Srinagar, Mar 20 (NVI): The authorities have announced that the Gulmarg Gondola will remain closed on March 21 on account of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Officials said that tourists planning to visit Gulmarg can, however, book tickets for March 20 through the official online portal of the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation.
They advised visitors to plan their trips accordingly and make advance bookings to avoid any inconvenience.—(NVI)
Jammu, Mar 19 (NVI): Satish Sharma on Thursday led an intensive market checking drive across areas from Katra to Jammu, focusing on the availability and distribution of LPG, officials said.
The minister inspected LPG godowns, distribution outlets and retail points, reviewing stock positions, delivery systems and compliance with norms. He also interacted with consumers and distributors to assess ground-level supply and pricing.
Issuing a stern warning, Sharma said
The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against black marketing, hoarding and overcharging.
“Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found exploiting consumers or creating artificial scarcity,” he said.
He assured that adequate LPG stocks are available and the government is closely monitoring the supply chain to prevent disruptions.
The minister directed officials of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department to intensify inspections across districts and ensure strict enforcement, while urging the public to report any irregularities.(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 19 (NVI): The crescent moon of Shawwal was not sighted on Thursday evening, and Eid-ul-Fitr will now be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Grand Mufti Nasir said, “No confirmed reports of moon sighting were received from any part of the region, therefore Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Saturday.”
He said that with this, the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days. He also extended greetings to the people and prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity across the Union Territory.
Muslims across the Valley are now preparing to celebrate the festival on Saturday with religious fervour. Eid prayers will be offered at Eidgahs and mosques, while markets have been witnessing increased activity ahead of the occasion.(NVI)
Jammu, Mar 19 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir holds the potential for a dynamic and flourishing future, urging the youth to draw strength from the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to help transform it into a prosperous Union Territory.
Addressing Navreh celebrations organised by the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha at Amphalla here, Sinha said achieving the vision of a developed Jammu and Kashmir depends largely on the younger generation.
“I sincerely hope that our youth will draw strength from the wisdom passed down by our ancestors and work with determination to elevate Jammu and Kashmir to a place among the country’s developed regions,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor encouraged the youth to build a strong and lasting connection with timeless traditions, asserting that they will not merely inherit India’s legacy but also reshape it and propel it toward a sustainable future.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the occasion, Sinha said Navreh and Navratri mark an inner journey of transformation through fasting, prayer and discipline. He said the worship of Maa Durga and Maa Sharika symbolises reverence to the primal source of power, adding that sincere devotion leads to realisation of the essence of life.
He also spoke about the four stages of devotion — attentive listening, contemplation, internalisation and attainment of samadhi — and expressed hope that devotees experience these stages in their lives.
Extending greetings on the occasion, Sinha prayed for the health, prosperity and well-being of the people and expressed hope that the New Year would usher in renewed hope and progress.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated Padma Shri awardee Brij Lal Bhat.
Several dignitaries, including members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, senior officials and prominent citizens, were present at the event.(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 19 (NVI): Authorities on Thursday issued a traffic advisory urging commuters to avoid travel on the Mughal Road due to heavy snowfall and rainfall, particularly in the Pir Ki Gali area.
Officials said that while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), through its 79 RCC unit, is carrying out continuous snow clearance operations, the situation remains hazardous due to frequent avalanches and landslides between Pir Ki Gali and Poshanna.
“In view of prevailing weather conditions and safety concerns, the public is requested not to undertake travel on Mughal Road until snow clearance operations are fully completed,” the advisory said.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation, and restoration of traffic will depend on improvement in weather and road safety conditions.(NVI)
Reasi, Mar 19 (NVI): A massive landslide near Malai Nallah in Reasi district has led to the closure of the Reasi–Mahore road, disrupting vehicular movement in the area.
According to officials, the landslide has blocked the road completely, prompting authorities to halt traffic for safety reasons. In view of the prevailing risk and ongoing clearance operations, no vehicle movement will be allowed on the RAM/BMG road between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahore has issued an advisory urging commuters and local residents to avoid travel on the affected route during the restricted hours.
Meanwhile, road maintenance teams and authorities are on the job to clear the debris and restore normal traffic movement at the earliest.(NVI)
New Delhi, Mar 19 (NVI): The Union Government on Thursday said that the supply of crude oil remains adequate and refineries across the country are operating at full capacity, ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products.
According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, petrol pumps are functioning normally with no reports of dry outs, while Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) supplies continue at 100 percent levels.
She said commercial LPG consumers are being encouraged to shift to PNG through City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies, with incentives and expedited connections being offered in areas where pipeline networks are available.
To curb hoarding and black marketing, states have activated control rooms and intensified enforcement drives, while Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have stepped up inspections across regions.
The Centre has also urged states to allocate an additional 10 percent of commercial LPG supplies to entities supporting PNG expansion. Consumers having both PNG and LPG connections have been advised to voluntarily surrender LPG connections.
The government further appealed to citizens to rely on official information, opt for home delivery services, and refrain from panic booking of fuel or LPG cylinders.(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 19 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir witnessed widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours, with the Meteorological Department forecasting continued wet weather across the Union Territory till March 20, officials said on Thursday.
Director Meteorological Department, Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said light to moderate rain and snowfall occurred at most places during the past 24 hours.
He said Baramulla recorded 29.5 mm rainfall, Poonch 29 mm, Batote 25.5 mm, Pahalgam 20.6 mm, while Gulmarg received 23 cm of fresh snowfall.
According to the MeT Department, weather is expected to remain generally cloudy on March 19 and 20, with intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall at most places. Higher reaches of South Kashmir and the Chenab Valley are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall at isolated locations.
From March 21 to 25, weather is likely to remain generally dry, although a brief spell of light rain or snow may occur at isolated places on March 23.
The department further said that from March 26 to 28, partly cloudy conditions are expected with chances of light rain or snowfall over higher reaches at scattered places. Another spell of rain and snowfall is likely at many places between March 29 and 31.
The MeT office has issued an advisory asking travellers and transporters to plan their movement carefully, especially through higher reaches and important passes, in view of the possibility of heavy rain or snowfall at isolated places.
It also warned of thunder, gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph, and chances of hailstorms at isolated locations during the night.
Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations from March 21 onwards, the officials added.(NVI)
Jammu/Srinagar, Mar 19 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday paid obeisance at the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the occasion of Chaitra Navratri.
In a post on X, the Office of the LG said that Sinha visited the shrine and offered prayers on the auspicious occasion.
“Paid obeisance at revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri,” the post read.
Quoting the Lieutenant Governor, it added, “Prayed for peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being of one and all.”(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 19 (NVI): Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has busted a sophisticated international cyber fraud racket operating from Srinagar and arrested seven persons in connection with the case,on Thursday.
Official sources said that acting on specific technical inputs about covert call centres involved in online fraud targeting both foreign and local nationals, CIK-CID constituted specialised teams of technical experts and field operatives, an official said.
Following surveillance and digital intelligence gathering across multiple locations, the teams identified a key operational hub in the Rangreth Industrial Area here.
Subsequently, coordinated raids were carried out at various locations in Srinagar, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and seizure of a large quantity of digital and communication equipment.
The seized items include 13 mobile phones, nine laptops, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems, SIM cards, networking devices and digital storage media. Among the devices recovered are high-end smartphones, tablets and laptops of multiple brands, the official said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had set up an unregistered call centre using VoIP-based systems to generate international virtual numbers and mask their locations through server routing and spoofing techniques.
“They posed as legitimate service providers and targeted victims through fake websites and online advertisements,” the official said.
Victims were lured into clicking on phishing advertisements, which displayed toll-free numbers operated by the suspects. They were then deceived into sharing banking and personal details, leading to financial fraud.
The siphoned funds were routed through multiple bank accounts, including mule accounts, and converted into cryptocurrency, primarily USDT, to obscure the money trail, officials said.
“No cash transactions were involved, indicating the fully digital and sophisticated nature of the operation. The transactions are estimated to run into crores,” the official added.
The seized devices are said to contain substantial incriminating evidence pointing to a well-organised cyber crime network.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of law and further investigation is underway, officials said.(NVI)
