Jammu, Apr 10 (NVI): An IED-like material was found on Friday afternoon near Government Degree College Thandapani in Sunderbani area of Rajouri district, officials said.
They said that at around 1515 hours, locals spotted a suspicious box containing two grenades along NHW-144A at Thandapani, nearly 200 meters from the college.
The locals immediately informed Police Station Sunderbani, following which police and other agencies rushed to the spot.
Further details are awaited.(NVI)
Srinagar ar, Apr 10 (NVI): National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday welcomed the de-escalation of tensions in West Asia and expressed hope that the cessation of hostilities would lead to lasting peace across the world.
Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah said he was relieved that the conflict had stopped and hoped it would not resume. “Thank God the war has stopped. I hope it remains stopped in the future as well and peace prevails in the world,” he said.
Reacting to discussions around Pakistan’s mediation efforts and suggestions of a Nobel Prize, the former chief minister said humanitarian service should not be driven by the desire for awards.
“One works for humanity, not for a Nobel Prize. Those who demand a Nobel Prize are unfortunate. The real prize is serving the cause of humanity,” he said.
Highlighting the human cost of conflicts, Abdullah stressed the need to prioritise peace and welfare of people. “It is humanity that is suffering and it is humanity that must be saved,” he added.(NVI)
Jammu, Apr 10 (NVI): Police on Friday carried out the disposal of seized arms and ammunition in connection with various FIRs registered at Police Station Arnia in Jammu district.
Officials that a total of 38 hand grenades, including 8 SF grenades and 2 UBGL grenades, were destroyed during the operation. Besides, 11 detonators (8 non-electric and 3 electric), 9 time pencils, and around 17 kilograms of RDX were also safely disposed of.
They said the disposal process was conducted at Firing Butt Nagrota in strict adherence to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring complete safety and compliance with guidelines.
The operation was carried out under the overall supervision of SSP Jammu and SP Headquarters Jammu, in the presence of SDPO R.S. Pura and SHO Arnia, who monitored the process to ensure transparency and procedural correctness.
Police said the exercise reflects their continued commitment to maintaining public safety and handling hazardous materials in a secure manner.(NVI)
Srinagar, Apr 10 (NVI): The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has announced that registration for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 will commence from April 15 through 554 designated bank branches across the country.
Guidelines issued by the Board the registration process will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis with fixed daily quotas for both Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
Officials said that only pilgrims aged between 13 and 70 years will be eligible, while women with more than six weeks of pregnancy will not be permitted to undertake the yatra, even if they possess the mandatory health certificate.
The registration will be carried out through Aadhaar-based biometric eKYC authentication, with permits generated online via the official portal. In case of technical issues, a fallback provision for manual data entry with webcam-based photo capture has also been kept.
Pilgrims will be required to submit a valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), issued on or after April 8, 2026, by an authorised doctor or medical institution, along with a fee of ₹150 per permit.
The designated bank branches will verify the authenticity of the health certificate before issuing the system-generated permit, which will specify the selected route and date of travel.
As per the procedure, registration for a particular date will close seven days in advance. Authorities have also directed banks to set up help desks, train staff and ensure smooth facilitation of the registration process.
The Shrine Board has advised pilgrims to provide accurate Aadhaar and mobile details and follow all prescribed guidelines to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage. (NVI)
Srinagar, Apr 9 (NVI): Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Thursday reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir, assessing the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness of forces deployed in the region.
During the visit, he was briefed on ongoing operations and the overall security landscape. Emphasising the need for a robust approach, the Army Commander stressed synergy, adaptability, precision, and sustained vigilance as crucial elements for effective intelligence-based operations and swift response to emerging threats.
He also interacted with troops on the ground, lauding their dedication, high morale, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation.
The review focused on improving operational efficiency and enhancing coordination among units engaged in counter-terrorism efforts. Lt Gen Sharma underscored the growing importance of intelligence and technology in anticipating threats and maintaining a proactive security posture.
The visit reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining high readiness levels and ensuring the safety and security of civilians in South Kashmir, officials said.(NVI)
Jammu, Apr 9 (NVI): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the availability and distribution of petrol, diesel and LPG across Jammu and Kashmir, directing authorities to maintain strict vigil against hoarding and ensure uninterrupted supply amid global uncertainties.
Chairing a high-level meeting with senior officials and district administrations, Dulloo said the Union Territory has adequate reserves of essential commodities, with additional stocks in transit to further strengthen supply buffers in view of the evolving situation in West Asia.
He stressed the need for intensified monitoring, strict inspections and awareness campaigns to curb black marketing, overpricing and hoarding of fuel, LPG, fertilizers and food grains. The Chief Secretary also reviewed public grievances and their disposal, calling for faster redressal and expediting e-KYC of consumers.
Officials informed the meeting that both Jammu and Kashmir divisions are maintaining stable stock positions of petrol, diesel and LPG, with sufficient reserve cover to meet demand. Measures have also been put in place to ensure smooth supply to commercial and industrial sectors, as well as to remote and far-flung areas.
The administration is closely monitoring supply chains to prevent disruptions to essential services, tourism and industrial activities. Dulloo directed district authorities to ensure seamless last-mile delivery and warned against any attempt to exploit the situation for profiteering.
He reassured the public that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the Union Territory and urged people not to panic, asserting that existing reserves and incoming supplies are sufficient to maintain normalcy.
Poonch, Apr 9 (NVI): General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps, accompanied by GOC Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo), on Thursday visited forward areas of Potha in Poonch sector to review the operational preparedness and overall security grid.
Officials said that the senior officers were briefed on the prevailing security scenario, ongoing counter-terrorism operations and the level of coordination among various security agencies in the area.
During the visit, the GOC reviewed the readiness of troops and stressed the need for maintaining a high state of alertness in view of evolving security challenges.
The exercise was aimed at further enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening synergy among different forces to ensure effective response to any emerging threats, sources said.
Emphasizing vigilance and seamless communication, the officers reiterated the importance of proactive measures to maintain peace and ensure public safety in the region.(NVI)
Baramulla, Apr 09 (NVI): A women Cop has been removed from service in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district for her alleged involvement in a narcotics case, officials said on Thursday.
An official said that Women Cop Shameema Bano of Jammu and Kashmir Police was dismissed from service with effect from April 8, 2026, following the completion of a departmental inquiry.
She was placed under suspension in June 2021 after being arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu, in connection with a case registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act involving seizure of contraband, the official said.
He said that after conclusion of the inquiry and completion of due departmental procedures, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla issued an order for her removal from service under relevant provisions of the J&K Police Rules.
Police reiterated that strict action will be taken against any personnel found involved in unlawful activities, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining discipline, integrity, and accountability within the force. (NVI)
Srinagar, Apr 09 (NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday distributed appointment orders among 90 beneficiaries of Kashmir division under SRO-43 and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS) at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre.
The appointments have been made on compassionate grounds to support families who lost their primary breadwinners.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government stands “shoulder to shoulder” with such families, acknowledging the emotional hardship behind these appointments.
He said while securing a government job is a proud moment, the circumstances in such cases are deeply painful. “You have suffered a loss greater than any examination. No job can replace your loved one,” he said.
Omar Abdullah added that reforms introduced through the transition from SRO-43 to RAS were aimed at improving efficiency and addressing procedural shortcomings.
He admitted that delays still exist and assured that the government will work to remove bottlenecks and expedite pending cases. “Making affected families run from office to office after such a loss is injustice, and we are committed to ending it,” he said.
Congratulating the appointees, the Chief Minister termed the occasion as a new beginning and urged them to serve with honesty, dedication and integrity.
He advised them to remain vigilant against external influences and to always choose the right path in their professional duties.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts of the divisional administration for facilitating the process and expressed hope that all pending cases would be cleared at the earliest.
Several ministers, senior officials and beneficiaries along with their families were present on the occasion.(NVI)
Jammu, Apr 9 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday reviewed the preparedness for a 100-day intensive campaign under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’, aimed at eliminating drug abuse from the Union Territory.
Chairing a high-level meeting here, Sinha said the campaign will feature a series of awareness programmes and mass outreach initiatives. He is scheduled to flag off a mega “padyatra” from MA Stadium in Jammu on April 11, followed by a similar launch in Srinagar in the first week of May.
The lieutenant governor stressed the need for widespread public participation, particularly involving students, youth, NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, volunteers, civil society organisations and public representatives.
Describing drug trafficking as part of a larger conspiracy to harm the youth, Sinha called for a united effort to tackle the menace.
He directed authorities to intensify operations against drug trafficking networks, while emphasising a balanced approach towards victims and offenders.
“Don’t touch the innocent and don’t spare the culprit,” he said, adding that genuine victims of drug abuse must be identified and rehabilitated.
The meeting also reviewed the activity calendar prepared by various departments for the campaign. Officials informed that Union Territory and divisional-level committees have been constituted for effective implementation of the plan.
Sinha further called for making the campaign a mass movement and urged authorities to incorporate public feedback and encourage people to report cases of drug abuse.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior police and civil administration officials, including divisional commissioners, inspector generals of police, deputy commissioners and SSPs, among others.(NVI)
