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Six members of ‘Khouf Gang’ arrested in Jammu, pistol and ammunition recovered

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Sep 7 (NVI) Police have arrested six alleged members of the ‘Khouf Gang’ in connection with a case of threatening a man in Arnia area of Jammu district, officials said on Monday.

The accused, all residents of Bishnah, were allegedly involved in threatening Ashwani Kumar at Kool Kalan on September 3 by displaying a pistol and traditional weapons known as ‘tokkas’, he said.

Acting on a complaint, police launched an investigation and apprehended all six accused on Monday, officials said.

One pistol along with a magazine, three live rounds and five ‘tokkas’ were recovered from their possession.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain their involvement in other criminal activities, police said.—(NVI)

Heroin Case Accused Flees NCB Custody In Jammu

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Sep 7 (NVI): A man arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in connection with a drug trafficking case escaped from its custody at the agency’s headquarters here, officials said on Monday.

The accused, identified as Aqib Bashir of Kakapora in Pulwama district, had been arrested after 522 grams of heroin was allegedly recovered from his possession in Samba, they said.

Bashir was allegedly linked to a narco-trafficking module and was being questioned by the NCB in connection with the case.

Following his escape, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have formed multiple teams to trace and apprehend him, officials said.

Efforts are underway to establish the circumstances in which the accused managed to flee from custody, they added.(NVI)

Drones Spotted Over Amritsar Airport, Operations Suspended For Over An Hour

Drone
Representational image

Amritsar, Sept 07 (NVI): Flight operations at Amritsar airport were suspended for around 85 minutes after drones were spotted across the airfield, Airport Director Anirudh Kumar Sharma said.

According to Sharma, the airport’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) received information from the Indian Air Force at around 9:45 pm that drones had been spotted over the airfield. Several aircraft scheduled to land at Amritsar were already circling overhead at the time.

Following the airport’s standard operating procedure for drone sightings, a Joint Action Committee was activated and convened in the control tower. The committee assessed that the drone activity could disrupt aircraft landings and decided to temporarily suspend operations.

Operations were halted at around 9:50 pm, with approximately seven aircraft holding overhead subsequently diverted. Two flights were diverted to Chandigarh, while five were sent to Delhi.

The Joint Action Committee reviewed the situation around 11 pm and, after no further drone activity was reported, decided to resume operations. The airport was reopened at around 11:15 pm.

Of the seven diverted flights, five subsequently returned to Amritsar. One Air India flight that had been diverted to Delhi was cancelled, while a Malaysia Airlines flight was expected to arrive later, Sharma said.

“Everything has returned to normal,” the airport director said, adding that the police were handling the investigation into the drone sightings.—(NVI)

Traffic restrictions on Gupkar Road in Srinagar for film festival

Govt extends validity of vehicular documents, permits till March 31
Representational Image

Srinagar, Sept 7 (NVI): Traffic restrictions have been imposed on Gupkar Road here on monday evening in view of the inaugural International Film Festival being held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), officials said.

According to a traffic advisory issued by Srinagar Traffic Police, a large number of participants, guests and invitees are expected to attend the event, leading to increased vehicular movement towards SKICC after 4 pm.

No general traffic will be allowed on Gupkar Road between 4 pm and 7 pm. Only invitees, participants, VVIPs and staff associated with the event will be permitted to use the road during the period, the advisory said.

Traffic at Badyari Chowk and Brein Chowk will also not be allowed towards the SKICC-Nehru Park stretch, except for hotel guests and local residents. Traffic heading towards Nishat will be diverted through Gupkar and Hazratbal.

Vehicles coming from the Nishat and Harwan sides will also be diverted towards Hazratbal, while Nishat-bound traffic will be routed through Rainawari, Hazratbal and Nishat.

The restrictions will remain in force from 4 pm to 7 pm or until completion of the inauguration function, officials said.

Emergency vehicles will be allowed to take the shortest possible route. Citizens requiring assistance have been advised to contact the Traffic Police Control Room on helpline number 103.—(NVI)

Army Commander Reviews Security Situation, Operational Preparedness in South Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 7 (NVI): Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited hinterland units in South Kashmir and reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness of troops deployed in the region, officials said.

During the visit, Sharma emphasised the need for sustained alertness and close coordination with all stakeholders to effectively meet emerging security challenges, they said.

The Army Commander also commended the troops for their professionalism, commitment and dedication towards ensuring the security of the nation, the officials added.—(NVI)

IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Situation, Counter-Terror Operations in Pulwama, Awantipora

Srinagar, Sept 6 (NVI): Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar on Sunday reviewed the security situation, counter-terror operations and law-and-order scenario in Pulwama district and Awantipora police district, officials said.

Kumar, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range, Javed Iqbal Mattoo, chaired separate high-level review meetings with senior police officers in the two jurisdictions.

Senior Superintendents of Police, Additional SPs, Sub-Divisional Police Officers and officers of the Special Operations Group briefed the IGP on the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness, crime disposal and strategic deployments, officials said.

During the meetings, Kumar directed officers to strengthen intelligence-based operations and ensure close coordination among different security agencies to effectively deal with security challenges.

He also stressed proactive and preventive policing, enhanced surveillance and foolproof security arrangements around vital installations, vulnerable areas and protected persons.

The IGP directed officers to intensify the ongoing crackdown against narcotics and illicit networks and ensure strict action against habitual offenders in accordance with law.

Kumar also emphasised people-friendly policing, community engagement and prompt redressal of public grievances to strengthen public trust in law enforcement.

He appreciated the commitment and professionalism of police personnel and urged officers to remain alert and prepared to respond swiftly to emerging security challenges, officials said.—(NVI)

Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain Meets J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 6 (NVI): Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain on Sunday called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence here and discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on various matters of common interest, officials said.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah and the First Lady of Bihar were also present on the occasion.(NVI)

Pro Star Cricket League Season 2 Set for Kashmir in March 2027

Srinagar, Sep 6 (NVI) Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted that the country’s next fast-bowling sensation could emerge from Kashmir, citing the immense cricketing talent in the Valley.

Chopra made the remarks at a press conference in Srinagar in connection with the second season of the Pro Star Cricket League, which is scheduled to be held in Kashmir in March 2027.

“Kashmir has immense cricketing talent and the region has the potential to produce a fast bowler who can represent India at the highest level,” Chopra said.

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who was also present at the event, praised the talent among Kashmiri cricketers, particularly the bowlers.

Dhawan said young players from the Valley are getting greater exposure and opportunities to showcase their skills.

He also expressed admiration for Kashmir’s natural beauty, saying he was mesmerised by its snow-covered mountains and winter landscape.

According to the organisers, Pro Star Cricket League Season 2 is aimed at providing a platform and greater exposure to emerging cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.

The league is expected to bring together established cricket personalities and budding players, while promoting the sport and helping nurture young talent in the Valley.—(NVI)

Eight injured as Tata Sumo rolls down road in J&K’s Poonch

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Sept 6 (NVI): Eight people were injured after a Tata Sumo rolled down on the Bedar-Dunogam link road in Mandi area of Poonch district on Sunday, officials said.

The accident took place at Bedar when the vehicle, travelling on the link road, rolled down, causing injuries to eight occupants, they said.

The injured were shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Mandi, for treatment.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further proceedings, officials said.—(NVI)

Rajnath Singh to Undertake Three-Day Visit to Sri Lanka

Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (file pic)

New Delhi, Sept 6 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will undertake a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka from September 8 to 10, during which he will hold talks with the country’s leadership on a range of bilateral and regional issues, the Defence Ministry said.

Singh will also interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Colombo and will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs.

India and Sri Lanka share close civilisational ties and a multifaceted partnership encompassing regional security, defence, economic and trade cooperation, as well as strong people-to-people relations, the ministry said.

The bilateral relationship has gained further momentum in recent years, including through India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and its response as one of the first responders following Cyclone Ditwah in 2025.

The ministry said India’s support reflected its continued commitment to the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Singh’s visit is expected to provide further impetus to the traditionally close and friendly ties between the two countries, particularly in areas of mutual interest, including maritime and defence cooperation.—(NVI)

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