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Budgam Police launches major crackdown on illegal Mining: 33 Vehicles Seized, 9 arrested,FIRs registered

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 17 (NVI): In a determined effort to combat illegal mining activities, J&K Police in Budgam district have seized a total of 33 vehicles, including 14 tractors, 18 tippers, and one LNT (Loader and Tipper), involved in the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals in the district.

The crackdown, which spanned over the months of November and December 2024, also led to the arrest of nine individuals who were found to be directly involved in these illegal operations.

The police have registered six First Information Reports (FIRs) at different police stations in the district, namely Magam, Beerwah and Khansahib, as part of their ongoing efforts to address the illegal mining menace. These vehicles were being used to illegally transport minerals, contributing to the degradation of local resources and posing environmental hazards.

The authorities have emphasized that this drive is part of a broader initiative to curb illegal mining activities, which have been increasing in recent months. In addition to the seizure of vehicles and arrests, the police have also imposed fines totaling lakhs of rupees on those involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. The fines are aimed at deterring violators and sending a strong message that illegal mining will not be tolerated in the district.

The crackdown is being carried out in close collaboration with the Mineral Department of Budgam, ensuring that all illegal activities are swiftly identified and dealt with. The authorities are determined to maintain strict enforcement and hold violators accountable for their actions.

Budgam Police have called on local communities to play an active role in reporting any illegal mining activities they witness in their neighborhoods. “We urge the public to come forward with any information regarding illegal mining. Community participation is crucial in our efforts to protect the environment and natural resources from exploitation,” a police spokesperson said.

This proactive approach underscores the commitment of Budgam Police to take stern action against those who flout mining laws, disrupt the environment, and harm public welfare. With the drive continuing through December, authorities are hopeful that such actions will serve as a deterrent and curb the growing problem of illegal mining in the area.(News Vibes of India)

One Nation, One Election worth considering for Fiscal efficiency : Satish Sharma

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 17 (NVI): Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, today expressed a cautiously optimistic view on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, suggesting it could be a significant step forward if it leads to substantial savings of taxpayers’ money and national resources.

Talking to reporters in Udhampur, Sharma highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the draft bill before reaching a final decision. “While I have not yet studied the draft in detail, the proposal holds promise if it helps save resources and reduces fiscal burdens,” he remarked.

Sharma emphasized the importance of collective deliberations, stating that discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would be necessary to form a unified and well-informed stance.

Referring to both historical and international precedents, Sharma pointed out that India had conducted simultaneous elections successfully in the early post-independence years, which streamlined processes and reduced costs. He also cited Europe, where concurrent electoral systems are practiced, to underline the feasibility of the idea.

The minister underscored that any initiative ensuring financial efficiency and resource savings deserves serious consideration. “Responsible governance must prioritize economic prudence and policies that serve taxpayers’ interests,” he added.

While stopping short of a definitive conclusion, Sharma’s remarks reflected an openness to further dialogue and scrutiny, emphasizing that the proposal’s fiscal benefits could make it a transformative step for the nation. (News Vibes of India)

Frozen waterfall in Drang, Tangmarg becomes major tourist attraction in Kashmir

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 17 (NVI): The frozen waterfall in Drang, North Kashmir’s Tangmarg area in Baramulla district has quickly turned into a major attraction for tourists, drawing nature lovers, adventurers and photographers from across the region and beyond.

Amid the serene, snow-capped landscapes of the Kashmir Valley, the waterfall, now encased in ice, has become a most visited selfie point by both domestic and also foreign tourists.

Tourists visiting the Valley are enchanted by the sight of the waterfall frozen mid-flow, creating a mesmerizing ice sculpture that stands out against the backdrop of snow-covered hills and trees.

Rohit, a tourist from Delhi, shared his awe at the scene: “The frozen waterfall in Drang is a magical sight – nature’s beauty frozen in time. It’s a reminder of how awe-inspiring the world can be in winter.”

Katherine, an international traveler, said: “Seeing this frozen wonder in person is like stepping into a winter fairy tale. The serenity and beauty here are beyond words.”

The location of the waterfall, nestled in the peaceful town of Drang, adds to its charm. The winter season, known for its crisp, cold air and picturesque landscapes, has given tourists the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s natural wonders.

Local authorities have also noticed an increase in visitors, and tourism-related businesses in the area are benefiting from the growing number of tourists drawn to the frozen waterfall. “Drang’s frozen waterfall is truly a hidden gem. It’s peaceful, stunning, and a reminder of the pure beauty that winter brings to this region,” said James, a nature enthusiast.

The growing popularity of the frozen waterfall in Drang adds to Kashmir’s reputation as a premier winter destination, attracting visitors eager to witness the majestic beauty of the region during the colder months.(News Vibes of India)

GoC 16 Corps reviews operational preparedness at Tristar, Anita sectors of Jammu

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 17(NVI):The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 16 Corps Lt General Naveen Sachdeva accompanied today visited key military locations at Tristar and Anita to review the operational preparedness and readiness of the troops.

During the visit, the GoC interacted with officers and soldiers, appreciating their dedication, commitment, and professionalism in carrying out their duties. He stressed on the importance of maintaining the highest standards of operational readiness to effectively respond to emerging security challenges in the region.

The GoC acknowledged the hard work, discipline, and vigilance displayed by the troops, underscoring their critical role in safeguarding national interests and ensuring stability. Addressing the personnel, he highlighted the need to adapt to evolving operational scenarios while upholding the traditions and ethos of the Indian Army.

The visit served as a significant morale booster for the troops, reinforcing the importance of staying mission-ready at all times. The GOC also lauded the efforts of the formations for their role in ensuring peaceful and stability in the region.

The 16 corps tasked with ismaintaining security in the area, continues to play a pivotal role in operational dominance and safeguarding national integrity in the Jammu (News Vibes of India)

Police arrests 3 gamblers in Srinagar, Stake money seized

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 17 (NVI):Police in Srinagar arrested three gamblers and seized stake money from their possession.

Police said acting on reliable information regarding the gambling activities, a police party of Police Station Bemina raided the specific location and arrested three gamblers.

They have been identified as Ubaid Ahmad Mir son of Ab Razak Mir, Aamir Hameed Shooda son of Ab Hameed and Adil Ahmad Gashroo son of Bashir Ahmad, all residents of Arampora Qamarwari. Stake money of Rs 11,460/-, playing cards and three mobile phones have been recovered from their possession.

Accordingly, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Bemina and investigation has been initiated.

Persons found indulging in criminal activities shall be dealt with as per law. Community members are requested to share information regarding the crimes in their neighbourhood with the local Police units.    (News Vibes of India)

Water bodies freeze partially, Severe cold wave grips J&K, Ladakh

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 17 (NVI):A biting cold wave swept through the Kashmir Valley, Jammu region, and Ladakh with temperatures plummeting to sub-zero levels across most parts, bringing life to a near standstill. The freezing conditions continued unabated as both higher and lower altitude areas recorded some of the coldest temperatures of the season.

In the Kashmir Valley, the coldest place was Anantnag and Shopian, both plunging to a chilling -8.9°C, followed closely by Larnoo at -8.8°C and Pulwama at -8.5°C. The popular tourist destinations of Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded -6.8°C and -4.0°C, respectively, while Sonamarg was gripped by an even harsher -7.7°C. Srinagar froze at -5.3 degrees Celsius temperatures with water bodies including famous Dal Lake freezing partially at some places.

Meanwhile, in the Jammu region, sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Padder at -8.3°C, making it the coldest location in the division. Udhampur dipped to -0.5°C, and Samba recorded a near-freezing 0.5°C. Other areas like Jammu city remained relatively warmer at 4.9°C, providing slight respite to the residents.

In the Ladakh region, the harsh winter deepened further as Kargil recorded the lowest temperature of the day at -12.5°C, followed by Leh at -8.8°C. The extreme temperatures in Ladakh have severely disrupted daily life, with frozen water pipes and icy roads becoming common obstacles for residents.

The ongoing cold wave has left residents scrambling for warmth, with demand for heating devices, firewood, and winter essentials soaring. Officials have urged people to take precautions to avoid weather-related ailments.

Meteorological experts suggest the frigid conditions may persist for the coming days, with clear skies exacerbating the drop in nighttime temperatures. Tourists in Kashmir and Ladakh are braving the chill to enjoy the winter landscape, particularly in hotspots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, where the snow-covered scenery has turned into a visual delight.

Authorities remain on high alert, ensuring the smooth supply of essential commodities and responding to potential disruptions caused by the freezing conditions(News Vibes of India)

CM Omar vows to keep governance unbiased, chairs review meeting in Samba

File Photo: CM Omar Abdullah

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 16(NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his commitment to unbiased governance, emphasizing that public issues would be addressed without political influence.

Chairing a district review meeting at the Conference Hall in Samba, the CM stressed that the administration would prioritize public welfare over party lines.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and other key ministers, Abdullah urged officials to address concerns raised by elected representatives with urgency, noting the importance of responsiveness in governance. “We must prioritize whether a project holds public utility or addresses public issues; if it does, it must be processed and dealt with promptly,” he stated.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the impact of the recent elections, which led to delays in developmental activities, and urged the administration to speed up projects moving forward. He also highlighted the need for timely submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs) to ensure continued financial support from the central government.

Abdullah took note of critical issues raised during the meeting, including progress on industrial estates, smart meter installations, drug addiction, and infrastructure concerns such as the Katra-Amritsar-Delhi Expressway project. He emphasized coordinated efforts to tackle drug addiction, citing its growing menace in the region, and urged swift action on staffing shortages in hospitals and schools.

The CM also addressed grievances submitted during the public redressal camp, assuring residents, industrial representatives, and delegations from remote areas that their concerns would be resolved swiftly.

In closing, Omar Abdullah praised the district’s performance despite challenges and encouraged stakeholders to submit priority projects for inclusion in the upcoming budget proposals. (News Vibes of India)

J&K Transport Commissioner sets Jan 31 deadline for CCTV installation in school buses

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 16(NVI): In a significant move to enhance student safety, Transport Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan has set January 31, 2025, as the deadline for installing CCTV cameras in all school buses in Jammu and Kashmir.

An official statement said the directive follows the Supreme Court’s safety guidelines for school transportation and aims to ensure continuous monitoring of drivers and support staff during transit.

During a high-level meeting with representatives from various schools, Mahajan stressed the importance of a comprehensive safety audit for vehicles ferrying students. He called for active cooperation from school authorities to ensure compliance with the new measures. The installation of CCTV cameras, along with other safety requirements, is intended to provide a safer and more secure environment for children.

The commissioner also directed schools to fit all vehicles with functional speed governors, setting the speed limit at 40 km/h as per the guidelines. Additionally, he warned that school buses found violating safety norms—such as overloading, over speeding, or lacking essential safety features—would be seized immediately.

Apart from the mandatory CCTV cameras, schools were instructed to ensure that buses have emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, GPS trackers, seat belts, and fire detection alarm systems. The schools were also urged to conduct regular counseling sessions with parents to discourage underage driving among students and raise awareness about its consequences.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that while many schools have their own fleet of buses, private vehicles hired by parents are also used for student transportation. The commissioner emphasized that it is the responsibility of schools to ensure these private vehicles also adhere to safety norms.

The meeting, attended by senior officials, including Joint Transport Commissioner Vinay Samotra and Assistant Transport Commissioner, aimed to reinforce the government’s commitment to the safety of schoolchildren. Mahajan urged schools to ensure compliance with all measures and reiterated that the safety of students is a non-negotiable priority.

This initiative, coupled with strict enforcement of the guidelines, is expected to reduce risks and create a safer commuting environment for schoolchildren across Jammu and Kashmir (News Vibes of India)

J&K Police attach residential properties of drug peddlers in border area of Karnah

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 16 (NVI): In a landmark action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Kupwara Police have attached two residential properties belonging to drug peddlers in the border area of Karnah.

This marks the first time such stringent measures have been implemented in the region, reflecting the police’s firm commitment to eradicating the drug menace.

The first property, located in Pingla Haridal, belongs to Riyaz Ahmad Shah, son of Talib Hussain Shah. It was attached in connection with an FIR (No. 02/2019) registered under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Karnah.

The second property, situated in Chitterkote Karnah, belongs to Jahangir Ahmad Khan, son of Rehmat Ali Khan. This attachment is linked to FIR No. 14/2020 under the same Act.

The combined market value of the two properties is estimated at approximately Rs 40 lakh. This action by Kupwara Police is seen as a strong deterrent to drug trafficking in the district, particularly in sensitive border areas like Karnah.

Police have urged the public to support their anti-drug efforts by reporting any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. Authorities believe community cooperation is essential to creating a drug-free and secure environment for all residents(News Vibes of India)

Sajjad Lone accuses Omar Abdullah of surrendering to BJP

NVI Correspondent,

Srinagar, Dec 16 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Lone today launched a scathing attack on National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, accusing him of “surrendering” to the BJP and abandoning the fight for statehood restoration in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lone claimed that Omar Abdullah, who previously positioned himself as a strong critic of the BJP, is now “pleading before them,” signaling a shift in his political stance. He suggested that this undermines the anti-BJP sentiment that Abdullah once represented.

Taking a jibe at Abdullah’s approach to statehood restoration, Lone remarked, “Had Omar Abdullah been serious about statehood, he would have called for a joint meeting of all parties, including the BJP.” This, he said, would have demonstrated a collective commitment to the cause and put pressure on New Delhi to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

The remarks come amid growing political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, as opposition parties continue to demand the restoration of statehood, which was revoked in August 2019. Abdullah, however, has not responded to Lone’s accusations so far.

Lone’s comments highlight divisions among the political leadership in the region, as parties grapple with strategies to address the lingering challenges post the abrogation of Article 370.

Observers believe the statement is likely to escalate tensions between the NC and Lone’s People’s Conference, both key players in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. (News Vibes of India)

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