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Terror Funding Network Linked to LeT, TRF Busted in Kashmir; 10 Held

Srinagar, Oct 30 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted an alleged terror financing module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF) in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, arresting 10 people, officials said on Friday.

The module was allegedly involved in raising funds for terrorist activities through a network linked to individuals lodged in different jails across the Union Territory, they said.

According to police, a focused investigation into suspected financial networks led to the analysis of suspicious online transactions carried out through various digital payment platforms. The subsequent examination of money trails revealed a wider network of individuals allegedly involved in terror financing and maintaining links with terrorists and their associates lodged in different prisons.

In this connection, a case (FIR No. 231/2026) has been registered at Shopian police station under relevant provisions of law, and 10 persons have been arrested so far, officials said.

The arrested persons have been identified as Owais Shafi Naikoo of Saidpora Bala, Tajamul Ahmad Shah of Rawalpora, Moiz Iqbal and Imdad Yousuf Ganie of Chitragam Kalan, Saqib Zahoor Wani and Liyaqat Nazir Lone of Murran in Pulwama, Aamir Ahmad Ganie of Armolah, Firdous Thokar of Nadigund Trenz, and Mohammad Hanief and Kaju of Check Haria in Kathua district.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were allegedly collecting money from members of the public and routing it through established financial channels to facilitate terrorist activities of LeT/TRF, police said.

The funds were also allegedly being used to provide logistical assistance, including smartphones, to further the activities of the terror outfits, they added.

Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the network, establish additional financial linkages and ascertain the full extent of the alleged terror financing operation.

Police said more arrests were likely as the investigation progresses.—(NVI)

Northern Army Commander Visits Areas Bordering Pakistan-occupied J&K

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma meets troops at border

By Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Oct 29 (NVI): Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Thursday visited frontline units along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and formations in the hinterland of Rajouri district to review operational preparedness and the prevailing security situation.

During the visit, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command was briefed on operational challenges, joint intelligence mechanisms and coordination with various security agencies, officials said.

Interacting with troops, Lt Gen Sharma exhorted all ranks to remain proactive, vigilant and mission-ready to maintain operational dominance in the region, the Army said.

The visit focused on assessing the preparedness of frontline formations and reviewing the security dynamics along the LoC and in the hinterland areas.—(NVI)

Rusted Grenade Recovered in North Kashmir

Representative pic

Handwara, Oct 29 (NVI): A rusted hand grenade was found near a cricket ground in the Magam area of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said on Thursday.

The suspicious object was noticed by locals near the cricket ground, following which they informed the authorities, officials said.

The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the grenade were not immediately known.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation, they added.(NVI)

 

Top J&K Govt Officials Assess Readiness of Flats for Migrant Employees

Top officials of J&K Govt at Zewan camp

Srinagar, Oct 29 (NVI): Top officials of Jammu and Kashmir government today visited the site in Srinagar where transit camp flats have been built for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit government employees and reviewed the preparations for a handover to the beneficiaries.

Commissioner Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), M Raju, and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg,  reviewed the readiness of accommodation flats at Transit Camp Zewan ahead of their inauguration and allotment to migrant employees, an official statement said.

During their visit, the officers took stock of the preparations for the inauguration ceremony and assessed the arrangements for handing over keys to the beneficiaries, installation of the Public Address System (PAS), and preparations for the stage and inauguration stone.

They also inspected essential civic amenities at the transit camp, including electricity and water supply, functioning of lifts, sanitation, lighting and security arrangements to ensure that the accommodation facilities are ready for occupation.

The officers directed the concerned departments to complete all pending works and ensure that comprehensive arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the inauguration ceremony.

The visit was aimed at assessing the overall preparedness of the accommodation facilities and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and basic amenities are available before the flats are formally inaugurated and allotted to the beneficiaries.

Inspector General of Police Kashmir Sujit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, Director Information, Commissioner Relief and Rehabilitation (Migrants), and officers from the Roads and Buildings (R&B), Public Health Engineering (PHE), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Mechanical Engineering Department (MED), and Hospitality and Protocol departments accompanied the officers during the visit.—(NVI)

Security Tightened Along International Border in Jammu, Search Operations Intensified

Patrolling by Indian troops along border fence with Pakistan (File Pic)

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Oct 29 (NVI): Security forces have tightened security arrangements along the International Border (IB) in the Jammu region and intensified ongoing search operations as part of enhanced vigilance, officials said on Thursday.

Security personnel have stepped up surveillance and search activities in border areas as part of efforts to maintain a strong security grid and prevent any possible infiltration or other suspicious activities, they said.

The ongoing operations are aimed at ensuring heightened alertness along the border and strengthening coordination among security agencies deployed in the region.

Security forces are continuing their search operations, while further details regarding the latest developments were awaited.—(NVI)

CISF Conducts Anti-Hijacking Mock Exercise at Delhi’s IGI Airport

New Delhi, Oct 29 (NVI): The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) conducted a unit-level anti-hijacking mock exercise at the Indira Gandh International (IGI) Airport in Delhi to assess operational preparedness, response time and tactical readiness in dealing with potential hijacking situations.

The exercise involved the participation of the dog squad, establishment of a forward command post and deployment of response teams to practise coordinated intervention, officials said.

The drill aimed at strengthening coordination among response teams and enhancing the force’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential hijacking threats, reinforcing its commitment to aviation security.—(NVI)

Greater youth engagement, sports key to prosperous J&K: DGP Nalin Prabhat

Srinagar, Oct 29 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat on Thursday stressed the need for greater youth engagement and increased participation in sporting activities to build a secure, healthy and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of ‘Pedal Through Paradise 2026’ in Srinagar, the Director General of Police (DGP) emphasised the importance of sports in promoting the overall well-being and development of the region’s youth.

“More and more youth engagement, more and more sporting activity, a secure and most importantly, a very healthy, heartening and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir,” Prabhat said.

The cycling event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police to encourage young people to participate in sports and promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

The initiative also aimed to encourage youth involvement in constructive activities and contribute towards building a healthier and more prosperous society.—(NVI)

Reserved train tickets booked offline will have insurance cover

By Arun Kumar Das

 

New Delhi, Oct 29 (NVI) Train travel insurance, which is available on reserved tickets booked online, will now be on offer on reserved bookings done offline too.

The passengers will be charged 45 paise premium per counter ticket, same as e-ticket premium.

The Railway Ministry has directed all the zonal railways to ensure the implementation by October 27, as ordered by the top court, and have asked the staff to appropriately inform the passengers about the availability of the facility.

The payment of the premium for insurance will be done digitally only.

While the Railways’ move will now cover all reserved class passengers, the second class or general class passengers that comprise the majority of those travelling on trains are still not covered under the existing insurance policy.

The travel insurance is also not applicable for the children below 5 years of age who book the ticket without berth or seat. It is applicable for the children of 5-11 years of age who book the ticket with berth or without berth.

According to the Railways, Where a passenger opts for insurance, the applicable premium shall be collected along with the ticket fare through digital means only.

Reservation staff shall ensure that the mobile number (mandatory) along with requisite passenger particulars, are captured accurately in accordance with the prescribed reservation procedure, so as to facilitate transmission of the relevant details to the insurance company for issuance of the policy.

It further said that the adequate instructions shall be issued to reservation supervisors and counter staff regarding the optional nature of the insurance facility, the procedure for recording the passenger’s choice, collection of premium and handling of passenger queries.

Passengers opting for insurance shall be informed that the policy details will be communicated to their registered mobile number, the Railways maintains.

The existing terms and conditions of Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) for e-ticket passengers as issued by IRCTC will be equally applicable to insurance policies issued in respect of tickets purchased through PRS counters.

In an order on October 6, the Supreme Court ordered the Railway Board to extend the insurance facility to offline or counter tickets.

Though with the push for digitisation, over 87 per cent of the railway tickets are booked online, but a lot of passengers coming from remote areas still rely on the counter tickets for travel.

“Court has granted sufficient time to the authorities to devise a mechanism for extending such coverage to persons belonging to the lowest strata of society, who, in most cases, purchase their tickets at the railway reservation counters while undertaking journeys by train,” the Supreme Court had said.

According to existing guidelines of IRCTC, the scheme applies only to Indian citizens and is provided only for confirmed, partly confirmed, and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets at the time of booking only.

The travel insurance is necessary for the passengers to get compensation in the wake of train accidents and untoward incidents for deaths and injuries. While the Railways have to mandatory pay compensation in such cases as per the existing law, it also offers option third party travel insurance as a protection cover.

The claim and liabilities fall between the passengers and insurance companies. Railways only provide links with insurance companies through its website to take insurance cover for the passengers.

The scheme covers death, permanent total disability, partial disability, and hospitalisation expenses for injury and transportation of mortal remains following rail accidents or untoward incidents.

The sum insured under the insurance scheme ranges from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, based on the severity. (NVI)

Industrial output growth dropped to 6.7% in September

Energy efficiency
Representational image

New Delhi, Oct 29 (NVI) The industrial output growth of India measured by Index of Industrial Production (IIP) fell sharply to 6.7% in September from 8% in August, according to the data released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Mining and quarrying, however, contracted by 6.2% leading to the fall in the overall industrial output. Water supply, sewerage and waste management grew 5.8%.

Manufacturing output grew 7.6%, while electricity and gas supply expanded 11.2%.

In the manufacturing sector, 17 of the 23 industry groups recorded a double-digit positive growth during the month.

Electrical equipment manufacturing led the expansion, growing 33.9%, followed by rubber and plastics products at 19.9%and motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers at 19%.

Growth in the automobile segment has been driven by auto components, spares and accessories, passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Consumer durables output rose by 6%, whereas consumer non-durables grew at a more modest 1.4%, indicating a relatively subdued expansion in the latter category. (NVI)

India ready to share counter-terrorism expertise with partner nations

Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (file pic)

New Delhi, Oct 29 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reaffirmed India’s commitment to collective regional security and the eradication of terrorism, offering to share the country’s battle-tested counter-terrorism expertise with partner nations to strengthen joint capabilities.

Addressing the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, the Philippines, Singh said India’s counter-terrorism experience had been acquired through decades of confronting complex cross-border security challenges and was not merely theoretical knowledge.

He said Operation Sindoor had decisively demonstrated India’s proactive and battle-tested doctrine, asserting that the operation dismantled terrorist infrastructure and reinforced India’s resolve against state-sponsored terrorism.

“Terrorism knows no borders,” Singh said, adding that India was prepared to share its operational experience with ADMM-Plus partners through joint exercises, capacity-building programmes and intelligence sharing.

He noted that counter-terrorism remained an important area of cooperation under the ADMM-Plus framework, with India and Malaysia co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024-2027 cycle.

Emphasising India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality, Singh said New Delhi supported a secure, open, inclusive, resilient and rules-based Indo-Pacific, where peace and stability were sustained through collective efforts.

He said India’s engagement with ASEAN was long-term and based on shared interests, mutual respect and practical cooperation. The partnership had also been reinforced through the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030, he added.

Referring to the theme of the meeting, “Navigating Our Future, Together”, Singh said it reflected India’s foreign and defence policy priorities and its civilisational ethos of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”, meaning may all beings be happy.

He said solidarity, mutual trust, cooperation and collective responsibility were essential to addressing challenges to regional peace and stability.

Highlighting maritime security as a key pillar of India’s engagement with ASEAN, Singh referred to the designation of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and the conduct of the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.

He said India remained committed to freedom of navigation, the protection of global sea lines of communication and adherence to international maritime law.

The Indian Navy had maintained an uninterrupted operational presence in volatile maritime corridors, including the Gulf of Aden, since 2008, without resorting to coercive or unilateral actions that undermined the rights of other nations, he said.

Singh said Indian Navy warships had escorted thousands of merchant vessels and helped thwart numerous hijacking attempts, providing protection to commercial shipping irrespective of its flag or nationality.

India would continue to act as a reliable net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific, he said, stressing the need for sustained operational presence and international cooperation to counter transnational maritime threats.

The defence minister also clarified that India’s emphasis on the rule of law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and its advocacy of freedom of navigation and overflight were not directed against any country.

Instead, these principles were intended to protect the collective interests of regional stakeholders dependent on open sea lanes and stable maritime governance, he said.

Singh expressed India’s readiness to work with ASEAN partners on maritime safety, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, professional exchanges and capacity-building initiatives.

Highlighting the importance of youth engagement in regional defence cooperation, Singh proposed the establishment of a dedicated defence “Youth Bridge” to strengthen India-ASEAN people-to-people connectivity, promote digital innovation and facilitate capacity building.

He said the initiative would provide young people with greater opportunities to contribute to regional peace and security, in line with the broader objective of Youth, Peace and Security.

Empowering youth and strengthening institutional cooperation would be essential to building a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Singh said.—(NVI)

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