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J&K Govt to Begin Phased Regularisation of Daily Wagers This Fiscal: Omar Abdullah

J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Assembly

Jammu, Apr 01 (NVI) : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to the phased regularisation of daily wagers, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informing the Legislative Assembly that the process will begin during the financial year.

Responding to a private member’s bill moved by CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, the Chief Minister said the government does not oppose the intent behind the legislation but raised concerns over its timing. He noted that the administration had already made a formal commitment on the issue recently and stood by it.

Abdullah said raising the matter immediately after the announcement appeared premature, adding that the government recognises the concerns of workers who have served for years and considers their regularisation a priority. He also informed the House that the matter is under examination by a committee and its report should be awaited.

Following the assurance, Tarigami withdrew his bill.

Meanwhile, another private member’s bill on the same subject moved by PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para was rejected by the House through a voice vote.(NVI)

Amarnath Yatra 2026 preparations reviewed; Div Com calls for seamless arrangements

Srinagar, Apr 1 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026 and directed departments to ensure timely completion of infrastructure, safety and logistical arrangements for a smooth and incident-free pilgrimage.

Chairing a high-level meetings of senior officials including deputy commissioners of multiple districts and officials from key departments, Garg assessed the status of ongoing and proposed works under revenue and capital expenditure heads.

He reviewed progress on works being executed by BEACON, including snow clearance, track repairs and widening along the Pahalgam route.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to expedite macadamisation of roads around base camps, develop parking facilities and pony stands, and restore helipads ahead of the Yatra.

Emphasising safety and quality, Garg said tentage facilities along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes must be set up only in secure, non-vulnerable locations with proper standards and aesthetics.

He asked the Anantnag deputy commissioner to assess flood-prone areas, coordinate resource pooling and ensure safe placement of camps, along with regulated movement of pilgrims.

Reviewing arrangements at base camps, Garg stressed adequate fire safety measures, including fire gaps between tents and deployment of fire tenders and personnel. He also called for robust sanitation and cleanliness along the routes.

He directed that registration of pilgrims and service providers be completed well in advance, and reviewed healthcare facilities, calling for increased deployment of ambulances.

Instructions were also issued for accommodation of security personnel, transport arrangements through RTC buses, installation of public address systems and signage, and timely dissemination of weather updates.

Telecom service providers were asked to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across routes and camps to support communication and RFID-based tracking systems, officials said.(NVI)

Tulip Garden Attracts 1.78 Lakh Visitors in 15 Days; Final Count Likely Higher

Srinagar, Apr 01 (NVI): The Tulip Garden in Srinagar has recorded a footfall of 1,77,869 visitors within the first 15 days of its opening, with authorities stating that the final number is expected to increase once online ticketing data is incorporated.

Officials informed News Vibes of India (NVI) that the current figures are based solely on offline ticket sales, while data from online bookings will be compiled after the garden concludes its season.

“The footfall recorded so far stands at 1,77,869, excluding online ticketing. The final tally will be higher once complete data is available,” officials said.

They added that visitors include locals, domestic tourists, and foreign nationals, though a detailed category-wise breakdown is not available at this stage.

Authorities also noted a consistent rise in visitor turnout and anticipate a further surge as the tulip bloom reaches its peak in the coming days.

Situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking Dal Lake, Asia’s largest Tulip Garden showcases around 70–75 varieties of tulips this season and remains a key attraction during the spring tourism period in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh Takes Charge of Western Command

New Delhi, Apr 1 (NV): Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh on Tuesday assumed command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command of the Indian Army.

He succeeds Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, who retired on March 31.

An officer of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), Lt Gen Singh was commissioned in December 1987. He has held a range of command and staff appointments during a career spanning nearly four decades, including operational roles in high-altitude and sensitive sectors along the northern and western borders.

His experience includes participation in Operation Pawan and multiple tenures in counter-insurgency operations along the Line of Control and International Boundary.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff and earlier as Director General Operational Logistics at Army Headquarters, where he contributed to enhancing operational mobility and logistics integration.

Lt Gen Singh is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and Lucknow University, and has attended key professional courses in defence management and public administration.

He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and two Sena Medals for his distinguished service.

On assuming charge, Lt Gen Singh emphasised maintaining high operational readiness, promoting innovation, and ensuring troop welfare, while continuing the Army’s focus on modernisation and multi-domain operational capabilities

Lt Gen VMB Krishnan Takes Charge of Eastern Command

New Delhi, Apr 1 (NVI): Lieutenant General VMB Krishnan on Wednesday assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, succeeding Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, who retired on March 31.

Commissioned into the Army in June 1988, Lt Gen Krishnan brings nearly four decades of extensive operational, command and staff experience. Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of challenging assignments, including commanding an infantry battalion and brigade in the high-altitude Siachen sector.

He has also held key leadership roles as General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division and later headed the Brahmastra Corps. In addition, he has served as Director General Information Technology at Army Headquarters and as Defence Attaché at the

Indian High Commission in London.
Prior to his new appointment, Lt Gen Krishnan was serving as Quarter Master General at Army Headquarters l where he led major reforms in logistics and infrastructure to enhance operational preparedness.

He also holds the honorary positions of Colonel of The Dogra Regiment and the Dogra Scouts, and has previously served as Commandant of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School.

Upon assuming command, Lt Gen Krishnan paid homage to fallen soldiers and called on personnel to maintain high standards of operational readiness, strengthen jointness and accelerate technological integration to ensure stability in the Eastern theatre.(NVI)

CIK Files Chargesheet Against Two in UAPA Case Over Social Media Misuse

Counter Intelligence conducts raids in south, central Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 1 (NVI): Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Wednesday filed a chargesheet against two accused before a special court in Srinagar in a case related to alleged misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation and promote separatist narratives.

The chargesheet was submitted before the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act against Dr Umer Farooq Bhat and his wife Shahzada Akther, both residents of Kulgam, in connection with FIR No. 05/2025 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar.

The case has been registered under Sections 152 and 62(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 13, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to officials, investigations revealed that Akther, allegedly in conspiracy with members of the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat and with the support of her husband, was involved in creating and circulating false and distorted narratives about the situation in Kashmir.

The probe further found that the accused used social media platforms, including encrypted messaging applications, to disseminate misleading content aimed at promoting secessionist sentiments and inciting disaffection against the Union of India.

Officials said the content was also intended to create communal disharmony, radicalise youth and disturb public order.

CIK said sufficient evidence has been gathered establishing the involvement of the accused, and the matter has now been placed before the court for judicial determination.

The agency reiterated its commitment to act against activities threatening national security and public order.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff

New Delhi, Apr 1 (NVI): Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, bringing with him nearly four decades of rich operational and leadership experience in the Indian Army.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over the years, he has served in diverse terrains and conflict environments, including extensive counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

He has commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade, and a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. After being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.

At the Army Commander level, Lt Gen Seth held charge of both the South Western Command and Southern Command, a rare distinction highlighting his wide-ranging operational expertise along the Western Front.

In addition to key command roles, he has held several important staff and strategic appointments, including Brigade Major in Jammu and Kashmir, Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola, and Director General Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare at Army Headquarters.

Lt Gen Seth has also played a significant role in shaping the Army’s modernisation efforts, serving in multiple positions related to strategic planning and capability development.

A highly decorated officer, he has excelled in professional military education, topping the Junior Command Course and earning the Best All Round Student Officer Medal at the Defence Services Staff College. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College and has attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris.(NVI)

J&K Assembly: Daily Wagers Regularisation Bill Rejected, PDP Stages Protest

File Photo : PDP MLA Waheed Parra

Jammu, Apr 1 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday rejected a private member’s bill introduced by PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para in the Legislative Assembly, which sought the regularisation of daily wagers.

Following the rejection, PDP legislators staged a walkout from the House, protesting the government’s decision and expressing strong dissatisfaction over its stance.

The bill aimed to address the long-pending demands of daily wagers employed across various government departments, who have been seeking regularisation and job security for several years.(NVI)

Pahalgam Road Closure Hurting Tourism, Fuel Shortage Adds to Woes: Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba
File Photo : Fmr CM J&K Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Apr 1 (NVI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged the Lieutenant Governor to reopen the Bijbhera–Langanbal–Pahalgam route, saying its prolonged closure has adversely affected tourism and local livelihoods in south Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters, Mufti said delegations from Pahalgam have flagged concerns over the continued closure of key tourist destinations, including Chandanwari and nearby parks, resulting in a sharp drop in visitor footfall.

She noted that many locals have made significant investments in resorts and tourism-related infrastructure along the route, and reopening the road with adequate security measures would help revive economic activity.

The former chief minister also alleged shortages of petrol and LPG in certain areas, claiming that residents are facing difficulties in accessing fuel despite official assurances of sufficient supply.

Raising concerns over mining restrictions, she said poor workers transporting materials in tractors and tempos are being penalised, worsening their financial condition.

Mufti further highlighted the issue of low wages for private school teachers and said the party would take up the matter in the next session, including the possibility of bringing a bill to ensure better pay and social security.

She also called for the regularisation of daily wagers across departments, noting that many have served for decades and are nearing retirement without job security, the PDP chief added.(NVI)

SIA raids Rafiabad residence in connection with 2022 UAPA case

File Photo: SIA during Raid

Srinagar, Apr 01 (NVI) :  The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Wednesday conducted a raid at the residence of Mohammad Sharif Khan in Braman area of Rafiabad in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The raid was carried out in connection with an ongoing investigation linked to FIR No. 13/2022 registered under sections 13, 18 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Police Station CIK/SIA.

They said the action was based on warrants issued by the NIA Court Srinagar for attachment of property related to the case.

The operation was SIA Srinagar, assisted by a police team from Police Station Panzalla.

Officials added that the search operation concluded.(NVI)

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