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Mehbooba Mufti slams NC’s silence, vows PDP will lead the fight for Statehood, Special Status

File Photo: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today criticized the National Conference (NC) for its inaction on key issues, despite holding a significant number of seats, and asserted that the PDP would take the lead in fighting for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, statehood, and the release of political prisoners.

Speaking at the PDP’s general council meeting in Srinagar, Mufti expressed concern over the lack of discourse on these matters. “If 50 members of the National Conference in the Assembly cannot speak about the restoration of statehood, special status, or the rights of political prisoners, the PDP will take up the responsibility and fight on behalf of the people,” she said.

Her statement comes at a time when many political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are focusing on developmental issues, steering clear of topics like Article 370 and political detentions. Mehbooba reiterated the PDP’s unwavering commitment to addressing these challenges through democratic and constitutional means.

Highlighting the plight of political prisoners, many of whom have been detained since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, she stated, “These individuals represent the voice of the people, silenced for standing up for their rights. Their release is crucial to building trust and fostering peace.”

Mufti also criticized other political parties for their lack of will in addressing the region’s unique challenges. She reaffirmed the PDP’s determination to fight for the reinstatement of Article 370 and full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, calling these issues fundamental to restoring the dignity and rights of the people.

Her address also covered broader concerns, including unemployment, environmental degradation, and the growing drug crisis. She urged the government to prioritize policies that address the pressing needs of the region’s population over political expediency.

Concluding her speech, Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the PDP’s role as the voice of the people. “Others may choose silence, but the PDP will continue its fight for justice, peace, and the dignity of Jammu and Kashmir. We will always remain steadfast in defending the rights and aspirations of our people,” she said(News Vibes of India)

Amit Shah to Chair Security Review meeting in Delhi on Dec 19, Focus to be on J&K

Amit Shah calls urgent meeting to review spike in covid cases in Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah (file photo)

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14(NVI) : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to chair a high-level security meeting related to security affairs on December 19, in New Delhi.

Sources this meeting will focus on reviewing and strategizing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the government’s consistent efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. The session is being convened almost five months after a similar review meeting on June 16, underscoring the central government’s emphasis on maintaining a robust security framework in the Union Territory.

Key officials expected to attend the meeting include Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, the Director Generals of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and senior officers from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies. Their collective insights and recommendations will shape the strategies to combat terrorism and address evolving security challenges.

This meeting is of critical importance in light of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. Previous meetings have emphasized measures such as implementing an “area domination plan” and a “zero terror plan,” both of which focus on proactively neutralizing threats in the Kashmir Valley and replicating these successes in the Jammu region. Shah has repeatedly stressed the need for seamless coordination among security forces, rapid response mechanisms, and effective identification and management of vulnerable areas.

In earlier meetings, the Home Minister had directed security agencies to work in “mission mode” to strengthen the anti-terrorism framework, including cracking down on cross-border infiltration and dismantling local networks that aid militant activities. These measures are aligned with the central government’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and its goal of rooting out such activities from the region.

The December 19 meeting is expected to explore innovative approaches for tackling terrorism and ensuring long-term peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. It also serves as a reminder of the government’s intent to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the region’s security challenges, particularly in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape and the ongoing threats posed by cross-border terrorism.(News Vibes of India)

CIK cracks down on terror links, raids in Anantnag Jail, several villages in Kulgam

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of J&K Police today carried out a series of raids targeting District Jail Mattan in Anantnag district and two villages in Kulgam district of South Kashmir as part of a terror-related investigation.

According to a senior official, the raids were conducted following the discovery of “technical signatures” indicating suspicious activities inside the jail premises. CIK teams searched multiple blocks and barracks of District Jail Mattan, (Anantnag district) focusing on uncovering leads related to the ongoing case.

Simultaneously, CIK teams conducted searches in Sonigam and Chawalgam villages in Kulgam. The operations were carried out under search warrants issued by a competent court, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation.

“These searches are a critical part of an ongoing investigation into a terror case. Technical evidence suggests connections that required immediate action,” the official said.

Authorities remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the evidence uncovered or individuals under scrutiny.(News Vibes of India)

J&K,Ladakh under severe cold wave, Srinagar freezes at -4.6°C, Leh records -13°C

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): A relentless cold wave has tightened its grip over Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with falling temperatures disrupting daily life.

Sub-zero temperatures have turned much of the Valley into a frozen expanse, with residents battling frost and icy conditions as winter’s chill deepens.

The Kashmir is bearing the brunt of the severe cold. Sonamarg recorded the lowest temperature at a bone-chilling -9.6°C, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg followed closely at -8.4°C and -7.6°C, respectively.

Even Srinagar, the summer capital, saw mercury dipping to -4.6°C, marking one of the season’s coldest nights. The freezing conditions have left water supply lines frozen and roads treacherous, forcing residents to take extra precautions. Other districts, including Pulwama (-7.9°C), Anantnag (-7.7°C), and Larnoo (-7.8°C), have also been gripped by intense cold.

Known for its relatively milder winters, the Jammu region is also feeling the chill. Jammu city recorded a low of 3.6°C, while Samba and Udhampur experienced near-freezing temperatures at 0.4°C and 0.7°C, respectively. The hill towns of Bhaderwah and Banihal recorded -0.6°C and 4.9°C, adding to the icy conditions.

However, Ramban stood out with an unusually warm 14.0°C, providing some relief from the cold wave. In contrast, districts like Reasi (2.7°C) and Kathua (4.4°C) remained cold, highlighting the region’s diverse climatic conditions.

The Ladakh region witnessed some of the harshest temperatures, with Kargil recording an icy -14.3°C—the lowest in the region. Leh followed closely at -13.0°C, while Drass, known as one of the coldest inhabited places in the world, likely experienced even colder conditions, though official data was unavailable.

The freezing temperatures have severely impacted daily life, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh. Frozen water pipes, icy roads and power outages have become common, forcing residents to rely on traditional heating methods. In Jammu’s plains, the cold has driven up demand for heating equipment, woolens and blankets, while frost poses challenges for farmers, affecting crops and livestock.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that the current cold wave is likely to persist, with no wet spell expected until at least December 20. (News Vibes of India)

Ridiculous rumours in POJK

Muzaffarabad (POJK), Dec 14 (NVI) Some parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir were abuzz with a ridiculous rumour that about 25-30 personnel of Indian Army crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in Hajira area on Friday (yesterday) and harassed some local women here.

The rumour kept spreading even after the POJK Police rubbished the claim and said action would be taken against those responsible for circulating the “disinformation”.

A leader of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), which wants Pakistan to vacate POJK, hinted that the rumour-mongering could be ploy of the Pakistani agencies as the “movement for azadi” is gaining momentum.

“These people resort to such tactics whenever the movement for azadi gains momentum,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Hajira) asserted that there was no truth in the claims made by some locals that they saw the Indian Army personnel and dubbed these versions as “disinformation”.

In a video message, he said the police had spoken to those who made the claims but there was no evidence supporting their statements.

He said there was some design behind spreading the rumour and warned of action against those behind it.

The rumour spread after a man claimed that he saw some women running from their homes at the time of Friday prayers, saying that Indian Army men had entered their houses.

He claimed he saw some 25-30 men in the uniform of Indian Army and fired at them from his personal weapon as they “ran back”.

He even claimed that two of the Indian Army men were injured due to his firing and they were evacuated by others across the LoC.

The man went to the extent of claiming that he informed Pakistan army men close by and asked them to fire at the Indian soldiers but they refused, saying they didn’t have the “orders” to do so.

Several local leaders, including those of National Equality Party of JK and Gilgit-Baltistan, refused to accept the theory that the Indian troops crossed LoC during ceasefire and were fired upon and injured by locals while the Pakistan Army did nothing.

Some dismissed it as a figment of imagination while some others said it could be a ploy of Pakistani agencies to incite locals to stage protests against India.

Insisting that the claims were not believable, they asked for video evidence.

“In the current times, every one has a mobile phone with camera. Did nobody make any video? Is there any video? Please present one,” said one leader. (NVI)

30 Artists to represent J&K at 28th National Youth Festival in New Delhi

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec13 (NVI): In a remarkable achievement for Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, 30 talented artists and students have been selected to represent the Union Territory at the prestigious 28th National Youth Festival.

The event is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on January 11 and 12, 2025, under the benign presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The festival aims to empower young individuals by providing them with a national platform to showcase their skills, creativity, and cultural diversity, while fostering leadership qualities and a sense of community.

Speaking at the conclusion of the Inter-Division UT-level competition, Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, lauded the immense potential of the region’s youth. He stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level by ensuring access to quality education enriched with high moral values and ethical standards. Hafeez emphasized that the youth of today possess unparalleled energy and dynamism, which, when channeled correctly, can lead to transformative social and cultural contributions.

The Secretary highlighted the role of such events in guiding the youth towards constructive paths, steering them away from drug abuse and other social evils. He expressed his gratitude to the organizers, parents, teachers, and trainers for their dedication and efforts in making the event a grand success. Hafeez described the upcoming opportunity to participate in the National Youth Festival as a “dream come true” for the selected participants, enabling them to interact with peers from across the country, exchange ideas, and learn from diverse cultural experiences.

The selected 30 artists and students impressed audiences with their stellar performances in various categories, including 10 in Folk Song, 10 in Folk Dance, and 2 each in Painting, Poetry, Thematic Presentations, Story Writing, and Declamation. Their participation in the festival will not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir but also promote cultural exchange and understanding, a key objective of the event.

Deputy Director of Youth Services and Sports (Central), Jitendra Mishra, welcomed the attendees and shed light on the significance of the day, noting that the festival aims to identify and nurture young talent while fostering a vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Sarmad Hafeez further added that events like these help the youth build friendships, exchange languages and traditions, and develop a sense of unity in diversity.

Prominent dignitaries present at the event included Rajinder Singh Tara, Director General of Youth Services and Sports, Joint Director Ved Prakash, and an expert panel of adjudicators, all of whom played a vital role in the selection process. The 28th National Youth Festival promises to be a milestone event for the young artists of J&K, inspiring them to reach new heights and contribute meaningfully to their communities.(News Vibes of India)

LG engages with TN delegation in Jammu, Stresses on Youth’s role in nation building, social transformation

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 13(NVI) : Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, today had a meaningful interaction with a delegation of youth from Tamil Nadu, who are in the Union Territory as part of the Yuva Sangam initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program.

An official statement issued here said that the five-day visit aims to foster a deeper sense of unity, understanding and cooperation among young people from different states and the Lieutenant Governor took the opportunity to engage with the group, exploring their experiences and insights gained during their visit to J&K.

During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor praised the sharp social consciousness of the youth, acknowledging that their ambitions are not only centered around personal achievements but also the larger goal of contributing to the nation’s development. He emphasized how the youth of India are actively working toward constructing a society founded on equality, social justice, and prosperity. The LG stressed that the youth have begun to take charge of their futures, developing innovative solutions and ideas to tackle contemporary challenges.

The Lieutenant Governor also shed light on the significant strides made in the past decade in creating an enabling environment for young people through youth-specific policies and programs. These initiatives have been instrumental in empowering youth to realize their dreams and aspirations, with the support of targeted measures designed to cultivate creativity, leadership, and self-reliance.

Further highlighting the cultural and historical connection between Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu, Sinha pointed out the deep, enduring bond that has existed between the two regions for centuries. He spoke of the shared chapters of India’s rich history and how both regions have produced numerous influential figures whose contributions continue to shape the nation’s destiny.

Sinha also lauded the Yuva Sangam initiative, which has become a vital platform for promoting unity in diversity. The program fosters connections among young people from different cultural backgrounds, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, dialogue, and mutual understanding. The Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in unlocking the potential of India’s diverse population and promoting a spirit of oneness through initiatives like Yuva Sangam.

Through these efforts, the Yuva Sangam not only facilitates the exchange of ideas but also reinforces the importance of collaboration and collective progress among India’s youth, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and unity of the nation. (News Vibes of India)

Pakistan: TTP asks its cadres to go after security personnel

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters (File Pic)

Peshawar (Pakistan), Dec 13 (NVI) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) today said it has instructed its cadres to target personnel of the Pakistani security agencies as a two-month period granted to them to quit their jobs has expired.

In a statement, TTP spokesman Muhammad Khurasani said two months back, the leadership of the Islamist militant group had “encouraged security agency officials to quit their jobs and adopt halal means of livelihood”.

“At the end of the two-month period, the leadership of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan instructs all the Mujahideen to implement what was announced two months ago,” he said.

The TTP cadres have been instructed that they should arrest the security personnel, including the police, who are looting the people.

If arresting a security peron is not possible, he should be killed.

However, is some security personnel still have an excuse, they may “contact the local leadership of the Mujahideen and surrender”.

In that case, they should not be killed.

“And if any of the family members of the Mujahideen are arrested, then the members of the families of the officials of the security agencies should be arrested too in retaliation,” he said.

“In the same manner, if the houses of the Mujahideen are demolished, then the houses of the officials of the security agencies should also be demolished.” (NVI)

Shelter to Terrorists : Police attach property in Kulgam district under UAPA

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 13 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kulgam today attached a property under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district in connection with the case regarding providing shelter to terrorists.

Police said the property, a single-storied residential house, is registered in the name of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chenigam, Frisal. The house spans 10 Marlas (Survey No. 293 Min).

This property attachment is connected to Case FIR No. 53/2024 registered at Police Station Yaripora, with the action carried out by a duly constituted police team in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. This ensures full compliance with the law, as the process follows all legal protocols.

Police said the property is directly linked to providing shelter to four terrorists who were neutralized on June 7, 2024 in the said residential house. This significant step is part of ongoing efforts by the J&K Police to dismantle terrorist networks and curb subversive activities within the district (News Vibes of India)

Police seize illicit Timber in Bandipora district, Mill owner arrested

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 13 (NVI): In a joint operation, police and forest officials today seized a substantial amount of illicit timber in the Watapora area of Bandipora district of North Kashmir.

Acting on specific intelligence, a team from the Bandipora Police Station, along with forest officials, conducted a raid at a designated location in the village.

During the search, authorities recovered 197 wooden sleepers of Deodar and Kail trees, measuring approximately 134 cubic feet. The operation also led to the seizure of a bandsaw mill and the owner of the mill was arrested on the spot.

A case has been registered at the Bandipora Police Station under the relevant sections of the law, and further investigations are ongoing. (News Vibes of India)

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