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Sajad Lone Questions Asset Conditions, Terms Them ‘Grave Injustice’ to Kashmir’s Poor

Srinagar, Mar 17 (NVI): Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to review the existing criteria for granting Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservations in jobs and admissions, citing disparities affecting candidates from Kashmir Valley.

Lone, in a post on X, highlighted that the Below Poverty Line (BPL) population in Kashmir exceeds that of Jammu, yet representation from the Valley in the EWS category remains disproportionately low.

He said that only one out of nine qualifiers in the EWS category in the recent KAS examination was from Kashmir, despite official figures showing a higher BPL population in the Valley.

“The number of souls in the Below Poverty Line category (Antyodaya Anna Yojana + Priority Households) in Kashmir Valley exceeds that in Jammu,” Lone said, adding that the figures stand at 37.71 lakh in Kashmir compared to 29.81 lakh in Jammu.

He further stated that government data shared in the Assembly revealed that only 7.7 percent and 8.6 percent of EWS certificates were issued in Kashmir, indicating a major imbalance.

Lone attributed the issue to the criteria for issuance of EWS certificates, particularly the asset-based conditions.

“While most of the BPL population in Kashmir falls within the income eligibility, asset-related conditions such as the size of residential house and plot are excluding many deserving candidates,” he said.

Calling it a “grave injustice,” Lone cited district-wise BPL figures, stating that Srinagar has 5.09 lakh BPL population, Kupwara 5.21 lakh, Baramulla 5.79 lakh and Anantnag 5.76 lakh.

He added that EWS certification could serve as a confidence-building measure for areas such as old city Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Budgam and parts of Sopore.

Lone appealed to the Chief Minister to address the issue urgently, warning that continuing recruitment under the current criteria would lead to further injustice.

“All reservations are heavily tilted towards Jammu. This particular category is tilted because of government norms, not because Kashmir is economically better off,” he said.

He also questioned why Jammu and Kashmir cannot adopt models from states like Rajasthan and Kerala, where asset-based conditions have reportedly been relaxed or removed.

“It is time to review and reform the criteria. If other states can do away with such norms, why can’t we?” Lone asked—(NVI)

India Condemns Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul Hospital, notes ‘barbaric’ act was conducted during holy Ramzan

New Delhi, Mar 17 (NVI): Expressing solidarity with Afghanistan, India strongly condemned Pakistani airstrike on a hospital in Kabul and highlighted that the “barbaric” act became “more reprehensible” considering the fact that it was carried out on Muslims during their holy month of Ramzan.

The Indian government said the international community “must hold the perpetrators of this criminal act accountable and ensure that the wanton targeting by Pakistan of civilians in Afghanistan ceases without delay.”

The last night’s airstrike on a hospital serving as a rehabilitation center for drug addicts has left over 400 people dead and more than 250 injured, as per the initial estimates made by the Afghan authorities.

“India unequivocally condemns Pakistan’s barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on the night of March 16,” External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

“This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation,” it said.

“This heinous act of aggression by Pakistan is also a blatant assault on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability. It reflects Pakistan’s persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its repeated attempts to externalize internal failures through increasingly desperate acts of violence beyond its borders,” it added.

The Indian government also highlighted the severity of the Pakistani action carried out during the Ramzan, a pious month for Muslims.

“That this attack was carried out during the holy month of Ramzan, a time of peace, reflection, and mercy among Muslim communities across the world, makes it all the more reprehensible. There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients,” the statement said.

“India extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, wishes a swift recovery to those injured, and stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in this tragic moment. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. (NVI)

Ladakh Admin Orders Transfers, Postings of 6 Officers

Leh, Mar 17 (NVI): The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday ordered transfers and postings of six officers in the interest of administration, officials said.

According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, several JKAS officers and officials have been reassigned to new positions across departments.

Sachin Bali has been posted as Deputy Registrar Cooperatives, Leh, and will also hold additional charge as Assistant Director Handloom. Sumera Shafi and Deachen Chondol have been posted as Under Secretaries in the Lt Governor’s Secretariat.

Dr. Tundup Namgail has been नियुक्तed as OSD to the Chief Secretary, while Huma Khan has been posted as Under Secretary in School Education/Higher Education departments. Mohd Shabir has been appointed Tehsildar Kharu with additional charge of SDM Kharu.

The order stated that the officers are deemed to have been relieved with immediate effect and have been directed to join their new postings forthwith.(NVI)

Man Found Dead with Throat Injuries in Jammu; Probe Launched

Jammu, Mar 17 (NVI): A man was found dead with throat injuries under mysterious circumstances in Jammu Monday late night.

An official said that the deceased has been identified as Balvir Singh, a resident of Chatha Farm.

He was found lying in a pool of blood with serious throat injuries, allegedly inflicted by an unknown person using a sharp object. Police shifted the body to Government Medical College Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Police have registered FIR No. 66/2026 under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Satwari Police Station, and further investigation into the incident has been taken up.(NVI)

Special Prayers Held Across Kashmir on Holy Night of Shab-e-Qadr

Srinagar, Mar 17 (NVI): The holy night of Shab-e-Qadr was observed with deep religious fervour across Kashmir as thousands of devotees gathered at the Hazratbal Shrine and other mosques and shrines to offer special night-long prayers.

Large numbers of worshippers, including men, women and children, assembled at the revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, where they spent the night praying and seeking blessings for peace and wellbeing.

Similar gatherings were reported from mosques and shrines across several districts of the Valley, where devotees recited the Holy Quran and offered special prayers.

Authorities had made necessary arrangements, including security, traffic regulation and medical facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers.

Religious scholars highlighted the significance of Shab-e-Qadr and urged people to follow the teachings of Islam and promote peace and unity in society.(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA says it killed 55 personnel of Pakistani forces

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters at some undisclosed location. File Pic.

Quetta, Mar 17: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight said it killed 55 personnel of the occupying Pakistani forces in 18 military operations over the last 10 days across Balochistan.

Between March 6 and March 16, the fighters of BLA carried out 17 coordinated military operations in Khuzdar, Surab, Shahrag, Turbat, Karkh, Pasni, Quetta, Panjgur, Kharan, Gwadar and Dukki, said its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch.

These operations targeted the occupying Pakistani army, agents of intelligence agencies, Coast Guards, and enemy installations, while establishing effective strategic control over the CPEC route, he said.

In these attacks, a total of 55 personnel from the occupying forces and intelligence agencies were killed, and dozens were injured, the spokesman said in a statement.

The details are as follows:

March 6: Multiple rounds were fired from grenade launchers at a post of the occupying Pakistani army in the Katan area of Khuzdar, causing casualties and financial loss to the enemy.

March 7: In Surab, Baloch sarmachars took into custody the armored vehicle of the Commissioner Makran, along with a gunman and driver, while they were traveling from Quetta to Turbat. Numerous bottles of alcohol and narcotics were recovered from the vehicle, serving as evidence of the moral bankruptcy of the occupying bureaucracy. Interrogation of the detained individuals is underway according to organizational laws.

March 7: In the Shahrak area of Kech, an occupying army post at Pognish was targeted, inflicting casualties on the enemy and destroying all advanced surveillance cameras installed there.

March 9 to March 14 (Operation Karkh): BLA sarmachars blockaded the CPEC route (M-8) in the Karkh area of Khuzdar and established strategic checkpoints. This control was maintained for six consecutive days. During snap checking, three personnel of Pakistan’s intelligence agency (ISI) attempted to flee; two were killed on the spot in the ensuing fire, while one was arrested. The neutralised and detained personnel belong to Punjab.

On the third day of the operation, infantry units of the occupying army attempting to advance were targeted with remote-controlled IED attacks. On the fourth day, the occupying army attempted to advance with a large force, which was neutralized by sarmachars through ambushes at various locations. In these intense skirmishes lasting two days, more than 17 occupying personnel were killed and several injured, while three enemy vehicles and two quadcopters were destroyed.

March 9: In Surab, at the location of “Tariki,” the advance of the occupying army was thwarted by a full-scale attack, forcing the enemy to retreat.

March 9: In the Tajaban area of Turbat, BLA sarmachars targeted an occupying army vehicle with a remote-controlled IED, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.

March 10: A hideout of the agents of the Pakistani intelligence agency, Military Intelligence (MI), was targeted with a hand grenade attack in Pasni city.

March 13: Near Quetta, in the Pingo area of Daghari, a joint convoy of the occupying army, CTD, and so-called death squads was ambushed while advancing for an operation. Two agents were killed on the spot, and one military vehicle was completely incinerated.

March 14: The occupying army attempted to advance again in the same area, which was repulsed by sarmachars through an IED attack, inflicting personnel and material losses.

March 14: In the Parom area of Panjgur, BLA units equipped with night vision and advanced weaponry attacked a convoy of the occupying army at night. Three enemy vehicles were hit, resulting in five deaths and several injuries, while one vehicle was disabled. Later, a sniper from the BLA targeted and killed an occupying command officer who arrived to inspect the site.

March 14: In the Garuk area of Kharan, a convoy of the occupying army was ambushed with rockets and heavy weaponry. Six enemy vehicles were directly hit, resulting in 14 personnel killed and over 10 injured. A day prior, BLA sarmachars had seized a truck carrying rations for an occupying army post; the truck was later set on fire, while the drivers were released on humanitarian grounds following organizational policy.

March 15: The occupying army’s base and jet fuel station at Turbat Airport were targeted with grenade launchers, causing significant damage to the installations.

March 15: In the Panwan area of Jiwani, Gwadar, an urban guerrilla unit of the BLA executed a highly organized and coordinated operation. Following a meticulous plan, sarmachars camouflaged themselves to gain access to a Coast Guard post and launched a sudden attack, killing the three personnel stationed there, Naik Saleem, Sepoy Adnan Rao, and Sepoy Azeem and seizing all their weapons and ammunition.

On March 16, BLA fighters conducted a remote-controlled IED attack targeting a vehicle within a convoy of the Pakistani armed forces in the Bakhtiar Loni area of Dukki. The convoy was advancing with aggressive intent. The explosion resulted in the deaths of ten soldiers and the complete destruction of the targeted vehicle.

“The objective of these organized attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army is to uproot the foundations of Pakistan’s illegitimate occupation of Balochistan.

“The enemy must recognize the writing on the wall: its fortresses, its fraudulent development projects, and its paid agents are no longer beyond the reach of Baloch sarmachars.

“The BLA is determined to go to any lengths in this war for national survival. Until the last trace of the occupier is erased from this Baloch land, our guns will not be silenced, nor will there be any reduction in our strategic strikes,” Jeeyand Baloch said.

He asserted that “this war is now heading towards its logical conclusion, and that conclusion is nothing but a Sovereign and Independent Balochistan.”

Pakistan bombards Kabul hospital killing and injuring 650 people, outraged Afghan regime vows retaliation
The bombed hospital was drug rehabiliation centre

Afghanistan-Pakistan warzone (file pic)

Kabul, Mar 17 : In a massive provocative action, Pakistani military tonight, during the auspicious Islamic night of ‘Shab-e-Qadr’, bombed a big hospital in Kabul, killing over 250 and wounding more than 400 people, as per the initial estimates.

An outraged Afghan Taliban regime vowed to retaliate against this “criminal act”, saying “the time for diplomacy or talks” with Pakistan was over.

The 1,000-bed hospital, a rehabilitation center for drug addicts, was hit by Pakistani air strikes, causing huge fire and destruction of the building.

According to officials, hundreds of patients, doctors, paramedics and other staffers were present at the premises when the Pakistani fighter planes bombed it.

Many victims were buried under the debris of the building and rescuers are trying to save lives.

According to preliminary figures from the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan, over 250 people were killed and more than 400 injured in the airstrike in Kabul.

“The Pakistani military regime has once again violated Afghanistan’s airspace and targeted a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, resulting in the death and injury of addicts who were undergoing treatment,” said Zabihullah Muhajid, spokesman of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, in a social media post at around 11 pm (Afghanistan Time).

“We strongly condemn this crime and consider such an act to be against all accepted principles and a crime against humanity,” he added.

The latest air strikes come as part of repeated aerial bombardments carried out by the Pakistani military since February 22, targeting residential houses, market places and other civilian localities in various parts of Afghanistan.

At least 24 civilians, mostly children and women, have been killed in these cross-border attacks by the Pakistani military in just last 10 days, as per local officials.

As part of retaliatory operations, Afghan forces have targeted Pakistani military posts along the disputed Durand Line border and some interior areas of Pakistan.

They have claimed to have killed dozens of Pakistani soldiers and captured several military posts during these operations.

Man Accused of Firing at Farooq Abdullah Remanded to 7 Days Police Custody

File photo: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): A man accused of firing at former Farooq Abdullah, president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, was on Monday remanded to seven days’ police custody after being produced before a court, sources said.

Officals said that the accused, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, was produced before the court and was granted seven days of police custody to the accused to facilitate further investigation into the matter.

He was arrested following the firing incident on Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday incident and later produced before the court for remand.

Ealier on Saturday, Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the attempted firing incident involving former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah in Jammu earlier this week. (NVI)

Bus Overturns After Hitting Scorpio in Akhnoor; 2 Killed, Around 20 Injured

Jalgaon

Jammu, Mar 16 (NVI): Two persons were killed and around 20 others injured after a speeding passenger bus traveling from Jourian to Akhnoor collided with a Scorpio vehicle and overturned near Kot Garhi village in the Akhnoor area of Jammu division on Monday.

An official said that the accident occurred when the bus, reportedly moving at high speed, hit the Scorpio near Kot Garhi and lost control before overturning on the road.

According to officials, two people died in the accident, while around 20 passengers sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further investigation is underway.(NVI)

CS Reviews Youth Sports Initiatives, Stresses Wider Participation Across J&K

Jammu, Mar 16 (NVI): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed youth sports initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the need to expand participation across districts and strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure, officials said.

Chairing a review meeting of the Youth Services & Sports Department and the J&K Sports Council, the Chief Secretary assessed the progress of programmes aimed at promoting sports and creative activities among youth across the Union Territory.

Officials informed the meeting that more than 35 lakh youth have already been engaged in sports activities during the current financial year, with the number expected to increase further by the end of the year.

Dulloo said sports and creative arts play an important role in shaping young minds by instilling discipline, teamwork and perseverance, while also providing constructive avenues for channelising their energy.

He observed that in the current context, when drug abuse has emerged as a serious concern among sections of youth in the region, encouraging participation in sports and creative activities becomes even more significant as it keeps young people engaged in positive pursuits.

During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary presented an overview of initiatives aimed at expanding youth participation and improving sports infrastructure across districts.

He said efforts are underway to bring national and international sporting events to Jammu and Kashmir to nurture local talent and generate enthusiasm among sports lovers.

The meeting was also informed that the first-ever Draft Youth Policy for Jammu and Kashmir has been prepared to provide a roadmap for youth empowerment, leadership development and sports promotion.

Director General Youth Services & Sports Anuradha Gupta said the flagship grassroots sports league “Leagues of Classics – Enjoy the Game 1.0” has engaged over 2.23 lakh youth so far in sports such as cricket, football and volleyball, with participation expected to reach around 2.53 lakh by April 2026.

She added that winter sports training programmes were organised earlier this year at Gulmarg, Gurez Valley, Bhaderwah and Sonamarg, providing exposure to young participants in the under-14, under-17 and under-19 categories.

Officials also said youth engagement through the MyBharat portal has increased significantly, with registered users rising from 3.21 lakh in December 2025 to over 7.10 lakh by March 2026.

Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul informed the meeting that between April 2025 and February 2026, the Council organised 1,076 sports activities across 50 disciplines, engaging more than 32.33 lakh youth across the Union Territory.

She added that athletes from Jammu and Kashmir have won 28 international medals and 469 medals at national events during the period.

The meeting also reviewed progress on sports infrastructure projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, with officials stating that over 50 projects across districts are ready for inauguration.

These include a synthetic football ground at Gassu Hazratbal, an Olympic-standard swimming pool at Gindun Rajbagh, and several indoor sports halls in districts such as Bandipora, Shopian and Budgam.

Officials said the government also plans to host several national and international sporting events in the Union Territory in the coming years, including the International Rafting Championship, South Asian Wushu Championship and Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Srinagar.

Dulloo reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding sports infrastructure and providing wider opportunities for youth, stating that sustained investment in sports will help promote healthy lifestyles, discipline and positive social engagement among young people.(NVI)

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