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Man Held for Allegedly Impersonating Intelligence Bureau Officer in Kathua

J-K Police
Representational image

By Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, June 11 (NVI): A 25-year-old man was detained for questioning after he was allegedly found impersonating an Intelligence Bureau (IB) official and carrying a purported identity card of doubtful authenticity in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials said on Thursday.

A police said that the individual, identified as Ankush Sharma, a resident of Ward No. 6 in Kathua, had reportedly been presenting himself as an IB employee while assisting his father at a tea stall in the Sabzi Mandi area of the town.

Acting on specific information, officials took cognizance of the matter and questioned the suspect regarding the identity card allegedly in his possession. He was subsequently taken to the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) Nagri for verification and further investigation.

He said efforts are underway to ascertain Further investigation is in progress.(NVI)

AFSPA Likely to Be Revoked From Most Northeast Areas by Next Year: Amit Shah
Assam-Nagaland Oil Exploration Pact Marks New Era of Peace, Development: HM

Amit Shah meets farmer leaders
File Photo: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

New Delhi, June 11 (NVI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is likely to be withdrawn from almost the entire Northeast by next year, with only one or two states expected to remain under its purview.

Addressing a function after the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre and the governments of Assam and Nagaland for oil and mineral exploration in disputed border areas, Shah said the shrinking footprint of AFSPA reflects the significant improvement in the security situation across the region.

He termed the Assam-Nagaland agreement a landmark step that would strengthen peace and accelerate economic growth in the Northeast.

“The atmosphere of peace and stability in the region has improved considerably. We are hopeful that AFSPA will be removed from most Northeastern states in the coming year,” Shah said.

The Home Minister said the agreement removes a major obstacle to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the Northeast into a key centre of growth and opportunity. He noted that the pact would facilitate exploration of oil, natural gas and mineral resources in areas where development activities had remained stalled for more than three decades due to border disputes and security concerns.

Shah said unlocking these resources would attract investment, generate employment and contribute significantly to the region’s economic development.

Highlighting the potential of the project, he said one oil field in the identified area alone has recoverable reserves valued at over ₹15,000 crore. Effective utilisation of Nagaland’s energy resources, he added, could help reduce India’s dependence on imported fuel.

The Home Minister also underscored the Centre’s continued focus on the Northeast, stating that Prime Minister Modi has given unprecedented attention to the region and visited it more frequently than any previous Prime Minister.

Since 2019, the Centre has signed 12 peace accords with various groups and state governments, resulting in nearly an 80 per cent decline in violence-related incidents across the Northeast, Shah said.

Describing the MoU as an example of cooperative federalism, he said the agreement would pave the way for sustained development, prosperity and shared progress for the people of Assam and Nagaland. (NVI)

At NITI Aayog Meet, Cm Omar Abdullah  Seeks Greater Central Support for J-K’s Development

New Delhi, Jun 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday sought greater central investment and institutional support for the Union Territory, pitching for enhanced infrastructure, tourism, healthcare and hydropower development during the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing the meeting on the theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047”, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey has been marked by significant progress in education, healthcare and skill development despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and scattered habitations.

He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have chosen peace, democracy and progress, laying a strong foundation for sustained growth and development.

Highlighting achievements in the social sector, the chief minister referred to the operationalisation of IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu and AIIMS Jammu, expansion of medical colleges from three to ten, and skill training provided to over 90,000 youth under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

Abdullah urged the Centre to extend the SASCI “Pride of Hills” Special Development Assistance to Jammu and Kashmir, saying development financing frameworks should adequately account for geographical disadvantages faced by hill regions.

The chief minister also highlighted Mission YUVA, describing it as a key initiative for promoting entrepreneurship and employment. He said the programme has mapped entrepreneurial potential across 24 lakh households and identified over 5.5 lakh prospective entrepreneurs.

Referring to economic diversification in the Union Territory, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir recorded 2.36 crore tourist arrivals in 2024, while the Rs 5,000-crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme has benefited over 6.5 lakh farmers.

On infrastructure and energy, he underlined the Union Territory’s hydropower potential of nearly 14,867 MW and called for strengthening the J-K-Centre joint venture model beyond 2028 to fully utilise resources in the Chenab and Jhelum river basins.

The chief minister also described the Udhampur-Srinagar railway line as a vital all-weather connectivity corridor and sought augmentation of rail services ahead of the apple season to support the region’s horticulture sector.

Among the proposals submitted to the Centre were approval of 10 new tourism circuits under a proposed Rs 5,500-crore tourism development plan, institutional partnerships for promotion of medicinal and aromatic plants, apples and wool, and establishment of government medical colleges in the eight districts that currently lack such facilities.

Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir remains committed to contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and seeks stronger partnership with the Centre to unlock its human and natural potential for national growth.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Meets PM Modi, Raises Statehood, Development Issues

New Delhi, Jun 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed a range of issues concerning the Union Territory, including restoration of statehood, economic development, infrastructure projects and promotion of tourism.

During the meeting held in the national capital, Abdullah apprised the prime minister of various issues related to Jammu and Kashmir and sought support for initiatives aimed at accelerating growth and development in the region, official sources said.

The chief minister stressed the importance of early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and also discussed matters concerning economic progress, ongoing infrastructure works and efforts to boost tourism and investment.

In a post on social media platform X, Abdullah said he discussed key issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir with the prime minister and thanked him for his continued support to the Union Territory.

He also congratulated Modi on completing 12 years in office, describing it as a significant milestone in the country’s political journey.

The Prime Minister’s Office also shared details of the meeting.

The meeting assumes significance amid continued political demands for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the government’s focus on strengthening the region’s economy through development and tourism-led initiatives. (NVI)

Rain, Thunderstorms Likely Across J-K Till June 14; Farmers Advised Caution

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, June 11 (NVI): Rain and thunderstorm activity is likely to affect several parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next three to four days, with weather conditions expected to remain unstable till June 14, according to weather observers.

The forecast indicates that intermittent spells of rain may be accompanied by gusty winds, lightning, hailstorms and intense showers at some places across the Union Territory.

Officials said the weather activity is not expected to be continuous and is more likely to occur during the afternoon, evening and night hours.

In view of the possibility of adverse weather, farmers have been advised to suspend field activities till June 14 and remain vigilant, as weather conditions could deteriorate at short notice.

Authorities have also urged residents to exercise caution during thunderstorms and avoid venturing into vulnerable areas during periods of intense weather activity.(NVI)

LG Sinha Calls for Greater Participation in Hockey, Attends Inter-School Tournament Finale in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the administration aims to encourage more schools and youngsters to take up hockey and establish the Union Territory as a hub of world-class hockey talent.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the ALFA Hockey Inter-School Tournament-2026 at the Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf in Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Sinha said sustained investments in sports infrastructure, grassroots competitions and community engagement have helped boost the popularity of the sport across Jammu and Kashmir.

The tournament witnessed participation from 32 schools representing several districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, Kulgam and Shopian.
Congratulating the winners and participants, the Lieutenant Governor said the event provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and realise their sporting potential.

“It is our aim to see more schools and more young players take up hockey in the coming years and establish Jammu and Kashmir as a cradle for world-class hockey talent,” Sinha said.

He said the administration is developing a talent pipeline that would support players from the school level to regional and national competitions.

Highlighting recent developments in sports infrastructure, Sinha said synthetic hockey turfs at Srinagar, Pulwama and Poonch have created new opportunities for aspiring players, while modern facilities are also being developed at Bandhu Rakh and K.K. Hakku Stadium in Jammu.

According to the Lieutenant Governor, these projects will strengthen training facilities, coaching programmes and talent identification initiatives, laying a strong foundation for future national-level players.

Sinha also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing opportunities and resources for youth, enabling them to contribute to the vision of a developed India.

The event was attended by senior civil, police and sports officials, coaches, students and teachers from participating schools.(NVI)

One more vessel attacked near Oman coast, Indians suspected on board

Smoke emanates from oil tanker MT Jalveer after being attacked by the US today

New Delhi, June 11: One more vessel, with Indians believed to be on board, was attacked today near the coast of Oman today, in the third such incident since June 7.

“We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details,” said the Indian Embassy in Oman in a social media post.

It, however, gave no further details.

Unconfirmed reports say the vessel may be M.T. Jalveer with 20 Indians on board.

The latest attack comes a day after the US strike on a Palau-flagged vessel, with 24 Indian crew on board, near the coast of Oman.

Two of them were killed and one is still missing.

Their 21 other Indian colleagues were safely rescued, according to the Government of India.

Late on Wednesday night, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Acting US Ambassador in New Delhi and a protest was lodged over the attack.

According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, a commercial vessel — Settebello — came under attack off the coast of Oman earlier today.

It had 24 Indian crew on board, it said in a statement.

“Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” the statement added.

It condemned the attack but gave no details regarding the attacker.

However, later, US Military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a social media post, it said, “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions of the American forces.”

It also stated that “the U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.”

In the earlier incident too, a vessel with 24 Indian crew was attacked near the Oman coast on June 7.

However, all the 24 Indian crew on board the targeted vessel were safe and subsequently rescued.

“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” said the Indian Embassy statement which was retweeted by the Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry last evening.

“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the statement said last evening.

The attacks come as fighting flared up again today between the US and Iran. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 26 Pakistani soldiers, injuring ‘numerous’ others

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters at some undisclosed location. File Pic.

Quetta (Balochistan), June 11: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) today claimed to have killed 26 personnel and injured “numerous” others of the occupying Pakistani forces in Balochistan in multiple attacks during which it established control over police stations and seized wapons and vehicles.

These casualties and damage were casued by the BLA in 15 operations in various parts of Balochistan between June 1 and June 10.

The operations included direct armed assaults and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks targeting the occupying Pakistani military, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

“During these engagements, the fighters successfully seized control of three police stations and checkpoints, capturing military vehicles and weapons belonging to the occupying forces,” he said.

Twenty-six personnel of the occupying forces were killed and numerous others were injured in these attacks, he added.

The killed personnel of the Pakistani forces included a Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) of Military Intelligence (MI) along with three accompanying personnel.

“These organized and multi-faceted operations executed during the first 10 days of June stand as clear evidence of BLA’s expanding operational reach, the exceptional performance of its intelligence wing ‘ZIRAB’, and its capability to establish territorial control,” the spokesman said.

“The heavy casualties and material losses inflicted on the occupying forces, the elimination of high-ranking military officials, and the control established over state installations clearly demonstrate that the Baloch resistance movement is now in a position to check the enemy’s military expansion and assert its strategic dominance,” he added.

The details shared are as follows:

On June 1, in Kurdgap, Mastung, fighters targeted an outpost of the occupying army with mortar fire, resulting in the death of three personnel and injuring four others.

On the same day, during intense clashes with the occupying forces in Kurdgap, three BLA fighters, Sangat Maqbool, Sangat Salahuddin, and Sangat Waheed embraced martyrdom.

On June 3, in Ahmed Wal, Nushki, an occupying military convoy was targeted in a planned ambush near the railway crossing, leaving at least two enemy personnel dead and several others injured.

On the same day, an IED attack in the Manguchar area of Kalat killed one member of the occupying army’s bomb disposal squad and injured two others.

The occupying Pakistani army attempted to advance into the Chidgi area of Panjgur, triggering prolonged clashes.

Multiple personnel of the occupying forces were killed and injured, while a military helicopter was severely damaged after being targeted by fighters with heavy weaponry.

Three valiant BLA fighters, Sangat Talar, Sangat Babar, and Sangat Khalil embraced martyrdom during these engagements.

In Wakai, Zamran, an occupying military vehicle was completely destroyed in a remote-controlled IED blast at Kirpasi, resulting in the death of three personnel and injuring several others.

On the same day, foot soldiers of the occupying army were targeted by fighters in an IED attack at Kalg in Tegran, killing one soldier on the spot.

On June 6, in Iskalko, Kalat, fighters targeted foot soldiers of the occupying army as they attempted an aggressive advance into the area.

Three personnel were killed instantly, forcing the remaining troops to retreat.

Subsequently, the occupying forces attempted to advance using armored vehicles, prompting fighters to launch a multi-directional counter-attack.

This secondary engagement resulted in four additional enemy fatalities and numerous injuries, with fighters successfully capturing one armored vehicle and associated military hardware.

Following the setback, the occupying forces resorted to mortar fire and indiscriminate shelling of civilian settlements using gunship helicopters.

BLA fighter Sangat Kaka Zaheer embraced martyrdom during these clashes.

On the same day, foot soldiers of the occupying army were targeted in an IED blast in the Jabshan area of Zamran, leaving one personnel dead and another injured.

Furthermore, the occupying army was engaged in the Bulbul area of Zehri, Khuzdar, when enemy forces attempted to advance into the territory with tanks, armored personnel carriers (APCs), and transport vehicles.

In the ensuing 10-hour clash, more than four personnel of the occupying forces were killed and several others injured, while one armored vehicle sustained severe structural damage.

In Kalatak, Turbat, Baloch Liberation Army fighters targeted and eliminated a high-ranking officer of the occupying Pakistani army’s Military Intelligence (MI), Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Arsalan Halim, along with three accompanying personnel.

The operation took place as they departed from the occupying army’s camp in Nasirabad in a three-vehicle convoy.

The MI officer was moving in disguise under the protection of a state-backed ‘Death Squad’, a movement closely tracked by BLA’s intelligence wing, ZIRAB.

Utilizing authentic and confidential data provided by ZIRAB, the fighters executed a precise strike, leaving the occupants of the vehicle no time to respond and neutralizing them on the spot.

On June 7, in Kalg, Gorkop area of Kech, fighters launched a tactical armed assault on foot soldiers of the occupying forces, inflicting casualties.

On June 8, in Ahmed Wal, Nushki, fighters ambushed a bus convoy transporting personnel of the occupying forces near the railway crossing. A direct hit on one of the buses resulted in multiple casualties, with several personnel killed and injured.

On June 9, in Turbat city, operatives from the Baloch Liberation Army’s Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) executed a complex, organized operation, detonating a magnetic bomb planted at the entrance gate of an occupying forces checkpoint while four personnel were inside.

BLA fighters launched a systematic assault on the Narhan police station in Duki and successfully established full territorial control over the facility.

During the raid, one policeman took up a defensive position and fired upon the fighters; he was neutralized in retaliatory fire.

After gaining complete control of the station, fighters confiscated all available weapons and military equipment, while the remaining police personnel were released unharmed.

On June 10, BLA fighters seized control of the Sultan Police Station in the Dinar area of Pishin, as well as the Gilo police checkpoint in Dolangi, Gulistan tehsil of Qilla Abdullah.

The personnel present were taken into custody, and 15 different weapons, military hardware, and operational vehicles were seized.

The fighters subsequently set fire to the police station, bulldozed a significant section of the facility, and completely destroyed the checkpoint using explosives.

The BLA paid rich tributes to “all its valiant fighters for their immortal sacrifices in the defense of the Baloch nation, and reiterates its principled stance that precise and severe blows against the enemy’s military, intelligence, and economic assets will continue with full intensity until the complete end of foreign occupation and subjugation on Baloch soil.” (NVI)

NH-44 Traffic to Remain Suspended at Night on June 12, 14 and 16 for Road Works

Srinagar, Jun 11 (NVI): Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will remain suspended during night hours on June 12, 14 and 16 to facilitate road relaying works being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), officials said on Thursday.

The District Magistrate of Ramban has granted permission for bituminous relaying works at various locations along NH-44, including the critical Nachlana stretch, following a request from the NHAI, officials said.

According to the order, traffic movement between Nashri and the Navyug Tunnel will remain suspended from 10 pm to 5 am during the intervening nights of June 12-13, June 14-15 and June 16-17.

To ensure smooth execution of the works, authorities have imposed restrictions on vehicular movement from both sides of the highway.

No vehicle will be allowed to move towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar from Udhampur after 5 pm on the specified dates, while traffic from Qazigund towards Banihal, Ramban, Udhampur and Jammu will be stopped after 8 pm, officials said.

Transporters carrying fresh perishable commodities and livestock have been advised to plan their loading and movement schedules accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

The authorities have also advised commuters to contact Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban and Udhampur before commencing their journey on NH-44 on June 13, 15 and 17 to obtain the latest traffic updates, officials added.(NVI)

US military attacks oil vessel with 24 Indians on board, 3 of them are missing
Late on Wednesday night, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Acting US Ambassador in New Delhi and a protest was lodged over the attack.

A vessel at sea (File pic)

New Delhi, June 10: At least 3 Indian seafarers are missing after their oil vessel was hit by the US forces near the coast of Oman, in second such incident in three days.

Their 21 other Indian colleagues were safely rescued, according to the Government of India.

Late on Wednesday night, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Acting US Ambassador in New Delhi and a protest was lodged over the attack.

According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, a commercial vessel — Settebello — came under attack off the coast of Oman earlier today.

It had 24 Indian crew on board, it said in a statement.

“Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” the statement added.

It condemned the attack but gave no details regarding the attacker.

However, later, US Military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a social media post, it said, “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions of the American forces.”

It also stated that “the U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.”

In the earlier incident too, a vessel with 24 Indian crew was attacked near the Oman coast on June 7.

However, all the 24 Indian crew on board the targeted vessel were safe and subsequently rescued.

“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” said the Indian Embassy statement which was retweeted by the Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry.

“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the statement said.

The attack came as fighting flared up again today between the US and Iran. (NVI)

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