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ACB investigates alleged misuse of construction materials in Srinagar Smart City Project

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 14(NVI): The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has initiated an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of construction materials in the ongoing Srinagar Smart City Project, which involves the revamping and beautification of the city.

In a statement issued today, the ACB confirmed that it has launched a probe into allegations of misuse of materials, including devari stones, path tiles, and iron grills, which were intended for use in the project but were suspected to have been diverted for personal gain. The investigation follows credible information suggesting that these materials were either sold in the open market or mishandled, rather than being properly stored or utilized for the intended development work.

The ACB has registered a preliminary inquiry into the matter, which covers various parts of Srinagar, where construction materials were reportedly misappropriated during the city’s revamp.

In addition, a second inquiry has been launched to examine the alleged use of sub-standard materials in the ongoing development work along the Foreshore Road in the Nishat area, particularly concerning the construction of a cycle track, footpath facing Dal Lake, and viewing decks extending from Nishat to Naseem Bagh health center.

According to the ACB, certain officials from the Srinagar Smart City Project, in collusion with the beneficiary contractor, are believed to have circumvented mandatory procedures, compromising the quality of work.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as the ACB looks into potential irregularities and efforts to hold responsible parties accountable.(News Vibes of India)

No point in entering Into confrontation with PM Modi : CM Omar’s Advisor Nasir Aslam

File Photo : Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani 'Sogami'

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 14(NVI): Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, emphasized that the state government saw no reason to engage in any confrontation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sonamarg yesterday.

Speaking to reporters, Aslam Wani stated: “The Prime Minister was our guest, and it was our duty to treat him with respect and courtesy. There was no point in entering into any confrontation. Our focus remains on development and ensuring the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

The statement follows PM Modi’s inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, a key infrastructure project designed to provide year-round connectivity to the area. The visit, which highlighted developmental priorities, was handled in a manner reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering progress and cooperation.

Wani reiterated that the state government’s priorities are rooted in the welfare of its people, regardless of political affiliations or differences. “We believe in constructive engagement and collaboration to achieve the shared goal of development and stability in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

The remarks underscore the state government’s pragmatic approach, focusing on progress and avoiding political confrontation, even amidst differing perspectives.(News Vibes of India)

Rajnath Singh announces mobile medical units for Ex-servicemen in remote areas

Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (file pic)

NVI Correspondent

Akhnoor, Jan 14(NVI): In a significant move to enhance healthcare access for ex-servicemen residing in remote areas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the approval of a proposal to establish mobile medical units during the Armed Forces Veterans Day event in Akhnoor today.

The newly approved initiative is set to provide healthcare services to former military personnel, particularly those living in difficult-to-reach and isolated regions, where medical facilities may be limited or inaccessible.

During his address, Singh highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of ex-servicemen. “Our veterans have served the nation selflessly, and it is our duty to support them, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. These mobile medical units will ensure that our veterans, no matter where they live, receive the healthcare they deserve,” he remarked.

The mobile medical units, which will be equipped with essential medical facilities, will travel to remote areas, providing a range of services. These include routine check-ups, emergency medical care, treatment for chronic conditions, and support for age-related health issues. The units will be staffed by qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, to offer comprehensive care to ex-servicemen.

This initiative is expected to address a long-standing challenge for veterans, particularly those living in rural or border areas, who often face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services.

The proposal, which was approved by the Defence Ministry, aligns with the government’s broader efforts to prioritize the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. Singh further assured that the government would continue to explore additional measures to improve the quality of life for veterans, including the expansion of healthcare facilities, pension schemes, and financial assistance programs.

The announcement has been welcomed by veterans’ organizations, which have long advocated for better healthcare support, particularly for those living in remote locations. The mobile medical units are seen as a crucial step in bridging the healthcare gap and ensuring that the country’s veterans receive timely medical attention, no matter where they are located.

With this approval, the government is taking a significant step towards improving the overall well-being of the nation’s ex-servicemen, reaffirming its commitment to their service and sacrifices.(News Vibes of India)

Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan: Dismantle terror ecosystem or face consequences, PoK a foreign territory

File Photo: Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh

NVI Correspondent

Akhnoor (Jammu), Jan 14 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today strongly reiterated India’s claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and issued a stern warning to Pakistan about its continued support for terrorism.

Calling PoK an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir, Singh stated, “J&K is incomplete without PoK.” He praised the Indian Army’s exceptional bravery in defending the nation’s borders during wars such as 1948, 1965, and beyond. “Our soldiers have always responded to Pakistan’s aggression with courage and determination,” he asserted. He was addressing Armed Forces Veterans day at Akhnoor district of Jammu.

Acknowledging the contributions of the border population, Singh commended the people of Akhnoor, including the Muslim community, for standing united against Pakistan’s divisive and disruptive agenda over the years.

Criticizing Pakistan for harboring terrorist infrastructure, Singh said, “Terrorist launch pads in PoK are still active. For Pakistan, PoK has become no less than a foreign territory.” He also condemned the inflammatory statements of PoK Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq, drawing parallels to the divisive rhetoric propagated by General Zia-ul-Haq.

Rajnath Singh’s remarks reflected India’s firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism and underscored the government’s unwavering stance on reclaiming PoK as an inseparable part of Jammu and Kashmir. (News Vibes of India)

Six army soldiers injured in an accidental mine blast along LoC in Rajouri district

Representational Pic

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 14 (NVI) At least six Army soldiers were injured in an accidental landmine blast along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district today.

According to official reports, the soldiers were conducting a routine patrol near Khamba Fort when one of them inadvertently triggered a landmine. The blast resulted in injuries to all six soldiers, who were promptly evacuated to a nearby military hospital for medical treatment.

Officials stated that the soldiers sustained minor injuries and are currently in stable condition. They are receiving necessary care and are expected to recover soon.

This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by security forces while stationed in sensitive border areas, especially along the LoC, where such risks are ever-present.

The Army has continued to take precautions in these regions to safeguard personnel, but incidents like this underscore the challenges soldiers face daily in their service to the nation.(News Vibes of India)

Srinagar freezes at -4.2°C as Kashmir reels under intense cold wave

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 14(NVI): Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling minimum temperature of -4.2°C today, as the cold wave continues to grip the Kashmir Valley. The mercury plummeted further in other parts of the region, with Larnoo emerging as the coldest spot at -8.2°C, followed by Pahalgam and Sonamarg at -7.8°C each.

Popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Shopian also experienced sub-zero temperatures, recording -6.2°C and -6.7°C, respectively. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, registered -5.6°C, while Anantnag and Pulwama recorded lows of -5.2°C and -5.0°C.

Meanwhile, in the Jammu region, Padder recorded the coldest temperature at -4.4°C, while the winter capital, Jammu, was relatively milder at 6.4°C. Ladakh witnessed the harshest conditions, with Drass freezing at -21.8°C, making it the coldest inhabited place in the region.

The ongoing cold spell has left water bodies, including parts of Dal Lake, partially frozen, affecting daily life. The weather department has advised people to stay warm and cautious, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when frost and slippery roads pose safety hazards.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with heating arrangements and shelter facilities being prioritized for vulnerable sections of the population.(News Vibes of India)

J&K ACB registers DA case against retired SE of PWD, Unearths massive illicit wealth

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 13 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case against Riyaz Ahmad Parray, a retired Superintending Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) (R&B) and resident of Hygam, Baramulla.

Investigations revealed that the accused had amassed significant assets disproportionate to his known sources of income during his tenure, allegedly through corrupt practices.

Following a detailed verification, it was found that Parray had intentionally enriched himself illicitly, acquiring multiple movable and immovable properties in Hygam, Srinagar, Jammu, and Delhi, along with making substantial investments and expenditures. As a result, FIR No. 01/2025 under Section 13 (1)(b) read with Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla, and investigations were initiated.

Search warrants were obtained, and searches were conducted at various locations inside and outside J&K, including Delhi and Jammu. Incriminating documents related to property acquisitions were seized in the presence of independent witnesses.

Preliminary findings revealed the following assets and expenditures:

Properties:
a) 3BHK Flat at Greater Kailash, Jammu
b) 3BHK Flat at Chhatarpur Enclave, Phase 2, Delhi
c) House at Residency Road, Jammu
d) House at Hygam, Sopore
e) Palatial House at Bagh-e-Mehtab, Srinagar
f) Shopping Complex at Hygam, Sopore, housing business establishments, including a J&K Bank branch
g) Four shops at Hygam housing business units

Landholdings:
a) 2 Kanals at National Highway Baramulla, Village Bulgam
b) 17 Kanals 9.5 Marlas at Dodan Hygam, Baramulla
c) 2 Kanals 9 Marlas at Kaidub Hygam, Baramulla

Vehicles: TATA Safari, Hyundai i10, WagonR, and a John Deere Tractor

Financial Assets:
Fixed Deposits worth Rs 88 lakhs in J&K Bank and HDFC Bank: Insurance policies valued at Rs 35 lakhs and health insurance policies worth Rs 10 lakhs

Additional Expenditures: Significant loan repayments

The ACB has seized all relevant evidence, and further investigation into the case is underway(News Vibes of India)

Anti-Tank missile Nag passes tests, ready for induction in Indian Army

New Delhi: Field Evaluation Trials of indigenously-developed Nag Mk 2, the third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile, were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran Field Range in the presence of senior officers of the Indian Army, the Defence Ministry said here today.

During the three field trials, the missile systems destroyed precisely all the targets – maximum and minimum range, thus validating its firing range, it said in a statement.

The Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated, it said, adding with this, the entire weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.

PM Modi reassures CM Omar on Statehood: ‘I keep my promises,’ vows to fulfill all commitments

NVI Correspondent

Sonamarg, Jan 13(NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, including the long-standing demand for the restoration of the region’s statehood.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir, PM Modi emphasized his dedication to keeping promises. In what appeared to be a direct response to the calls for statehood restoration, he declared, “I am Modi, and I keep the promises I make. All the commitments made will be fulfilled.”

He further added, “The right time for the right works is approaching,” indicating that the issue of statehood and other pending political matters would be addressed when the conditions are right.

Earlier, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the significant strides made in development under PM Modi’s leadership, particularly the improvement in infrastructure and the successful conduct of elections in the region. Omar praised PM Modi for delivering on promises like addressing the “Delhi ki Doori” (distance from Delhi) and organizing assembly elections, both of which marked important milestones in the region’s political history.

However, Omar also raised the unfulfilled promise of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which remains a major demand for the region’s people. “The two promises, including the ‘Delhi ki Doori’ and conducting assembly elections, have been fulfilled by you,” Omar said. “But the third promise—the restoration of statehood—has not yet been addressed. The people of J&K, including the media, frequently ask me about this.”

Omar expressed hope that this final promise would soon be fulfilled, adding, “I firmly believe that this promise will also be fulfilled soon,” highlighting the continued aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for greater political autonomy and empowerment.

The remarks during the event not only celebrated the region’s development under the current administration but also underscored the ongoing desire for full political restoration, including the restoration of statehood, in Jammu and Kashmir. (News Vibes of India)

LG Sinha hails PM Modi for transforming J&K into a ‘Real Paradise’, Eradicating terrorism

NVI Correspondent

Sonamarg, Jan 13 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for turning Jammu and Kashmir into a “real paradise” and eradicating terrorism from the J&K.

During the inauguration of the 6.5-km-long Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir, LG Sinha highlighted the significant developmental progress under PM Modi’s leadership.

“The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wiped out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and has transformed it into a real paradise. Peace, progress, and prosperity have become the hallmarks of his regime,” said LG Sinha.

Referring to the Z-Morh tunnel, built at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore, as a “game changer,” LG Sinha called it a “Bhagya Rekha” (lifeline) for Jammu and Kashmir, enabling year-round connectivity to Sonamarg.

“This is a day of immense pride. This tunnel will boost connectivity and usher in a new era of economic opportunities for the region,” he added. He also announced that the Zojila tunnel, set to connect Sonamarg with Ladakh, is expected to be completed by 2026.

LG Sinha expressed confidence in the region’s bright future, stating, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir will reach new heights of development and prosperity.”

The Lieutenant Governor further noted that road projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore are underway in the Union Territory, and 99% of J&K’s villages have been connected through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

“In 2024 alone, PM Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir three times, inaugurating projects worth Rs 41,000 crore. The Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari dream is set to become a reality,” LG Sinha remarked.

Emphasizing the remarkable growth in J&K’s tourism sector, he credited the region’s newfound peace and stability. “In 2024, 2.35 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting its transformation into a hub of tourism, not terrorism,” he said.

LG Sinha also paid tribute to the seven Z-Morh tunnel staff members who lost their lives in a terrorist attack at Gagangeer last year. (News Vibes of India)

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