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J&K Govt Forms Panel to Integrate Databases with RBI’s Unified Lending Interface

Srinagar, Apr 16 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a committee to prepare a roadmap for integrating public sector banks’ data, digitised land records and crop survey databases with the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) of the Reserve Bank of India, officials said.

An official order, the committee has been set up under the General Administration Department at the Civil Secretariat.

The Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance Department, will head the panel, while the Administrative Secretary, Revenue Department, and Special Secretary, Finance Department, will serve as members. A representative from Jammu and Kashmir Bank has also been included in the committee.

The panel has been tasked with facilitating integration of digitised land records, crop survey data and banks’ databases with the RBI’s ULI framework to ensure seamless and timely disbursement of loans, particularly to farmers and landowners.

It will also identify and standardise datasets, develop a secure data-sharing framework with safeguards for data integrity and authentication, and oversee the creation of a user-friendly mobile application for availing loans under various schemes through the platform.

The committee will further monitor and facilitate the rollout of the Unified Lending Interface across the Union Territory, the order added.(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA says it killed 29 Pakistani soldiers, injured several others in multiple attacks
BLA says the attacks were carried out across Balochistan and its war of liberation has entered a decisive phase.

Balochistan
Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOQ) of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta, Apr 16: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed 29 and injured several other personnel of the occupying Pakistani forces in 14 operations across Balochistan over a period of 12 days.

During these operations, full control was established over various highways and occupying forces’ checkposts, where blockades were set up, and 13 Levies and police personnel were taken into custody, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch told NVI.

In these attacks, the occupying army’s supply lines were also targeted and destroyed at two locations, he said.

These 14 operations were carried out by BLA across various areas of Balochistan between April 3 and 14, including Surab, Kharan, Washuk, Mastung, Uthal, Jhal Magsi, and Panjgur, he said.

In the intense clashes with the occupying Pakistan Army, BLA lost 3 brave fighters, identified by the spokesman as Saleem alias Qazi Naveed, Ali Dost alias Zakir, and Samiullah alias Hakkal.

“Through these recent operations, the Baloch Liberation Army makes it clear that our war for the defence of the motherland has now entered a decisive phase, where the land, highways, air and seas are proving to be graveyards for the enemy,” the spokesman said.

Balochistan: BLA launches maritime unit, kills 3 Pakistani Navy men in first attack

The spokesman said the BLA again warns “the soldiers of the occupying Pakistani army to stop being fodder for this unnatural and forced occupation and not to waste their lives as part of this colonial war based on Baloch-enmity.”

The spokesman added that these personnel of the Pakistani military “are merely playing the role of mercenary soldiers being used by an occupying state for its expansionist ambitions before being abandoned.”

It is in their “best interest to abandon this failed attempt to enforce oppression and return to your homes in Punjab to earn an honorable living, so that you may live a peaceful and secure life with your families. Otherwise, this scorching land of Balochistan will be made even tighter for you, and the only way back will be in coffins,” Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement.

Details of the Operations shared by the BLA spokesman:

April 3: At Anjira Cross in Surab, BLA fighters set fire to and destroyed heavy government machinery being moved from Karachi to Quetta, including two excavators and a trailer truck.

April 6: At ‘Farm’ in Surab, BLA fighters targeted the occupying army in a severe attack, resulting in the death of 7 enemy personnel.

The BLA lost its three fighters during this operation, according to the spokesman.

April 8: BLA fighters simultaneously blocked the Kharan-Basima Road and Kharan-Nushki Road to conduct snap-checking. During this, at Nowroz Kalat, a police vehicle attempted to flee the blockade and was targeted by Sarmachars, resulting in injuries to two personnel. Meanwhile, at Sarawan, BLA fighters also addressed a public gathering during the blockade.

In Washuk, the freedom fighters targeted one vehicle in a four-vehicle convoy of the occupying Pakistani army with a remote-controlled IED, followed by an attack on the remaining vehicles. 8 personnel of the occupying army were killed, and two vehicles were completely destroyed.

In the Dasht area of Mastung, the BLA fighters attacked the hideout of the occupying army’s collaborator and puppet minister, Asim Kurd Gello, destroying the bunkers and machinery there.

April 9: In Isplinji, Mastung, the BLA’s aerial and drone warfare unit, “QAHR,” targeted the central camp of the occupying Pakistani army with a drone attack. This modern attack resulted in 2 deaths and 2 injuries among the occupying personnel, along with heavy financial losses to the enemy.

April 10: In Uthal city, BLA fighters killed Military Intelligence (MI) operative Adeel Arshad (resident of Khanewal, Punjab) in an armed operation.

April 11: In the Chanal area of Kharan, BLA fighters ambushed a seven-vehicle convoy of the occupying army. 4 vehicles were directly hit, with one being completely destroyed. Simultaneously, 4 additional vehicles of the occupying army attempted to advance from Al-Mark, which were intercepted and heavily attacked by another squad of Sarmachars. A total of 9 personnel were killed and several injured in these attacks.

In Kambila, Dasht (Mastung), during a blockade, the occupying army attempted to advance in a civilian vehicle to hide their identity, but they were timely targeted; 2 enemy personnel were killed on the spot.

In the Landi and Safradi areas of Jhal Magsi, BLA fighters seized control of Levies checkposts, took all personnel into custody, and confiscated their weapons. However, the personnel were later released with a warning following requests and guarantees from local elders.

April 12: In the Guruk area of Kharan, BLA fighters intercepted a truck supplying fuel to the occupying Pakistani army. During interrogation, the driver confessed that the fuel was being transported from Karachi to the occupying army’s camp.

In the Paroom (Kelkor) area of Panjgur, BLA fighters targeted supply vehicles of the occupying army while they were traveling under the protection of a military convoy. Sarmachars set fire to one supply vehicle in the middle of the convoy and severely damaged another through gunfire before successfully retreating.

In Baincha, Surab, BLA fighters targeted the occupying army on the main highway while they were attempting to advance in vehicles. The enemy suffered significant personnel and material losses.

April 14: In Sherozi, Kharan, BLA took police personnel into custody and confiscated their weapons and other military gear. The personnel were released after a disciplinary warning. (NVI)

“Boost Investigations, Intensify Anti-Drug Drive”: IGP Kashmir Reviews Crime, Security Measures

Srinagar, Apr 15 (NVI): Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) V.K. Birdi on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting on crime and security at PCR Kashmir, directing officers to strengthen investigations, improve conviction rates and intensify the anti-drug campaign across the Valley.

The meeting was attended by range Deputy Inspectors General, district Senior Superintendents of Police and other senior officers. A comprehensive review of crime across the Kashmir Zone was undertaken, followed by detailed presentations by district police chiefs on measures taken to curb criminal activities.

Discussions focused on disposal of general crime cases, along with issues related to cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, absconders and other offences. Preventive actions under various laws and pending inquest proceedings were also reviewed.

The IGP commended district officers for their efforts in maintaining law and order and stressed the need to enhance the quality of investigations. He called for a robust follow-up mechanism to improve conviction rates, particularly in narcotics and terrorism-related cases.

Reviewing the progress of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan, Birdi assessed enforcement measures, including attachment of properties linked to drug trafficking and arrests of peddlers. He also took stock of awareness drives and anti-drug rallies aimed at sensitising youth, directing officers to further intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks.

On the security front, the IGP instructed officers to step up area domination drives and strengthen night patrolling, especially in vulnerable areas, to reinforce the security grid.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Police towards maintaining peace, he urged officers to ensure transparency, accountability and prompt disposal of cases to safeguard public safety.(NVI)

Darbar Move 2026: Govt Orders Shift of Offices to Srinagar from May 4

Srinagar, Apr 15 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday ordered the annual Darbar Move of offices from Jammu to Srinagar for the Summer Season 2026, laying out a comprehensive schedule for closure, reopening, and logistical arrangements.

An official order, offices observing a five-day week will close in Jammu on April 30 after office hours, while those following a six-day week will shut on May 2. All offices are scheduled to reopen in Srinagar on May 4.

The order states that only 33 percent of staff strength or a maximum of 10 officials, whichever is less, will move in camp. The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has been directed to arrange sufficient buses on May 1 and May 3, with advance booking starting from April 20.

To ensure smooth transit, each convoy will be accompanied by a crane, two empty buses, and mobile workshops to tackle any breakdowns en route. Security arrangements will include escort by Jammu and Kashmir Police, with priority passage through key tunnels such as the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel and Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel.

Healthcare facilities will be set up at multiple locations along the route, including Jhajjar Kotli, Udhampur, Chenani, Ramban, Ramsu, Banihal and Qazigund, with necessary arrangements to be coordinated by the Health and Medical Education Department.

Employees have been directed not to occupy government or municipal accommodation without proper allotment. However, they may retain their Jammu accommodation for family use under prescribed norms. Ration counters will also be established in Srinagar for employees undertaking the move.

A uniform Special Move Travelling Allowance of Rs 25,000 has been sanctioned for employees shifting within the stipulated timeline. Salaries for April will be drawn in advance on April 29.

The government has stated that leave during the move period will be granted only in exceptional cases, while Jammu-based employees may avail three days of special casual leave.

The General Administration Department will oversee arrangements for the move, while departments have been directed to detach attached staff before April 27. Office timings after reopening in Srinagar will be from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM for Civil Secretariat offices and 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM for offices outside the Secretariat.(NVI)

Abdullah J&K Govt Working on Fresh Industrial Policy to Boost Investment: Omar Abdullah

File Photo : CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Apr 15 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the government is focusing on boosting tourism and local industries by introducing new experiences for visitors and formulating a fresh industrial policy to attract investment in the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah said the tourism season has commenced with the opening of the Tulip Garden, and efforts are underway to diversify attractions for tourists.

“The tourism season has started with the Tulip Garden, and we are working on adding new experiences so that visitors have more to explore,” he said.

Highlighting Kashmir’s rich handicraft legacy, the chief minister said initiatives like “Know Your Artisan” aim to showcase traditional crafts such as Pashmina, Kani shawls, chain stitch, wood carving and copper work under one platform.

He said the initiative would help both tourists and locals understand the value of local craftsmanship and encouraged people, particularly from Srinagar and adjoining areas, to visit and support such programmes.

Referring to the industrial sector, Abdullah said the previous incentive policy had lapsed and the government is in the process of drafting a new one.

“We are trying to formulate a policy that delivers tangible benefits on the ground. Earlier, incentives were provided, but they did not translate into significant investment or industrial growth,” he said.

He added that inputs are being sought from existing entrepreneurs as well as potential investors to ensure the new policy is practical and effective in reviving industrial activity.

On a proposed legislation at the Centre, the chief minister said the matter would be discussed at a meeting of the INDIA bloc in Delhi before taking a final position.

“We will deliberate collectively and then decide our response, both inside and outside Parliament,” he said, expressing concerns over whether such measures would benefit the common people.(NVI)

5 More Arrested in Sopore Protest Vandalism Case, 13 Identified

Terrorist arrested
Representational image

Srinagar, Apr 15 (NVI): Police have arrested five more persons in Sopore town of Jammu and Kashmir in connection with incidents of vandalism during recent student protests, officials said on Wednesday.

The arrests were made during overnight raids, taking the total number of those held in the case so far to 13, they said. Police have also identified 13 more individuals allegedly involved in the incidents and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

In a post on X, Sopore Police said the crackdown is continuing and all those involved in disturbing public order will be brought to justice.

Earlier, eight persons had been arrested and 25 others identified for their alleged role in vandalism and disruption of law and order during the protests.

According to officials, several vehicles belonging to locals, staff members and journalists were damaged, while some school property was also targeted during the unrest.

Police said strict action is being taken against those involved in unlawful activities, including damage to public and private property, and reiterated that no one will be allowed to disturb peace in the area.

Authorities have appealed to the public, particularly the youth, to maintain calm and refrain from any activity that could invite legal action, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.

The protests had erupted at a government girls’ higher secondary school in Sopore following allegations that a senior lecturer assaulted a student. An FIR has been registered against the accused teacher, who has also been placed under suspension pending inquiry by the education department, officials said.(NVI)

Pakistan: TTP claims killing 73 Pakistani soldiers in 6 days

TTP
Special squad of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) undergoing training. (File Pic)

Peshawar, Apr 15: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed to have killed more than 73 Pakistani soldiers and personnel of allied agencies and wounded several others in dozens of operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan during a span of 6 days starting April 8.

The biggest attack was carried out in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the TTP fighters detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) targeting a convoy of Pakistani Army commandos on April 10, according to its spokesman Muhammad Khorasani.

The explosion was followed by a firing attack, he said in a statement.

The attack left at least 20 Pakistani soldiers dead, he said.

This attack was carried out to avenge the killing of a cleric Mufti Saif ur Rahman by the Pakistani army, the spokesman said.

Separately, an official of the Pakistan Military Intelligence was killed in Debra Bazaar area of Tank district, he said on the same day.

The TTP also killed 2 members of the Pakistani military-supported so-called ‘Peace Committee’ in a targeted manner in Tank district.

Additionally, a landmine was detonated, targeting a military convoy, followed by firing in the same district, he said.

It resulted in unspecified number of deaths and injuries among the soldiers, he said.

On the same day in South Waziristan, a heavy armed clash took place between TTP fighters and the Pakistan Army in Litta area of Makin, he said.

The gunfight left 5 soldiers killed and 3 injured, he said, adding the TTP lost one fighter.

Two days prior to that, 6 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several injured in an intense clash in Bolton Abad area of Tank district, Khorasani said.

In North Waziristan, two personnel of the Frontier Corps (FC) paramilitary force were killed in an ambush by TTP at Shewa Chowk, he said.

A soldier was killed in an attack on military fort in Sararogha in South Waziristan on the same day.

The TTP also killed a soldier and two personnel of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of police in three separate attacks in Peshawar district on April 10, he said.

A police Constable was killed in a targeted manner in New Adda area of Mardan district, he said.

On the following day, the TTP killed 6 personnel and several others of the Pakistani military in multiple attacks in North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Orakzai districts, according to the spokesman

Separately, in Mir Ali in North Waziristan, TTP fighters fired a 100 kg ballistic missile at a military camp, which struck accurately inside the camp, reportedly causing heavy casualties and material losses, Khorasani said.

The TTP militants then launched a follow-up assault on the same camp, with further casualties likely, he said.

In South Waziristan district, a soldier was killed and another injured in an attack in Shoi Khel area of Shawal on the same day, according to the spokesman.

In the same district, a sniper attack by TTP on a military foot patrol in Shamplain area of Guryum killed one soldier on the same day.

On April 12, a patrol party of Pakistan Army was ambushed in Shah Tangi Sar area of Wara Mahmund in Bajaur district, which resulted in the killing of 8 soldiers and injuries to 4 others, he said.

In a separate attack in the same district on the same day, the Pakistan military launched an attack on a TTP hideout in Khari Kamar area of Wara Mahmund, triggering a gunfight which left 6 soldiers killed and injured, Khorasani said.

On the same day, two Pakistani soldiers were killed in two separate attacks in Wana in South Waziristan and Peshawar districts, according to the TTP spokesman.

On April 13, a sniper attack by TTP on a military post in Kalaya in Orakzai district left two soldiers killed and several injured, he said.

In the same district, a separate attack was carried out on the police in Hangu, which resulted in the death of an officer and injuries to 4.

In North Waziristan on the same day, a convoy of FC was ambushed in Gore Dange area of Guryum in North Waziristan district, which resulted in the killing of 2 soldiers and complete destruction of one vehicle.

TTP militants also clashed with the police in Diamer in Gilgit-Baltistan, which resulted in the killing of 4 policemen and injuries to 3 others, including a DSP, the spokesman said.

Two vehicles were also destroyed, he said. (NVI)

PM Modi, Trump Review India–US Ties, Discuss West Asia Situation

New Delhi, Apr 14 (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump during which the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral ties and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across key sectors.

In a post on X, Modi said the discussions focused on advancing the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in West Asia, and underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

They emphasised the need to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure for global trade and energy supplies, the Prime Minister said.(NVI)

Balloon with PIA markings found in J-K’s Samba; probe on

Jammu, Apr 14 (NVI): A balloon bearing PIA markings was found near a roadside farm in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district on Tuesday evening, prompting authorities to initiate necessary action, officials said.

The balloon was spotted at around this evening in the Swankha area by a local resident immediately alerted the concerned authorities, they said.

According to officials, the balloon carried markings in English and appeared in white and pink colours, raising suspicion due to the inscription.

Security agencies were informed soon after the recovery, and a team was rushed to the spot to examine the object, they said.

While no immediate threat has been reported, officials said the matter is being taken seriously and standard operating procedures have been set in motion to ascertain the origin and nature of the balloon.

Further investigation is underway, they added.(NVI)

MHA transfers IAS officers in AGMUT cadre; three posted to J-K

Containment

Jammu, Apr 14 (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday ordered the transfer and posting of several IAS officers of the AGMUT cadre with immediate effect, officials said.

The order, Vivek Agarwal, Asha Choudhary Malhotra and Vikas Ahlawat have been transferred from Delhi and posted to Jammu and Kashmir.

Rajeeva Shukla and Anoop Thakur have been posted to Puducherry, while Saumyaketu Mishra has been transferred to Mizoram.

All officers have been directed to take up their new assignments within the stipulated time from the date of issuance of the order, it said.(NVI)

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