiness, progress and prosperity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.—(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 30 personnel of Pakistani forces

Balochistan
Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOQ) of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta (Balochistan), June 22: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight said it killed 30 personnel and injured many others of occupying Pakistani military and imposed economic blockade in various parts of Balochistan over the last 10 days.

In a statement, BLA said its fighters carried out 26 operations in various regions, targeting the occupying Pakistan army’s camps, checkpoints, and convoys, as well as their collaborators.

As part of economic blockade, checkpoints were established on highways, and vehicles supplying economic resources to the occupying state were targeted, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

The BLA fighters also destroyed bridges on central highways, he said.

In these attacks between June 11 and June 20, a total of 30 personnel of the occupying military were killed and several others injured, he said, adding heavy financial losses were also caused to the enemy.

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BNM holds demonstration in Germany to highlight Pakistan’s atrocities in Balochistan

During clashes with the occupying forces, BLA lost one fighter Safar Khan.

“Paralyzing the enemy state economically and militarily is a fundamental part of our strategy,” the BLA spokesman said.

“The Baloch Liberation Army reiterates its commitment that these organized operations and the economic blockade will continue with greater intensity until the complete expulsion of the occupying military from Baloch land and the achievement of national independence,” he declared. (NVI)

BNM holds demonstration in Germany to highlight Pakistan’s atrocities in Balochistan

Baloch protest organised by BNM in Germany

Berlin, June 22: While Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir were playing peaceamakers between the US and Iran, members of the Baloch diaspora staged a demonstration in Germany to tell the international community about the ongoing human rights violations being committed by the Pakistani regime in occupied Balochistan.

Organised by the Baloch National Movement (BNM), the event in Bonn on Sunday saw participants highlighting the dire situation in Balochistan because of the extreme oppression being carried out by the Pakistani regime.

The participants demanded justice for the Baloch nationals victimised due to Pakistani oppression, said a press statement issued by BNM.

Deep concern was expressed regarding the “faceless trials” being conducted against leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

BNM characterised these proceedings as a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and established principles of justice.

Significantly, the demonstration took place on a day Pakistani PM and Asim Munir were playing mediators between the US and Iran during their talks scheduled in Switzerland.

At the BNM programme, Baloch participants highlighted that constitutional and legal rights have been effectively suspended in Balochistan, where the Pakistan Army operates with impunity.

They specifically noted the case of prominent BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch and her colleagues, who are being targeted through opaque judicial processes.

In these trials, the identities of court staff, witnesses, and even the presiding judges remain concealed.

The protesters strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on the homes of Baloch activists and political leaders, reporting that residences are being looted and demolished.

Furthermore, they noted that the families of victims of enforced disappearances are being subjected to extreme pressure, often forced to hold press conferences to publicly disown their forcibly missing loved ones.

During the demonstration, the participants urged the international community to form an independent fact-finding mission—comprising of human rights organizations, journalists, and researchers—to investigate the human rights crisis in Balochistan.

Additionally, the protesters appealed to the European Union and other global powers to prioritize these grave human rights concerns when engaging in diplomatic and economic relations with Pakistan.

They emphasized that the respect for human rights and accountability must be at the core of all international engagement.

The protesters urged EU member states to evaluate their commercial, cultural, and political ties with Pakistan through this lens and to hold the state accountable for ensuring the protection of human rights.

Indian Navy gets more power with induction of 3 advanced military platforms

PM Narendra Modi at event to induct 3 advanced military platforms in Indian Navy

Kolkata, June 21 (NVI) The Indian Navy today got more power as 3 advanced maritime military platforms were inducted into the force here.

The inductions are — stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, large survey vessel INS Sanshodhak and an anti-submarine shallow water craft INS Agray.

These state-of-the-art platforms will significantly enhance the nation’s operational capabilities, maritime security against geopolitical threats, and domain awareness.

“No nation can emerge as a major power without strong maritime capabilities. Development, security and prosperity are closely linked to the oceans. Most of the world’s trade moves through sea routes, while vast global data networks operate beneath the oceans,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while commissioning the three platforms.

He said India does not wish to remain merely a buyer in the defence sector but “seeks to become a producer and a manufacturer, because nations that manufacture become decisive players on the global stage.”

During the recent past, 40 indigenously-built warships and submarines have been inducted into the Indian Navy while 45 major naval platforms are currently under construction.

The three ships have been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau as well as by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and constructed by GRSE, with extensive participation by Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs.

INS Dunagiri

The frigate is designed for high-end operations as it has been built using modular construction techniques and is armed with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, advanced air defence systems, MR Gun, close-in weapon systems and advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Its propulsion and Integrated Platform Management System ensure endurance, agility and operational flexibility.

Its reach is augmented by integral helicopter carrying ability, capable of operating various types of helicopters at extended ranges.

INS Sanshodhak

It is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) class ship and its induction will contribute to the sustainable use of ocean resources, aid coastal and offshore development, supporting India’s vision of MAHASAGAR.

INS Sanshodhak is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic systems and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs).

These systems provide highly precise hydrographic data, enabling the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources, strengthening the resurgent Blue Economy.

Its twin-engine diesel propulsion along with state-of-the-art platform management systems enhance her operational reach covering the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The ship also features dual-role capability and can be configured as a Hospital Ship, while also being capable of helicopter operations.

INS Agray

It adds critical capability to the Navy’s shallow-water anti-submarine and mine warfare posture.

The fifth in a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), Agray is equipped with advanced Sonar, Torpedoes, Anti-Submarine Rockets and a Combat Management System. Designed for agility in littoral waters and powered by waterjets, the vessel offers formidable underwater detection and engagement capability.

Together, the induction of Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray reflects the Navy’s expanding ability of building a balanced, networked and mission-ready force.

These advanced ships are capable of undertaking Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations as well as Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations. (NVI)

Ancient Nara Nag Temple in Kashmir reopened

Nara Nag temple in Kashmir reopened

Srinagar, Jun 20 (NVI): The historic and ancient Nara Nag Temple in Kashmir Valley, revered by Kashmiri Pandits, has been reopened for devotees and tourists following a comprehensive security review, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday.

The centuries-old temple complex, situated in the picturesque Nara Nag area of central Kashmir, had remained closed for visitors due to security considerations.

Naranag or Nara Nag temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nagas (serpeants), was built in 8th century AD.

In earlier times, Kashmiri Saraswat Brahmins, known for their reverence for serpents, used to stay here and do their ‘sadhanas’ (obeisance).

In a post on social media platform X, Sinha said the decision to reopen the temple in Ganderbal district was taken after assessing the security situation in the area.

“After thorough security review, decision has been taken to open the Naranag Temple at Ganderbal for devotees and tourists,” he said.

Officials said adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists visiting the site.

The reopening of the temple is expected to provide a boost to religious tourism and attract more visitors to the region, they added.(NVI)

Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra Flagged Off from Jammu Amid Record Participation

Jammu, Jun 20 (NVI): The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra commenced on Saturday with around 8,500 pilgrims leaving for various pilgrimage destinations in Kashmir, officials said.

A fleet of 214 buses carrying devotees was flagged off from Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu for the shrine of Mata Ragnya Devi at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district and other traditional pilgrimage centres in the Valley.

The yatra was flagged off by Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana in the presence of senior civil and police officials, including DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shridhar Patil and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) Dr Arvind Karwani.

Officials said this year’s pilgrimage has witnessed a significant increase in registrations compared to previous years. They attributed the rise to the improved security situation, peaceful atmosphere and extensive arrangements made for devotees.

The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela is observed at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Devsar-Manzgam in Kulgam and Logripora in Anantnag districts, with the main congregation taking place at the revered Mata Ragnya Devi shrine at Tulmulla.

Officials said special arrangements have been put in place by the administration, security agencies and various departments to facilitate the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Senior officers have also been deployed at key shrine locations to oversee arrangements and coordinate services for devotees.

The yatra will culminate on June 22 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, when thousands of devotees are expected to offer prayers at the shrines, they added.(NVI)

Govt Doctor suspended in Kashmir for alleged impropriety in treatment under PM scheme

Srinagar, Jun 20 (NVI): An Associate Professor of Cardiology at a government medical college in Kashmir has been suspended on charges of procedural misrepresentation and financial impropriety under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has suspended Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, a senior cardiologist posted at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, pending an inquiry into his conduct, according to an official order.

The doctor has been placed under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, the order said.

The order, issued by the Health and Medical Education Department on Saturday, said the suspension would remain in force pending completion of the inquiry.

During the suspension period, Shah will remain attached to the office of Government Medical College, Jammu, it added.

Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said the inquiry is underway and whoever is found guilty will be punished as per the law.

According to the departmental memorandum, cross-referencing online TMS claims against the physical Cath Lab Procedure Register revealed that Dr Maqbool actually performed Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) while claiming funds for a Dual Chamber Pacemaker.

The State Health Agency (SHA) referred the data to the Head of Department of Cardiology at SKIMS Soura for expert review.

The expert panel reported that LBBAP is a highly specialised procedure with strict clinical boundaries, only indicated for patients with borderline or severe left ventricular dysfunction for specific narrow QRS ECG morphology.

The clinical audit showed that 27 out of 55 patients (49 per cent) had normal LV function and wide QRS morphology, with no medical reason to perform LBBAP on these individuals. Consequently, SHA rejected these claims as fraudulent.

The memorandum stated that Dr Maqbool logged false descriptions in the official TMS system, bypassed the government supply chain, and extorted money from patients legally entitled to free healthcare, constituting a gross abuse of official position and serious medical malpractice warranting disciplinary action, including termination.

“Let the inquiry be completed. We are waiting for the report, and whoever is found guilty will be punished as per the law,” the Health Minister said. (NVI)

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