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Omar Abdullah Calls for Research, Technology to Strengthen Fisheries Sector

J&K CM Omar Abdullah during Press Interaction at Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that climate change is increasingly impacting Kashmir’s ecosystem and stressed the need to adopt scientific research, modern technology and sustainable practices to strengthen cold-water fisheries in the Union Territory.

Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, Abdullah said universities and research institutions must play a key role in developing innovative techniques to revive and expand the fisheries sector.

He said the government must ensure that fisheries development remains sustainable so that freshwater ecosystems are protected and fish stocks are not depleted.

“Science and research must guide us on what new techniques can be used and what kind of studies are required so that cold-water fisheries can get a fresh boost,” the Chief Minister said.

Abdullah also emphasised that the economic development of people associated with the sector should remain a priority, stressing the need to increase and safeguard the income of fish farmers.

Referring to changing climatic patterns, he said rising temperatures are already being witnessed in Kashmir. He noted that warmer conditions have led to early blooming of flowers and the early opening of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, reflecting how climate change is affecting natural cycles.

The Chief Minister said such environmental changes could also impact cold-water fisheries, making it essential to adopt innovative approaches and learn from best practices across the country.

He added that hosting the conference in Kashmir provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with other hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand as well as states in Northeast India.

Highlighting Kashmir’s long association with trout farming, Abdullah said the region has more than a century of experience in the sector since trout was first introduced in 1900.

“Our 126-year experience should not go to waste. We must share our knowledge and also learn what others are doing better,” he said.

He expressed hope that with focused policy support, India would continue to strengthen its position among leading fish-producing nations while Jammu and Kashmir secures a special place in cold-water fisheries.(NVI)

Mehbooba Mufti Expresses Solidarity With Iran, Urges Prayers for Iranian People

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of Iran and urged the Centre to reconsider its policy towards the country.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said that a meeting of former PDP legislators passed a resolution expressing support for Iran and appreciated people in Kashmir for holding peaceful protests in solidarity with the Iranian people. She also appealed to the people of Kashmir to pray for the people of Iran and the Muslim Ummah.

Highlighting historical and cultural links, Mufti said Islam reached Kashmir through Iran, underlining what she described as deep civilisational and spiritual ties between the two regions.

She also urged Muslim countries to support Iran and said that conflicts and wars disturb global economic stability.

Mufti appealed to the administration led by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to reconsider the arrest of people who participated in the protests and demanded the release of those still in detention.

Referring to the revocation of detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk, Mufti said the decision was welcome though such action should not have been taken in the first place, adding that Wangchuk had been working on environmental protection issues.

She also referred to jailed separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, saying his daughter had struggled legally for his release. Mufti added that while some people are able to approach courts for relief, many economically weaker prisoners cannot afford legal battles and deserve attention and justice, she said. (NVI)

Mehbooba Mufti Chairs PDP Leaders’ Meeting in Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday chaired a meeting of senior party leaders in Srinagar.

During the meeting, the party leadership reviewed the functioning of the organisation and discussed the prevailing political situation in the Union Territory.

Senior PDP leaders who attended the meeting also deliberated on organisational matters and strategies to strengthen the party at different levels, party sources said.(NVI)

Govt Revokes Detention of Sonam Wangchuk Under NSA

Sonam Wangchuk

New Delhi, Mar 14 (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday revoked the detention of noted engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect under the provisions of the National Security Act, according to an official statement.

In a statement issued by the MHA and posted by the Press Information Bureau, the government said it remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

Wangchuk had been detained on September 26, 2025, under the NSA following a law and order situation that emerged in Leh on September 24. The detention order was issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with the aim of maintaining public order.

According to the statement, Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the detention period prescribed under the Act.

The government said it has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh to address the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. However, it noted that the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests had adversely affected several sections of society, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists, as well as the overall economy.

“In furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and stability, and after due consideration, the Government/MHA has decided to revoke the detention of Shri Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising powers available under the National Security Act,” the statement said.

The government reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh and expressed hope that issues concerning the region would be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee and other appropriate platforms.(NVI)

Police ASI Injured in Road Mishap During Naka Checking in Srinagar

Road accidents
Representational image

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI) : A police officer was injured after being hit by a Smart City bus while performing naka checking duty near the Radio Kashmir area in Srinagar district on Saturday.

An official said that The injured officer has been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ali Mohammad of the Armed Reserve Police (ARP), posted at Police Station Kothibagh.

He said the ASI was on naka duty near the Radio Kashmir crossing when a Smart City bus hit him, leaving him injured.

He was immediately shifted to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar for treatment, he said.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and further proceedings have been initiated, he added.—(NVI)

Drone Spotted Hovering Over Three Villages in J&K’s Samba District

Representational Image

Jammu, Mar 14 (NVI): A drone was reportedly sighted hovering over several villages in the Ramgarh area of Samba district on Friday evening, officials said.

According to official sources, at around 8:00 pm on March 13, locals from village Kandral informed the police station Ramgarh about a drone hovering over the villages of Kandral, Abtal and Bahadurpur.

Sources said the drone remained visible in the area for about two to three minutes before disappearing from sight.

Security agencies were informed, and further verification was underway.—(NVI)

Geology & Mining Dept Cracks Down, Suspends 9 Mineral Dealer Licences in J&K

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended nine Mineral Dealer Licences (MDLs) across the Union Territory for alleged violations of licence conditions under the Minor Mineral Concession Rules, officials said.

According to an order issued by Director Geology and Mining S.P. Rukwal, the action follows reports of non-compliance submitted by a committee constituted to monitor and regulate Mineral Dealer Licences in the Jammu division.

The licences were earlier granted to individuals and firms for stocking, selling or offering minor minerals and mineral products for commercial purposes under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.

Based on the committee’s findings, licences of several dealers from districts including Jammu and Samba have been suspended for a period of one month or until the reported violations are rectified and compliance is ensured, officials said.

The suspended licence holders include M/S Mahavir Minerals, M/S Baba Chemicals, Harshit Magotra, Joginder Singh, Rahil Choudhary, Digvijay Singh, Asha Devi, Raman Choudhary and Sham Lal Mogotra.

Officials said the step was taken to ensure effective regulation, monitoring and enforcement of mineral trading activities across the Union Territory.(NVI)

Two Back-to-Back Western Disturbances Likely to Bring Rain, Snow to J&K From Mar 15–20

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Two back-to-back western disturbances are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir between March 15 and March 20, bringing a temporary return of winter-like conditions across the region.

The weather systems are likely to cause rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches around March 15–16 and again between March 18 and 20.

Due to increased cloud cover and precipitation, day temperatures are expected to drop noticeably during this period, leading to colder conditions across several parts of the Union Territory.

A detailed weather update is expected to be issued later in the evening, the forecast said.(NVI)

Ex-J&K DGP Rashmi Ranjan Swain Appointed OUSSSC Chairman

Srinagar, Mar 13 (NVI): Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Rashmi Ranjan Swain has been appointed as the Chairman of the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC), officials said on Friday.

Swain, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre who retired as J&K Police chief in 2024, will serve as the first Chairman of the commission.

A native of Rourkela in Odisha, Swain had a long career in policing and held several key postings during his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir. He served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in districts including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Poonch and Ramban.

He also held important assignments in the J&K Vigilance organisation and later served as Special Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Swain was known for his role in counter-terror operations and efforts to curb terror funding networks during his service in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. (NVI)

LG Mourns Death of Cop, Wife in Tragic Accident in Doda

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Friday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Doda district.

In a condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed sympathies to the family of Zulfikar Ali, who died in the accident along with his wife Rehana Begum. Both succumbed to their injuries on the spot, officials said.

Sinha prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.(NVI)

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