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First Batch of Over 70 Indian Students Evacuated from War-Torn Iran Lands in Delhi as Repatriation Begins: JKSA

Srinagar, Mar 15 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Sunday said that the first batch of more than 70 Indian students; the majority of them from Jammu and Kashmir along with several pilgrims who had been stranded in Iran amid the ongoing war-like situation in the region, safely arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi on a commercial flight this morning as part of the initial phase of the evacuation process.

In a statement, National Convenor of the Association Nasir Khuehami  said that the students returned to India via a connecting journey through Armenia and Dubai after undertaking a long and difficult land and air transit arranged in coordination with the concerned authorities.

 

He said the students travelled from different cities in Iran by buses and crossed into Armenia, from where they boarded a Flydubai flight from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan to Dubai. From Dubai, the passengers boarded another connecting Flydubai flight that landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 9:45 AM on Sunday.

 

Khuehami said the majority of the returning students had been studying at various universities across Iran, including Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and other universities across the country. Many of them had earlier been relocated to safer locations by the Indian Embassy in Tehran amid the deteriorating security situation.

 

He said the evacuation was made possible following coordinated efforts between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions in Tehran and Yerevan, and other concerned authorities after the matter was taken up with senior officials.

 

He added that the students in this batch returned to India on commercial flights, as part of an initial evacuation arrangement facilitated through diplomatic coordination and the support of Indian missions.

 

The Association expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran for facilitating the safe evacuation and ensuring the students’ return to India during a challenging situation.

 

Khuehami said that, “This development has brought much-needed relief to students and families across Kashmir who had been deeply worried about the safety of their children in the conflict-affected region.

 

Khuehami further said that there is an urgent need for the government to launch a full-fledged evacuation operation, similar to the large-scale evacuation carried out during the Ukraine crisis and the evacuation undertaken during last year’s 12-day war-like situation in Iran, to ensure the safe and timely return of all Indian students still stranded in different parts of the country.

 

He also added that AC sleeper buses were arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir Government for the students’ onward journey after their arrival in Delhi. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister made the necessary arrangements to ensure their smooth return to their homes.

 

The sleeper buses were deployed to facilitate the safe and comfortable transportation of the students and pilgrims back to Jammu and Kashmir. The sleeper coaches were stationed in the parking area on the left side of the exit gate at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, to assist the arriving students, he said.

 

These arrangements were put in place to ensure a seamless transition for the returnees after their long and difficult journey from Iran via Armenia and Dubai.

 

Khuehami, however, added that many students were exhausted due to continuous travel over the past several days, having undertaken long road and air journeys before finally reaching India. He said while some students opted to board the arranged buses for their onward journey to Jammu and Kashmir, while others directly booked connecting flights to Srinagar due to fatigue and the long duration of travel. (NVI)

Territorial Army Soldier Killed in Nowgam Srinagar Road Accident

Road accidents
Representational image

Srinagar, Mar 15 (NVI): A Territorial Army (TA) soldier died after he met with a road accident in the Tengan area of Nowgam in Srinagar late Saturday night.

An official told said that the deceased has been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Lone, a soldier of the Territorial Army affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JakLi).

He said that Lone met with the accident during the night and was immediately shifted to 92 Base Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

The body has been shifted to Police Hospital Srinagar for medico-legal formalities, the official added, saying that further details are awaited.(NVI)

Police Recover Three Old Mortar Shells During Bridge Work in Sopore

J&K Encounter
Security forces in Kashmir (File Pic)

Srinagar, Mar 15 (NVI): Three rusted old mortar shells were found during excavation work for the construction of a bridge at Mahrajpora area of Sopore in north Kashmir on Sunday, officials said.

An official said that a team of Jammu and Kashmir Police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the shells that surfaced during digging work.

The shells were later safely recovered by the police, and necessary procedures were initiated to ensure safety in the area, the official added.(NVI)

50 families of terror victims get govt jobs as LG Sinha distributes appointment letters

LG Manoj Sinha met families of terror victims at Raj Bhawan

Srinagar, Mar 15 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday handed over appointment letters to the next of kin of 50 terror victims under the Compassionate Appointment Rules, calling the move a special Eid gift aimed at helping affected families rebuild their lives.

The appointment letters were distributed during a programme held at the Lok Bhavan Auditorium in Srinagar.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha described the initiative as a form of “sharansthli” (support) for families who have suffered due to terrorism and said providing employment opportunities would bring hope and stability to their lives.

“Many families have been waiting for a long time. By providing employment, we are bringing a new ray of hope and offering them an opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said while extending Eid greetings to the families.

The Lieutenant Governor said the administration has already provided government jobs to more than 400 family members of terror victims and assured that genuine cases would continue to receive support.

“Justice is not merely words on paper. It is a light that dispels darkness in the hearts and brings a new ray of hope to families who have endured pain and loss,” he said.

Sinha said the Jammu and Kashmir administration remains committed to supporting victims of terrorism and ensuring their rehabilitation with dignity.

He noted that terrorism since the 1990s has affected thousands of families in the region and reiterated that the government is working to help them rebuild their lives.

Referring to the government’s policy against militancy, he said the administration’s efforts are aligned with the principle of “zero tolerance for terrorism” advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sinha also highlighted the achievements of the region’s youth, including selections in the civil services and sporting successes, saying such accomplishments reflect the growing opportunities and empowerment of young people in Jammu and Kashmir.

He added that the administration and police would continue to take strict action against elements involved in promoting terrorism while ensuring justice for victims’ families.(NVI)

Fresh Snowfall at Zojila Disrupts Traffic

Srinagar, Mar 15 (NVI): Traffic along the strategic Srinagar–Leh Highway was suspended again on Sunday after fresh snowfall struck Zoji La Pass shortly after authorities had permitted limited vehicular movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil.

The road had been reopened temporarily following a six-day closure caused by heavy snowfall and accumulation of snow along the Zojila stretch. After improvement in weather conditions, snow clearance operations were carried out by the Border Roads Organisation to restore traffic movement.

Following the clearance, traffic authorities allowed nearly 300 vehicles, including passenger vehicles and carriers transporting vegetables and other essential supplies, to proceed from Sonamarg towards Kargil.

However, fresh snowfall at the high-altitude pass soon made the road unsafe for travel, prompting authorities to halt vehicular movement again as a precautionary measure.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and traffic will resume only after weather conditions improve and the road is cleared once again. (NVI)

Zoji La Reopens After Six-Day Closure; Over 2,000 Passengers Move Towards Ladakh

Srinagar-Leh Highway

Srinagar, Mar 15 (NVI): The strategic Zoji La Pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway was reopened for vehicular traffic on Sunday after remaining closed for six days due to adverse weather conditions, officials said.

Following an improvement in weather and the clearance of accumulated snow from the road, authorities restored movement on the highway connecting Sonamarg with Ladakh, they said.

More than 2,000 passengers in around 300 vehicles were allowed to move towards Ladakh from Sonamarg after the road was declared safe for travel, officials added. (NVI)

One Suspected infiltrators likely Killed in Foiled Infiltration Bid at Kamalkote Sector

File Photo

Srinagar, Mar 15 (NVI): Troops of 8 RR deployed at Nanak Post and Bucher Post in the Kamalkote sector on Sunday suspected infiltrators attempting to cross into Indian territory.

The intruders were challenged by the troops and fired upon them, prompting an effective retaliatory response. The unit claimed that one suspected terrorist was killed, though the body has not been retrieved so far.

The area has been cordoned off A search operation is scheduled to begin at first light.—(NVI)

Kupwara Teen Drowns in Dal Lake During Selfie Attempt on Shikara

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): A 19-year-old youth from Kupwara drowned in Dal Lake on Saturday after a shikara he was sitting in reportedly overturned while he was taking a selfie.

Sources said that the deceased has been identified as Layaqat Ahmed Poswal, son of Siraj-ud-Din Poswal, a resident of Daradpora Kralpora in Kupwara district.

They said Layaqat, who was working at Movie Land Houseboat at Abi Karpora in Dal Lake, was taking a selfie while sitting in a shikara when it suddenly overturned, causing him to fall into the lake.

Locals immediately rescued him and shifted him to Khyber Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and further proceedings are underway, sources added.—(NVI)

Gulmarg, Sonamarg Likely to Receive Fresh Snowfall from March 15

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Three successive spells of weather activity triggered by Western Disturbance are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from March 15, bringing rain and snowfall across several parts of the region, officials said.

According to weather forecasts, the first system will influence the region on March 15 and 16, leading to widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall.

Higher reaches including Gulmarg and Sonamarg are likely to receive fresh snowfall, while other high mountain passes may accumulate around 6 inches to nearly 2 feet of snow during the 48-hour period.

Day temperatures are also expected to drop significantly from late afternoon on Saturday and may remain 5 to 8 degrees Celsius below normal on March 16, bringing a noticeable cold spell across the Valley.

Two additional western disturbances are likely to impact the region from late evening of March 17 through March 20. These systems are expected to bring intermittent light to moderate rain or snow showers, with brief breaks between spells.

If Eid al-Fitr falls on March 21, weather conditions are expected to remain mostly dry on March 21 and 22, the forecast said.(NVI)

Firing Attempt on Farooq Abdullah Foiled, SIT Formed for Probe

File photo: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah

Jammu, Mar 14 (NVI): Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe an attempted firing incident involving National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah in Jammu earlier this week, officials said on Saturday.

According to an order issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Jammu, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti has directed the formation of an SIT to investigate the incident that occurred on March 11.

Officials said Abdullah was attending a marriage function at a banquet hall in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu when the incident took place around 10:10 pm while he was leaving the venue.

An individual allegedly flashed a revolver and attempted to open fire from close range, but the attempt was foiled due to the swift action of police personnel deployed with the protectee, they said.

Following the incident, a case under FIR No. 29/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act was registered at Gangyal Police Station.

Considering the seriousness of the matter, the SIT has been constituted under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, JSK Range.

The team includes Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Sharma, SP Headquarters Jammu Irshad Hussain Rather and DySP Arvind Kumar Sambyal, along with other officers from the Jammu Police.

The SIT has been directed to conduct a detailed and time-bound investigation into the incident, officials added.(NVI)

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