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GOC White Knight Corps reviews operational preparedness in J&K’s Poonch

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Aug 25 (NVI): White Knight Corps Commander Lt Gen Prasanna Kishore Mishra on Monday visited forward areas of the Poonch sector along the Line of Control (LoC) and reviewed the operational preparedness of troops, the Army said.

Mishra, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding of the Ace of Spades Division, took stock of the security situation and assessed the operational readiness of formations deployed in the strategically important sector, according to an Army statement.

The Corps Commander interacted with troops and other stakeholders and reviewed the operational environment and security dynamics in the forward areas, it said.

He commended the troops for their high morale, professionalism and commitment to maintaining constant vigil in the challenging mountainous terrain.

Mishra stressed the need to maintain high standards of operational preparedness, enhance capabilities and remain ready to effectively respond to emerging security challenges, the statement said.

The Poonch sector, located along the LoC, remains strategically significant due to its rugged terrain and history of cross-border hostilities and infiltration attempts.(NVI)

Delhi Crime Branch Apprehends Meerut Man After Encounter

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Delhi, Aug 25 (NVI): An encounter took place between the Delhi Police Crime Branch and a criminal late Monday night, following which the accused, a resident of Meerut, was apprehended, officials said.

According to Delhi Police, several rounds of firing were exchanged between the two sides during the encounter. However, the accused did not sustain any bullet injury, while no police personnel or other person was injured in the incident.

Police said the accused is allegedly involved in several criminal cases, including a firing incident in Chhawla area of Delhi and murder-related cases.

The accused is currently being questioned by the Crime Branch, while further investigation is underway, police said.(NVI)

EOW Kashmir Chargesheets Man for Cheating Cancer Patient’s Family

Srinagar, Aug 25 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet against a man for allegedly cheating the family of a cancer patient on the pretext of providing medicines at discounted rates, officials said on Tuesday.

The chargesheet has been filed before the court of the Sub-Judge, Srinagar, against Afaq Ahmad Thug, a resident of Anantnag and presently residing in Jammu, in connection with an FIR registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the officials said.

According to the Crime Branch, the case was registered on the basis of a complaint alleging that the accused promised to supply medicines required for the complainant’s wife, who was suffering from cancer, at cheaper rates.

The accused allegedly induced the complainant to pay lakhs of rupees but failed to provide the medicines, it said.

During the investigation, the allegations were found to be substantiated, the officials said, adding that the accused and the complainant were schoolmates at a boarding school more than four decades ago.

After completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was presented before the court for judicial determination, the Crime Branch said.

The EOW has appealed to the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and report suspicious activities to the authorities.(NVI)

Security Forces Arrest Two Terror Associates in South Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 25 (NVI): Security forces arrested two suspected terror associates and recovered a pistol, 12 rounds and a hand grenade from them during a joint operation in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.

The operation was carried out by Pulwama Police in coordination with the Army and CRPF in the Yarwan forest area of CB Nath in Rajpora following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected terror associates, they said.

During the search operation, security personnel intercepted two persons who were allegedly moving suspiciously towards CB Nath village from the forest area, the officials said.

The arrested persons were identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad, a resident of Lassi Daban, and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad, a resident of Bun Kha Bamnoo, they said.

A pistol, 12 pistol rounds and a hand grenade were recovered from their possession, according to the officials.

A case under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been registered and further investigation is underway, they said.(NVI)

Onion prices rise, government monitoring situation

onion
(Representational/file image)

New Delhi, Aug 24 (NVI) The prices of onion have increased over the last few days.

The all-India average retail price of onion rose 59 per cent year-on-year to Rs 43.53 per kg on 24 August, compared with Rs 27.37 per kg a year earlier.

The average wholesale price increased 68 per cent to Rs 35.58 per kg from Rs 21.23 per kg during the same period.

Among major cities, retail onion prices stood at Rs 60 per kg in Chennai, compared with Rs 33 a year earlier.

Prices were at Rs 55 per kg in Delhi, against Rs 35 a year ago. Kolkata also recorded a retail price of Rs 53 per kg.

The government is going to send onions to Chennai, Madurai, Delhi, Ernakulam and Guwahati, with additional destinations to be added depending on market requirements.

The buffer onions will be supplied through both wholesale and retail channels, with retail sales priced at Rs 35 per kg through the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).

The Centre is also monitoring mandi prices and market conditions to determine further interventions.

According to media reports, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said mandi prices in Nashik were higher than in Delhi, indicating the possibility of cartelisation and speculation.

The onion buffer stock is maintained as a strategic reserve to moderate price spikes during periods of tight supply.

The stock is procured mainly through agencies such as NAFED and NCCF under the price stabilisation fund and released in a calibrated manner when prices rise sharply.

The government has a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonne of onions for the current year. The Centre has said domestic availability remains adequate, with estimated 2025-26 onion production at 307.37 lakh tonne, broadly in line with 307.67 lakh tonne recorded in the previous year.

Onion prices typically rise during August and September due to seasonal factors, including festive demand, weather disruptions, supply chain movements and changing consumption patterns.

The government releases buffer stocks through bulk mandi sales and targeted retail distribution, with the timing, quantity and destination determined by prevailing prices and market conditions.

The Centre said stable production, adequate buffer stocks and timely market interventions are expected to help moderate seasonal price pressures.

The government will continue monitoring prices, arrivals and availability across states and undertake further measures as required. (NVI)

Govt Lifts Export Ban on Wheat Flour, related products with immediate effect

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New Delhi, Aug 24 (NVI) Export ban on wheat flour and related products has been lifted by the government with immediate effect.

The move will allow unrestricted exports of products such as maida, semolina (suji), whole wheat atta and resultant atta, ending restrictions that had been in place since 2022.

The amendment to the export policy was notified by the government and comes amid improved wheat availability, stronger domestic production and a more comfortable supply position in the country.

The move is expected to provide a fresh impetus to India’s processed wheat exports while creating new opportunities for flour millers and food processors targeting overseas markets.

The latest notification removes restrictions on the export of wheat flour and associated products that were introduced after India imposed curbs on wheat and wheat-based exports to safeguard domestic food security and control inflationary pressures.

The restrictions had been progressively eased over the past year through quota-based export permissions before being withdrawn entirely.

Industry stakeholders had repeatedly urged the government to relax the curbs, arguing that robust wheat harvests and adequate stock levels had improved the country’s supply outlook. The government had earlier permitted limited exports under authorisation mechanisms before deciding on a full removal of the ban.

The decision is expected to benefit flour mills, food processing companies and exporters that have faced restricted access to international markets for nearly four years. Industry bodies had maintained that allowing exports of value-added wheat products would help improve capacity utilisation, support farmer incomes and strengthen India’s position in global food trade.

Exporters are likely to focus on neighbouring and traditional markets where demand for Indian wheat products remains strong, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa. The policy change could also enhance India’s competitiveness in processed agricultural exports.

While the government has now removed restrictions on wheat flour exports, previous policy decisions had consistently emphasised food security and price stability as primary considerations. Export controls were initially introduced following lower crop output and concerns over domestic availability after successive weather-related disruptions.

Improved harvests, higher stocks and easing supply concerns have since strengthened the government’s confidence in allowing greater participation in international markets. Recent measures, including the easing of stock limits and expanded export quotas, had already indicated a gradual shift towards a more liberal export regime. (NVI)

Arms, Ammunition Recovered During CASO In North Kashmir

Sopore, Aug 24 (NVI): A joint search operation was conducted by SOG Sopore in coordination with 52 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF 177 Battalion and CRPF 179 Battalion in Manzseer area of Sopore, officials said.

During the search operation, the joint forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 72 rounds of ammunition and four hand grenades, officials said.

The recovered arms and ammunition have been taken into custody as per procedure, while further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and circumstances surrounding the recovery.

Further details are awaited.(NVI)

Kashmiri Pandits anxious after threatening poster of purported terror outfit surfaces

Protest by Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu over killing of community member by terrorists in Kashmir. (File pic)

Jammu, Aug 24 (NVI) A statement, purportedly issued by an anonymous self-claimed terrorist group, threatening Kashmiri Pandits has caused anxiety among members of the community working in the Valley.

The purported poster has been circulated on social media under the name of Uniited Liberation Council (ULC), an unknown organisation believed to be a front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist outfit.

In the poster, the ULC claims it has names and other personal details of some Kashmiri Pandit government working in the Valley and they are under its watch.

It was not clear whether the identities mentioned in the poster are real or fictitious.

But, Kashmiri Pandit government employees working in the Valley have expressed concern and sought enhanced security and an investigation into the alleged leak of sensitive information.

In a letter addressed to the chief secretary, the All PM Package Employees Forum Kashmir said the latest threats have heightened apprehension among employees and their families.
“Recently, during the first week of August, similar threat letters had surfaced. But the latest threat letter contains our Jammu residential address, vehicle numbers and phone numbers, and this personal information has also been shared on social media,” said Sunny Raina, a Kashmiri migrant employee recruited under the Prime Minister’s (PM) Special Package and working in the Valley.

Talking to reporters here, he urged security agencies to investigate the source of the information and identify those allegedly providing personal details of Kashmiri Pandit government employees to the perpetrators.

“Our personal information has been leaked and shared with them,” he said.

Raina said Kashmiri Pandit government employees are living in fear and urged the administration to take immediate steps for their safety.

He sought permission for work from home as an immediate precautionary measure and, if that was not possible, demanded adequate security outside their residences and at workplaces.

He said such threats have continued since the killing of PM Special Package employee Rahul Bhat in Kashmir in 2022.

“Since the killing of Kashmiri Pandit employee Rahul Bhat in 2022, these threat letters have been coming continuously. We do not know where these threats are coming from. I do not think even security agencies have been able to determine their source. I believe this is the 36th or 37th threat letter that has arrived since,” Raina said.

Drawing a parallel with the situation prevailing in the 1990s, he said a similar pattern is being adopted to create fear among Kashmiri Pandits and force them to leave the Valley.

“My request to the administration and security agencies is to take cognisance of these threats and investigate where they are coming from. It appears to be a deliberate conspiracy to create an atmosphere of fear and disturb the prevailing situation,” he said.

He sought deployment of security teams and protection for Kashmiri Pandit employees whose names have appeared in the threatening posters.

He also appealed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to assess the situation of Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley.

“With your support and assurance we have returned to Kashmir,” Raina said, appealing to the ministry to send a delegation to the Valley to meet Kashmiri Pandit employees and understand their concerns.

According to the All PM Package Employees Forum Kashmir, the authenticity of the poster has not been verified by police or security agencies.

“However, repeated circulation of such threat letters and posters, particularly those containing sensitive personal information, is a matter of grave concern,” the forum said in its letter.

The employees’ body said the matter has already been brought to the notice of police and security agencies for verification and necessary action.

The forum recalled previous targeted attacks on Kashmiri Pandit employees and said repeated circulation of alleged threat posters has created a sense of fear and insecurity among them.

It sought enhanced security cover for all PM Special Package employees posted in the Valley, besides immediate and thorough verification of the latest threat and identification of those responsible.

The latest appeal comes amid heightened security concerns among Kashmiri Pandit employees following similar threat communications circulated earlier this month. (NVI)

J&K CM Omar directs time-bound inquiry into Kishtwar schoolgirl incident

Srinagar, Aug 24 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed the School Education Department to complete its inquiry into the alleged incident involving a schoolgirl in Kishtwar within a month and ensure stringent action based on its findings.

The chief minister directed the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and time-bound inquiry into the matter and complete it within one month, an official statement said.

Abdullah stressed that all necessary steps should be taken to bring the inquiry to its logical conclusion and ensure that appropriate action is initiated on the basis of the findings.

He underscored the need for the matter to be dealt with firmly, directing the department to ensure that the inquiry is conducted expeditiously and without delay.(NVI)

J&K CM Omar Defends 6.83% Power Tariff Hike, Says 200 Free Units Scheme Separate

Srinagar, Aug 24 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday defended the 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, saying his government had never promised that power rates would not be revised and maintained that the hike was necessitated by losses in the power sector.

Omar said the tariff revision had no bearing on the government’s electoral commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households, adding that the scheme would be implemented through solar panels.

“We said that we will give 200 units to the poorest people for free,” he said while speaking to reporters.

The chief minister said the free power scheme and the tariff revision were two separate issues and assured that eligible beneficiaries would continue to receive the promised free electricity.

“We are not celebrating by increasing the rate of electricity. This was our helplessness,” Omar said, defending the decision.

He said the government was taking measures to bring down losses in the electricity sector, which, he added, would help reduce the need for tariff increases in the future.

Responding to criticism from the BJP, Omar said those opposing the latest hike should also take into account tariff increases during previous governments.

He claimed that electricity rates had risen by more than 14 per cent during the BJP’s period of rule and referred to a 15 per cent increase four years ago.

Omar also cited inflation, fuel prices and the rising cost of goods while justifying the latest revision, saying the increase had been kept within manageable limits.

The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir. The revised rates will come into effect from September 1.

The tariff hike has been opposed by the BJP, PDP and Apni Party, which have demanded its withdrawal.(NVI)

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