Monday, April 20, 2026
Home Blog Page 138

30 Artists to represent J&K at 28th National Youth Festival in New Delhi

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec13 (NVI): In a remarkable achievement for Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, 30 talented artists and students have been selected to represent the Union Territory at the prestigious 28th National Youth Festival.

The event is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on January 11 and 12, 2025, under the benign presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The festival aims to empower young individuals by providing them with a national platform to showcase their skills, creativity, and cultural diversity, while fostering leadership qualities and a sense of community.

Speaking at the conclusion of the Inter-Division UT-level competition, Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, lauded the immense potential of the region’s youth. He stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level by ensuring access to quality education enriched with high moral values and ethical standards. Hafeez emphasized that the youth of today possess unparalleled energy and dynamism, which, when channeled correctly, can lead to transformative social and cultural contributions.

The Secretary highlighted the role of such events in guiding the youth towards constructive paths, steering them away from drug abuse and other social evils. He expressed his gratitude to the organizers, parents, teachers, and trainers for their dedication and efforts in making the event a grand success. Hafeez described the upcoming opportunity to participate in the National Youth Festival as a “dream come true” for the selected participants, enabling them to interact with peers from across the country, exchange ideas, and learn from diverse cultural experiences.

The selected 30 artists and students impressed audiences with their stellar performances in various categories, including 10 in Folk Song, 10 in Folk Dance, and 2 each in Painting, Poetry, Thematic Presentations, Story Writing, and Declamation. Their participation in the festival will not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir but also promote cultural exchange and understanding, a key objective of the event.

Deputy Director of Youth Services and Sports (Central), Jitendra Mishra, welcomed the attendees and shed light on the significance of the day, noting that the festival aims to identify and nurture young talent while fostering a vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Sarmad Hafeez further added that events like these help the youth build friendships, exchange languages and traditions, and develop a sense of unity in diversity.

Prominent dignitaries present at the event included Rajinder Singh Tara, Director General of Youth Services and Sports, Joint Director Ved Prakash, and an expert panel of adjudicators, all of whom played a vital role in the selection process. The 28th National Youth Festival promises to be a milestone event for the young artists of J&K, inspiring them to reach new heights and contribute meaningfully to their communities.(News Vibes of India)

LG engages with TN delegation in Jammu, Stresses on Youth’s role in nation building, social transformation

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 13(NVI) : Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, today had a meaningful interaction with a delegation of youth from Tamil Nadu, who are in the Union Territory as part of the Yuva Sangam initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program.

An official statement issued here said that the five-day visit aims to foster a deeper sense of unity, understanding and cooperation among young people from different states and the Lieutenant Governor took the opportunity to engage with the group, exploring their experiences and insights gained during their visit to J&K.

During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor praised the sharp social consciousness of the youth, acknowledging that their ambitions are not only centered around personal achievements but also the larger goal of contributing to the nation’s development. He emphasized how the youth of India are actively working toward constructing a society founded on equality, social justice, and prosperity. The LG stressed that the youth have begun to take charge of their futures, developing innovative solutions and ideas to tackle contemporary challenges.

The Lieutenant Governor also shed light on the significant strides made in the past decade in creating an enabling environment for young people through youth-specific policies and programs. These initiatives have been instrumental in empowering youth to realize their dreams and aspirations, with the support of targeted measures designed to cultivate creativity, leadership, and self-reliance.

Further highlighting the cultural and historical connection between Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu, Sinha pointed out the deep, enduring bond that has existed between the two regions for centuries. He spoke of the shared chapters of India’s rich history and how both regions have produced numerous influential figures whose contributions continue to shape the nation’s destiny.

Sinha also lauded the Yuva Sangam initiative, which has become a vital platform for promoting unity in diversity. The program fosters connections among young people from different cultural backgrounds, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, dialogue, and mutual understanding. The Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in unlocking the potential of India’s diverse population and promoting a spirit of oneness through initiatives like Yuva Sangam.

Through these efforts, the Yuva Sangam not only facilitates the exchange of ideas but also reinforces the importance of collaboration and collective progress among India’s youth, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and unity of the nation. (News Vibes of India)

Pakistan: TTP asks its cadres to go after security personnel

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters (File Pic)

Peshawar (Pakistan), Dec 13 (NVI) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) today said it has instructed its cadres to target personnel of the Pakistani security agencies as a two-month period granted to them to quit their jobs has expired.

In a statement, TTP spokesman Muhammad Khurasani said two months back, the leadership of the Islamist militant group had “encouraged security agency officials to quit their jobs and adopt halal means of livelihood”.

“At the end of the two-month period, the leadership of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan instructs all the Mujahideen to implement what was announced two months ago,” he said.

The TTP cadres have been instructed that they should arrest the security personnel, including the police, who are looting the people.

If arresting a security peron is not possible, he should be killed.

However, is some security personnel still have an excuse, they may “contact the local leadership of the Mujahideen and surrender”.

In that case, they should not be killed.

“And if any of the family members of the Mujahideen are arrested, then the members of the families of the officials of the security agencies should be arrested too in retaliation,” he said.

“In the same manner, if the houses of the Mujahideen are demolished, then the houses of the officials of the security agencies should also be demolished.” (NVI)

Shelter to Terrorists : Police attach property in Kulgam district under UAPA

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 13 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kulgam today attached a property under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district in connection with the case regarding providing shelter to terrorists.

Police said the property, a single-storied residential house, is registered in the name of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chenigam, Frisal. The house spans 10 Marlas (Survey No. 293 Min).

This property attachment is connected to Case FIR No. 53/2024 registered at Police Station Yaripora, with the action carried out by a duly constituted police team in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. This ensures full compliance with the law, as the process follows all legal protocols.

Police said the property is directly linked to providing shelter to four terrorists who were neutralized on June 7, 2024 in the said residential house. This significant step is part of ongoing efforts by the J&K Police to dismantle terrorist networks and curb subversive activities within the district (News Vibes of India)

Police seize illicit Timber in Bandipora district, Mill owner arrested

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 13 (NVI): In a joint operation, police and forest officials today seized a substantial amount of illicit timber in the Watapora area of Bandipora district of North Kashmir.

Acting on specific intelligence, a team from the Bandipora Police Station, along with forest officials, conducted a raid at a designated location in the village.

During the search, authorities recovered 197 wooden sleepers of Deodar and Kail trees, measuring approximately 134 cubic feet. The operation also led to the seizure of a bandsaw mill and the owner of the mill was arrested on the spot.

A case has been registered at the Bandipora Police Station under the relevant sections of the law, and further investigations are ongoing. (News Vibes of India)

EAM Jaishankar assures Parliament on measures against fake recruitment agencies after NC MP Mian Altaf raises concern

jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (file pic)

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 13 (NVI): National Conference (NC) MP Mian Altaf raised a crucial issue in Parliament today regarding the alarming rise of fraudulent recruitment agencies that are exploiting innocent job seekers in J&K and other parts of the country.

These agencies, which promise lucrative employment opportunities abroad, have left many individuals in financial distress and stranded in foreign countries.

Addressing the Parliament session, Altaf expressed deep concern about the increasing number of young people from Jammu and Kashmir, as well as other regions, falling prey to these deceitful operations. These agencies often demand hefty advance payments from job seekers, only to vanish after receiving the money, leaving victims stranded and hopeless.

“These fake recruitment agencies are preying on the dreams of our youth, promising them bright futures abroad. After collecting large sums of money, they disappear, leaving them helpless. This issue requires urgent intervention,” Altaf said. He urged the government to take swift and decisive action to curb the growing menace and protect vulnerable job seekers.

In response to Altaf’s concerns, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar assured the House that the government is aware of the situation and has already initiated measures to address the issue. Jaishankar highlighted that the Ministry of External Affairs maintains an official portal listing licensed and verified recruitment agencies, encouraging citizens to check this portal before making any employment-related decisions.

“The government is committed to safeguarding our citizens from exploitation. We have taken several measures to increase awareness and ensure that only legitimate, registered agencies operate. A comprehensive list of accredited agencies is available on our official portal, and I urge everyone to consult it before engaging with any recruitment agency,” Jaishankar stated.

Jaishankar also assured the Parliament that the government is working closely with law enforcement agencies to crack down on fraudulent recruiters and is conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks of falling victim to such scams.

Mian Altaf’s remarks underscored the growing need for transparency and vigilance in recruitment practices, particularly for those seeking employment abroad. The discussion in Parliament highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the face of rising fraudulent activities. (News Vibes of India)

If NC brings Article 370 resolution 100 times, it won’t serve any purpose : Sat Sharma

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 13 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir BJP Chief Sat Sharma today strongly opposed any move to reintroduce Article 370, asserting that passing a resolution for its restoration in the Legislative Assembly was devoid of legal or practical impact.

Speaking at a gathering of party workers in Kathua district, Sharma criticized the National Conference (NC) for its stance on Article 370, accusing it of exploiting the provision for personal and political gains.

“Even if a resolution for the restoration of Article 370 is brought to the Assembly, it will serve no purpose,” Sharma said. He said the resolution was passed when BJP MLAs were forcibly removed from the Assembly.

Sharma accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of plunging J&K back into the “old, bad days” marked by dynastic politics and misgovernance. He alleged that families like the Abdullahs, Muftis, and Gandhis were the primary beneficiaries of Article 370, which enabled them to perpetuate their power while the common people of J&K suffered. “The abrogation of Article 370 has disrupted their monopoly and left these political families frustrated,” Sharma said.

The BJP leader highlighted the tangible benefits brought by the historic decision to revoke Article 370 in August 2019. He emphasized that the move had empowered marginalized communities such as Valmikis, West Pakistani refugees, and other downtrodden groups who had long been denied basic rights under the erstwhile provisions.

“Under Article 370, Valmikis and West Pakistani refugees were treated as second-class citizens, deprived of their rightful opportunities. Its abrogation has ended decades of injustice and brought hope and dignity to these communities,” he added.

Sharma reiterated that the BJP remains committed to the welfare of all sections of society and ensuring the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the nation. He urged the people to see through the “false narratives” of political parties seeking to revive Article 370 and stressed that its rollback marked a new era of equality, justice, and development for the J&K(News Vibes of India)

Omar calls for detailed debate on ‘One Nation, One Election’ in Parliament

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 13 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called for a comprehensive debate in the Parliament on the controversial proposal of ‘One Nation, One Election.’

Speaking to reporters in Jammu, he stressed the need for informed and inclusive deliberations, warning against hurried decisions reminiscent of the unilateral abrogation of Article 370.

“This proposal cannot be rushed through. ‘One Nation, One Election’ is a significant policy that demands careful consideration and an open discussion in Parliament to ensure its feasibility and alignment with democratic principles. Unlike the abrupt abrogation of Article 370, decisions of this magnitude must involve all stakeholders. As a party, we will deliberate on this and communicate our stand to our Members of Parliament,” Abdullah said.

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reinstating the Darbar Move, a historic biannual tradition of shifting the administrative capital between Srinagar and Jammu. The practice, discontinued during the BJP-led administration, has long been a symbolic and logistical connection between the two regions of J&K. Abdullah criticized its abandonment as a “wrong” and pledged to correct it.

“The Darbar Move is not just about administration; it represents the spirit of inclusivity and balance between Jammu and Kashmir. We are working on framing new business rules to ensure its smooth functioning. The tradition will be upheld as scheduled,” Abdullah assured. “Our mandate is for five years, not just five months, and we are committed to serving the people of J&K with long-term vision and balanced governance.”

He also pointed out that the Darbar Move’s reinstatement is part of the National Conference’s broader efforts to undo policies implemented by the previous government that, according to him, disrupted the region’s harmony and traditions.

Omar Abdullah’s remarks reflect his party’s focus on preserving democratic deliberations, restoring the cultural and administrative heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, and countering BJP’s policies that he believes have sidelined the region’s unique identity. The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of ensuring inclusivity, respect for traditions, and long-term planning to address J&K’s challenges effectively.

As the debate around ‘One Nation, One Election’ gains momentum across the country, Abdullah’s call for a well-rounded discussion resonates with the need to weigh the pros and cons of the proposal, especially in a region as unique and diverse as Jammu and Kashmir. (News Vibes of India)

No alarming situation on Jammu borders, BSF vigilant against illegal crossings: IG D K Boora

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 13(NVI): Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu, D.K. Boora today said that there is no cause for alarm along the International Border (IB) in Jammu as the BSF is maintaining strict surveillance to prevent illegal entries, particularly from Bangladeshi nationals.

Addressing a press conference in Jammu, IG Boora said the Force has implemented a specialized strategy to safeguard the integrity of the border.

As the press conference marked the 60th anniversary of the BSF, Boora praised the force’s remarkable growth from 25 battalions to 193, establishing it as one of the most efficient and capable border security forces in the world. The IG highlighted the BSF’s pivotal role in ensuring national security, not only during peacetime but also in times of conflict.

“Over the past six decades, the BSF has evolved into a global leader in border security,” Boora said. “We are fully equipped to face emerging challenges, with cutting-edge technology, including anti-drone systems, to address modern threats. Our collaboration with the Indian Army along the Line of Control (LoC) is vital in preventing security breaches, including drone droppings.”

Boora further reassured the public of the BSF’s readiness, stating the force’s resilience and dedication in guarding Jammu’s borders. With modern technology, strategic plans and a committed workforce, the BSF remains a steadfast guardian of India’s sovereignty. As the BSF celebrates its six decades of service, it continues to stand as a pillar of national defense, committed to adapting to new threats and ensuring peace at the borders. (News Vibes of India)

Sonamarg records  extreme low of -12.5°C, No forecast for wet spell in Kashmir till Dec 20

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 13(NVI): Winter has further cast its net across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with tourist resort of Sonmarg recording lowest ever temperatures of -12.5 degrees Celsius with mercury settling in the capital city of Srinagar at -2 degrees Celsius.

As temperatures plummet, the serene Valley and rugged mountain passes endure a biting cold that is both breathtaking and challenging. The coldest spot in the region, Sonamarg recorded an extreme low of -12.5°C, its landscape glittering under frost and snow. Gulmarg, a heaven for winter sports enthusiasts, registered -9.6°C, while Pahalgam, the picturesque base for the Amarnath Yatra, shivered at -9.4°C. These famous destinations, though harshly cold, remain a magnet for tourists seeking the magic of snow-covered vistas.

High-altitude regions of Ladakh are battling even harsher conditions. Leh recorded -12.4°C, and Kargil wasn’t far behind at -12.0°C. However, Zojila Pass, the critical lifeline connecting Kashmir with Ladakh, bore the brunt of winter’s wrath with an extraordinary low of -23.0°C. The pass, buried under deep snow, is a stark reminder of the unforgiving Himalayan winter.

Meanwhile, the plains and lower hills have not been spared. Jammu city experienced its coldest night of the season at 4.5°C, a significant drop from its typical winter temperatures. Nearby districts like Samba dipped below freezing at -0.3°C, and Udhampur hovered just above at 0.2°C. Reasi recorded a low of 2.9°C, while Bhaderwah, nestled in the Chenab Valley, froze at -3.0°C. Even normally milder areas like Katra, the base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, recorded a chilly 6.0°C.

Despite the extreme cold, life continues to thrive in the region. Locals adapt to the harsh conditions with traditional practices, such as using Kangris (fire pots) for warmth, insulating homes, and relying on hearty winter foods to sustain energy. For tourists, the snow brings a unique charm—skiing in Gulmarg, trekking in Pahalgam, and the enchanting sights of frozen rivers and icicles hanging from trees.

However, the cold also brings challenges. Frozen water pipes, slippery roads, and disruptions in electricity add to daily struggles. In remote regions like Zojila, essential supplies and transportation are severely affected, putting communities at risk. Yet, the resilience of the people shines through. Authorities are working to ensure roads are cleared, and supplies reach those in need, especially in the higher altitudes.

As winter deepens, the frozen landscapes of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh remain a mix of beauty and hardship. The icy temperatures test the resolve of the people while offering visitors a glimpse into the raw magnificence of nature’s winter wonder. Meanwhile, there is no forecast for the wet spell in the Valley till December 20 as per Meteorological department Srinagar.(News Vibes of India)

1...137138139...1,580Page 138 of 1,580

MUST READ