Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Home Blog Page 37

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)

Mega tunnel projects approved for Chenab region; boost to connectivity in J-K

Jammu, Apr 14 (NVI): The Centre has approved construction of key tunnel projects on National Highway-244 in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at improving connectivity in the Chenab region, officials said on Tuesday.

The projects include the uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel, spanning 12.85 km including approaches, and the twin tube Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel, covering 38.61 km including approaches, with a total estimated cost of Rs 9,779.42 crore.

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh termed the approval as “heartening news” and said it puts to rest speculation about the project being shelved.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also welcomed the move, describing it as a major step towards strengthening road connectivity and boosting economic growth in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur.

In a post on X, Abdullah expressed gratitude to Modi and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for their support.

He said the projects will ensure all-weather connectivity and accelerate economic growth across the Chenab Valley and adjoining areas, officials added.(NVI)

Omar Abdullah inaugurates spring festival in Anantnag, calls it symbol of ‘new beginning

Srinagar, Apr 14 (NVI): Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated Jashn-e-Amad-e-Bahar, a spring festival held on the occasion of Baisakhi at Jablipora in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a gathering, the chief minister described spring as a symbol of renewal and hope, saying the festival marked not just a seasonal transition but also a new phase of development and governance in the Union Territory.

“We celebrate the arrival of spring as a new beginning. After our government came into place, not only were efforts made, but a clear path was created — a new spring, a new beginning,” he said.

Highlighting recent policy measures, Abdullah referred to decisions taken during the budget session, including the provision of six free LPG cylinders to economically weaker households and free electricity under the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

He also spoke about the government’s decision to allow the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at expanding access to higher education and reducing the need for students to move outside the Union Territory.

“Our children face difficulties and higher expenses while pursuing education outside. We will invite private universities to set up campuses here, including in remote areas, so that students can access quality education within J&K,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development, the chief minister said efforts are underway to enhance farmers’ income and build a sustainable and self-reliant agriculture sector.

He outlined initiatives such as the expansion of high-density plantations, strengthening cold storage and marketing infrastructure, and increased use of technology in farming practices.

Referring to the potential of south Kashmir, Abdullah said the region’s fertile land and favourable climate make it suitable for both agriculture and tourism, particularly agro-tourism.

He also highlighted plans to promote dairy farming as part of a broader push towards a “white revolution” in the region, including improving infrastructure, increasing milk production and providing better market linkages.

“Our aim is to create a robust dairy ecosystem that ensures nutritional security and provides steady income to rural households,” he added.

Several ministers, legislators and senior officials were present at the event, which was organised by the Agriculture Production Department to promote agro-tourism and showcase the region’s horticultural potential.(NVI)

US-Iran Talks: Hopes dashed in Islamabad but result not unexpected
While the Islamabad talks failed to produce any results, both the US and Iran, at least, spelt out their points and demands. Each side now has clarity about what the other wants and these points remain on the table. The thread can be picked up any time in the future

US-Iran talks: Uncertainty prevails even as Islamabad is geared up
Islamabad Talks Logo

Analysis 

By Ajay Kaul

New Delhi, Apr 14: The entire world is on the edge again after the peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan failed to yield any agreement on ending nearly five decades of animosity.

The direct meeting between the top leaders of the two extremely hostile nations, first in 49 years, had raised hopes around the globe that there would be some understanding for restoring peace in West Asia, thus allowing international movement of critical energy supplies once again.

But those hopes have been dashed in Islamabad.

In fact, the situation is likely to worsen globally as the US has started enforcing a “blockade” on the movement of energy-laden ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which was anyway a trickle ever since the war in West Asia started on February 28.

US Blockade:

US President Donald Trump is agitated that Iran has been calling the shots as far as movement of ships across the Strait of Hormuz is concerned and that it is charging money, according to him, for allowing vessels to cross the critical maritime passage.

So, he has decided to impose a “blockade” on the ships that cross the Strait after paying money to Iran. One wonders how the US would be able to ascertain which ship made the payment and which did not.

The US has said it would be using military to enforce the “blockade”.

Iran has vowed to retaliate if its interests are hurt.

China too has stated that it would not let the US to impact movement of its ships to and fro Iran as it imports a lot of energy from the Persian nation.

In the wake of the move by the US, the UK and France are jointly convening an international conference his week to discuss ways to end the logjam related to the Strait of Hormuz so that movement of energy restarts through the Strait of Hormuz.

All eyes are now on the developments that may unfold in the coming days.

Failure of talks:

It may be surprising, or even shocking, for many that the talks held in Islamabad between the top-level delegations – US Vice President J D Vance leading his country and Speaker of Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf heading his side – did not yield any agreement.

Although both sides are blaming each other for the failure of the talks, the result was not unexpected as it is too naive to think that the first round of talks would produce an agreement between two extremely hostile sides.

It would be highly immature to expect an agreement particularly considering the backdrop of the circumstances in which talks were held and the history of the relations between the US and Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution in the Persian country.

The distrust is very deep, particularly within the Islamic regime of Iran in relation to the US.

In fact, Ghalibaf amplified this aspect even while going for the talks. He said the Iranian delegation was entering the negotiations with “deep distrust” as the US had committed “betrayal” again and again in the past.

He was referring to the military strikes launched by the US, along with Israel, on February 28, while negotiations were going on between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman, with regard to the nuclear issue of the Persian nation.

These military strikes resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and some other top leaders, that too during the Islamic Holy month of Ramzan.

Ghalibaf, one of the top leaders of the Iranian regime, also pointed to the military strikes carried out jointly by the US and Israel in June last year, again while negotiations on the nuclear issue were ongoing.

Significantly, the US and Iran had reached an agreement on the nuclear issue way back in 2015 but Washington later backed out of it.

Trump issues latest threat to Iran: ‘A whole civilisation will die tonight’

Considering this backdrop, Iran has hardened its stance and wants to extract the maximum from the US, which has caused massive hit to the Persian nation through the sanctions in force over the last nearly five decades.

Iran now reportedly wants full compensation for that loss, as well as the losses caused during the US-Israeli military strikes launched on February 28. It also wants de-freezing of assets worth billions (or perhaps trillion) of dollars in various countries, including Qatar and South Korea.

Iran has been able to dictate terms since it has held the entire world hostage, virtually, by choking the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy flows and causing economic distress in many countries around the globe.

Trump, on the other hand, says he will do anything to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

It is a different matter that the Iranian regime has been insisting that it has no ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, although it wants atomic energy for civilian purposes.

Future:

While the talks in Islamabad failed to produce any results, both the US and Iran, at least, spelt out their points and demands. Each side now has clarity about what the other wants and these points remain on the table.

The thread can be picked up any time in the future, of course with the mediation of some country/countries trusted by these two nations.

As far as the world at large, and India in particular, are concerned the coming days and weeks are likely to get more and more difficult due to the spiralling effect of the choking of energy imports.

The reduction in supplies of LPG and oil is going to hit the economies badly around the world and India too won’t be able to escape the adverse impact. (NVI)

Strong Action should be taken in Ramban incident: J&K CM
A man was assaulted by some cow vigilantes in Ramban yesterday. To save himself, he jumped into a river and remains missing

Strong Action should be taken in Ramban incident: J&K CM
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah (File Pic)

Anantnag, Apr 14 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said “jungle raj” should not be allowed in the Union Territory as he urged Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure strict action against those involved in the alleged assault and possible death of a man in Ramban area yesterday.

According to reported claims, a 25-year-old man, Tanveer Ahmad Chopan (25), was allegedly chased and thrashed by some cow vigilantes when he was ferrying a cow and two calves while travelling from Jammu to his village in Ramban in a vehicle.

To save himself, Chopan allegedly jumped into a river and has been missing since then.

Speaking to reporters in Bijbhera in South Kashmir, Abdullah said certain elements were attempting to disturb the prevailing peace and create unrest.

“There are people who do not like peace and instead want communal tensions and conflict. As long as my government is in power, we will not allow such things to happen in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

It may be noted that law and order does not come under the purview of the Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir since it is a Union Territory. The law and order is under the jurisdiction of the Lt Governor.

Abdullah urged the Lt Governor to ensure strict action against those involved in the Ramban incident.

He said firm action would send a strong message that disorder and lawlessness will not be tolerated by the present dispensation.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to ushering in a new phase in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a peaceful atmosphere and stable conditions. (NVI)

Man Booked for Impersonating SSP Budgam on WhatsApp to Influence Public

J-K Police
Representational image

Budgam, Apr 14 (NVI): Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district have registered an FIR against an individual for allegedly operating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam and attempting to influence people, officials said on Tuesday.

Police Station Budgam received information that Sameer Ali Bhat, a resident of Pallar area in Budgam, was sharing screenshots of chats with a fake WhatsApp account purportedly belonging to the SSP Budgam and presenting himself as a close aide to gain undue advantage, they said.

“Upon verification, it was found that the individual was involved in multiple FIRs and had created a fake WhatsApp account using a mobile number to impersonate the SSP Budgam,” a police official said.

The accused allegedly circulated screenshots of conversations among the public to project proximity with the police officer and influence people, the official added.

Acting on the information, police registered FIR No. 90/2026 under Section 319 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66-C of the Information Technology Act, and further investigation has been taken up.

Police have advised the public to remain vigilant against such impersonation attempts and to use only officially published contact details available on government platforms to reach police authorities.

Citizens have also been urged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station for prompt legal action, officials said.(NVI)

Crackdown to Intensify: IGP Kashmir V.K Birdi Issues Strong Warning to Drug Networks

File Photo : IGP Kashmir V.K.Birdi

Srinagar, Apr 14 (NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi on Tuesday announced that the ongoing anti-drug drive across the Valley will be further intensified, with renewed focus on dismantling narcotics networks and curbing the menace at its roots.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Baisakhi celebrations at a Gurudwara, the IGP extended greetings to the Sikh community and reiterated the commitment of Jammu and Kashmir Police towards maintaining peace and communal harmony.

He stated that the police have been working in a mission-mode to combat drug abuse and will now scale up efforts to target drug peddlers, smugglers, and all individuals involved in the illegal narcotics trade.

Emphasising strict enforcement, Birdi said that stringent legal action will be taken against offenders to effectively tackle the growing drug threat and ensure public safety.

Highlighting the role of youth, he urged young people to stay away from substance abuse and contribute positively towards society.

“Youth must remain disciplined and play a constructive role in nation-building by steering clear of drugs,” he added. — (NVI)

8 Arrested, 25 Identified for Vandalism During Sopore Student Protest

Srinagar, Apr 14 (NVI): Police have arrested eight persons and identified 25 others in connection with vandalism during a student protest in Sopore town of Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday.

The protest had erupted following allegations against a lecturer, during which incidents of damage to public and private property were reported.

“Eight persons involved in ransacking property and damaging vehicles have been arrested so far, while 25 others have been identified.

He added that strict action will be taken against all those found involved in disturbing public order.

Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused, the official said, urging people to maintain calm and not to take the law into their own hands the offical added.—(NVI)

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

Balochistan: BLA launches maritime unit, kills 3 Pakistani Navy men in first attack
Representative image of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta, Apr 13: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is fighting for independence of Balochistan from Pakistan, has announced the formation of its Navy wing, marking a new chapter in its struggle against the occupiers.

 

BLA said the maritime unit has been named ‘Hammal Maritime Defence Force (HMDF) and it would strive to protect the Baloch seas.

 

The HMDF has already commenced its operational activity by targeting a patrol boat of the occupying Pakistani Navy yesterday around 10:00 AM at ‘Mil Tiyab’ in the Jiwani area of Gwadar, the BLA said in a statement.

 

As a result of intense firing by HMDF fighters, all three occupying Navy personnel on board were killed on the spot, said the statement issued by BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch.

 

Following the operation, the HMDF fighters successfully reached their secure hideouts, he said.

 

“The Baloch Liberation Army wishes to make it clear that the Baloch national independence movement has now entered a stage where, along with the land of Balochistan, its maritime boundaries will also prove to be an inevitable graveyard for the enemy,” the spokesman said.

 

“The formation of the Hammal Maritime Defence Force is the beginning of our national navy, which will remain ready at all times to stop the maritime plunder of Baloch resources, paralyze the enemy’s naval movements, and defend the occupied coasts,” he said.

 

He noted that the occupying Pakistan and its imperialist partners have been illegally auctioning the Baloch seas for years, where the economic massacre of our fishermen continues and the coasts have been converted into military cantonments.

 

“The Baloch Liberation Army warns the enemy that our military scope is no longer limited only to the mountains and cities; we have now achieved the full capability to target the enemy in the deep seas, including its naval installations and assets.

 

“Our war will continue with full intensity until the complete withdrawal of the enemy and the restoration of a free and sovereign Baloch state,” the spokesman said.

 

He said the BLA has named this specialized naval unit after the great Baloch resistance figure, Hammal Jeehand Baloch.

 

He was a courageous son of history who, in the 16th century, laid the foundation of naval resistance against the then-modern Portuguese colonialism and defeated the foreign occupiers with his military foresight.

 

“The character of Hammal Jiand is etched in the Baloch national memory as an eternal symbol of honour, bravery, and maritime defence. He proved that against a well-resourced colonial power, national spirit and guerrilla strategy always emerge victorious,” Jeeyand Baloch said.

 

“The BLA has chosen this name to reiterate the resolve that our current resistance is a continuation of this prestigious historical heritage. Just as Hammal Jeehand reduced the expansionist ambitions of the Portuguese to dust, the Hammal Maritime Defence Force will expel the contemporary occupiers from the Baloch seas,” he said.

1...363738...1,613Page 37 of 1,613

MUST READ