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Release Youth Booked in Minor Cases to Restore Trust: Omar Abdullah

File Photo : CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday stressed the need for justice and reconciliation, urging authorities to release detainees facing minor charges and revoke cases against those recently arrested as a gesture of goodwill ahead of Ramzan and Eid.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Almond Blossom Festival at Badamwari in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said the step would help restore trust among the youth.

Referring to the recent development regarding activist Sonam Wangchuk, Omar said his release was a positive move, though his arrest under the National Security Act should not have happened in the first place.

“Our government has consistently advocated that youngsters who are first-time offenders and booked in minor cases should have their cases revoked and be released promptly. This is essential to restore trust and goodwill among the youth,” he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about challenges facing Kashmir’s tourism sector, saying international airfare and fuel surcharges could affect tourist inflow, but expressed hope that Kashmir’s natural beauty and cultural richness would continue to attract visitors.

He added that events like the Almond Blossom Festival help promote tourism, strengthen social harmony and create opportunities for youth engagement while supporting local livelihoods. “Peace, justice and youth engagement remain our top priorities,” he said.(NVI)

Six 2025-Batch IAS Probationers Assigned to J&K Segment of AGMUT

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Six IAS probationers of the 2025 batch have been posted in the Jammu and Kashmir segment of the AGMUT cadre, officials said on Saturday.

The officers include Alfred Thomas, Ruchika Jha, Nidhi, Mohd Haris Mir, Shagun Singh and Jitendra Kumar.

Among them, Mohd Haris Mir is the only officer belonging to Jammu and Kashmir, while the remaining officers have been allotted to the Union Territory as part of their cadre training.

Officials said the posting of the young officers is expected to strengthen the administrative setup in the Union Territory as they begin their probationary assignments under the AGMUT cadre. (NVI)

Afghan forces claim to have killed 14 Pakistani soldiers, injured 11 in cross-border attacks
One Pakistani military post has also been captured, according to Afghan Defence Ministry

Afghanistan-Pakistan warzone (file pic)

Kabul: In the latest retaliatory offensive, Afghan forces today killed 14 Pakistani soldiers and wounded 11 others while capturing an enemy military post along the disputed Durand Line border.

The two neighbouring countries have been engaged in a military conflict since February 22, ignited by Pakistani military’s unprovoked airstrikes at various places inside Afghanistan which left dead dozens of innocent Afghan civilians, including children and women.

In a latest statement, the Afghan Defence Ministry said its forces carried out operations in the eastern zone of the country, including Kunar and Nangarhar Provinces, in retaliaton to the criminal acts by Pakistan’s military regime.

“In response to the crimes committed by the Pakistani military regime, Afghan Defence Forces carried out operations along the Durand Line in the eastern zone of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces,” it said.

During the operation, a Pakistani military post was captured and 14 enemy soldiers killed and 11 others were injured, the Ministry said.

An armored tank of the Pakistani military and an International vehicle were also completely destroyed and taken out of service, it said.

Fighting erupts again after Pakistan provokes Afghanistan by attacking civilians in cross-border attacks

Last evening, the Afghan Taliban regime claimed to have hit a major Pakistani military center in Faizabad area of capital Islamabad in a drone attack, hours after Kabul and some other places were targeted in airstrikes by the neighbouring country.

“In continuation of the ongoing ‘RejectOppression’ retaliatory operation At about 5:00 PM today, Afghan Air Forces carried out an airstrike on the Pakistani military’s strategic center, ‘Hamza’ in Faizabad, Islamabad…” it said last evening.

The latest operation by the Afghan forces came in retaliation to the fresh airstrikes by the Pakistani military in which 4 civilians were killed and 25 injured in Kabul.

The Pakistani airstrikes also caused damage to some key infrastructure of Afghanistan, including the fuel depot of private airline Kam Air in Kandahar.

Afghan officials said the fuel stock had been kept for this year’s Hajj flights.

The targeted fuel facility supplied domestic airlines and aircraft operated by the United Nations, said Taliban regime spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid in a social media post.

He recalled that Pakistan had earlier targeted fuel storage belonging to a trader named Haji Khan Zadah.

Pakistani military attacked mosques, houses, markets in Afghanistan since last night

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has raised concerns over the repeated military strikes by Pakistan while noting that these have resulted in civilian casualties.

“UNAMA documented at least four civilian deaths and 14 injured, including women and children, as a result of airstrikes in Pul-e-Charkhi area in Kabul Afghanistan last night. We continue to call for an immediate cessation in hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian life,” It said.

“Civilians, mostly women and children, continue to pay the price for the latest escalation in cross-border violence. Since 26 February, UNAMA has recorded at least 75 civilians killed and 193 injured in Afghanistan as a result of ongoing armed clashes,” the mission said.

Pakistan has been maintaining unfriendly, and at times inimical, approach towards Afghanistan for long and the relations worsened after the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021 through a military campaign.

Islamabad accuses the Taliban regime of sheltering TTP militants who are active in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan and target its military.

The Taliban regime has repeatedly rejected this allegation and maintained that the Pakistan government was blaming others for its failures on domestic front.

Omar Abdullah Calls for Research, Technology to Strengthen Fisheries Sector

J&K CM Omar Abdullah during Press Interaction at Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that climate change is increasingly impacting Kashmir’s ecosystem and stressed the need to adopt scientific research, modern technology and sustainable practices to strengthen cold-water fisheries in the Union Territory.

Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, Abdullah said universities and research institutions must play a key role in developing innovative techniques to revive and expand the fisheries sector.

He said the government must ensure that fisheries development remains sustainable so that freshwater ecosystems are protected and fish stocks are not depleted.

“Science and research must guide us on what new techniques can be used and what kind of studies are required so that cold-water fisheries can get a fresh boost,” the Chief Minister said.

Abdullah also emphasised that the economic development of people associated with the sector should remain a priority, stressing the need to increase and safeguard the income of fish farmers.

Referring to changing climatic patterns, he said rising temperatures are already being witnessed in Kashmir. He noted that warmer conditions have led to early blooming of flowers and the early opening of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, reflecting how climate change is affecting natural cycles.

The Chief Minister said such environmental changes could also impact cold-water fisheries, making it essential to adopt innovative approaches and learn from best practices across the country.

He added that hosting the conference in Kashmir provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with other hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand as well as states in Northeast India.

Highlighting Kashmir’s long association with trout farming, Abdullah said the region has more than a century of experience in the sector since trout was first introduced in 1900.

“Our 126-year experience should not go to waste. We must share our knowledge and also learn what others are doing better,” he said.

He expressed hope that with focused policy support, India would continue to strengthen its position among leading fish-producing nations while Jammu and Kashmir secures a special place in cold-water fisheries.(NVI)

Mehbooba Mufti Expresses Solidarity With Iran, Urges Prayers for Iranian People

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of Iran and urged the Centre to reconsider its policy towards the country.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said that a meeting of former PDP legislators passed a resolution expressing support for Iran and appreciated people in Kashmir for holding peaceful protests in solidarity with the Iranian people. She also appealed to the people of Kashmir to pray for the people of Iran and the Muslim Ummah.

Highlighting historical and cultural links, Mufti said Islam reached Kashmir through Iran, underlining what she described as deep civilisational and spiritual ties between the two regions.

She also urged Muslim countries to support Iran and said that conflicts and wars disturb global economic stability.

Mufti appealed to the administration led by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to reconsider the arrest of people who participated in the protests and demanded the release of those still in detention.

Referring to the revocation of detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk, Mufti said the decision was welcome though such action should not have been taken in the first place, adding that Wangchuk had been working on environmental protection issues.

She also referred to jailed separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, saying his daughter had struggled legally for his release. Mufti added that while some people are able to approach courts for relief, many economically weaker prisoners cannot afford legal battles and deserve attention and justice, she said. (NVI)

Mehbooba Mufti Chairs PDP Leaders’ Meeting in Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday chaired a meeting of senior party leaders in Srinagar.

During the meeting, the party leadership reviewed the functioning of the organisation and discussed the prevailing political situation in the Union Territory.

Senior PDP leaders who attended the meeting also deliberated on organisational matters and strategies to strengthen the party at different levels, party sources said.(NVI)

Govt Revokes Detention of Sonam Wangchuk Under NSA

Sonam Wangchuk

New Delhi, Mar 14 (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday revoked the detention of noted engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect under the provisions of the National Security Act, according to an official statement.

In a statement issued by the MHA and posted by the Press Information Bureau, the government said it remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

Wangchuk had been detained on September 26, 2025, under the NSA following a law and order situation that emerged in Leh on September 24. The detention order was issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with the aim of maintaining public order.

According to the statement, Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the detention period prescribed under the Act.

The government said it has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh to address the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. However, it noted that the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests had adversely affected several sections of society, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists, as well as the overall economy.

“In furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and stability, and after due consideration, the Government/MHA has decided to revoke the detention of Shri Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising powers available under the National Security Act,” the statement said.

The government reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh and expressed hope that issues concerning the region would be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee and other appropriate platforms.(NVI)

Police ASI Injured in Road Mishap During Naka Checking in Srinagar

Road accidents
Representational image

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI) : A police officer was injured after being hit by a Smart City bus while performing naka checking duty near the Radio Kashmir area in Srinagar district on Saturday.

An official said that The injured officer has been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ali Mohammad of the Armed Reserve Police (ARP), posted at Police Station Kothibagh.

He said the ASI was on naka duty near the Radio Kashmir crossing when a Smart City bus hit him, leaving him injured.

He was immediately shifted to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar for treatment, he said.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and further proceedings have been initiated, he added.—(NVI)

Drone Spotted Hovering Over Three Villages in J&K’s Samba District

Representational Image

Jammu, Mar 14 (NVI): A drone was reportedly sighted hovering over several villages in the Ramgarh area of Samba district on Friday evening, officials said.

According to official sources, at around 8:00 pm on March 13, locals from village Kandral informed the police station Ramgarh about a drone hovering over the villages of Kandral, Abtal and Bahadurpur.

Sources said the drone remained visible in the area for about two to three minutes before disappearing from sight.

Security agencies were informed, and further verification was underway.—(NVI)

Geology & Mining Dept Cracks Down, Suspends 9 Mineral Dealer Licences in J&K

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended nine Mineral Dealer Licences (MDLs) across the Union Territory for alleged violations of licence conditions under the Minor Mineral Concession Rules, officials said.

According to an order issued by Director Geology and Mining S.P. Rukwal, the action follows reports of non-compliance submitted by a committee constituted to monitor and regulate Mineral Dealer Licences in the Jammu division.

The licences were earlier granted to individuals and firms for stocking, selling or offering minor minerals and mineral products for commercial purposes under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.

Based on the committee’s findings, licences of several dealers from districts including Jammu and Samba have been suspended for a period of one month or until the reported violations are rectified and compliance is ensured, officials said.

The suspended licence holders include M/S Mahavir Minerals, M/S Baba Chemicals, Harshit Magotra, Joginder Singh, Rahil Choudhary, Digvijay Singh, Asha Devi, Raman Choudhary and Sham Lal Mogotra.

Officials said the step was taken to ensure effective regulation, monitoring and enforcement of mineral trading activities across the Union Territory.(NVI)

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