Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Home Blog Page 21

Teacher arrested in POCSO case in South Kashmir

J-K Police
Representational image

Srinagar, Sep 25 (NVI) A Physical Education Teacher was arrested in connection with an alleged sexual harassment case involving a minor girl in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, police said on Friday.

A complaint was lodged at Police Post Aripal on Thursday alleging sexual harassment of a 15-year-old girl by the accused, identified as a Physical Education Teacher posted at a government high school in Aripal, they said.

Following the complaint, police registered an FIR under relevant sections of law at Police Station Tral and initiated an investigation.

During the investigation, the accused was apprehended and subsequently arrested after his alleged involvement was established through technical and human intelligence, police said.

Further investigation in the case is underway, they added.—(NVI)

Balochistan: ’81 people abducted by Pakistan, agencies every month on average’

Jamal Baloch addressing BNM event in Geneva

Geneva, Sept 25: In Balochistan, 81 people, including women, are abducted (forcibly disappeared) by the Pakistani forces and agencies on an average every month and are subjected to extreme forms of torture leading to killings too.

This was stated by Jamal Baloch, Media Coordinator of Balochistan’s human rights organization ‘Paank’, at an international conference here in Geneva Press Club.

Addressing the 12th Balochistan International Conference, organised by the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Jamal Baloch presented figures from Paank’s documented reporting on enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and other human-rights violations in Balochistan.

The conference was dedicated to the memory of BNM chairman Shaheed Zubair Baloch.

Jamal Baloch said that over the past years Paank, the human-rights body under BNM, has documented thousands of incidents of human-rights violations and enforced disappearances.

According to him, over the past six months 485 incidents of enforced disappearance were reported to Paank and became part of the documented record.

He made clear that this figure comprises only those incidents that were reported to Paank from various sources, and therefore it cannot be treated as the final number of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.

According to him, many incidents cannot be reported, especially in circumstances in which affected families face pressure and threats.

Jamal Baloch said that an incident of enforced disappearance is not confined to the affected individual alone; its effects fall on the entire family. Some families also refrained from reporting the disappearance of their loved ones because they were threatened with further people being made to disappear or with other consequences.

Paank’s media coordinator said the organisation also received information of 181 extrajudicial killings over the past six months, of which Paank has confirmed numerous incidents.

He said the chain of enforced disappearances in Balochistan has continued for several decades, and that in the recent period incidents of enforced disappearance of women and children have also come to light. Over the past six months, 32 incidents of enforced disappearance of women and their children were recorded.

Jamal Baloch also mentioned incidents of torture of children and pressure in connection with persons in detention.

He said that, according to information received by Paank, some detainees have stated complaints of children being tortured in front of them and of being forced to give statements against their will.

Referring to the production of some detainees on Pakistani media, he said that on such occasions some individuals are forced to read pre-prepared statements.

He also mentioned drone strikes and aerial bombing in Balochistan and said that last month six people were killed in such attacks, including three children. In one attack a bomb weighing 285 kilograms was used, in which infant children were killed.

Jamal Baloch also mentioned actions against political activists in Balochistan and the leadership of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). He said that state power and legal proceedings are being used to suppress peaceful political activists.

He said incidents have come to light in which some political activists were first forcibly disappeared and later shown as arrested. According to Paank’s research, charges brought against these individuals are baseless.

He further said that before action against political activists, attempts are at times made through media campaigns to create a negative impression against them, which is part of a wider process of suppressing political voices in Balochistan.

Speaking on the judicial process, Jamal Baloch also referred to a recent judicial statement in which a judge, before the media, mentioned judicial pressure. He said that in the context of cases against political activists in Balochistan, questions also arise about judicial independence and the process of justice.

In his address, Jamal Baloch said that discussion of the human-rights situation in Balochistan often remains limited to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, whereas according to him the problem is far wider than that.

He said: for us the priority is only to say that we have the right to live. Our people have the right to live. We want freedom. We have the right to be free. We have the right to be in our schools.

He said the number and nature of human-rights violations are so extensive that it is not possible to describe every matter in a single address; however, it is necessary to put forward the people of Balochistan’s living, receiving education, freedom and attainment of fundamental rights as central human-rights demands.

Flood-Hit Infrastructure Being Restored Across J&K: Deputy CM

Srinagar, Sep 25 (NVI) :The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday said restoration of infrastructure affected by cloudbursts and flash floods is underway across the Union Territory, with temporary restoration completed in several cases and permanent works in progress.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, replying to a question by MLA Shakti Raj Parihar in the Legislative Assembly, said roads and water supply schemes affected during 2025-26 had been temporarily restored, while permanent restoration works were under process.

He said infrastructure affected during 2026-27 had also been partially restored and permanent restoration works were being taken up in all affected districts.

Financial assistance admissible under SDRF norms is being provided to affected people, Choudhary said, adding that no separate rehabilitation package had been sanctioned.

However, Chief Minister’s Relief Fund assistance was extended to families whose houses were damaged, he said.

In Kishtwar, Rs 1 lakh each was provided to 16 households whose houses were damaged in the Chishoti cloudburst during 2025-26, while Rs 25,000 each was provided for three partially damaged houses.

For 2026-27, Rs 108 lakh has been released in Poonch for 87 beneficiaries whose structures were damaged, while Rs 281 lakh was released in Rajouri for 377 beneficiaries, he said.

The government remains committed to timely restoration of essential infrastructure and expediting permanent works in areas affected by natural calamities, Choudhary said.—(NVI)

75 per cent work completed on 50-bed Pahalgam hospital: Sakeena Itoo

Srinagar, Sep 25 (NVI): Nearly 75 per cent physical progress has been achieved on the construction of a 50-bed hospital block at Pahalgam in south Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday.

Replying to a question raised by Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani, Itoo said administrative approval for the project was accorded in March 2020 at a sanctioned cost of Rs 19.90 crore.

The project includes construction of the hospital building along with civil, electrical, mechanical and allied works, she said.

Against the sanctioned cost, Rs 16.75 crore has been released, of which Rs 10.53 crore was spent up to March 31 this year. An additional Rs 33.31 lakh has been spent during the current financial year, the minister said.

The project is progressing satisfactorily and has achieved around 75 per cent physical progress, she said.

The DG set has been commissioned and handed over, while the laundry system, Central Sterile Supply Department and Sterile Tunnel Project have been supplied or installed and are at the commissioning stage.

Installation of the hospital lift is underway, while the remaining mechanical and electrical components are being pursued for completion, Itoo said.

Additional basement led to cost revision

Explaining the delay and revision in the project cost, the minister said an additional basement became necessary due to the site’s topography and level differences.

This increased the built-up area and necessitated additional structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical and allied works, she said.

The post-COVID escalation in equipment and installation costs also contributed to the increase in the project cost, Itoo said.

She said the project was being personally monitored and a review meeting had been held with all stakeholders to resolve issues affecting its completion.

The process for revised administrative approval has already been initiated and will be accorded after receipt and scrutiny of the revised Detailed Project Report from the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, she said.

No proposal to upgrade three PHCs to SDHs

Responding to a supplementary question on upgrading Primary Health Centres at Pahalgam, Sallar and Aishmuqam to Sub-District Hospitals, Itoo said there was currently no such proposal.

The department was focusing on consolidation and strengthening of existing healthcare facilities, she said.

Referring to the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)-2022 norms, the minister said districts with a population below five lakh and a functional District Hospital do not require a Sub-District Hospital.

Districts with a population between five and 10 lakh can have one SDH, while one additional SDH can be considered for every further 10 lakh population, she said.

Accordingly, a district with a population of up to 20 lakh can have one District Hospital and two SDHs, while Jammu and Kashmir already has more SDHs than the admissibility envisaged under IPHS-2022, Itoo said.—(NVI)

Army Chief takes stock of cataract surgery camp in J&K’s Karnah

Oplus_16908288

Srinagar, Sep 25 (NVI): Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Friday visited Karnah in Kupwara district and interacted with veterans and ex-servicemen in the forward area.

During his visit, the Army Chief reviewed the ongoing Operation Drishti Mega Cataract Surgery Camp at the Forward Surgical Centre in Tangdhar and took stock of the healthcare facilities being extended to residents of remote border areas.

General Seth also interacted with veterans and ex-servicemen and took note of their welfare and healthcare-related concerns.

The seven-day initiative is being conducted under the aegis of the Chinar Corps in coordination with the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).

The camp aims to provide advanced ophthalmic care to civilians and veterans living in remote border areas. Around 400 patients have been identified for cataract surgery following screening camps conducted as part of the initiative.

The healthcare outreach programme is being conducted under Operation Sadbhavana, aimed at extending medical assistance and other welfare support to communities in border areas.—(NVI)

Rajnath Singh Flags In Team That Summited 20 Unclimbed Peaks in Ladakh

New Delhi, Sep 25 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday flagged in a mountaineering expedition team that created a record by summiting 20 unclimbed peaks, each above 6,000 metres, in Ladakh in just 23 days.

The expedition marked the first-ever recorded summits of 20 unclimbed peaks in the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula areas of the Ladakh Range, according to the Defence Ministry.

The expedition was undertaken by a team of 20 climbers from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal.

Interacting with the expedition team during the flag-in ceremony at Kartavya Bhavan-2 here, Singh commended the climbers for their courage and determination in accomplishing the feat.

He described the expedition as a demonstration of India’s mountaineering capabilities and leadership in adventure sports.

The minister said the successful ascents would inspire young mountaineers across the country to pursue adventure and exploration.

The expedition involved extensive planning, technical expertise, endurance and teamwork, the ministry said, adding that it showcased India’s capabilities in high-altitude mountaineering.

The expedition was organised to promote adventure and exploration in the high-altitude frontiers and inspire future generations of mountaineers.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials of the Defence Ministry were also present at the ceremony.—(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 18 Pakistani soldiers in 25 attacks

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters at some undisclosed location. File Pic.

Quetta, Sept 25: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed 18 personnel of the occupying Pakistani forces and injured several others in 25 attacks in Balochistan in a span of 10 days.

The BLA fighters also took complete control of various areas and police stations during three major operations in Mand and Khuzdar, while targeting military installations associated with the occupying army, its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement.

He shared details of the operations between September 14 and 23 and acknowledged loss of 10 BLA fighters in clashes with the Pakistani forces.

He said on on September 16, BLA fighters ambushed a convoy of motorcycles and vehicles of the occupying Pakistani army in Kulwah in Kech district, while they were going to provide security to an exploitative company.

As a result of this attack, 4 personnel of the occupying army were killed on the spot and 5 others were injured, he said.

Meanwhile, in Kalatuk in Turbat district, an ambush was carried out on a convoy of the occupying Pakistani army, in which 2 enemy personnel were killed and at least 4 injured.

In Dali in Kharan district, occupying forces were ambushed, killing 1 enemy personnel and injuring at least 2 more.

On the same day in Rodban in Tump district, BLA fighters targeted a convoy of the occupying army, inflicting human and material losses, Jeeyand Baloch said.

On September 17, in Sonarao in Khuzdar district, BLA fighters targeted an occupying army vehicle with an IED blast, inflicting losses.

Separately, in Kardgap in Mastung district, BLA fighters blew up and destroyed the main bridge on the Quetta-Taftan trade route.

On the same day in Kharan district, BLA fighters captured an agent of the occupying Pakistan Army and executed him after he revealed the crimes he committed in association with the military, according to the spokesman.

In Gwargo area of Panjgur district, BLA fighters targeted the occupying army, as a result of which an occupying army vehicle was disabled due to a direct hit, killing 4 personnel and injuring several.

The BLA fighters also shot down a quadcopter belonging to the occupying forces.

In the related gunfight, BLA lost 4 fighters, the spokesman said.

On September 18, BLA fighters took control of Balochabad and Blu areas of Mand and established blockades on all major entry routes and addressed public gatherings during this time.

“The cowardly occupying army targeted civilian populations using quadcopters, injuring 5 individuals, while BLA fighters shot down one of the enemy’s quadcopters,” he said.

On the same day in Glugah in Mashkel district, BLA fighters ambushed two vehicles of the occupying Pakistani army, completely destroying one, and killing 3 personnel of the occupying army while injuring more than 5.

Furthermore, an exploitative mineral transport vehicle was set on fire and destroyed in Patak, Basima, while a tower installed for surveillance cameras was destroyed with a blast in Buttu, Noshki, the spokesman said.

On September 19, in Nagman in Mastung, BLA fighters ambushed vehicles of the occupying Pakistani army after which clashes ensued, resulting in the killing and injuries to “numerous enemy personnel”, Jeeyand Baloch said.

“Later, the occupying army cowardly targeted BLA fighters with a drone strike, resulting in the martyrdom of 4 more Sarmachars Sangat Amir Abbas Kurd alias Sajid, Sangat Abdul Halim Muhammad Shahi alias Danish, Hukamullah Lehri alias Fahad, and Muhammad Naseem Lehri alias Gurk,” the spokesman said.

On September 20, BLA targeted the occupying Pakistani army in Noshki district, while they were harassing the public under the guise of blockades, killing 2 personnel of the occupying army on the spot and injuring at least 4, he said.

On the same day, BLA fighters fired multiple grenade launcher rounds at an occupying army post in Koshak, Balida, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.

On September 21, BLA fighters took control of the Radig area in Mand, established blockades at key locations, and during this time, attacked the occupying army’s main camp with heavy and automatic weapons, inflicting losses.

Meanwhile, another unit of BLA fighters took control of the customs post and set it on fire, destroying it.

On September 22, in the 13-Mile area of Dasht connected to Quetta, BLA fighters targeted the occupying army’s bomb disposal squad infantry personnel with an IED blast, killing 1 personnel on the spot and injuring 1 more.

On the same day in Baghbana, Khuzdar, BLA took complete control of the police station and seized all weapons and military equipment present there.

During this time, police (ATF) and death squad operatives attempted to advance into the area, which a unit of BLA fighters targeted in an ambush, resulting in the killing of multiple death squad operatives while several police personnel, including SHO Muneer Alam Jatak, were injured.

On September 23, in Heronk in Kech district, BLA targeted the movement of the occupying army with an IED blast, inflicting losses, he said.

The spokesman said BLA lost two fighters earlier on September 6 during clashes with the occupying Pakistan army in Mastung district.

“The Baloch Liberation Army reiterates its pledge that our military operations against the plundering of national resources, the patronage of death squads, and the exploitative tactics of the occupying state will continue with full force,” he emphasized.

The organization paid tributes to the 10 fallen comrades.(NVI)

BJP, NC Members Clash in J&K Assembly Over Autonomy Resolution

Srinagar, Sep 25 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday witnessed noisy protests and slogan-shouting after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution referring to earlier resolutions of the erstwhile state Assembly, including the 2000 autonomy resolution.

Soon after the resolution was taken up for consideration, BJP members entered the Well of the House and raised slogans opposing the reference to the autonomy resolution.

Members of the ruling National Conference also raised slogans from the treasury benches, leading to a heated exchange between the ruling and opposition sides.

During the commotion, slogans including “Kashmir hamara hai” and “Sara Kashmir hamara hai” were raised by members from opposing benches.

Congress MLA Nizamuddin Khan also entered the Well as the protests intensified.

The resolution moved by Abdullah refers to resolutions adopted by the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, including one passed on June 26, 2000, concerning autonomy.

It also refers to a resolution passed on November 6, 2024, and calls upon the Centre for the “immediate and urgent restoration” of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution further proposes that it be forwarded to the Government of India.

The development led to disruption of proceedings, with members of the treasury and opposition benches continuing to raise slogans and protest inside the Well.

The House has witnessed several heated exchanges and disruptions during the ongoing session over various issues.—(NVI)

Congress members protest in J&K Assembly, demand CEC’s resignation

Srinagar, Sep 25 (NVI) :Congress legislators on Friday staged a brief protest inside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

As soon as the House proceedings began, Congress lawmakers carrying banners that read “Gyanesh Kumar resign, protect the vote, protect democracy” raised slogans demanding the CEC’s resignation.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather objected to the display of banners inside the House and questioned legislators Nizamuddin Bhat, Irfan Hafiz Lone and Iftikhar for bringing them into the Assembly.

“Who has given you permission to bring banners here? Close them,” the Speaker said.

Rather also told the protesting lawmakers that the Election Commission of India did not come under the jurisdiction of the J&K Assembly.

“ECI is not under our control. I have disallowed it. This is Question Hour,” he said, asking the members to return to their seats and warning that action would be taken if they did not comply.—(NVI)

Government cuts basic import duty on crude and refined edible oils

edible oil

New Delhi, Sept 25 (NVI) The government of India has cut the basic import duty on crude and refined edible oils, including palm oil, soy oil and sunflower oil.

Vegetable oil prices in India have risen nearly 20% over the past year, and the duty cut is expected to lower prices and boost consumption during major religious festivals from September to November with sweets, snacks and fried foods.

Internationally, increased Indian demand would support benchmark Malaysian palm oil and US soy oil futures, traders said.

The basic import duty on crude palm oil and crude soy oil has been reduced to 5% from 10%, while the duty on refined palm oil and refined soy oil has been cut to 27.5% from 32.5%, the notification said.

The import duty on crude sunflower oil has been cut to zero from 10%, while the duty on refined sunflower oil has been reduced to 22.5% from 32.5%, it said.

Apart from the basic customs duty, edible oil imports into India also carry the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess and Social Welfare Surcharge.

Crude palm oil and crude soy oil will attract a total import duty of 11%, down from 16.5%, while crude sunflower oil will attract a 5.5% duty, down from 16.5%.

India meets nearly two-thirds of its vegetable oil demand through imports, mainly palm oil, soy oil and sunflower oil from Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina, Russia and Ukraine.

Sunflower oil will be the biggest beneficiary of the duty cut, making it more attractive for refiners and potentially taking some demand away from soy oil and palm oil, said Aashish Acharya, vice president at Patanjali Foods Ltd (PAFO.NS). (NVI)

1...202122...1,773Page 21 of 1,773

MUST READ