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SSP Doda Calls for Intensified Surveillance to Maintain Peace

Doda, Mar 08 (NVI): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Sandeep Mehta on Sunday directed police officers to intensify surveillance across the hilly district with special focus on tourist and religious places to foil any attempts by anti-national elements to disturb peace.

A spokesman said that the directions were issued during a security review meeting chaired by SSP Mehta and attended by all Additional Superintendents of Police, supervisory officers, Station House Officers and in-charges of police posts of the district.

During the meeting, the SSP stressed the need for heightened vigilance and alertness across the district, particularly in minority-populated areas.

He instructed officers to strengthen surveillance at tourist destinations, religious places, critical installations and other identified hotspots. He also directed enhanced foot patrolling, deployment of long-range and short-range patrols, and the establishment of surprise checkpoints at strategic locations to ensure effective area domination.

The SSP said such measures are necessary to prevent any attempts by anti-national and anti-social elements to disrupt peace and normalcy in the district.

Emphasising people-friendly policing, Mehta asked officers to work towards dismantling the remnants of the terror ecosystem by maintaining close surveillance on suspected associates and increasing ground-level monitoring.

He also directed strict action against offenders involved in NDPS-related crimes and bovine smuggling, and instructed officers to initiate property attachment proceedings against habitual offenders, the spokesman added.(NVI)

Admin Cracks Down on Spa Centres in Jammu, Six Shut for Regulatory Violations

Jammu, Mar 08 (NVI) : Authorities in Jammu have ordered the closure of six spa and massage centres after they were found violating regulatory norms during an inspection drive, officials said on Sunday.

Officials told NVI  that the action was taken during a comprehensive inspection drive launched by District Magistrate Jammu, Rakesh Minhas, to check compliance of spa and massage centres with existing rules and regulations.

The inspection teams, working under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioners Ansuya Jamwal and Vidhu Shekhar, found several violations at the establishments. These included absence of mandatory undertakings, failure to display required signboards, inadequate security arrangements and use of unauthorized payment methods.

Following the inspection, the authorities ordered the immediate closure of six centres and issued notices to the operators. Officials said further legal action will be initiated against the violators under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

District Magistrate Rakesh Minhas reiterated that the administration has zero tolerance for misuse of commercial premises for unlawful activities and warned spa operators in the district to strictly follow the prescribed regulations or face strict action.(NVI)

LG Manoj Sinha Inaugurates ACB Headquarters at Sidhra, Awantipora Branch

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Mar 08 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that Jammu and Kashmir no longer settles for mediocrity and now “dares to dream big,” stating that the Union Territory has witnessed transformative changes over the past few years with the system becoming more transparent and people-oriented.

Speaking after inaugurating the headquarters building of the Anti-Corruption Bureau at Sidhra in Jammu and the ACB APKS branch at Awantipora, the Lieutenant Governor said the new infrastructure reflects the government’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and a corruption-free administration.

According to (NVI) Sinha said the buildings are not merely structures of steel, glass and concrete but a strong declaration of transparency in public life and the resolve to build a corruption-free Union Territory.

He said that over the past five to six years, several transformative changes have been introduced in Jammu and Kashmir, making the system more transparent and dedicated to public service.

“Today, J&K stands at a pivotal juncture and the entire administrative machinery now operates not for the benefit of a select few but for every individual across the Union Territory,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon officers and staff of the Anti-Corruption Bureau to ensure that every decision, investigation and prosecution stands firm under the scrutiny of courts and helps in eradicating corruption.

He urged the agency to utilise the authority granted by the Constitution to expose injustice, eliminate corruption and strengthen the trust of the people in institutions.(NVI)

All Indian, including Kashmiri Students Safe in Iran; JK Students Association
Urges public not to spread rumours, says news of Kashmiri student’s killing in Iran is Fake

Srinagar, Mar 8 (KNC): Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) National Convenor Nasir Khuehami on Sunday clarified that reports circulating about the alleged killing of a Kashmiri student from Inderkote Sumbal in Iran are fake and baseless.

In a post on X, Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) National Convenor Nasir Khuehami wrote, The news circulating about the killing of a Kashmiri student from Inderkote Sumbal area of Kashmir in Iran is completely fake and baseless. We have verified the matter through available channels and no such incident has taken place, it reads.

While the situation in parts of Iran remains tense due to the ongoing escalation and airstrikes, all indian students including Kashmiri are safe. The Indian Embassy in Tehran and officials from the Ministry of External Affairs are in regular touch with the students and are closely monitoring the situation, it reads.

We urge everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information and rumours, which only create unnecessary panic among families and the wider community, post reads. (NVI)

LG Sinha Greets Women of J&K on International Women’s Day

Srinagar, Mar 8 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Sunday greeted the women of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

In a message, the Lieutenant Governor extended his greetings and felicitations to the women of the Union Territory, acknowledging their steadfast commitment and contribution towards building the future of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.

He expressed hope that the occasion would inspire women to move forward with greater determination and play an even more vital role in the country’s development journey.

Sinha also lauded the strength, dedication and achievements of women across various fields, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to their empowerment and welfare.(NVI)

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda Honours GMC Anantnag Principal for Promoting Affordable Medicines

Anantnag, Mar 8 (NVI): Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Health Minister, has honoured the Principal and Dean of Government Medical College Anantnag, Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb, for her exemplary services in promoting affordable healthcare and strengthening the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

Dr. Najeeb received the appreciation award during a ceremony held in New Delhi on the occasion of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, officials said.

The event was attended by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel as the guest of honour and Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals

Manoj Joshi as the special guest.

According to officials, the Jan Aushadhi Kendra operating under the medical college — PMBJK09614 — was selected among the top four Kendras in the country for recording one of the highest purchase figures, reflecting its role in ensuring availability of quality medicines at affordable prices.

The recognition was conferred for the institution’s contribution towards expanding the reach of generic medicines and supporting the government’s efforts to make healthcare more affordable for the public, they said.

Faculty members, doctors and staff of the medical college congratulated

Dr. Najeeb on the achievement, describing it as a proud moment for the institution and the region.—(NVI)

Crime Branch Kashmir Files Chargesheet in SSA Funds Misappropriation Case in Baramulla

Srinagar, Mar 8 (NVI) : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 43/2018 before the Court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Baramulla against seven accused persons for their alleged involvement in misappropriation of government funds sanctioned under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme.

According to officials, the chargesheet has been filed under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act.

The case was registered following a written complaint alleging embezzlement of funds allocated for the construction of a school building at village Hampora Kralgund in Langate area of Kupwara district under the SSA scheme. The project included construction of a school building along with a kitchen block, toilet and ramp.

During the course of investigation, it was revealed that an amount of Rs 5,73,592 had been released through several cheques by the then Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Langate, mostly routed through the first teacher of Primary School Hampora. However, the investigation found that the approved works were not executed as per prescribed norms.

Officials stated that on ground only the school building structure was found constructed, while the kitchen block, toilet and ramp were not built despite the release of funds for the same.

Further probe revealed that the accused officials, in connivance with the contractor, allegedly hatched a criminal conspiracy and allotted the contract in violation of SSA guidelines, which mandate that such works be executed through members of the Village Education Committee (VEC).

Investigators also found that the original approved site plan for a three-room school building with a separate kitchen, toilet and ramp was altered for personal benefit. Instead, a double-storey structure with four rooms was constructed.

Moreover, the contractor allegedly failed to hand over the building to the Education Department after completion, while the concerned officials deliberately did not take possession, which subsequently enabled another accused person to illegally occupy the building.

Based on the evidence collected during investigation, offences under relevant provisions of law were established against the accused persons, following which the chargesheet was presented before the competent court for judicial determination.

Meanwhile, the Economic Offences Wing Kashmir reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and protecting public resources through strict legal action against those involved in financial irregularities.(NVI)

Rain, Snowfall Forecast in Kashmir Till Mar 12, Strong Winds May Affect Blossoms

Srinagar, Mar 8 (NVI): Light to moderate rain and snowfall are expected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, though no major weather spell is anticipated, according to a weather forecast.

Dry weather is likely to prevail across the Union Territory on Sunday, officials said.

On March 9, skies are expected to remain partly to mostly cloudy, with a possibility of showers during the second half of the day at a few places, particularly in higher reaches of north Kashmir districts including Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kupwara and Baramulla. Weather in the Jammu region is likely to remain largely dry.

Light to moderate rain showers are expected at many places in the Kashmir Valley on March 10, especially in north Kashmir, while similar rainfall is also likely in parts of the Poonch-Rajouri belt, the forecast said.

On March 11, light to occasionally heavy rain showers may occur at most places in Kashmir and at a few locations in parts of the Jammu region.

Light rain and snowfall activity may continue on March 12, though no major weather disturbance is expected, it added.

Between March 13 and 14, no significant weather activity is predicted, although isolated rain or snow showers may occur at a few places, mainly in higher elevations.

The forecast also warned that occasional strong winds during this period could damage blossoms in some areas.

Higher reaches of Ganderbal, including the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Bandipora’s Razdan Top–Gurez Valley and higher areas of Kupwara are likely to witness the maximum impact of the weather activity, the forecast said.(NVI)

Four Jail Staff Injured During Inmate Scuffle at District Jail Dhangri in Rajouri

Rajouri, Mar 08 (NVI) : Several jail personnel were injured during a scuffle that broke out among inmates inside District Jail Dhangri in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said.

Official sources told NVI that a clash erupted among prisoners inside the jail, prompting police and jail staff to intervene to bring the situation under control.

During the intervention, four personnel — Constable Pawan Khajuria, Maqsood Ahmad, SPO Prem Singh and jail staff member Taj Din — sustained injuries while separating the inmates.

All the injured personnel were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri for treatment.

Further details are awaited.—(NVI)

Amid war, Iran’s President tries to pacify Gulf neighbours, Trump says ‘losers’
Iran slams Trump, says it will deliver escalation if he wants it

Twitter
US President Donald Trump (File pic)

New Delhi, Mar 7: Iran tonight slammed Donald Trump for “misinterpreting” its “openness to de-escalate within the Middle East” and said if the US President wants escalation, he would get it and the blame for it would “lie squarely” on his administration.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a statement hours after Trump called his country a “loser of the Middle East” and threatened intensified attacks to bury the Iranians in “graves”.

Trump made the comments in a social media post after Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed apology to the “brother” countries of Gulf region for the attacks carried out of those and said his country would no more target them unless attacks originated from there

Araghchi said: “President Pezeshkian’s openness to de-escalation within our region, provided that our neighbours’ airspace, territory, and waters are not used to attack the Iranian people, was almost immediately killed by President Trump’s misinterpretation of our capabilities, determination and intent.

“If Mr Trump seeks escalation, it is precisely what our Powerful armed Forces have long been prepared for, and what he will get.

“Responsibility for any intensification of Iran’s exercise of self-defence will lie squarely with the US Administration.”

The Iranian Foreign Minister said he has “warned Mr Trump’s envoys that war will not improve their bargaining position”.

Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian sought to reach out to the neighbouring countries of the Gulf, saying the Interim Leadership Council in Tehran had agreed that there will not be any more attacks or missiles fired at them unless “an attack on Iran originates from those countries”.

Hours later, Trump, in a social media post, said: “Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbors, and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore. This promise was only made because of the relentless U.S. and Israeli attack.”

Claiming that Iran was “looking to take over and rule the Middle East”, the US President said, “Iran is no longer the ‘Bully of the middle east’, they are, instead, ‘The loser of the middle east’ and will be for many decades until they surrender or, more likely, completely collapse!”.

Taking strong exception to Trump’s comments, Araghchi said the American President’s “week-long misadventure has already cost the US military $100 billion, in addition to the lives of young soldiers. When markets reopen, that cost will balloon and directly be transferred to ordinary Americans at pumping stations”.

He added: “This is a war of choice pursued by a small cabal of ‘Israel Firsters’ and ‘Israel First’ always means ‘America Last’.”

Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement, asserting that “No factor can undermine Iran’s inherent right to defend itself against the military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime.”

It reiterated that “Iran’s defensive operations are directed against the targets and facilities that are the origin and source of the aggressive actions against the Iranian nation, or which serve such purposes.

“Regional countries have undoubtedly realized by now that US bases on their soil have not contributed to regional security, but are used only to support Zionist child-killers and American aggressors.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining and continuing friendly relations with regional countries based on mutual respect, the principle of good neighborliness, and respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

It emphasized that Iran’s defensive operations against US military bases and installations in the region “should by no means be construed as enmity or hostility towards the countries of the region.” (NVI)

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