New Delhi, Mar 5 (NVI): Congress party has released a list of candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha Biennial Elections from different states.
They are as follows:
Chhattisgarh: Phulo Devi Netam
Haryana: Karamvir Singh Boudh
Himachal Pradesh: Anurag Sharma (DCC President, Kangra)
Tamil Nadu: M. Christopher Tilak
Telangana: Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Ven Narendra Reddy
Peshawar, Mar 5 : In the month of February, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killed 564 Pakistani military and affiliated personnel and left 399 injured while carrying out 352 ‘operations’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and some other places of Pakistan.
The TTP also captured 18 Pakistani military personnel and their associates during this month, according to a detailed statement issued by its spokesman Muhammad Khorasani.
The maximum 85 of these ‘opeartions’ by TTP were carried out in South Waziristan district, 56 in North Waziristan district, 41 in Tank, 38 in Bajaur, 27 in Dera Ismail Khan, 22 in Peshawar, 19 in Bannu, 15 in Khyber district, 12 in Lakki Marwat, 5 each in Mohmand and Orakzai, 4 each in Kurram, Shangla and Karak, 3 each in Kohat, Quetta and Pishin, 2 in Mardan and one each in South Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Zhob, Kalat and Sibi.
Of the 963 personnel killed and wounded, 566 belonged to the Pakistan Army, including the Special Services Group (SSG), 247 were from the paramilitary force Frontier Corps (FC) or Scouts, 142 belonged to Police forces, including Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and 26 belonged to intelligence agencies and affiliated so-called ‘Peace Committee’ militia groups.
The types of operations included 101 sniper/laser attacks, 81 direct assaults, 34 missile attacks, 34 guerrilla attacks, 32 targeted attacks, 28 ambush attacks, 21 grenade/bomb blasts, 20 counter attacks and one suicide attack.
These operations resulted in the destruction of 18 installations of the Pakistan Army and Police forces, 42 military and police vehicles, 5 military drones, 75 security cameras and 12 water, energy & communication systems.
The TTP also seized from the Pakistani forces equipment, which included 10 rifles of various types, one vehicle, 2 drones and 4 security cameras.
Solar panels, various supplies destined for forts, cash, thousands of bullets, dozens of magazines, ammunition, and other military equipment were also seized by the TTP during the month of February. (NVI)
Sopore, Mar 5 (NVI): Authorities in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have directed street vendors to refrain from using artificial colours and chemical additives in the preparation of the popular snack ‘Aalu Manj’, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators.
Officials told NVI that the decision was taken after receiving several complaints from locals alleging that some vendors were using synthetic colours and chemicals to enhance the appearance and taste of the snack, which could pose serious health risks.
Tehsildar Sopore, Sheikh Tariq, confirmed that directions have been issued to all vendors selling the snack in local markets.
He said complaints were received regarding the use of artificial colours in the fries and vendors have been warned to immediately stop such practices.
The Tehsildar said that food sold to the public must be hygienic and free from harmful additives, adding that anyone found violating the instructions will face legal action under food safety regulations.
‘Aalu Manj’, a deep-fried gram-flour fritter snack, is commonly sold by roadside vendors across Sopore and other parts of north Kashmir and remains particularly popular among school students and shoppers.
Officials said the administration has taken note of rising concerns over food adulteration, especially the use of unapproved industrial food colours.
They added that surprise inspection drives will be conducted in the coming days to ensure compliance with the directive, while residents have also been urged to report any instances of food adulteration to the authorities.(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 5 (NVI): The Directorate of Geology and Mining Jammu and Kashmir has issued a circular directing strict action against illegal extraction and transportation of minerals across the Union Territory.
According to the circular issued by Director S.P. Rukwal, the government has prohibited the use of heavy earth-moving machinery, including hydraulic excavators (poclains), for extraction of minor minerals in cases where such use violates environmental clearance conditions or statutory provisions.
The circular states that any heavy machinery, vehicle or equipment found involved in illegal mining or transportation of minerals shall be seized immediately and legal action will be initiated under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and other applicable rules.
Officials have been directed to intensify monitoring and enforcement to prevent illegal mining activities. District Mineral Officers and designated committees have been asked to submit daily action taken reports to their respective Joint Directors, who will consolidate the reports and forward them to the Directorate for submission to the competent authorities.
The circular further states that any lapse in enforcement or reporting will attract strict administrative action as per rules.
“This circular shall come into force with immediate effect and shall be complied with in letter and spirit,” the order reads.—(NVI)
Katra, Mar 05 (NVI): National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday urged the Government of India to clearly state its position on the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that the situation could have serious global consequences.
Speaking to reporters in Katra, Abdullah said that an attack on an independent nation was “wrong” and cautioned that such developments could destabilize the region and affect the entire world.
He said the Government of India should issue an official statement on the matter and clarify its stance, adding that similar interventions had taken place in other countries as well.
Abdullah warned that the escalating tensions could trigger a wider global conflict if not handled carefully.
“The Indian government should give its stand on this issue. America attacking an independent nation is wrong,” he said.
The NC president also said that the recent developments have angered many Muslims and protests have been reported at several places following the escalation in the region.
He called upon the international community to exercise restraint and work towards de-escalation to prevent further instability and ensure peace in the region. (NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 04 (NVI) Three women were injured after a CRPF vehicle collided with a passenger auto at Batmaloo area of Srinagar on Wednesday, officials said.
They said the injured were immediately rushed to SMHS Hospital for treatment, where their condition was stated to be stable.
The injured have been identified as Nabla, wife of Bashir Ahmad Bhat (55), resident of Ganderbal, and her two daughters Muskan and Ruhina.
Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and further investigation is underway.(NVI)
Restrictions to remain in force across Kashmir on Thursday: Officials
Srinagar, Mar 4 (NVI): Authorities on Wednesday said that precautionary restrictions will continue across all districts of Kashmir on Thursday in view of recent protests reported in parts of the Valley over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Security officials told NVI that the decision has been taken to maintain public order and prevent any untoward incident in the prevailing situation.
A senior official said the situation remained largely calm on Wednesday and the measures would continue on Thursday to ensure peace and stability.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation and will take further steps as required, officials said.(NVI)
Srinagar, March 4 (NVI): Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that the recent developments involving Iran have triggered widespread public anger, leading to protests and arrests of several people, including women, in Srinagar.
Addressing a press conference at the PDP headquarters in Polo View, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president alleged that Israel and the United States have been attacking Iran for the last five to six days and claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader was reportedly killed in the strikes.
Mufti said that many people came out on the streets to express solidarity with Iran and that several of them, including women, have been arrested and are currently lodged in jail. She said that her party leaders did not condemn the attack.
Recalling Iran’s support to India in the past, Mufti said that when India was facing sanctions, Iran had extended help by supplying oil, even free of cost at certain times.
She said that effigies of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu were burnt during the protests. She urged the administration to release all arrested and detained persons and withdraw the cases against MP Aga Ruhullah and Junaid Azam Mattoo. She also claimed that some girls were arrested from the Shalteng area.
Mufti said that under such circumstances, it becomes difficult to talk about larger national issues and alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has damaged the country by promoting communal divisions.
Commenting on global developments, she said that the world order is in complete disarray and alleged that the recent deal with Saudi Arabia was aimed at targeting Iran.
In her concluding remarks, Mufti appealed to people not to take the law into their own hands and stressed that protests should remain peaceful. She also condemned the ban on media organisations.—(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 04 (NVI) : Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi on Wednesday extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Holi.
In a message posted on X, Birdi wished peace, prosperity and happiness to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that the festival of colours would further strengthen communal harmony and brotherhood.
He said festivals like Holi promote unity and foster a spirit of togetherness among people of different communities.
Holi, celebrated across the country with enthusiasm, marks the arrival of spring and symbolises the victory of good over evil.—(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 04 (NVI) : Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district have registered an FIR against a man for allegedly circulating provocative content on social media platforms, officials said on Tuesday.
Officals told NVI said the accused has been identified as Javid Ahmad Khanday, son of Ali Mohammad Khanday, a resident of Sazan Keegam.
According to officials, the individual was found involved in sharing and propagating certain videos along with captions and comments that were prima facie capable of disturbing public peace and adversely affecting the law and order situation.
An FIR (No. 26/2026) has been registered at Police Station Shopian, falling under Police Post Keegam, under relevant provisions of law, they said, adding that an investigation has been initiated.
Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and public order and advised people to exercise restraint and responsibility while using social media platforms.
They warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found posting or sharing content that could disturb public tranquility.(NVI)
