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IAF to get 12 more Sukhoi fighter jets

Sukhoi-30 MKI (File)

New Delhi, Dec 12 (NVI) Acquiring enhanced prowess, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will get 12 more Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft, which, significantly, would be manufactured within the country.

A contract for the same was signed today by the Defence Ministry with the Government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Under the contract, the 12 SU-30 MKI combat planes along with associated equipment would be purchased by the Defence Ministry for an approximate cost of Rs13,500 Crore inclusive of taxes and duties, an official statement said.

The aircraft would have an indigenous content of 62.6%, enhanced due to indigenisation of many components to be manufactured by Indian defence industry, it said.

These aircraft would be manufactured at Nasik division of HAL.

IAF already has many SU-30 MKI fighter planes built in Russia.

“The supply of these aircraft would enhance operational capability of Indian Air Force and strengthen defence preparedness of the country,” the statement said.

It, however, did not specify any timeline for the procurement of the fighters. (NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah highlights Global potential of J&K’s Floriculture Sector

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 12 (NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a crucial meeting today at the Civil Secretariat to review the functioning of the Department of Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens, ahead of the anticipated direct rail connectivity between Delhi and Kashmir. The meeting aimed to explore strategies to boost the floriculture sector and leverage the upcoming infrastructure for global market access.

The Chief Minister emphasized the vast opportunities the new rail link would present, particularly for expanding the reach of Kashmir’s flowers to markets across India and internationally. “We must engage progressive growers and other stakeholders to fully realize the sector’s potential,” said the Chief Minister.

During the meeting, Abdullah directed the department to plant tulips along the Airport Road to improve the aesthetic appeal and to launch advertising campaigns to attract more tourists to Srinagar’s iconic Tulip Garden.

A detailed presentation by Commissioner Secretary Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad highlighted key milestones and ongoing initiatives within the department. Notable developments include the Tulip Show 2024, where a record 1.7 million tulips of 72 varieties will be showcased, expected to attract 4.46 lakh tourists. Other significant projects discussed included the creation of ornamental cherry tree gardens (Sakura), a new Tulip Garden in Sanasar, and the establishment of peony and rose gardens in Pahalgam.

Additionally, the process of securing UNESCO World Heritage status for six historic Mughal Gardens was outlined, along with plans for modernizing and enhancing the region’s parks and gardens. Key projects included the upgradation of Bagh-e-Bahu Garden, the development of theme gardens at Gulmarg, and the creation of floriculture nurseries.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of modernizing and mechanizing garden maintenance to improve efficiency, optimize resources, and generate revenue. He further urged the department to focus on projects that will enhance the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir while preserving its rich natural heritage.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, ACS to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, and other concerned officials. (News Vibes of India)

BNM holds protests in 2 German cities to highlight Pakistani oppression in Balochistan

Berlin (Germany), Dec 12 (NVI) In an effort to draw world attention to the distressing situation in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan, Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized protests in two cities of Germany — Cologne and Chemnitz.

Coinciding with the International Human Rights Day, the BNM members and supporters carried banners and placards and spoke about the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.

They highlighted the systematic oppression carried out by the Pakistani state in Balochistan.

Sharhasan, President of BNM Germany Chapter, stated in his address that the people of Balochistan are being subjected to severe atrocities through the denial of their basic human rights.

He further asserted that the Pakistani establishment is actively engaged in the systematic genocide of the Baloch nation.

Amjid Murad, Finance Secretary of BNM Germany, urged the international community to honor its commitment to human rights and address the suffering of the Baloch nation, which endures relentless atrocities under Pakistan’s authoritarian policies.

Uzair Baloch, a member of BNM from NRW and Rhineland-Palatinate, highlighted the ongoing state atrocities in Balochistan. He stated that Pakistani forces are actively engaged in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the abduction of innocent civilians. These individuals are later labeled as terrorists and killed in staged encounters. He described these acts as serious human rights violations and urged the international community to intervene immediately.

BNM member and poet Shay Jami condemned the international community’s silence on the suffering in Balochistan. He emphasized that these issues have been repeatedly raised at international forums, yet the plight of the Baloch nation remains unaddressed.

BNM member Asif Baloch underlined the significance of Human Rights Day, pointing out that while the world celebrates this occasion, families in Balochistan are protesting in the streets, seeking justice for the enforced disappearances of their loved ones.

Bakhtawar Zahid, a member of BNM, stated that the atrocities in Balochistan are not coincidental but part of a deliberate strategy to suppress the Baloch independence movement. He emphasized that the Baloch nation’s right to self-determination must be recognized in order to achieve peace and justice.

BNM member Shali Zakir warned that failure to take action to stop these atrocities will have far-reaching consequences. He urged the international community to intervene immediately.

BNM member Hameda Baloch highlighted the anguish of the families of missing persons, stating that incidents of enforced disappearances are a source of shock and fear for the Baloch nation.

Abid Hussain, a supporter of the Baloch movement, stated that the voice of the Baloch nation is being silenced through state repression. He shared his personal experiences of enduring state crackdowns and called on the international community to take action against this oppression. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA says it killed 2 Pakistani army men, injured 3 in Gwadar

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

Quetta (Balochistan), Dec 12 (NVI) Two Pakistan Army personnel have been eliminated and 3 injured in an attack in Gwadar district of Balochistan, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has said.

The BLA fighters targeted the occupying Pakistani Army in Gwadar yesterday morning by ambushing its infantry unit in Daranb area, its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

The ambush was carried out when the infantry unit was moving towards the frontlines to provide security to a convoy of the occupying Pakistan Army, he said.

Two army personnel were eliminated on the spot and three were injured in the attack, the spokesman said.

Another squad of fighters targeted the enemy army personnel who fled in panic, causing further losses to the enemy.

Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for these attacks, the spokesman said. (NVI)

Issue of rights violations in Balochistan raised in The Netherlands by BNM

BNM protest in Netherlands

Quetta (Balochistan), Dec 12 (NVI) Baloch National Movement (BNM) has highlighted the human rights violations suffered by the people of Balochistan under illegal occupation of Pakistan outside the Parliament of The Netherlands.

Members and supporters of the BNM, Netherlands Chapter, raised the issue by staging a peaceful demonstration in front of the Dutch Parliament two days back on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.

There were fervent demands for freedom of Balochistan at the event.

The protesters said talked about human rights violations in Balochistan, where the voices of an entire community are being silenced.

Local fishermen are denied access to the sea, their only livelihood and students are forcibly disappeared, leaving families in anguish, said Basit Z Baloch, a member of BNM.

The right to freedom of speech is suppressed, with Balochi books banned and singers censored from expressing their culture and history through music, he said.

These violations demand global attention and action, Baloch said.

Mysterious illness claims girl’s life, two brothers hospitalized in Rajouri

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 12(NVI): In a tragic turn of events, three children from a family in Koteranka Badal village in the Rajouri district of Jammu today fell critically ill under mysterious circumstances.

The incident led to the heartbreaking death of a young girl and the hospitalization of her two brothers, who remain in serious condition.

This marks the second such incident in the village within a week, prompting concern among locals and authorities alike. The cause of the illness remains unknown, though health officials have launched an investigation into the matter, speculating that it could be related to either a viral outbreak or environmental factors such as contaminated water or food.

The family, devastated by the loss of their daughter, is reportedly seeking urgent medical care for the hospitalized boys, who are said to be receiving treatment at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Rajouri. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the two incidents are linked, but the timing of these cases has raised alarms among villagers.

Local health officials are working to identify the source of the mysterious illness. Experts from the district health department are said to be conducting tests on water sources, food supplies, and other potential environmental factors to rule out contamination. The community is anxiously awaiting answers, with many fearing the spread of this illness could have wider implications for the region.

This recent tragedy follows a similar case earlier this week, in which two children from a different family were hospitalized under suspicious circumstances, though fortunately, they survived.

The deaths and illnesses have sparked an outpouring of concern, with villagers calling for immediate intervention from health authorities to safeguard the population. Emergency teams are on standby, and additional medical resources are being mobilized to ensure the safety of other residents in the area.

As the investigation continues, the people of Koteranka, Badal are left grappling with this devastating situation, hoping for answers and praying for the recovery of the two hospitalized boys. (News Vibes of India)

Fight against drugs: Police seize property of drug peddler in Awantipora

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 12 (NVI): In an impactful move, the police in Awantipora area of Pulwama district of South Kashmir, today attached the property of a notorious drug peddler, Tajamul Masoodi, valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh.

Police said that the single-storied residential house, located in the Bagander area of Pampore, was seized under Section 68-F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This operation is part of a broader effort to dismantle the network of drug trafficking that has plagued the region.

The property, identified as illegally acquired, was traced back to Masoodi’s illicit activities in the narcotics trade. Following a thorough investigation by SHO Pampore, under the supervision of SDPO Pampore, police determined that the house had been funded through the proceeds of drug trafficking. Tajamul Masoodi, a well-known figure in the local drug trade, is also linked to numerous drug-related criminal cases. He is currently detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act and is being held at Central Jail Kot Balwal, Jammu.

This strategic move not only targets the assets of drug criminals but also sends a strong message about the authorities’ commitment to eradicating the drug menace from the region. The police’s action has been met with widespread approval from the local community, who have praised the initiative as a significant step toward curbing the illegal drug trade and restoring peace in the area.

The operation further underscores the police’s resolve to break the cycle of drug abuse and trafficking by targeting both the individuals involved and the assets generated through their criminal activities. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to tackling the drug issue head-on and have called for continued community support in the fight against narcotics.(News Vibes of India)

Crackdown on Drug Menace: Police Arrest Six Peddlers across Kashmir

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 12(NVI) : In a determined effort to curb the growing menace of drugs and safeguard society, police have intensified their anti-drug operations, leading to the arrest of six drug peddlers across Awantipora, Baramulla, and Kulgam.

The operations, carried out at various checkpoints, also resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of contraband substances and the seizure of vehicles used in the crimes.

In Awantipora, two individuals were intercepted by a police team at Dogripora. Acting on specific intelligence, the officers recovered 1.680 kilograms of grinded cannabis from their possession. The accused, identified as Arif Ahmad and Naseer Ahmad War, both residents of Warpora Sopore, were arrested, and their vehicle (ECO, JK05M-4630) was seized. This marks yet another success in the police’s sustained crackdown, which, over the past five days, has seen the arrest of six peddlers, including a woman, and the seizure of illegally acquired property.

In Baramulla, a swift operation by the police at a checkpoint near Kalsari Pattan led to the arrest of three individuals traveling on an unregistered motorcycle. The accused, identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, Tahir Ahmad Bhat, and Nisar Ahmad Ganie, were found in possession of 90 grams of Charas, which was promptly seized.

In Kulgam, a vigilant police team stopped a vehicle (Auto, JK18D-4779) at Yaripora and recovered 900 grams of cannabis powder. The driver, Sajad Ahmad Khar, a resident of Kharpora, was arrested on the spot, and the vehicle was confiscated.

The arrested individuals are now in custody, and cases under relevant sections of the law have been registered at their respective police stations. Investigations are ongoing to uncover broader networks linked to the drug trade.

The police have reiterated their commitment to fighting the drug menace and have urged the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities. Citizens can contact the nearest police station or dial 112 to share information. Law enforcement assures the community that strong legal actions will continue against those involved in drug-related crimes.(News Vibes of India)

NIA launches sweeping raids across J&K in major crackdown on terror funding

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 12(NVI): In a significant operation against terror financing, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) today conducted extensive raids across multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

These raids, part of an ongoing investigation into a terror funding case, spanned locations in Baramulla, Reasi, Budgam and Anantnag districts.

Officials revealed that the operation is not confined to Jammu and Kashmir but extends to a total of 19 locations across four states, highlighting the expansive nature of the investigation.

“The raids are underway and further details will be shared accordingly,” an official stated, adding that the importance of the operation in dismantling networks linked to terrorism.

This crackdown is part of the NIA’s intensified efforts to curb the financial channels fueling terror activities in the region, aiming to disrupt the infrastructure that sustains militancy. As the raids continue, authorities are expected to uncover critical evidence that may shed light on the individuals and networks involved.(News Vibes of India)

Fresh snowfall blankets higher reaches as Kashmir turn’s into winter wonderland

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 12 (NVI): Several areas across Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall on Tuesday morning, transforming the higher reaches and Valley parts into a winter wonderland.

Higher reaches experienced significant snowfall, while lower areas including some plains received light to moderate accumulation, marking the arrival of peak winter weather in the Valley.

In Pulwama district’s Rajpora tehsil, Sangerwani recorded the heaviest snowfall with 4 inches of fresh snow, covering the area in a thick white blanket. Abhama saw 3.5–4 inches of snow, followed by Achgoza, which reported 3 inches. Meanwhile, Cb Nath received a lighter snowfall of 1 inch. Villages like Drabgam, Rajpora, Shadimarg and Rahmoo saw only trace amounts of snowfall, with barely measurable accumulation.

In Shopian district, the main town received 1 to 2 inches of snow, enough to leave the streets and rooftops covered in a thin layer. This brought joy to the residents and added to the scenic beauty of the area.

Budgam’s Khan Sahib recorded 2 inches of snow, while light snowfall was reported in Bandipora Plains and Vailoo Kokernag, which received minimal accumulation.

Higher altitudes witnessed a much heavier snowfall, with Zojila Pass topping the list at over 10 inches. Sonamarg, another popular tourist destination, reported snowfall ranging between 8 and 10 inches, enhancing its appeal as a winter getaway. However, the heavy snow in these areas has raised concerns about road closures and accessibility.

In Kupwara district, Hachmarg recorded 1 to 2 inches of snow, while other parts of the district reported light snow.

The fresh snowfall has brought cheer to locals and tourism stakeholders, as it is expected to boost tourist inflow during the winter season. At the same time, authorities have cautioned residents and travelers about slippery roads and potential traffic disruptions, especially in higher altitude areas like Zojila and Sonamarg. Efforts are underway to ensure that vital roads remain open, and services are not severely affected.

Officials said due to slippery conditions, strategic Srinagar-Leh highway was temporarily closed due to slippery conditions.

Srinagar district witnesses dry weather amid icy feel due to frosty start of the morning.

The fresh spell of snowfall is also expected to replenish water reserves in the region, which are critical for agriculture and daily life. For locals, the snow heralds the onset of harsh winter conditions, but it also serves as a reminder of the beauty and challenges of life in the Valley. (News Vibes of India)

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