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CM holds meeting with prominent citizens of Jammu, Promises inclusive development of region

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 11(NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with his cabinet ministers, today convened a significant meeting with prominent citizens of Jammu to listen to the grievances and order on the spot directions for redressal.

The gathering, which took place in a bid to foster communication between the leadership and local communities, saw discussions on various pressing issues, including governance, development, security, and socio-economic challenges facing Jammu people.

The meeting, which included influential leaders, social activists, business representatives and other key stakeholders from Jammu, served as a platform for open dialogue. “This is an opportunity for us to listen to the concerns of the people of Jammu and work towards addressing the challenges they face,” Omar stated during the session, stressing the importance of maintaining strong connections between the government and the people, particularly in such a transformative period for the region.

One of the prominent topics discussed was the impact of recent political changes following the revocation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Darbar Move demand dominated the session with majority of participants stating that Jammu has suffered immensely in absence of Darbar Move and that the practice should be restored.

The citizens also raised concerns about the economic development of Jammu, which they feel has been overshadowed by the focus on Kashmir. “Jammu has immense potential, especially in sectors like tourism, education and healthcare, but it’s been neglected in favor of the more politically prominent Kashmir region,” said a prominent businessman. “We need policies that equally benefit Jammu, ensuring that our people can thrive and not just survive.”

In response, Omar assured the attendees that his party, the National Conference (NC), remains committed to the development and prosperity of both Jammu and Kashmir. “Our focus is on inclusive growth for the entire region, ensuring that both Jammu and Kashmir are treated equally when it comes to resource allocation and governance,” he said. “We are here to listen, learn and most importantly, act on the feedback we receive from our people.”

Security concerns were also a point of discussion, with several participants highlighting the need for stronger measures to maintain peace and stability in the region. A retired security official, present at the meeting, pointed out that while security has improved in recent years, more needs to be done to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens. “We have made progress, but the evolving security landscape requires constant vigilance, especially in a region like ours,” he stated.

The meeting concluded with a strong sense of optimism, as both Omar and the attendees agreed that sustained dialogue is key to addressing the region’s challenges. “It’s critical that we continue engaging with the people and working together to overcome the difficulties we face,” Omar said in his closing remarks. “This is just the beginning of a much-needed conversation, and we will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people.”

Such meetings are part of Omar’s broader strategy to re-establish his political presence in Jammu and Kashmir, following the revocation of Article 370. They are also seen as a sign of the National Conference’s continued commitment to promoting inclusive governance and ensuring that all voices in the region are heard.(News Vibes of India)

Afghanistan: Minister Khalil Haqqani killed in Kabul blast

Khalil Rehman Haqqani (File Pic)

KABUL (Afghanistan), Dec 11 (NVI) Khalil Rahman Haqqani, Minister for Refugees in Afghanistan, was killed today in a suicide bomb attack in a mosque here, amidst growing differences between the Haqqani network and the Taliban leadership.

According to reports, Khalil Haqqani was leaving the mosque when a suicide bomber detonated himself.

Three of Khalil Haqqani’s bodyguards were also killed in the blast.

It was not clear immediately as to who was responsible for the attack.

Khalil Haqqani was the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the chief of Haqqani network and First Deputy Leader and Interior Minister in the Afghan government.

Sirajuddin and Khalil were the only two from the Haqqani family to be included in the Afghan government headed by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in August 2021 when a democratically-elected government of President Ashraf Ghani was overthrown in a bloodless coup.

Significantly, the assassination of Khalil took place just two days after Sirajuddin Haqqani made a veiled public attack on Taliban’s supreme leader Akhundzada over monopolization of religion.

Addressing a graduation ceremony at a Madrassa in Kabul, Sirajuddin Haqqani said, “Religion should not be represented in a way that suggests it belongs solely to me, to the exclusion of others.”

His comment came against the backdrop of reports of divisions within the Taliban’s leadership, particularly over Akhundzada’s hardline policies.

Prior to Sirajuddin’s public outburst, Afghanistan’s Higher Education Minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem, who is considered close to Akhundzada, said that anyone criticizing the Taliban is “an infidel and an apostate.”

Apparently responding to Nadeem’s remarks, Sirajuddin Haqqani said religious scholars should focus on constructive reforms while being mindful of their words and actions.

“Reforms must come through effort, and scholars should reflect on the current state of affairs without bringing disrepute upon themselves,” he said.

Without naming specific individuals or groups, Sirajuddin Haqqani expressed concern about the growing public disillusionment with religious figures.

“The title of religious scholar should not be tarnished. Today, the problem is that scholars are so disparaged that people fear for their faith because of the actions of others,” he said.

“If people are leaning toward disbelief or corruption, it reflects the shortcomings of those in power,” Sirajuddin Haqqani said.

His remarks came as the Taliban is facing growing criticism for increasingly restrictive policies, including a recent ban on women pursuing medical education, which has further curtailed opportunities for women and girls. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA says it killed 2 Pakistani soldiers, injured 4 in an attack

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

Quetta, Dec 11 (NVI): Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed 2 Pakistani soldiers and injured 4 others in an attack on an Army post in Kohlu in occupied Balochistan.

Baloch Liberation Army fighters targeted a Pakistani army post in Lond in Noye Sham area of Kohlu with rockets and other heavy weapons, its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

“Two enemy personnel were eliminated and at least four were injured. Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for the attack,” he said about the incident that took place on the intervening night of December 9 and 10. (NVI)

GoI considers allowing satellite Phones to enhance safety of trekkers to boost adventure Tourism

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 11(NVI): The Ministry of Tourism is in advanced discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to approve the use of satellite phones in remote and challenging terrains across India.

This initiative, confirmed by Raja Yaqoob, Director of Tourism Kashmir today, is aimed at addressing the critical issue of connectivity for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts who frequent areas with little to no access to traditional communication networks.

India’s adventure tourism sector has grown significantly in recent years, drawing domestic and international tourists to destinations like the Kashmir Valley, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast. However, the lack of reliable communication infrastructure in these remote regions poses significant risks, particularly in emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, or health crises. Satellite phones, which operate independently of terrestrial networks, can provide a dependable means of communication even in the most inaccessible areas.

The proposal, if implemented, could transform the adventure tourism landscape by ensuring a safety net for trekkers and travelers, thereby boosting confidence among tourists and their families. Moreover, it would enhance the capabilities of rescue and disaster management teams in responding to crises swiftly. This development aligns with the broader efforts of the Ministry of Tourism to make India a safer and more attractive destination for adventure tourism.

However, the proposal is not without challenges. The use of satellite phones is tightly regulated in India due to security concerns, as these devices can bypass conventional communication monitoring systems. The Ministry of Home Affairs is carefully evaluating these aspects to strike a balance between safety, tourism development, and national security.

If the initiative is approved, it could position India as a leading destination for adventure tourism, offering both natural beauty and advanced safety measures. For regions like Kashmir, where tourism is a vital economic driver, this step could mark a significant milestone in enhancing infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of visitors.

The step if implemented can boost foreign tourist arrivals. “We have 200 to 500 tourist arrivals every day and introduction of satellite phones will be a major boost to foreign tourist arrivals,” the director Tourism said.–(News Vibes of India)

BJP demands deportation of Rohingyas, Bangladeshis from Jammu, say these people involved in terrorism, crimes

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 11(NVI): Advocate Sunil Sethi, senior BJP leader and party’s chief spokesman in J&K today demanded the immediate deportation of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis residing in the region, calling them “intruders and terrorist supporters.”

Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sethi presented evidence that individuals from these communities had cast votes in the Urban Local Bodies elections, further fueling his call for their expulsion.

Sethi sharply criticized J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, for his advocacy of a more humanitarian stance toward these migrants. In a provocative remark, Sethi saidthat Omar’s compassion for the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis could one day extend to terrorists, questioning the logic of such leniency. He also drew attention to the alleged involvement of these migrant communities in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, further supporting his claim that they posed a threat to local security and law and order.

The BJP leader’s call for deportation was accompanied by a demand for protests in Kashmir, as he stressed the urgency of addressing what he described as an escalating security concern. The debate over the status of migrants and refugees in Jammu and Kashmir continues to intensify, with deeply divided opinions on how to balance humanitarian obligations and national security interests.

Earlier, Chief Minister Omar had stated that Rohingyas and Bagladeshi’s living in Jammu can’t be treated like animals and left to die of cold and hunger. He had urged Centre to take a call and clarify its stand whether these people need to be deported or allowed to stay in Jammu (News Vibes of India)

Bag filled with explosives defused in Handwara, Traffic resumes smoothly

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 11 (NVI): A potentially dangerous explosive object in a bag was detected and destroyed today morning in the Langate area of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Officials told NVI that a joint team comprising the Police and the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles spotted the suspicious object in a bag along the Baramulla-Handwara road. Swift action was taken as a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was dispatched to the site and traffic was temporarily halted to ensure public safety.

The bomb squad successfully neutralized the explosive, allowing traffic to resume smoothly. Security forces remain on high alert in the area to prevent any threats.(News Vibes of India)

Biting cold continues to grip Kashmir, MeT predicts dry weather till Jan 12, Local Power generation falls to 40 MWs

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 11(NVI): The winter chill continues to tighten it’s grip across the Kashmir region, Jammu and Ladakh with temperatures plunging below freezing in many areas.

Kashmir remains envelopes in an intense cold with Zojila witnessing the lowest temperature of -22.0°C. Other high-altitude locations like Sonamarg and Shopian recorded frigid lows of -8.4°C and -6.8°C, respectively. Tourist destinations Gulmarg and Pahalgam were not far behind, registering -6.0°C and -1.8°C.

Srinagar, the summer capital, experienced a minimum of -3.0°C, while towns like Qazigund (-4.4°C) Anantnag (-5.1°C) and Kupwara (-4.5°C) also endured severe cold.

The Jammu region saw varying temperatures, with Ramban recording the highest low at 7.8°C, providing some relief amidst the winter chill. However, sub-zero temperatures persisted in Banihal (-2.1°C), Padder (-5.9°C), and Bhaderwah (-1.2°C). Samba and Udhampur saw close-to-freezing temperatures at 0.1°C and 0.8°C, while the region’s capital, Jammu, remained relatively mild at 5.0°C.

In Ladakh, the mercury dropped to -10.0°C in Leh, while Kargil recorded -5.9°C, showcasing the typical bone-chilling cold of the high-altitude desert region.

This sharp dip in temperatures is a reminder of the harsh winters typical of northern India during this time of year, making it one of the coldest days of the season so far.

Meanwhile, what has aggravated the problem in the Valley is local power generation has dipped to all time low of 40 MWs while as Meteorological department has predicted dry weather till January 12. If the prediction turns out to be true, the local power generation will touch zero and the Valley will solely be dependent on huge power purchases from the northern grid as it is doing at present.
(News Vibes of India)

India evacuates 75 nationals from Syria, 44 are from J&K

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

New Delhi, Dec 11 (NVI) As chaos prevailed in Syria, India evacuated 75 of its nationals from there  to Lebanon today.

The evacuees included 44 ‘zaireen’ (pilgrims) from Jammu & Kashmir who were stranded at Saida Zainab, said External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.

All Indian nationals have safely crossed over to Lebanon and will return by available commercial flights to India, he said.

The step has been taken in view of the situation in Syria where rebels have seized power and the ruler of three decades President Bashar Al-Assad has fled the country.

The evacuation, coordinated by the embassies of India in Damascus and Beirut, was put into effect following our assessment of the security situation and requests from Indian nationals in Syria, the spokesman said.

“The Government of India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad,” he said.

Indian nationals remaining in Syria are advised to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID ([email protected]) for updates, the spokesman said.

The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely, he added. (NVI)

J&K Government forms Sub-Committee to resolve reservation issues

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 10 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has established a sub-committee to address issues related to the reservation system for various job posts.

The move comes in response to concerns raised by candidates about how these rules are being applied.

The decision follows the Council of Ministers’ meeting on November 22 and has been formalized through an official government order.

According to the order, the sub-committee will include Ministers Sakina Masood, Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma.

The Social Welfare Department will support the sub-committee’s work and the findings will be sent to the Council of Ministers for further review.—(News Vibes of India)

BJP policies could marginalize Indian Muslims amid Rohingya Refugee identification : Tariq Karra

File Photo: Tariq Hamid Karra, JKPCC President

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Karra today voiced concerns that the ongoing identification process of Rohingya refugees might be misused to target Indian Muslims, especially in Jammu and across the country.

Talking to reporters at Jammu, Karra claimed that the refugee crisis is being used as a pretext to implement policies that unfairly place even rightful Indian citizens under scrutiny. “Under the cover of addressing the Rohingya issue, Indian Muslims may become unintended targets. The policies of the BJP and RSS appear to be driven by an Islamophobic agenda,” he alleged, describing the situation as deeply alarming.

He further criticized the ruling party’s broader approach, suggesting it goes beyond addressing the refugee crisis. “Legitimate residents are being bracketed unfairly, raising concerns over the protection of citizens’ rights,” he said, urging for a transparent and unbiased identification process.

Highlighting the state’s responsibilities, Karra reminded that under international conventions, refugees are entitled to basic human necessities. “Denying them these essentials is a violation of humanitarian obligations,” he added.

Karra’s remarks underscore his apprehensions about potential misuse of the identification drive and call for a balanced approach that safeguards the rights of Indian citizens while addressing refugee concerns. His comments come amid heightened public debate on the socio-political implications of government policies regarding refugees. (News Vibes of India)

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