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NC Minister Sakina Itoo Blames Mehbooba Mufti for J&K’s Political Setbacks

File Photo : Sakina Itoo, Minister for Social Welfare, Health, and Education

Srinagar, Jun 2 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday accused PDP president Mehbooba Mufti of prioritising power over public interest and held her responsible for several political and constitutional developments in the Union Territory, including the abrogation of Article 370 and loss of statehood.

Speaking to reporters here, Itoo alleged that Mufti declined an offer of unconditional support from National Conference president Farooq Abdullah after the collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition government in 2018.

She claimed Abdullah had offered support to prevent the BJP from returning to power and had not sought any ministerial position in return.

“When the BJP withdrew support from her government, Farooq Abdullah offered unconditional support to keep the BJP away from power. But she rejected it,” Itoo said.

The National Conference leader alleged that decisions taken during the PDP-BJP alliance contributed to the political situation that followed in Jammu and Kashmir, including the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019 and the downgrading of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory.

“Today there is no statehood, no Article 370, no Article 35A. People have suffered and many remain in jail,” she said.

Referring to political developments after 2019, Itoo said Abdullah had repeatedly advocated a united platform of regional political parties but alleged that Mufti did not support such initiatives.

She also criticised the BJP over demolition drives in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the action disproportionately affected poorer sections of society.

“Action should be taken equally against all encroachers, including influential people. The law must be applied uniformly,” Itoo said.

Itoo said the National Conference would continue to press for the restoration of statehood and protection of the rights and identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Rajouri anti-terror operation enters 11th day; search intensified in forest belt

Rajouri, June 02 (NVI) : Security forces on Tuesday intensified the ongoing anti-terror operation in a forested area of Rajouri district, with the massive cordon-and-search operation entering its 11th day, officials said.

The operation is being conducted in difficult terrain comprising dense forests, steep hills and rugged access routes, posing significant challenges for the security personnel involved in the search.

Officials said troops have strengthened the security grid and are carrying out extensive searches while maintaining close surveillance on all movement in and around the operational area.

Security forces are making sustained efforts to trace and neutralise the terrorists believed to be hiding in the area, they said.

Additional security arrangements have been put in place across the forest belt to prevent any escape attempts, while search operations continue in a coordinated manner, officials added.(NVI)

Srinagar Airport to Remain Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays from July to September for Runway Repairs

Srinagar International Airport

Srinagar, June 2 (NVI): Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 to September 30 due to extensive runway repair and resurfacing works, airport authorities said on Tuesday.

Airport Director Javed Anjum said the closure is part of a planned maintenance programme aimed at upgrading the airport’s runway infrastructure.

“Passenger flight operations will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday during July, August and September due to runway repair works,” Anjum said.

The revised schedule replaces an earlier proposal under which the airport was expected to remain shut on weekends between August 1 and October 15.

The airport has already been operating under restricted timings following a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force, which limited flight operations between 8 am and 5 pm till July 31 to facilitate ongoing repair work.

Despite the restrictions, Srinagar Airport continues to handle around 35 to 40 flight arrivals daily, with airlines adjusting their schedules in accordance with the summer timetable approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Officials said airlines have been informed about the revised closure schedule and are expected to make necessary adjustments to their flight operations during the maintenance period.

The temporary suspension of services is likely to impact nearly two lakh passengers over the three months, based on the airport’s average passenger traffic.

The development comes amid ongoing runway maintenance works that have also affected certain airport operations, including the movement of baggage of returning Haj pilgrims. (NVI)

Iran suspends talks with US after fresh Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Iranian president Pezeshkian (File Pic)

New Delhi, June 1: In a turn for the worse, Iran today reportedly decided to suspend negotiations with the US alleging violation of the terms of ceasefire as Israel carried out fresh major airstrikes on Lebanon.

Iranian media reported that the talks will remain suspended till all conditions of the ceasefire are adhered to, which includes halt to attacks on Lebanon.

“Due to the continuation of the Zionist regime’s actions in Lebanon and given that Lebanon was one of the preconditions of the ceasefire and that this ceasefire has now been violated on all fronts … the Iranian negotiating team will suspend talks and the exchange of texts through mediators,” Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.

It said that Iran would consider a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical maritime route for movement of global energy.

Iran will also choke other waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with the aim of punishing Israel and its supporters, the report said, quoting unnamed Iranian official.

Just before this report, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a statement on social media, saying Lebanon was part of the ceasefire agreement reached with the US in early April.

The Iranian decision came hours after Israel carried out major airstrikes on Lebanon, caused widespread destruction.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also ordered expansion of attacks on Lebanon to target Hezbollah.

Since April, Iran and the US had been holding indirect negotiations via Pakistan with an objective of reaching an agreement that would end their hostilities

The indirect talks began after a ceasefire announced to end 40 days of intense fighting that began with the joint air strikes by the US and Israel on February 28.

The military conflict killed thousands of people, including the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior leaders and officials of the country.

It also caused huge economic impact for countries around the world as the flow of energy from West Asia came to a virtual halt due to closure of the Strait of Hormuz, sending fuel prices soaring.

CM Omar Abdullah Urges Centre to Ensure Timely Delivery of Haj Pilgrims’ Baggage

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, June 1 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the Centre to intervene and ensure the timely transportation of baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to the Union Territory from Saudi Arabia.

In a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Abdullah highlighted the difficulties faced by pilgrims due to delays in the delivery of their checked-in baggage.

The Chief Minister said that because of ongoing maintenance work and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport, the baggage of returning pilgrims is reportedly being transported separately and routed by road from Ahmedabad, leading to significant delays.

He noted that many of the pilgrims are elderly and undertake the Haj pilgrimage after years of preparation and devotion. The delay in receiving their belongings has caused inconvenience and disappointment to them and their families, he said.

Abdullah also stressed the religious and social importance of the baggage, which often contains Zamzam water, dates and other items traditionally distributed among relatives, neighbours and well-wishers upon return from Haj. The delays, he said, have disrupted these long-standing customs associated with the pilgrimage.

Seeking the Union Minister’s intervention, the Chief Minister requested that arrangements be made to ensure pilgrims’ baggage is transported safely and simultaneously with them on the same flights to Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed hope that an early resolution of the issue would ease the hardships faced by returning pilgrims and help preserve the sanctity of items carrying deep religious and sentimental significance.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Hears Public Grievances, Development Issues at Raabita Outreach Office

Srinagar, Jun 1 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday met several public representatives and delegations at his Public Services and Outreach Office, Raabita, in Srinagar and discussed a range of constituency-specific and sectoral issues.

Among those who called on the Chief Minister was Ladakh Lok Sabha MP Haji Mohammad Hanifa, who was accompanied by delegations representing Power Development Department employees serving in Ladakh and members of the Private School Association of Kargil. The delegations highlighted issues related to their respective sectors and sought government intervention.

Abdullah assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

Bandipora MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat also met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various developmental and public welfare issues concerning his constituency. The Chief Minister assured him that the matters raised would receive due consideration.

Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar called on Abdullah along with a delegation of civil society members from the constituency. The delegation expressed gratitude for resolving the long-pending issue of construction of the Sub-District Hospital at Habak and discussed other developmental concerns.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public services and infrastructure in the area.

Sagar also led a delegation of the Jal Jeevan Mission Contractors’ Association, which sought resolution of its pending issues. Abdullah assured the delegation that their concerns would be examined in accordance with established procedures.

Beerwah MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani also met the Chief Minister and discussed various developmental requirements and public issues pertaining to his constituency.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) Chairperson Prof Minu Mahajan briefed Abdullah on matters relating to the functioning of the board and the conduct of professional entrance examinations in the Union Territory.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to responsive and people-centric governance, the Chief Minister assured all delegations and public representatives that genuine issues raised during the meetings would receive due attention and appropriate follow-up.(NVI)

Kashmir: Disaster response training imparted to people in Wullar-Manasbal

WMDA CEO Dr Ahsanul Haq Chishti at Civil Defence event today

Srinagar, Jun 1 (NVI): Practical and theoretical training was today imparted to several people in disaster management, first aid, fire safety, rescue operations and emergency response techniques.

The programme in Manasbal in Ganderbal district of Kashmir was organised by the Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA), in collaboration with the Civil Defence Department, Srinagar, to enhance preparedness and emergency response capabilities among local stakeholders.

The programme was inaugurated by WMDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Ahsanul Haq Chishti in the presence of Divisional Warden Civil Defence Srinagar Rahi Riyaz Ahmed, and Civil Defence instructors Ajaz Ahmad and Showkat Ahmad.

More than 40 participants, including shikarawallas, boat operators, sanitation workers and WMDA field staff, attended the training programme, officials said.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Chishti stressed the importance of equipping tourism-related stakeholders with disaster preparedness skills to assist visitors during emergencies.

He appreciated the Civil Defence Department for conducting the programme and emphasised the need for community-based preparedness measures.

He said such initiatives help impart essential life-saving skills to frontline stakeholders who often serve as first responders during emergencies.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed highlighted the role of Civil Defence volunteers in protecting lives and property during natural and man-made disasters. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained through the training and spread awareness within their communities.

The training sessions and practical demonstrations were conducted by Civil Defence instructors Ajaz Ahmad and Showkat Ahmad, who underscored the importance of timely response, teamwork and preparedness in reducing the impact of disasters and emergencies, officials added.(NVI)

Army Commander Reviews Security Preparedness Along LoC in J&K

Jammu, June 1 (NVI): General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, accompanied by the GOC of the Ace of Spades Division, visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness, officials said on Monday.

During the visit, the Corps Commander interacted with troops deployed in forward locations and commended them for their high morale, professionalism and dedication in challenging operational conditions.

Officials said the senior officer reviewed measures undertaken to strengthen surveillance, enhance precision strike capabilities and improve preparedness for future warfare requirements. He expressed satisfaction over the formation’s operational readiness and the steps taken to maintain a robust security posture along the LoC.

Reaffirming the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders, the Corps Commander emphasised the importance of continued vigilance and operational excellence to ensure effective domination of the LoC, officials added.(NVI)

Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty Takes Charge as 20th Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command

New Delhi, Jun 1 (NVI): Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty on Monday assumed charge as the 20th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service operational command.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1989, Vice Admiral McCarty is a specialist in gunnery and missiles and has over 36 years of service spanning operational, staff, training and tri-service appointments. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College.

His sea tenures include being part of the commissioning crew of INS Delhi and commanding INS Ajay, INS Khanjar and INS Shivalik.

Vice Admiral McCarty has also held several key staff and training appointments, including Training Commander at the Indian Naval Academy, Command Plans Officer at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command and Commodore Naval Plans at Naval Headquarters. After promotion to Flag Rank in 2020, he served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Staff Requirements), Controller of Personnel Services and Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet in 2023. He later became the tenth Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in 2024.

Before taking over the ANC, he held consecutive tri-service appointments at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy, Plans and Force Development) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training) during 2025-26.

His overseas assignments included serving as Directing Staff at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Sri Lanka and as Defence Advisor to Singapore and the Philippines between 2011 and 2015.

On assuming charge at Sri Vijaya Puram, Vice Admiral McCarty underscored the strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Command in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and ensuring security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing operational preparedness, strengthening jointness among the armed forces and further reinforcing the command’s role in the Indo-Pacific.(NVI)

Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry Takes Charge as AOC-in-C, Central Air Command

New Delhi, June 1 (NVI): Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry on Monday assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force’s Central Air Command.

Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1989, Air Marshal Chaudhry is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College.

During his career spanning over three decades, he has held several key operational, staff and diplomatic assignments. He served as Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Sweden, with concurrent accreditation to Norway, Finland and Denmark. He has also undertaken important staff appointments at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Air Headquarters, focusing on projects, acquisitions and human resource management.

The Air Marshal has been associated with a number of capability enhancement initiatives and projects involving the induction of advanced technologies in the IAF. Before assuming his new appointment, he was serving as the Senior Air Staff Officer at the Headquarters Southern Air Command.

Air Marshal Chaudhry succeeded Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who retired on May 31 after four decades of service in the Indian Air Force.

Officials said the change of command comes as the IAF continues its focus on operational preparedness and force modernisation across its commands.(NVI)

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