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Measures on Strait of Hormuz taken in self-defence, will continue: Iran
Energy flow to remain disrupted. Iran says any passage through the Hormuz "must be conducted in compliance with the appropriate measures adopted" by it and "in coordination with the relevant authorities" of the country

New Delhi, Mar 31: Asserting that its hold on the Strait of Hormuz will continue, Iran today said any passage through the crucial maritime area “must be conducted in compliance with the appropriate measures adopted” by it and “in coordination with the relevant authorities” of the country.

This means the flow of energy from West Asia will remain disrupted, affecting India and many other countries around the world and causing shortages of LPG, petrol and diesel.

Releasing a ‘Fact Sheet on the Legal and Proportionate Measures’, Iran said it was “compelled” to implement the “series of precautionary and restrictive measures regarding innocent passage through the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at protecting its supreme interests while ensuring maritime peace, stability, and security.”

It said the “measures have been implemented to repel aggression and neutralize the source of threats” and these “will continue, in accordance with legal standards, until these objectives are fully achieved and the source of threat and aggression is eliminated.”

The ‘Fact Sheet’ stated:

On February 28, 2026, the United States and the Zionist regime engaged in an act of illegal aggression against the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in flagrant violation of the established principles of international law. In response, and within the framework of the inherent right of self-defense pursuant to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted a series of measures to counter this aggression.

 

As a result of this unlawful aggression, passage through the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Persian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, has become insecure, creating an emergency and extraordinary situation.

This state of affairs has had extensive implications for the national security and fundamental vital interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as for the safety and security of international maritime navigation in the Persian Gulf.

 

Given these emergency conditions, the possibility of innocent passage—as it exists under normal circumstances—has effectively ceased to exist. This situation is a natural and direct consequence of the illegal aggression by the U.S. and the Zionist regime against Iran’s territory and sovereignty, and the responsibility lies solely with these hostile parties.

The unique and unprecedented circumstances resulting from this war of aggression have compelled the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement a series of precautionary and restrictive measures regarding innocent passage through the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at protecting its supreme interests while ensuring maritime peace, stability, and security.

In exercising the inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the primary objective of these measures is to prevent support for ongoing and future aggression against Iran and to guarantee free maritime navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

In this framework, the Islamic Republic of Iran—as the concerned coastal state responsible for the safety of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and in accordance with the established rules of customary and treaty-based international law—shall prevent the transit of all vessels owned by or affiliated with the aggressor parties, their participants, or supporters of the aggression.

Furthermore, the innocent passage of third-party states through the Strait of Hormuz is considered legitimate only if it is not prejudicial to the national security and fundamental interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran or the peace and order of the Persian Gulf region, and provided it is free from any support for the threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of the Iranian state.

It is understood that should the Iranian government determine there are reasonable grounds to believe that a vessel’s passage through the Strait of Hormuz poses a threat to national security, public order, or regional peace, it shall prevent such passage.

The aggressors, by abusing the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a presence in the Persian Gulf, initiated a war of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and have continuously threatened the country’s national security.

In such a situation, characterized by the violation of a peremptory norm (the prohibition of aggression) and the breach of Iran’s sovereignty, the normalization of conditions and the expectation to refrain from exercising effective control over the Strait of Hormuz is impossible and lacks any legal or practical basis, given the realities of the state of war.

It is noteworthy that the right of states to take precautionary and restrictive measures within the context of armed conflict is recognized in international conventions and instruments.

The aggressive actions of the U.S. and the Zionist regime—which clearly violate the Law of the Sea, particularly regarding the threat or use of force against the sovereignty of a coastal state (prohibited under Article 14(4) of the 1958 Convention and Articles 19(2)(a) and 39(1)(a) of the 1982 Convention) —have disrupted the delicate balance between the rights and security of coastal states and the freedom of navigation.

Consequently, under these circumstances, the existing legal regime (innocent passage) is suspended, and passage is subject to the conditions declared by the competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Therefore, the exercise of effective and intelligent control by Iran over the transit of all vessels—especially those affiliated with the aggressors—based on the inherent right of self-defense and the principles of necessity and proportionality, is entirely legal and legitimate.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always respected the principles of freedom of navigation and maritime safety;

however, the practical realization of these principles in the Strait of Hormuz is not possible except in light of respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran as the coastal state.

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that the responsibility for any disruption, insecurity, or increased risk in this vital waterway and its surrounding region rests directly with the United States and the Zionist regime.

By initiating an illegal and criminal war against Iran, they have placed regional stability and international shipping safety under an unprecedented threat and in blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

In view of the foregoing, the legal and legitimate actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been taken within the framework of established principles of international law, based on the dual principles of necessity and proportionality. (NVI)

Adequate Fuel, LPG Stocks in J&K; No Need for Panic Buying: Satish Sharma

Jammu, Mar 31 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir has adequate stock of petrol, diesel and LPG, and there is no need for panic buying, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma said on Tuesday.

Replying to a calling attention motion moved by MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in the Assembly, Sharma said the department is closely monitoring the availability and distribution of petroleum products across the Union Territory.

He said daily stock reports from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) indicate that supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG are sufficient, despite a temporary spike in demand triggered by geopolitical tensions.

The minister urged people to ignore rumours, asserting that the overall supply chain remains stable.

Sharma said divisional and district-level control rooms are functional, while regular inspections and raids are being conducted to check hoarding and black marketing. Strict action, including fines, penalties and FIRs, is being taken against violators, he added.

Since March 17, a total of 3,442 inspections have been carried out, with 252 goods seized and 2,443 complaints redressed, he said.

He further informed that supply of motor spirit and high-speed diesel is being monitored daily from outlet to bulk levels in coordination with OMCs, while district-level committees headed by deputy commissioners are overseeing stock positions.

The minister also said there are no reports of panic buying or rumours, adding that the government has undertaken media briefings and public outreach to maintain transparency and prevent misinformation.(NVI)

Ambulance allocation based on priority, demand: Sakeena Itoo

Jammu, Mar 31 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday said that four ambulances, including one under the 108 Emergency Service, are currently available at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Bijbehara and there is no immediate requirement for an additional vehicle.

The minister made the statement in the House while replying to a calling attention motion moved by legislator Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri during the ongoing Budget Session 2026.

She said that Critical Care Ambulances procured under the World Bank-assisted 108 Emergency Services were distributed among health institutions based on assessed requirements and institutional priority.

The allocation process took into account factors such as patient load, service demand, geographical coverage and existing emergency response infrastructure, the minister added.(NVI)

4 Red Category Units Functional in Udhampur IE, Employ 172: Surinder Choudhary

Jammu, Mar 31 (NVI): Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday informed the Assembly that four ‘red category’ industrial units are currently functional in the Industrial Estate at Battal Ballian in Udhampur district, spread over 51.7 kanals of land and providing employment to 172 persons.

Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by legislator R S Pathania, the Deputy Chief Minister said the units are operating with properly installed pollution control devices and that their emissions remain within prescribed limits.

He added that monitoring is being carried out regularly by the Divisional Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) in Udhampur.

Choudhary further said that any industrial unit can operate only after obtaining the mandatory ‘Consent to Operate’ certificate from the pollution control committee, in accordance with applicable environmental norms and guidelines.

He also informed the House that a closure order has been issued against one red category unit, M/s Super Refineries, by the Member Secretary of the JKPCC.(NVI)

LG Sinha Calls for Ahimsa, Brotherhood on Mahavir Jayanti

Jammu, Mar 31 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Tuesday highlighted the relevance of non-violence, compassion and intellectual humility while addressing a function on Mahavir Jayanti in Jammu.

Attending the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations organised by the S.S. Jain Sabha, the Lieutenant Governor extended greetings to people on the occasion and stressed the need to imbibe the teachings of Lord Mahavira in contemporary society.

Sinha said principles such as Ahimsa (non-violence) and Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints) were essential for fostering peace and harmony, especially in times marked by global conflicts and social divisions.

Referring to India’s growth trajectory under the leadership of Narendra Modi, he said the country was conveying a strong message that “true peace is not weakness but unwavering courage” and emphasised the importance of building bridges over conflict.

The Lieutenant Governor called for greater introspection and accountability in individual conduct, noting that lasting progress stems from responsibility and ethical action.

He also urged the youth to adopt non-violence as a way of life and rethink their relationship with nature, describing Ahimsa as a guiding principle not only for social harmony but also for environmental sustainability.

Highlighting Lord Mahavira’s teachings, Sinha said values such as restraint, truth, non-possession and discipline can contribute significantly to nation-building and social cohesion.

He further underlined the importance of intellectual humility, saying that no single perspective holds absolute truth, and encouraged people to remain open to diverse ideas and viewpoints.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated achievers from various fields. Several public representatives, officials and members of the Jain community were present at the event.(NVI)

Srinagar Property Fraud of ₹55.11 Lakh: Chargesheet Filed Against Accused

Srinagar, Mar 31 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against a man in connection with an alleged property fraud case involving ₹55.11 lakh, officials said on Tuesday.

The chargesheet was filed before the Court of City Judge Srinagar in connection with FIR No. 10/2026 under Section 420 of the IPC against Mehraj-Ud-Din Dar, a resident of Rawalpora in Srinagar.

The statement from a alleging that the accused adopted a deliberate modus operandi to cheat individuals by accepting payments for property deals and subsequently failing to honour commitments.

During the investigation, it was found that the accused had received ₹55.11 lakh from the complainant on the pretext of selling a residential house. However, despite taking the payment, he allegedly sold the same property to another person.

Probe further revealed that the property in question had already been mortgaged with a local branch of J&K Bank. Officials said the complainant had also cleared the outstanding housing loan linked to the property.

The accused is also alleged to have transferred or registered properties in the name of his wife to evade legal action and recovery proceedings.

Based on the findings, the investigating agency concluded that a prima facie case of cheating is made out against the accused. The chargesheet has been submitted for judicial determination, officials added.(NVI)

LG Sinha Relieves IAS Officer Nitish Rajora from Jammu & Kashmir

LG Manoj Sinha chairing University Council Meeting of SKUAST Kashmir, at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar

Jammu, Mar 31 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the relief of IAS officer Nitish Rajora from his duties in Jammu & Kashmir.

No further details regarding his next posting or the reason for the relief have been officially disclosed. (NVI)

Pakistan’s energy troubles mount as major gas pipeline is blown up in Balochistan

Dynamite blast
Representative pic of an explosion

Quetta, Mar 31 : Pakistan, which has been experiencing a fuel crisis due to the West Asia war, is in for more problems on the energy front.

Suspected Baloch freedom fighters have blown up a major gas pipeline near Quetta in Balochistan, which supplied the fuel to various parts of Pakistan.

The pipeline of 18-inch-diameter was destroyed by a bomb explosion, after which a huge fire erupted.

This led to stoppage of the gas supply.

The development adds to the crisis that has already hit Pakistan due to the war in West Asia as its fuel imports have suffered badly.

In view of the crisis, the Pakistan government announced, over a fortnight back, a partial shut down and other measures to survive.

These measures included closure of educational institutions, partial closure of government offices, shutting of petrol and diesel pumps and rationing of fuel.

The country even had to scale down drastically its much-hyped Pakistan Super League (PSL) annual cricket tournament in view of the energy crisis.

The PSL was confined to only two venues as against 10 in the country, with the government saying there was not enough energy available to host the event at all the places. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing dozens of Pakistani soldiers in 30 Coordinated Attacks

Balochistan: BLA launches maritime unit, kills 3 Pakistani Navy men in first attack
Representative image of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta, Mar 31: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed dozens of Pakistani soldiers and wounded several others in 30 coordinated attacks against the occupying forces across Balochistan.

These operations targeted the military camps and other such installations of the occupying Pakistani army, as well as the hideouts of the Pakistan-sponsored militia called the ‘Death Squads’.

“Our series of coordinated attacks against the occupying Pakistani army across the length and breadth of occupied Balochistan continues with full force,” said BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch in a statement.

More than 30 attacks have been carried out in various areas, including Jhal Magsi, Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Washuk, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, and Kech, he said.

Modern weaponry was utilized in these operations, resulting in the deaths of dozens of occupying personnel and leaving many others injured, while the enemy suffered heavy personnel and material losses, the spokesman said.

Complete details regarding all these attacks and the specific losses inflicted upon the enemy will be released to the media soon, he added.

BLA is one of the frontline armed groups fighting for liberation of Balochistan from Pakistani occupation which started in 1948.

The outfit has inflicted massive blows to the Pakistani armed forces in Balochistan over the last two decades and killed thousands of occupying soldiers.

The BLA has pledged to continue targeting the Pakistani forces and other assets of the occupier till Balochistan gets freedom.

It has already carried out to massive operations — Herof 1 and 2 — which involved thousands of its fighters and entailed coordinated attacks against the Pakistani forces and Pakistan’s economic interests across Balochistan.

Indigenous stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’ delivered to Indian Navy

New Delhi, Mar 31 (NVI): The Indian Navy on Tuesday received the indigenously built stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’, a major milestone in the country’s push for self-reliance in warship design and construction.

The warship, built under Project 17A, was delivered at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata on March 30, officials said.

‘Dunagiri’ is the fifth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates and the second of the class constructed at GRSE. The project represents a significant advancement over the earlier Shivalik-class frigates, featuring enhanced stealth, survivability, and combat capability.

Officials said the frigate is equipped with advanced weapons and sensor systems, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, MF-STAR radar, and a medium-range surface-to-air missile system. It also has a 76 mm main gun, close-in weapon systems, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities such as torpedoes and rockets.

Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the vessel incorporates integrated construction techniques and modern propulsion systems, including a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) configuration.

The new frigate is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class ship that served the Navy for over three decades before being decommissioned in 2010.

According to officials, the ship has an indigenous content of around 75 per cent and the project has involved over 200 MSMEs, generating employment for thousands of people.

The induction of ‘Dunagiri’ is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities while reinforcing the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in the defence sector.(NVI)

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