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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)

India, Australia Deepen Defence Ties; Focus on Maritime Security, Defence Industry Cooperation

New Delhi, June 1 (NVI): India and Australia on Monday agreed to further strengthen defence and security cooperation with a focus on maritime security, defence industrial collaboration and emerging technologies during the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in New Delhi.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Manekshaw Centre.

The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral defence ties since the inaugural dialogue held in October 2025 and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation to contribute to regional peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both sides discussed maritime security cooperation and efforts to finalise a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap. They agreed to advance maritime domain awareness activities, explore opportunities for cooperation in undersea domain awareness and enhance collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia’s Maritime Border Command.

India and Australia also reiterated support for a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two countries announced plans to begin work on a Memorandum of Understanding for the provision of defence articles and services, aimed at deepening defence industrial collaboration. They also agreed to explore greater cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Defence Industry, Research and Materiel.

The ministers welcomed growing engagement between their armed forces and looked forward to enhanced participation in each other’s military exercises, including Exercise Talisman Sabre, Milan, Kakadu and Pitch Black.

They also agreed to explore future cooperation in defence science and technology, particularly in areas such as sensor technologies, while Australia invited India to participate in the 2026 Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit.

The two sides expressed support for strengthening cooperation under the Quad framework and enhancing maritime domain awareness across the Indo-Pacific through information sharing, expert exchanges and joint exercises.

The dialogue concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding strategic, operational and defence-industrial cooperation in line with their shared vision for regional security and stability.(NVI)

Senior IPS Officer Vidhi Kumar Birdi Appointed CRPF IG on Central Deputation

File Photo : IGP Kahmir, V.K.Birdi

New Delhi, June 1 (NVI): Senior IPS officer Vidhi Kumar Birdi has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on central deputation, according to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Birdi, a 2003-batch AGMUT cadre officer, has been appointed as IG in the CRPF against an existing vacancy, the order said.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment in Level-14 of the pay matrix under the usual terms and conditions applicable to central deputation, it said.

The MHA has directed the concerned authorities to relieve the officer immediately to enable him to take up his new assignment.

Birdi has served in various policing and administrative positions during his career and is currently one of the senior officers of the AGMUT cadre.

The CRPF is the country’s largest central armed police force and plays a key role in internal security operations across India. (NVI)

TTP caused heavy losses to Pakistani military in multiple operations

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) cadre in specialised gear. File pic released by TTP

Peshawar, June 1: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed to have caused heavy losses to the Pakistani military in multiple operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during the last few days.

At least 9 Pakistani soldiers were killed or wounded in a major clash in Darra Adam Khel in Kohat district, TTP spokesman Muhammad Khorasani said in a statement.

He said the clash erupted after an attempted raid jointly by the Pakistan Army, paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), and Police on May 30, which was met with a strong counter attack.

Besides the casualties among the Pakistani forces, three military vehicles also suffered partial damage in the clash, he said.

TTP lost one fighter, identified as Qari Usama, in the firefight, he said.

In Bannu district, several Pakistani soldiers were killed or wounded, and one vehicle sustained partial damage in a defensive action by TTP in Baka Khel, he said.

In Bajaur district too, several Pakistani soldiers were killed or injured in a clash with TTP in Wara Mamond, the spokesman said.

In Peshawar, a sniper attack on military post killed one soldier, he said.

In an attack in Chaman in Pishin district, the TTP killed a “collaborator” of the Pakistani military in a targeted attack.

Earlier, in North Waziristan disrict, sniper attacks were carried out on military posts in Razmak and Mir Ali, in which there is a strong possibility of casualties among the Pakistani forces, Khorasani said.

In Dera Ismail Khan district, a grenade launcher attack was carried out on a military camp in Kulachi, with a strong possibility of casualties among the “Zionist agents”, the TTP spokesman said.

Crime Branch Chargesheets Three in Srinagar Land Fraud Case
Accused Allegedly Sold Same Khushipora Land to Multiple Buyers Using Manipulated Revenue Records

Srinagar, June 1 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against three persons in a land fraud case involving the alleged sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers through separate registered sale deeds in the Khushipora area of HMT, Srinagar, officials said on Monday.

According to a Crime Branch spokesperson, the chargesheet was filed before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in FIR No. 03/2024 registered under Sections 420, 468, 167 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).

The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent sale of a piece of land located in Khushipora, HMT Srinagar, to several purchasers through separate sale deeds.

Investigations revealed that the accused, Mehraj-ud-Din Khanday and Shabir Ahmad Khanday, both residents of Khushipora Abanshah, Srinagar, allegedly conspired with a Patwari, who has since died, to execute multiple sale deeds for the same land parcel.

The accused allegedly used fabricated and manipulated revenue records to mislead buyers and obtain unlawful financial gains, the spokesperson said.

Following completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was presented before the court for judicial proceedings.

The Crime Branch advised the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and report such incidents to the Economic Offences Wing. Authorities also urged victims of financial fraud to submit complaints through official channels for prompt action. (NVI)

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