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J&K Must Retain Top Spot in Vande Mataram Campaign: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged people to carry forward the spirit of patriotism, unity and national service, saying the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has evolved into a mass movement of national consciousness.

Addressing a Tiranga Mahotsav at the Botanical Garden here, Sinha called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that the Union Territory retains its top position in the next phase of the Vande Mataram campaign.

He said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, launched in 2022, was aimed at reviving the respect, emotional connect and sense of belonging towards the national flag.

“When the Tiranga waves across millions of homes, it is not just the flag that waves, but the hearts of 140 crore Indians that are united by the same feeling, faith and resolve,” he said.

Referring to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Sinha said the song represented the immortal voice of the nation’s soul and played a significant role in awakening national consciousness, courage, self-confidence and self-respect during the freedom struggle.

He congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the campaign, saying their efforts had become a source of inspiration for the entire country.

“I am proud that the youth and citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, along with all those associated with the Vande Mataram campaign, have helped make Jammu and Kashmir the best in the country,” he said.

Sinha urged people to work harder to maintain the UT’s number one position in the next phase of the campaign, saying the achievement should not be viewed merely in terms of numbers but as an expression of an “unbreakable national consciousness”.

He said the participation of districts such as Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Jammu and Srinagar reflected the growing spirit of national unity.

The lieutenant governor said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and Vande Mataram campaigns should inspire citizens to contribute towards building the India envisioned by freedom fighters and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

“If our ancestors protected the nation with their blood, sweat and tears, it is our responsibility to protect it with our character, honesty, dedication, unity and service,” he said.

Describing the campaigns as more than just national initiatives, Sinha said they symbolised a new era and a new Jammu and Kashmir that was confident, development-oriented and firmly moving towards the future.

He urged people to take a pledge that the Tiranga should remain high not only on the rooftops but also in their thoughts, character and actions.

Sinha also called for imbibing the spirit of Vande Mataram in every action, decision and responsibility and urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs by working towards a prosperous, safe and just nation offering equal opportunities to all.

He called for collective efforts to build an economically strong Jammu and Kashmir that takes pride in Indian culture, traditions and spiritual values.(NVI)

J&K: Police conduct searches in 36-year-old murder of Kashmir Pandit poet Premi and son

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Wednesday conducted searches at nine locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a 1990 double-murder of Kashmiri Pandit poet Sarwanand Koul Premi and his son Virender.

Sarwanand Koul Premi and his 27-year-old son were abducted from their home in Anantnag in south Kashmir by unidentifed terrorists in May 1990 and they were subsequently found killed.

The searches were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation into an FIR registered at Dooru police station in Anantnag district in 1990, officials said.

The case, registered as FIR No. 45/1990, is now being investigated by the SIA, officials said.

Further details regarding the locations searched and the outcome of the searches were not immediately available.(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 32 Pakistani soldiers, associates & injuring dozens in 8 days

Balochistan
Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOQ) of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta (Balochistan), Aug 12 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight claimed to have killed more than 32 personnel and associates of the occupying Pakistan Army and injured several others in 38 operations across Balochistan during a span of 8 days.

In these operations, BLA targeted the Pakistani army, its trade and communication routes, death squads, and exploitative projects across various areas of Balochistan, the outfit’s spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

As a result of these operations, carried out between August 1 and 8, “more than 32 enemy personnel and operatives were killed and dozens were injured, while several armored and military vehicles, a quadcopter, bridges, and a railway track were destroyed,” the spokesman said.

Additionally, an intelligence operative in custody was executed, and a large quantity of military equipment was seized, he added.

One big attack was carried out on August 3 in Jojki area of Chagai, where the BLA targeted two large convoys of the occupying Pakistani army and commercial vehicles, according to Jeeyand Baloch.

“One military vehicle was destroyed by a rocket strike, while another enemy vehicle took a direct hit, leaving nine personnel dead and several injured,” the spokesman said.

Multiple commercial vehicles in the convoy were also targeted during this operation, he said.

On the same day, the BLA fighters took control of a police checkpoint on the Quetta-Karachi main highway in the Nami area of Bela, detaining 9 personnel present and confiscating their weapons and motorcycles.

The BLA later released the other personnel, while the checkpoint in-charge, Sub-Inspector Gulab, remains in custody undergoing interrogation, the spokesman said.

Furthermore, in the Nok Chah area of Chagai, BLA fighters seized control of the trade route and conducted snap checking, during which one commercial vehicle was set on fire and another was damaged by gunfire, he said.

Two suspicious drivers were detained and later released after questioning.

BLA fighters also targeted a convoy belonging to the Saindak Project and other commercial vehicles at Chhattar, seizing one vehicle.

On the same day, the BLA fighters destroyed a railway track near Musa Colony in Quetta using explosives.

The next day, BLA fighers destroyed a bridge on the trade route with explosives in Yakmach in Chagai and carried out an ambush in the afternoon targeting commercial vehicles and the occupying army.

In this 40-minute attack, several occupying army personnel were killed, and sarmachars shot down an enemy quadcopter, the spokesman said.

On August 8, BLA fighters ambushed an armored vehicle and another military vehicle of the occupying forces in Marjan area of Kalat district, killing three soldiers on the spot.

Meanwhile, in the Siah Pusht area of Mastung district, BLA fighters targeted an occupying army vehicle first with an explosive device and then with an armed attack, the spokesman said.

In Dasht (Mastung), they also inflicted casualties on the occupying army in an armed attack, he added.

In a separate attack in the Dorwa area of Kharan district, BLA fighters targeted two vehicles of the occupying army in an armed attack, causing casualties.

On the same day in Killa Abdullah, BLA fighters seized stocks stored under a government scheme.

During this operation, personnel of the occupying army and their non-uniformed associates, called ‘death squad’ attempted to advance into the area, where they were ambushed by the BLA fighters, the spokesman said.

Out of eight military vehicles, two took direct hits, and at night, BLA launched another attack on the occupying army and death squad at the same location.

These attacks resulted in a total of 9 deaths, the majority of whom were members of the “death squad”, Jeeyand Baloch said. (NVI)

J&K Notifies New Ex-Gratia Rules, ₹25 Lakh Relief for Domicile Defence Personnel

Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has revised the rates and provisions for payment of ex-gratia relief under Security Related Expenditure (SRE), including ₹25 lakh for the death of a domicile defence or Central Armed Police Forces personnel in a terrorism-related incident.

The revised provisions were notified through Government Order No. 1387-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated August 10, and supersede the instructions issued in December 2025.

According to the order, an ex-gratia of ₹7 lakh will be paid from the Police Welfare Fund and ₹5 lakh from the J&K government budget in case of death of police personnel.

The order provides ₹5 lakh for the death of a Special Police Officer (SPO) and ₹2 lakh in case of death of an ex-serviceman. Relief has also been prescribed for police personnel suffering permanent or partial disability.

For defence personnel and Central Armed Police Forces, ₹25 lakh will be provided for the death of a J&K domicile killed in a terrorism-related incident, whether within or outside the Union Territory. In case of a non-domicile killed in J&K, the relief has been fixed at ₹5 lakh.

The government has also laid down provisions for permanent and partial disability of defence and paramilitary personnel.

For government employees other than police personnel, the order provides ₹2 lakh in case of death of a magistrate and ₹1 lakh for the death of other employees. Relief of ₹75,000 has been prescribed for permanent disability, while ₹5,000 will be paid for serious injuries requiring hospitalisation for more than 24 hours, ₹1,000 for hospitalisation of less than 24 hours and ₹500 for minor injuries requiring first aid.

The relief for government employees will be admissible only when death, disability or injury occurs as a consequence of, or during the discharge of, official duties, the order said.

For civilians, the government has fixed ex-gratia relief at ₹1 lakh in case of death, including death caused by shelling along the Line of Control. An amount of ₹75,000 has been prescribed for surrendered terrorist and ₹1 lakh for terrioists-turned-informers killed in such incidents.

The order also provides ₹5,000 for permanent serious injuries involving hospitalisation for more than 24 hours, ₹1,000 for hospitalisation of less than 24 hours and ₹500 for minor injuries.

Civilian relief will be admissible only to those killed, disabled or injured innocently and not directly or indirectly involved in violence or its instigation, it said.

For damage to movable and immovable property caused during counter-terrorist activities, relief will be subject to an overall ceiling of ₹10 lakh per case. The ceiling includes ₹7 lakh for immovable property and ₹3 lakh for movable property, or the actual assessed loss, whichever is lower.

In cases of damage caused by cross-border shelling or firing along the International Border or Line of Control, relief will be limited to 50 per cent of the assessed loss, subject to the prescribed ceiling.

For damage to immovable property caused by bomb blasts or other acts of sabotage, ex-gratia relief will be 50 per cent of the assessed loss, subject to a maximum of ₹1 lakh.

The order said such property-damage claims will be sanctioned by the concerned Deputy Commissioner on the recommendations of the District Level Screening-cum-Coordination Committee.

An aggrieved person can appeal against the Deputy Commissioner’s order on assessment of damage to immovable property before the concerned Divisional Commissioner within 30 days.

The consolidated instructions were issued by the General Administration Department on the orders of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and signed by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government M Raju.(NVI)

J&K BJP suspends Pulwama district president over extortion FIR

Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has suspended its Pulwama district president Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from all party positions following the registration of an FIR alleging extortion against him, the party said on Tuesday.

The suspension was ordered by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma on the recommendation of the party’s disciplinary committee chairman and chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi.

Sethi said the allegations against Andrabi were serious and warranted organisational action, while stressing that the suspension should not be construed as a finding of guilt.

“While the law will take its own course and every individual is entitled to due process, the BJP has an equally important responsibility to uphold its organisational values and ethical standards,” Sethi said in a statement.

He said an office-bearer facing serious allegations should not continue to hold a responsible organisational position while the matter is being examined through the party’s disciplinary mechanism.

The BJP said disciplinary proceedings against Andrabi would be conducted in accordance with the party constitution and established procedures, with the concerned office-bearer being given an opportunity to present his case.

Sethi said the action was aimed at protecting the credibility and reputation of the party and maintaining public confidence in the organisation.

The party reiterated that the criminal allegations would be subject to due process of law and that its internal disciplinary proceedings would independently examine the matter.

Andrabi will remain suspended from all official party positions, including the post of Pulwama district president, pending completion of the disciplinary proceedings, the BJP said.(NVI)

Indian Navy’s Indigenous Patrol Fleet Gets Stronger With ‘Shruti’ Launch

Kolkata, Aug 11 (NVI): The Indian Navy’s next-generation offshore patrol vessel (NGOPV) ‘Shruti’ was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) here on Tuesday, marking another milestone in the country’s drive towards indigenous warship construction.

The vessel, designated Yard 3037, was launched by Manika Sadhu in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, the Navy said.

Senior officials from the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence and GRSE attended the launch ceremony, which was conducted in accordance with naval traditions and ethos.

The NGOPVs are being constructed concurrently at GRSE in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa. The indigenously designed and built vessels are intended to augment the Navy’s existing offshore patrol vessel fleet and undertake a range of maritime missions.

The vessels will be deployed for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, protection of offshore assets, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and anti-piracy missions, officials said.

The ship has been named ‘Shruti’, drawing from India’s rich heritage and referring to the four Vedas. Its crest features the constellation of Ursa Major along with a red-and-white lighthouse.

The launch of ‘Shruti’ underscores the Indian Navy’s focus on strengthening indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and is in line with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.(NVI)

Army Chief reviews operational preparedness of Rising Star Corps

Jammu, Aug 11 (NVI): Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday reviewed the operational preparedness of Rising Star Corps during his ongoing visit to Western Command, the Army said.

The Army chief was briefed on the evolving security environment and various initiatives related to technology absorption, it said.

General Seth appreciated the formation’s operational readiness and its efforts towards nation-building, while stressing the need for constant vigilance, battle readiness and a high level of operational preparedness at all times.

The Army chief’s visit comes amid heightened focus on strengthening operational capabilities and ensuring preparedness to meet emerging security challenges, the Army said.—(NVI)

Div Com Kashmir reviews preparations for Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium

Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI) Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Tuesday inspected the preparations at Bakshi Stadium here for the Independence Day celebrations and directed officials to ensure all arrangements are completed well in advance.

During the inspection, Garg reviewed arrangements including seating, the public address system, overhead covering of stands and adherence to protocol during the signing of the National Song followed by the National Anthem.

He directed officials to ensure the preparedness of contingents from schools, colleges and the Sports Council and called for their enthusiastic participation in the ceremonial proceedings.

In view of the possibility of rainfall, the divisional commissioner directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to put in place an effective dewatering mechanism and ensure that the Fire and Emergency Services dewatering pump remains operational at the venue.

He also directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper floral decoration of the podium and the operational readiness of all seven LED screens installed at the stadium.

Garg stressed the need for close coordination among all departments to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.

The inspection was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Joint Director Information and senior officers from various departments, including R&B, PHE, School Education, Higher Education, Fire and Emergency Services, Hospitality and Protocol, KPDCL, UEED and Youth Services and Sports.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, and other senior police and security officials were also present.(NVI)

Udhampur-Reasi DIG reviews security preparedness ahead of Independence Day

Shivam Bakshi

Udhampur, Aug 11 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Police DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Shiv Kumar Sharma on Tuesday reviewed security preparedness in Udhampur and Reasi districts ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

Sharma chaired a meeting attended by senior police officers and representatives of the Army, CRPF, BSF, CID, IB and other security agencies and directed them to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the celebrations.

The DIG reviewed the overall security scenario in both districts and stressed upon officers to maintain close coordination and effective communication among all stakeholders.

He directed the officers to strengthen security around vital installations, religious places, sensitive locations and important public places. Directions were also issued to intensify checking and surveillance, strengthen nakas and enhance security at vulnerable and strategic points.

Special emphasis was laid on security arrangements at venues where Independence Day programmes will be held, including access control, adequate deployment of security personnel and traffic management.

Sharma also called for round-the-clock vigilance and prompt response to any emerging security challenge, while directing officers to ensure all arrangements are put in place well in advance.

The meeting was attended by SSPs of Udhampur and Reasi, Army officers, including Colonel-rank officers, Commanding Officers of CRPF battalions deployed in the two districts, a BSF Commanding Officer, senior police officers and representatives of CID, IB and other security agencies.(NVI)

J&K ACB registers graft case against former Patwari in Kishtwar

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 11 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against a former patwari in Kishtwar district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 3 lakh for issuing a land document, officials said on Tuesday.

The case was registered against Mohd Arif Mir, the then Patwari of Patwar Halqa Trigam, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB Doda, they said.

According to the ACB, a verification conducted by its DKR Jammu unit found that Mir allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh from the complainant for issuance of a Fard, a land record document.

The accused allegedly accepted Rs 3 lakh through a cheque as illegal gratification, following which the Fard was issued, the agency said.

During the investigation, the ACB obtained a search warrant from the competent court and conducted a search at Mir’s residential premises at Malipeth near Grid Station in Kishtwar in the presence of a magistrate and independent witnesses.

Further investigation into the case is underway, the ACB said.(NVI)

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