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Deputy CM Unveils Teaser of Dogri Film “Shah Shahni”, Calls Cinema Key to Cultural Promotion

Jammu, Apr 12 (NVI): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday released the teaser of Dogri feature film “Shah Shahni” at Press Club Jammu, underscoring the role of cinema as a powerful medium for preserving and promoting language, culture and heritage.

Addressing the gathering, Choudhary appreciated the efforts of the film’s director Rajnesh Kumar Gupta and the team for producing a Dogri film that reflects the region’s cultural identity. He said such initiatives are vital for strengthening regional languages and connecting younger generations with their roots.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is taking proactive steps to boost the film industry in Jammu and Kashmir, including policy support and incentives aimed at creating a conducive environment for filmmakers.

Highlighting the importance of regional cinema, he urged people to watch and promote Dogri films to ensure the language continues to thrive. He expressed hope that “Shah Shahni” would receive wide appreciation and attract audiences across the region.

Choudhary also emphasized that cinema has the potential to bridge divides and showcase shared histories and cultural values, calling for collective efforts to support Dogri cinema.

The event was attended by senior officials, film personalities, media representatives and prominent citizens.(NVI)

Amarnath Yatra from July 3; to conclude on August 28: LG Sinha

File Photo

Srinagar, Apr 12 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday announced that the annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28 this year, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

The 57-day pilgrimage will begin with the ‘Pratham Puja’ on June 29 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, Sinha said in a post on X.

He said advance registration for the yatra will start from April 15 through both online and offline modes.

The registration facility will be available at 554 designated branches of Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Yes Bank across the country.

The administration has advised devotees to complete registration in advance and adhere to official guidelines for a smooth and safe pilgrimage, the LG added.(NVI)

Two Mild Earthquakes Jolt Doda in Early Hours

Jammu, Apr 12 (NVI): Two earthquakes of mild intensity were recorded in the Doda region of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours on Sunday.

Officials, the first and stronger tremor measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck at 4:22 am at a depth of 10 kilometres. This was followed by a second, weaker quake of magnitude 3.0 at 4:37 am, also at a depth of 10 kilometres in the same area.

There were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property, they said.(NVI)

Security Forces Unearth Hidden Barrel with Arms in Brinal Forest Area of Kulgam

Kulgam, Apr 11 (NVI): Security forces on Saturday busted an underground cache containing arms and ammunition in the Brinal forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said.

The recovery was made during a search operation launched jointly by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the forest belt following specific inputs.

Officials said that during the operation, an underground barrel was detected and subsequently unearthed, leading to the recovery of arms and ammunition. The area has been cordoned off and a search and destroy operation is currently underway to trace any additional caches or suspicious presence in the vicinity.

Further details regarding the nature and quantity of the recovered material are awaited.(NVI)

LG Sinha Condoles Death of J&K Residents in Kuwait Road Accident

Srinagar, Apr 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday expressed grief and anguish over the loss of lives of residents from Poonch and Rajouri in a tragic road accident in Kuwait.

In a condolence message, Sinha described the incident as heart-wrenching and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families.

“In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said he has directed officials to extend all possible support to the affected families.(NVI)

No Mercy for Drug Mafia’: Manoj Sinha Launches 100-Day Crackdown in J&K, Announces Passport, Aadhaar Cancellation

Jammu, Apr 11 (NVI): In a sweeping and hard-hitting offensive against the drug menace, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday unveiled a 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign, declaring that those “destroying the future of youth will not be spared” and announcing unprecedented punitive measures against drug smugglers.

Addressing a massive gathering at MA Stadium, the LG made it clear that the administration will adopt a zero-tolerance policy, ordering cancellation of passports, Aadhaar cards, and driving licences of drug peddlers, besides attachment of their properties and freezing of bank accounts.

Calling the drug trade a “weapon against society,” Sinha said the crackdown will target the financial backbone of the narco-network through a newly enforced Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

“Every rupee earned through drugs will be tracked and seized. Drug smugglers will lose not just their freedom but every illegal asset they own,” he asserted.

In a significant escalation, the LG directed that top drug peddlers be publicly identified at the police station level to ensure accountability and create a strong deterrent.

Linking the menace to national security, Sinha said drug trafficking is being exploited to fund terrorism and destabilise the region.

“A neighbouring country is deliberately pushing drugs into Jammu and Kashmir to hollow out our youth. This is not just crime—it is a conspiracy,” he said, issuing a stern directive to enforcement agencies: “Do not harass the innocent, but ensure the guilty do not escape.”

Launching the mass movement, the LG called for widespread pad yatras, public awareness campaigns, and active participation from youth, civil society, and community leaders across the Union Territory.

“This is not a fight for the government alone. Society must rise as one to defeat this menace,” he said.

Emphasising the role of women, Sinha said mothers and sisters can play a transformative role in preventing substance abuse at the grassroots level.

The LG outlined a multi-pronged strategy for the next 100 days, including intensive awareness drives in villages and towns, counselling support in schools and colleges, targeted outreach to vulnerable groups, and sustained community engagement.

To strengthen rehabilitation efforts, the administration has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centre Rules, 2026, ensuring only authorised and well-equipped de-addiction centres operate in the region.

“Victims of addiction will receive full support for treatment and rehabilitation, but those who push them into this trap will face the harshest consequences,” he said.

The campaign marks one of the most aggressive anti-drug initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, signalling a decisive push to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem and reclaim the future of the region’s youth—(NVI)

Partly Cloudy Skies, Light Rain Likely at Isolated Places: Director MeT

Representational Pic.

Srinagar, Apr 11 (NVI): The Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Saturday forecast partly to generally cloudy weather with brief spells of light rain at scattered places in Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days.

Director Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that on April 11, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy with a possibility of brief light rain at scattered places towards afternoon or evening hours.

He said April 12 will remain generally dry, although a brief spell of light rain is likely at isolated places towards afternoon hours, while from April 13 to 15, the weather is expected to stay generally dry across the region.

From April 16 to 17, the weather is likely to turn generally cloudy with a spell of light rain or thundershower at scattered places towards late afternoon or evening hours, he said, adding that from April 18 to 22, conditions are expected to remain generally dry.

Meanwhile, the MeT department has advised farmers to resume all farm operations, considering the overall weather outlook. (NVI)

Suspected Pakistani Balloon Recovered in Arnia, Security Agencies Launch Probe

Jammu, Apr 11 (NVI): Heightened alert gripped the Arnia sector of Jammu district on Saturday after a suspected Pakistani balloon, bearing green and white colours, was recovered from Sardari Playground near Garore Nala.

Official sources said that acting swiftly on specific inputs, a team from Border Police Post Sai rushed to the location and secured the object without delay.

The recovered balloon has been taken into custody and shifted to Border Police Post Sai, where it is being examined for further investigation and necessary action.

Security agencies have taken note of the incident, and officials said all angles are being looked into to ascertain the origin and intent behind the balloon.(NVI)

10 Indians charged in US for staging armed robberies to claim crime victimhood

10 Indians charged in US for staging armed robberies to claim crime victimhood
US Justice Department

New Delhi, Apr 10: Ten Indian nationals have been charged in Boston in the United States with a conspiracy to carry out “staged armed robberies of convenience stores for the purpose of allowing store clerks to falsely claim they were crime victims on immigration applications.”

According to the US Justice Department, they were previously charged by criminal complaint last month.

In a press statement, the Justice Department said:

The following have been indicted by a federal grand jury with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud:

Jitendrakumar Patel, 39, unlawfully residing in Marshfield, Mass.;

Maheshkumar Patel, 36, unlawfully residing in Randolph, Mass.;

Sanjaykumar Patel, 45, unlawfully residing in Quincy, Mass.;

Dipikaben Patel, 40, deported to India after unlawfully residing in Weymouth, Mass.;

Rameshbhai Patel, 52, unlawfully residing in Eubank, Ky.;

Amitabahen Patel, 43, unlawfully residing in Plainville, Mass.;

Ronakkumar Patel, 28, unlawfully residing in Maryland Heights, Miss.;

Sangitaben Patel, 36, unlawfully residing in Randolph, Mass.;

Minkesh Patel, 42, unlawfully residing in Perrysburg, Ohio; and

Sonal Patel, 42, unlawfully residing in Perrysburg, Ohio.

“All 10 defendants were previously charged by criminal complaint and released on conditions,” it said.

Rameshbhai Patel and Ronakkumar Patel have been taken into immigration custody.

The defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed, it said.

This case stems from an investigation into Rambhai Patel, the organizer of the scheme, and getaway driver Balwinder Singh – both of whom were charged in December 2023 and later convicted in May 2025.

According to the charging documents, in March 2023, Rambhai Patel and his co-conspirators set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least six convenience/liquor stores and fast food restaurants in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

It is alleged that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to falsely claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U non-immigration status (U Visa).

A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

In the course of the alleged staged robberies, the “robber” would allegedly threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video.

The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the alleged “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.”

The “victims” are alleged to have each paid Rambhai Patel to participate in the scheme.

In turn, Rambhai Patel paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery.

The organizer Rambhai Patel, the “robber,” and the getaway driver, Balwinder Singh, were convicted in May 2025, the Justice Department said.

The 10 defendants indicted today are alleged to have either arranged with Rambhai Patel to set up each robbery, or paid for themselves or a family member to participate as a “victim.”

The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

Additionally, the defendants are subject to deportation after any sentence imposed.

Mega Boost to Ladakh Connectivity: Leh Airport Terminal to Be Ready by July 2026

Leh, Apr 10 (NVI): The upcoming new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is set to transform air connectivity in Ladakh, with authorities directing expedited completion of the project by July 2026.

During an inspection of the site, officials were instructed to accelerate construction by deploying additional manpower and ensuring round-the-clock execution to meet the deadline.

The state-of-the-art terminal, featuring culturally inspired architecture and new aircraft bays, is expected to significantly enhance passenger handling capacity. Once operational, the airport will handle up to 45 flights per day—up from the current 18—and cater to nearly 3 million passengers annually.

Envisioned under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project is poised to boost tourism and unlock new economic opportunities for Ladakh.

The UT Administration has assured full support to ensure timely completion and early operationalisation of what is being described as a landmark infrastructure initiative for the region.(NVI)

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