Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Home Blog Page 43

CM Omar visits Rajouri village, meets villagers, offer’s condolences on mysterious deaths

File Photo: CM Omar Abdullah

NVI Correspondent

Rajouri, Jan 21(NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited Badhal village in Rajouri district to console families mourning the loss of 17 members, including 13 children, who died under mysterious circumstances over the past six weeks.

Accompanied by National Conference MLA Javaid Iqbal Choudhary, the chief minister visited the graveyard to offer ‘Fateh’ (special prayers) for the deceased and expressed solidarity with the grieving families. He personally met Mohd Aslam, who lost six children in the tragedy. Aslam and his wife are the only survivors of their family and are now under the care of relatives.

The deaths, occurring between December 7 and January 19, have devastated three interconnected families in the village, located 55 km from Rajouri town.

An ongoing investigation led by a high-level inter-ministerial team has ruled out a communicable disease as the cause. Initial findings suggest environmental contamination, with traces of neurotoxins detected in the victims’ samples. Authorities have sealed a local spring after its water tested positive for pesticides or insecticides, fueling concerns of poisoning.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the tragedy further. While officials have assured there is no immediate public health risk, the incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter environmental monitoring, safe water practices, and support for affected families(News Vibes of India)

IGP Kashmir assures tight security for Republic Day celebrations, confirms Sopore operation over with soldier’s killing

File Photo : IGP Kashmir V.K.Birdi

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 21(NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V. K. Birdhi today said that elaborate security arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the Republic Day celebrations in Kashmir.

Speaking during his review of the security preparations at Bakshi Stadium, the venue for the main function on January 26, the IGP emphasised that all measures have been taken to maintain law and order across the region.

Meanwhile, IGP Birdhi confirmed the conclusion of a counter-terror operation in Zaloora, Sopore. Unfortunately, the operation resulted in the loss of one soldier, underlining the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace. He praised the dedication of the personnel involved and reiterated the commitment of the forces to safeguard the Republic Day celebrations.

The security arrangements are part of a region-wide effort to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incidents, with heightened vigil across sensitive areas. The IGP expressed confidence in the meticulous planning and coordination among various security agencies to make the event peaceful and memorable. (News Vibes of India)

J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat reviews border security in Samba-Kathua range, Calls for heightened vigilance

File Photo: J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 20(NVI): Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat conducted an extensive tour of forward areas along the International Border in the Samba-Kathua sector today to assess security preparedness and address emerging challenges related to infiltration.

Accompanied by senior officials, including ADGP Jammu Zone Anand Jain and top officers from the BSF and CRPF, the DGP inspected key border posts and engaged with troops on the ground. The visit focused on evaluating operational readiness, strengthening the security grid, and ensuring a seamless response to potential threats.

During the review, DGP Prabhat stressed the importance of a multi-pronged strategy to fortify border security. “We need a comprehensive approach that integrates advanced technology, manpower, and community participation to maintain a robust security apparatus,” he said.

Critical areas such as border fencing, surveillance systems, patrolling strategies, and inter-agency coordination were closely examined. The ADGP highlighted proactive measures like intensified night patrolling and enhanced intelligence-sharing as essential tools to thwart infiltration attempts.

The delegation also interacted with border troops, lauding their resilience and commitment to safeguarding the region under demanding conditions. IG BSF, D K Boora, provided updates on advanced surveillance technologies and ongoing operations aimed at closing any security gaps.

Senior police officers from Kathua and Samba districts shared insights into recent patterns of cross-border activities and measures taken to protect civilians in vulnerable areas.

The visit concluded with the DGP emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance amid the evolving security scenario. He also paid homage to Assistant Commandant Vinay, who laid down his life in the line of duty, by placing a wreath at his memorial.

The comprehensive review reflects the administration’s resolve to address security challenges effectively and safeguard the lives of both residents and security personnel along the border.(News Vibes of India)

Sajad Lone urges Govt to reschedule March Assembly session due to Ramadan

FILE PHOTO: Sajjad Lone

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 21(NVI): Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone has called on the Jammu & Kashmir government to reconsider its reported decision to hold an Assembly session in March, highlighting the challenges it would pose for lawmakers observing the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement shared on social media, Lone said, “A humble reminder to the elected government: It is Ramadan in the month of March. Holding the Assembly session in March would be inconvenient for a majority of the MLAs.”

His remarks follow reports suggesting the government’s plan to convene the session in early March. Lone’s appeal underscores the importance of accommodating religious observances while planning legislative schedules, particularly in a region with a significant Muslim population.

The proposal has sparked a discussion about balancing governance priorities with cultural and religious sensitivities, with Lone’s statement resonating with many across the political spectrum.(News Vibes of India)

Woman passes away 17 days after losing son to Asphyxiation in Kulgam district

Representational Image

NVI Correspondent

Kulgam, Jan 21(NVI): In a heartbreaking incident, a family in Gudder village of Kulgam district has been devastated by the loss of two members to asphyxiation within just 17 days.

Fehmeeda Begum, a 65-year-old woman, passed away in a hospital on Tuesday, following the tragic death of her 24-year-old son, Nisar Ahmad Khan, earlier this month.

The tragedy unfolded when both mother and son were found unconscious in their home after keeping a charcoal heater on overnight in a poorly ventilated room. Despite immediate medical attention—first at District Hospital Kulgam, then GMC Anantnag, and finally SKIMS Srinagar—Nisar succumbed to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning on January 4, leaving Fehmeeda fighting for her life in the ICU until her passing on January 21.

Yawar Ahmad, the lumberdar of Gudder village, expressed the community’s grief and shock over the incident, noting that the family is now left with only one surviving son.

Experts have long cautioned against the use of traditional heating methods like charcoal heaters in closed spaces, as they can lead to the accumulation of toxic gases, posing a fatal risk. They urge people to ensure proper ventilation, avoid leaving heaters on overnight, and adopt safer heating practices during the winter months.

This tragic event highlights the urgent need for community awareness about heating safety and access to safer, more efficient heating alternatives in cold regions like Jammu and Kashmir.(News Vibes of India)

J&K cabinet clears major reforms, proposes Assembly session in March

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 20(NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, approved several key administrative proposals during its meeting this evening.

Among the major decisions was the approval of revised Dearness Allowance (DA) rates for government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners, effective from July 1, 2024.

The Cabinet also approved the implementation of a 3-tier faculty structure at Government Dental College, Srinagar, and Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu, in line with the norms set by the Dental Council of India (DCI).

Proposals from the Housing and Urban Development Department received administrative approval, including:

Dumpsite Remediation: Bio-mining and bio-remediation of 11 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste at Achan dumping site, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of Rs 60.50 crore.

River Conservation Projects: Pollution abatement and conservation of River Jhelum in the Chuntkul and Gawkadal areas of Srinagar at Rs 64.45 crore, and River Banganga in Katra at Rs 92.10 crore under the National River Conservation Plan.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the construction of a new hospital block for the emergency operation theatre at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.

Another significant decision was the elimination of oral tests or interviews for recruitment to posts in pay level-6, as recommended by the J&K Service Selection Board.

Amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, were also passed.

The Cabinet recommended convening a session of the J&K Assembly in the first week of March. All proposals will now be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for final approval.(News Vibes of India)

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha registers for organ donation, leads by example in J&K

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 20 (NVI) Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today set an inspiring example by taking the pledge for organ donation and registering himself on the Ayushman Bharat Organ Donation Registry of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Representatives from the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO), including Dr. Elias Sharma, Nodal Officer, Dr. Sanjeev Puri, Joint Director, and Irfan Ahmed Lone, Transplant Coordinator, visited Raj Bhawan to hand over the official pledge certificate to the Lieutenant Governor.

Sandeep Jain, President, and Monika Jain, General Secretary of Bharatiya Jain Sangathan, J&K, were also present at the occasion.

This follows the Lieutenant Governor’s earlier expression of willingness for organ donation during a program organized by Bharatiya Jain Sansthan on January 19. His participation in this initiative underscores the importance of organ donation and highlights the need for public awareness and action in this critical area of healthcare. (News Vibes of India)

Kashmir Handicrafts department Cracks Down on counterfeit products, warns showroom owners against misleading practices

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 20(NVI):The Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir has issued a stern warning to showroom owners dealing in craft products to immediately stop selling machine-made items under the guise of genuine handmade Kashmir handicrafts.

The department has vowed to take strict action under the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts against violators.

According to an official press statement, the department has received multiple complaints regarding the sale of machine-made Turkish carpets to unsuspecting tourists, falsely branded as authentic Kashmir hand-knotted carpets. This malpractice has been tarnishing the reputation of Kashmir’s rich heritage.

In response, the Central Inspection Squad from the department’s Quality Control wing has intensified inspections across prominent locations, including Srinagar City Centre, and health resorts such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Several showrooms have already been inspected, with unlabelled machine-made products confiscated during the raids.

To safeguard Kashmir’s cultural heritage and promote the sale of genuine handmade products, the department has urged stakeholders to avail of GI tagging, testing, and certification services at the Craft Development Institute (CDI) and the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT). These steps are aimed at ensuring customer satisfaction while preserving the authenticity of Kashmir’s exquisite artistry.

The department is also ramping up efforts to increase the testing and certification capacity of handmade products, particularly through the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre at CDI. Additionally, various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns are being conducted at both local and national levels, encouraging customers to purchase only labelled, certified handmade products.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the legacy of Kashmir’s handicrafts while ensuring fair trade practices in the Valley. (News Vibes of India)

Extensive screening of 9000-10000 houses in Rajouri amid Mystery Illness outbreak

Representational Pic

NVI Correspondent

Rajouri, Jan 20: In response to the outbreak of an unidentified disease that has claimed 17 lives and affected 38 individuals since December 2024, the health department in Rajouri is conducting an extensive door-to-door screening of residents. Health officials confirmed that 9,000 to 10,000 houses have already been screened as part of the ongoing investigation into the disease.

Dr. M L Raina, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Rajouri, provided an update on the district’s surveillance efforts, stating that teams have been working tirelessly to identify the cause of the illness. “We have screened approximately 1,600-1,700 houses in detail, and with door-to-door checks, the number of houses screened has reached nearly 9,000 to 10,000,” Dr. Raina explained. “Our teams have been conducting both active and passive surveillance and have deployed medical mobile units, along with a lab system to assist in testing.”

Despite the growing concern, Dr. Raina assured that there is no immediate need to declare a public health emergency. He emphasized that the results of viral and vectorological tests have been negative, further suggesting that the situation is under control.

Resident Surjeet Singh Thakur acknowledged the efforts of the health, police, and civil administrations, which have worked together in the ongoing investigation. “While the exact cause of the deaths is still unclear, we have ruled out bacterial and viral diseases,” Thakur stated. “Investigations are ongoing, and samples of food, water, and daily essentials are being collected. We are also considering the possibility of poisoning.”

In light of the mysterious deaths, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial team, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to probe the situation. The Indian Army has been deployed to assist in providing essential supplies, including food, water, and shelter, to the affected residents.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to uncovering the cause of the deaths. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.                    ( News Vibes of India)

Sopore Encounter: Injured Soldier succumbs, Operation On

Representational Pic

NVI Correspondent

Sopore, Jan 20(NVI): A soldier who was injured in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Gujjarpati area of Zaloora, Sopore, has succumbed to his injuries, officials confirmed today.

The encounter broke out late last evening in the area.

An official explained that the operation had been temporarily halted due to darkness. “With the first light of day, fresh firing resumed. During the ensuing encounter, a soldier was injured and evacuated to a hospital,” the official said.

Despite all efforts to save him, the soldier later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

On Sunday, joint teams of the Army, CRPF, and police had cordoned off the Gujjarpati area, during which they discovered a hideout. As the security forces conducted searches, they came under fire, leading to the ongoing encounter.(News Vibes of India)

1...424344...1,515Page 43 of 1,515

MUST READ