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Rain, Gusty Winds to Continue in J&K Till May 4; MeT Warns of Thunderstorms, Hail

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, May 2 (NVI): The Meteorological Department on Saturday said that changing weather patterns will persist across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, bringing rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to several areas of the Union Territory.

Director MeT Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that on May 2, scattered places are likely to receive intermittent light rain and thundershowers, mainly during the afternoon, accompanied by gusty winds.

He said that during May 3 and 4, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places. Thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph may occur at a few locations during different parts of the day.

The department further said that on May 5, brief spells of light rain or thundershowers are likely at scattered places, mainly in the afternoon hours. From May 6 to 9, weather conditions are expected to improve, with mostly dry weather likely, although isolated showers may occur.

From May 10 to 12, the weather is likely to remain largely dry, with chances of brief light rain at isolated places during afternoon hours.

Meanwhile, the MeT Department has issued an advisory warning of possible hailstorms and gusty winds in parts of Central and North Kashmir, as well as some areas of Jammu division. It advised suspension of boating and shikara activities during afternoon to evening hours on May 3 and 4.

Residents have been advised to avoid standing near weak structures, electric poles and overhead wires, while farmers have been urged to suspend agricultural activities between May 3 and 5 in view of the expected adverse weather conditions.(NVI)

Terror Associate Held with Arms, Grenades in Pulwama: Security Forces

Defence Ministry to procure TRAWL systems to boost Army’s minefield breaching capability
Representative pic

Pulwama, May 2 (NVI): Security forces on Saturday apprehended a terrorist associate in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district and recovered arms and explosives from his possession, officials said.

The arrest was made during a joint operation by the Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF’s 183 Battalion and Pulwama Police in the Rajpora area.

The accused has been identified as Mohd Umar Malik, a resident of Kachipora Qasbayar in Pulwama district.

Officials said a search of the suspect led to the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, including a pistol, a magazine, two live rounds and two hand grenades.

A case has been registered at Rajpora Police Station under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and further investigation is underway.(NVI)

3 Workers Killed, One Rescued After Under-Construction Bridge Collapsed in Jammu

Jammu, May 02:(NVI)Three labourers lost their lives, while one was rescued after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in the Thathar area of Bantalab in Jammu, officials confirmed on Saturday.

Officials said four workers were engaged in construction work beneath the bridge when a section of the structure suddenly gave way, trapping them under a heap of debris.

Soon after the incident, rescue teams comprising Police, Army, SDRF, NDRF, and the civil administration rushed to the site and launched a coordinated rescue operation.

Heavy machinery, including JCBs, was pressed into service to expedite the search and rescue efforts.

During the operation, one injured labourer was pulled out alive and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

However, three other workers were retrieved dead from the debris during the overnight rescue operation.

Official said that the rescue operation concluded at around 1:00 am after all trapped labourers were accounted for.

They added that the injured worker is currently undergoing treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities have taken cognizance of the incident, and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the collapse.(NVI)

No rally of Kejriwal, Mann in Doda tomorrow: police

Jammu, May 1 (NVI): Authorities have dismissed as “false and baseless” claims circulating on social media that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will attend a rally in Doda in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

In an official clarification, police said no permission, communication, or information regarding any such event has been received from the competent authority.

Refuting the rumours, officials urged the public to remain cautious and not fall prey to unverified information being spread through unofficial sources.

They warned that the dissemination of false information can create panic and confusion, adding that those found involved in spreading fake news will face legal action under relevant laws.

People have been advised to rely only on credible and official sources for information and to act responsibly on social media.(NVI)

LG Manoj Sinha Expresses Grief Over Pulwama Child’s Death, Calls It ‘Heartbreaking’

LG Manoj Sinha chairing University Council Meeting of SKUAST Kashmir, at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar

Srinagar, May 1 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the death of a four-year-old boy from Pulwama, terming the tragedy “heartbreaking.”

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said the passing of young Mohammad Hanzala has caused immense grief and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

“The tragic passing of young Mohammad Hanzala from Pulwama is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the grieving family during this time of immense pain. May his soul find everlasting peace, and may his loved ones be granted the strength and comfort they need to endure this profound loss,” the LG said.

The body of the child was recovered on Friday morning after several days of search operations in the Rambiara stream in Shopian, officials said.

The minor had gone missing on April 27 after reportedly slipping into the fast-flowing stream near the Dubjan area, triggering a multi-agency rescue operation involving police and disaster response teams.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Inspects Flood Breach Site at Shalina, Calls for Stronger Embankments

Srinagar, May 1 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday visited Shalina near Lasjan to inspect the flood breach site that had developed during the September floods last year, officials said.

He was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi and other concerned officers.

During the visit, the Chief Minister reviewed ongoing restoration and flood mitigation works at the site. He directed the concerned departments to strengthen embankments to prevent any recurrence of such breaches.

Emphasising the need for durable and long-term solutions, Abdullah instructed officials to expedite the process and ensure early completion of permanent restoration works.

He also stressed the importance of robust flood management measures to safeguard vulnerable areas and protect public infrastructure.(NVI)

Ladakh is living laboratory of Buddhist culture: Amit Shah

By Arun Kumar Das

LEH, May 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ladakh is not just a geographical region but a “living laboratory” of Buddhist culture and compassion.

While inaugurating the exposition of the relics of Lord Buddha in Leh, Shah said the arrival of the sacred relics will inspire followers of Buddhism as well as other faiths.

Shah said that, much like in the life of Lord Buddha, it is rare for anyone to experience their birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana all occurring on the very same day; for this reason, today is a highly auspicious and inspiring day for all of us.

Shah said that the presence of these sacred relics in Ladakh is a reminder that India’s civilization has been giving the message of peace and coexistence for thousands of years.

He said that in places full of diversity like Ladakh and Kargil, this message becomes even more relevant.

“This heritage still tells us that amidst conflict and unrest, the path of peace and compassion alone can provide solutions,” he said.

Union Home Minister said that for centuries, Buddhism reached Ladakh in different ways and at different times, flourished here, and later spread beyond Ladakh.

He said that Ladakh was an ancient center of Kashmir’s Buddhist studies, Mahayana philosophy, and Buddhist art, and from there Ladakh first received contact, association, and spiritual engagement with Buddhism.

The envoys of Emperor Ashoka laid the foundation of Buddhist influence in Ladakh.

He highlighted that India’s civilisation has long promoted the message of peace and that knowledge and cultural traditions have been preserved in the region for centuries.

“In a way, the significance of today’s Buddha Purnima has increased greatly. After 75 years, these sacred relics have arrived in Ladakh. When these relics came here 75 years ago, very few people were able to have their sacred viewing, experience their spiritual energy, or receive the message of Lord Buddha,” he said.

Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. (BVI)

Gujarat, Maharashtra Foundation Day Celebrated at Lok Bhavan Jammu; LG Sinha Calls Them Growth Engines of India

JAMMU, May 01(NVI): The Foundation Day of Gujarat and Maharashtra was celebrated with enthusiasm at J&K Lok Bhavan, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presiding over the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described Gujarat and Maharashtra as the “growth engines” of the nation, highlighting their significant contribution to India’s GDP and exports, along with their rich social, cultural, and spiritual heritage.

He said Gujarat is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, simplicity, and warmth, while Maharashtra commands global respect for its enterprise, valor, and spiritual legacy. “Both states are powerful drivers of India’s development trajectory,” he remarked.

The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to great leaders from Gujarat, including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting their transformative role in shaping the nation. He said Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, and selfless service turned India’s freedom struggle into a mass movement and continue to inspire generations.

Highlighting Sardar Patel’s contribution, the Lieutenant Governor said India’s strength as the world’s largest democracy is rooted in his vision of unity in diversity. “His commitment to ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’ remains a guiding force for the nation,” he added.

Referring to Maharashtra, the Lieutenant Governor described it as a land of industry, spirituality, and sacrifice. He paid homage to icons such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bajirao I, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar for their contributions to national unity. He also recalled the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar, whose devotion enriched India’s spiritual traditions.

The Lieutenant Governor further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a renewed sense of confidence, dignity, and progress over the past 12 years. He said the Prime Minister’s leadership has inspired citizens to translate resolve into action, marking a historic phase in the country’s development.

 

He added that India’s global standing has strengthened, with the Indian diaspora expressing pride in the nation’s achievements. Referring to the Abrogation of Article 370, the Lieutenant Governor said the move fulfilled Sardar Patel’s vision and reinforced the foundation of a united and strong India.

The event witnessed participation from officials, dignitaries, and citizens, celebrating the enduring legacy and contributions of both states to the nation’s progress.(NVI)

Rain, Thunderstorm Likely Across Several North Kashmir Areas in Next Few Hours; Advisory Issued

Srinagar, May 1 (NVI): The MET Centre Srinagar on Friday evening issued a nowcast warning predicting a spell of rain and thundershowers across several parts of Kashmir over the next 2–3 hours.

According to the update issued at 2050 hrs, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected at many places in Kupwara, Handwara, Sopore and adjoining areas, as well as Bandipora and the Ganderbal–Sonamarg axis. Parts of Srinagar including Soura, Zakura, Dal Lake and nearby areas are also likely to be affected.

The weather office has issued an advisory urging people to suspend boating activities in Dal Lake and adjoining water bodies during this period.

Residents have also been advised to stay away from electric poles, overhead wires, and loose or unsecured structures due to the risk posed by strong winds and lightning.(NVI)

Peace, Compassion Only Way to Resolve Conflicts: Amit Shah

File Photo : Union Home Minister Sh Amit Shah

Leh, May 1 (NVI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said peace and compassion remain the only viable path to resolve conflicts, as he described the return of sacred relics of Gautama Buddha to Ladakh after 75 years as a historic spiritual moment.

Addressing a gathering in Leh on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Shah said the relics’ presence has made this year’s celebrations especially significant, allowing people from Ladakh, Kargil and nearby areas to connect more closely with their spiritual heritage.

He said improved infrastructure and connectivity have enabled wider public participation compared to the past, when access to such events was limited.

Shah noted that India’s civilisation has, for thousands of years, propagated the message of peace and coexistence, adding that the relevance of these values is even greater in diverse regions like Ladakh and Kargil.

Tracing the history of Buddhism in the region, he said the religion spread to Ladakh in phases, flourishing locally before expanding further. He added that Kashmir once served as a major centre of Buddhist learning, including Mahayana philosophy and art.

Shah said emissaries of Ashoka played a key role in laying the early foundations of Buddhism along the Kashmir-Gandhara route, including in Ladakh. He added that the religion saw renewed growth during the Kushan period between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE.

Ancient stupas, rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions in Kharoshthi and Brahmi scripts bear testimony to the continued development of Buddhism in the region, he said.

Referring to the Silk Route, Shah said it connected Kashmir, Leh, Yarkand, Khotan and Tibet, serving not only as a trade corridor but also as a channel for the exchange of ideas, manuscripts and artistic traditions.

“These routes were channels of intellectual and cultural transmission,” he said, adding that their legacy is still visible in Ladakh’s rock inscriptions, Mani walls and Buddhist art.

He said the later phase of Buddhism in the region was shaped by Tibetan traditions, which further enriched Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual landscape.

Shah reiterated that the return of the sacred relics underscores Ladakh’s historic role in preserving Buddhist teachings and reflects India’s enduring ethos of peace, compassion and coexistence. (NVI)

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