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Manoj Sinha goes on ‘leave’, Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena given additional charge of J&K

Srinagar, Sep 8 (NVI) In a surprise development, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has proceeded on “leave” and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has been assigned the additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir during his absence.

In a statement, Rashtrapati Bhavan said President Droupadi Murmu is “pleased to appoint” Saxena to “discharge the functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in addition to his own duties, during the absence, on leave”, of Manoj Sinha.

There was no clarity about the duration of “leave” of Sinha or the reasons for it.

Sinha has been serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir since August 7, 2020.

Saxena took charge as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on March 13, 2026, after serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi from 2022 to 2026.

The Lieutenant Governor of a Union Territory is appointed by the President and holds office during the President’s pleasure.—(NVI)

J&K intern doctors call off strike after govt assures stipend issue resolution within month

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Srinagar, Sep 8 (NVI) MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday called off their strike after the government gave a written assurance that their demand for enhancement of stipend would be resolved within a month.

The decision came after a delegation of protesting interns met Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo on Tuesday and discussed the issue.

According to the minutes of the meeting, the government assured the interns that the matter would be resolved within a month based on the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee.

Following the assurance, the interns agreed to resume their duties, citing the larger interest of patient care as well as their academic and professional responsibilities.

The interns had earlier insisted on a formal and time-bound commitment from the government, saying verbal assurances were not sufficient.

They have been demanding an increase in their monthly stipend to Rs 30,000, citing their workload, responsibilities and contribution to patient care.

A fresh delegation of the protesting interns met the health minister on Tuesday to press for an early resolution of the issue.—(NVI)

Five films selected for J&K Select competitive section of first IFFJK

Srinagar, Sep 8 (NVI): Five films directed by filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the J&K Select Section, the competitive category of the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), organisers said on Tuesday.

The films were selected on the recommendations of a preview committee after reviewing the submissions and assessing their artistic merit and suitability for the competitive section, they said.

The selected films are Searching for the Grandpa, directed by Mohammad Wali; Arifa, directed by Rohin Ravendran Nair; Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), directed by Siddarth Koul and Ankit Wali; Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir), directed by Kapil Mattoo; and Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar), directed by Baba Tassaduq Hussain.

The films, in Kashmiri and Hindi, cover a range of themes including childhood, family, memory, displacement, identity, heritage, resilience and the changing social landscape of Kashmir.

Searching for the Grandpa follows two young siblings in a Kashmiri village during Eid, while Arifa revolves around a woman returning to her ancestral home in Kashmir and confronting memories of her childhood and father.

Batt Koch explores displacement and identity through the story of a Kashmiri migrant family and its enduring connection with the idea of home. Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir) combines mystery and memory with the scars of Kashmir’s past.

Naqsh-e-Daur portrays the life and legacy of Padma Shri-honoured woodcarver Ghulam Nabi Dhar, highlighting the region’s craftsmanship, heritage and resilience.

The five films will be screened as part of the competitive programming of the four-day IFFJK, providing a platform for filmmakers from the region to showcase their work and audiences to engage with diverse cinematic narratives rooted in Jammu and Kashmir.—(NVI)

DIG Udhampur-Reasi flags off Kasilash Kund Yatra from Dudu

Shivam Bakshi

Udhampur, Sept 8 (NVI): Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma on Tuesday flagged off the Kasilash Kund Yatra from Dudu and reviewed security arrangements along the pilgrimage route.

During his visit, Sharma interacted with pilgrims and commuters and took stock of arrangements being made for their safety and convenience, officials said.
Later, the DIG visited Gharkatiyas Police Post and reviewed security arrangements along the yatra track.

He assessed the deployment and preparedness of police personnel and directed officers to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure effective coordination for the smooth conduct of the yatra.

The DIG also stressed the need for close coordination among police personnel and other stakeholders and directed the concerned officers to ensure adequate security and facilitation measures throughout the yatra route.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said it remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims and the general public during the pilgrimage.—(NVI)

Two apprehended, arms and ammunition recovered in joint operation in Tripura

Agartala, Sept 8 (NVI): Two persons were apprehended and arms and ammunition recovered during a joint operation by Assam Rifles and Tripura Police in Salbagan area of Agartala, officials said on Tuesday.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, personnel of the Assam Rifles under Spear Corps, along with Tripura Police, launched the operation in the area and apprehended the two individuals.

Two weapons along with ammunition were recovered from their possession, the officials said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the identity and antecedents of the apprehended persons and determine the intended use of the recovered arms.

The operation highlights the coordinated efforts of the security forces to curb unlawful activities and maintain security in the region.—(NVI)

Pakistani balloon bearing PIA inscription found in J&K’s Rajouri

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, Sept 8 (NVI): A balloon bearing the inscription “Pakistan International Airlines” was found in the Qila Darhal area of Nowshera sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said on Tuesday.

The balloon was found in the Tehsil Qila Darhal area, following which security agencies were alerted, they said.

Further details regarding the origin of the balloon and the circumstances under which it landed in the area are awaited.—(NVI)

Army demonstrates rapid deployment of artillery using Chinook helicopters

New Delhi, Sept 8 (NVI) The Indian Army’s Brahmastra Corps has demonstrated its rapid deployment capability by conducting underslung training of an Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH) regiment using Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, the Eastern Command said on Tuesday.

The exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Command and focused on integrating artillery firepower with air mobility to enable swift induction of combat assets into operational areas.

“The capability enables swift induction of combat power into operational areas, enhancing reach, agility, and operational preparedness in demanding terrain,” the Eastern Command said in a post on X.

The Brahmastra Corps, also known as XVII Corps, is a key formation under the Eastern Command.

The Army has been enhancing its capabilities to rapidly deploy lightweight artillery systems in difficult and high-altitude terrain, where air mobility can provide a significant operational advantage.—(NVI)

NC leaders pay tributes to Sheikh Abdullah on 44th death anniversary

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Srinagar, Sept 8 (NVI) National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday paid floral tributes to party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 44th death anniversary at his grave in Naseem Bagh here.

Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah visited the mausoleum of the former J&K prime minister and offered Fateha and prayers.

Several senior National Conference leaders, legislators, party functionaries, workers and supporters also gathered at Naseem Bagh to pay homage to Sheikh Abdullah, popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir.

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference, served as the first elected Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He died on September 8, 1982.—(NVI)

CRPF Head Constable dies in J&K’s Kathua suspected heart attack

REPRESENTATIONAL PIC.

Shivam Bakshi

Kathua, Sept 8 (NVI): A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) head constable died after he suddenly fell unconscious in Lakhanpur area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials said on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Rakesh Kumar, a head constable of the 121st Battalion of the CRPF, originally from Sikar district of Rajasthan and presently staying at a college in Marooli.

Kumar suddenly collapsed during the early hours of Saturday and was immediately shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Kathua, where doctors declared him brought dead, officials said.

His body was subsequently shifted to the mortuary for post-mortem examination.

The preliminary information suggests that Kumar may have suffered a cardiac arrest, though the exact cause of death will be established after the post-mortem, officials said.—(NVI)

CM Omar Inaugurates First International Film Festival of J&K in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sept 7 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) here, marking a new chapter in the Union Territory’s long association with cinema.

The four-day festival has brought together filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from more than 30 countries, with over 130 films being screened as part of the event.

The festival aims to showcase diverse cinematic voices from across the world and provide a platform for filmmakers, storytellers and creative talent in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the inaugural function, Abdullah said the festival reflects J&K’s intent to emerge as a vibrant destination for filmmakers and creative professionals from across the globe.

The IFFJK is also expected to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural and creative connect with the international film fraternity, while providing greater opportunities for local talent.

The festival will feature screenings and other cinema-related activities during its four-day run in Srinagar.(NVI)

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