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J&K Policeman Dismissed from Service Over Alleged Heroin Smuggling in Kathua

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 4 (NVI): A selection grade constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has been dismissed from service for his alleged involvement in a narcotics smuggling case in Kathua district, officials said on Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua Mohita Sharma ordered the dismissal of Selection Grade Constable Aftab Ahmed after a departmental inquiry found the charges against him proved, they said.

The constable was arrested in connection with an NDPS Act case after heroin was allegedly recovered from his possession during a naka checking operation conducted by Police Station Billawar earlier this year, officials said.

Following his arrest, he was placed under suspension and a departmental inquiry was initiated. The inquiry officer concluded that the charges of misconduct and indiscipline stood proved and recommended the major penalty of dismissal from service, they added.

Acting under Rule 335 of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules, the SSP ordered his dismissal with immediate effect.

Police said the action reflects the force’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and is aimed at maintaining discipline and integrity within the department.(NVI)

CM Omar reviews implementation of Budget announcements, stresses timely execution across J&K

Srinagar, Aug 4 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed the implementation of key Budget announcements for 2026-27 and directed departments to expedite execution, strengthen coordination and ensure that the benefits of the Budget reach people in a time-bound manner.

Chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat here, the chief minister assessed the progress made by major departments in implementing Budget proposals and emphasised that timely delivery and effective execution were essential for achieving tangible outcomes on the ground.

According to officials, Abdullah asked departments to strictly adhere to prescribed timelines and enhance inter-departmental coordination to ensure smooth implementation of projects and programmes announced in the Budget.

He said the success of the Budget would be measured by improvements in public service delivery and stressed that efficiency, transparency and accountability should remain central to the implementation process.

During the meeting, senior officials, including the additional chief secretary, finance, presented the status of Budget announcements, while administrative secretaries of the School Education, Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, and Transport departments briefed the chief minister on the progress achieved and the steps taken to implement the proposals.

The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Budget announcements are implemented effectively and within the stipulated timeframe for the welfare of the people, officials said.(NVI)

LeT terrorist says ‘unknown gunmen’ killed 30 members of his outfit in Pakistan, POJK
Another LeT operative has acknowledged the participation by Pakistanis and people from POJK in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir,

LeT operative Rizwan Hanif addressing cadres of the outfit. (Video grab)

New Delhi, Aug 4 (NVI) Over 30 terrorists of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit have been eliminated by “unknown gunmen” in various parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (POJK) over the last 3-4 years, a top operative of the organization has admitted.

Meanwhile, another operative of LeT has acknowledged the participation by Pakistanis and people from POJK in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, saying “thousands died” in the process.

“Our brothers have been killed in 30 incidents over the last 3-4 years,” LeT operative Rizwan Hanif said while addressing cadres of the terror outfit at some event whose video has surfaced.

He said the cadres of the terror outfit, which has caused a lot of bloodshed in India over the last several decades, have been killed by “unknown gunmen” in different places, like Peshawar, Karachi and Rawalpindi in Pakistan and Rawalakot, Kotli and Muzaffarabad in POJK.

Hanif claimed that LeT terrorists are being targeted because they hate Hindu Gods and religion.

He claimed that these unknown gunmen were working at the behest of Indian agents. However, India rejects such charges.

The seemingly open event again exposes the farcical claims by Pakistan that LeT has been banned there.

The outfit has been declared unlawful by the United Nations but Pakistan has not implemented it and continues to allow its activities.

LeT is responsible for hundreds of terror attacks in India, including one on Indian Parliament in 2001 and another in Mumbai in 2008, in which 166 people were killed over 60 hours.

Meanwhile, separately, another LeT operative, while arguing with a senior police official in POJK, is seen in a video saying that “thousands” of his outfit “died” in Kashmir.

It was a clear reference to the Pakistani and POJK terrorists who have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir by the security forces in anti-terrorism operations. (NVI)

POJK: Amnesty International slams violence by Pakistani forces against Kashmiris

Washington, Aug 4 (NVI) Amnesty International has slammed the ongoing brutalities in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), saying the actions are “consistent with the Pakistani authorities’ long history of unlawful violence” against protesters in the region.

The global human rights body has also taken serious view of the internet and mobile services “blackout” in POJK, saying it severely impedes the independent verification of the full details of the situation on the ground.

“The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities’ long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir,” Amnesty International said in a statement.

Rawalakot in POJK has witnessed the worst kind of bloodshed and violence caused by the Pakistani forces in their attempt to crush an ongoing agitation against interference by Islamabad in political and other matters of the occupied region.

“A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces’ use of force against protesters,” Amnesty International said.

“So long as an internet and mobile services blackout remains in place, it will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground. We urge the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area,” it added.

A few days earlier also, Amnesty International expressed concern over reports that Pakistani forces used “lethal force” against protesters in Rawalakot on July 27.

“The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities’ long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia.

“A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces’ use of force against protesters,” she said in a statement.

“So long as an internet and mobile services blackout remains in place, it will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground,” Lassee said.

“We urge the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area,” she added. 

Lassee noted that tensions in POJK have been “heightened by the unlawful ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)” by the Pakistani authorities.

“Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the Pakistani authorities to lift the ban on this protest movement and stop weaponizing anti-terror laws to silence and arbitrarily detain JAAC members and supporters,” she said.

“The ban cannot be used as an excuse to mete out deadly violence against protesters,” the Amnesty official said.

In the violence unleashed by the Pakistani forces in POJK since June 5, more than 100 people have been killed and several hundreds injured. (NVI)

CM Omar Backs Golf Push, Seeks IPL and International Cricket for J&K

Srinagar, Aug 4 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Union Territory must reclaim its position as one of India’s premier golf destinations, announcing plans to make the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament an annual event, establish a golf academy and strengthen sports infrastructure.

Speaking after inaugurating the J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, Abdullah said golf tourism forms an important part of the government’s strategy to promote high-value tourism in the Union Territory.

He said the government is focusing on the golf courses at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sidra in Jammu, while another golf course in the Jammu region is also proposed to be upgraded.

The Chief Minister said Kashmir has already started attracting golfers from different parts of the country for weekend visits, adding that the tournament would help restore the Valley’s place on India’s golfing map.

He said more than 100 professional golfers, including several international participants, are taking part in the event and expressed hope that the tournament would become an annual feature on the national golf calendar.

Abdullah said the government also plans to establish a golf academy to nurture young talent, adding that Pro-Am tournaments provide local amateur golfers an opportunity to compete alongside professional players.

Recalling Kashmir’s golfing legacy, he said the region hosted some of the country’s biggest golf tournaments before the onset of militancy and that Gulmarg was once considered a must-visit destination for golfers during the summer season.

Speaking on sports, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and the selection of local players in the Indian Premier League have changed perceptions about the Union Territory’s sporting potential.

He, however, said the lack of international-standard cricket infrastructure remains a major challenge and called for expediting the proposed construction of two international-standard stadiums by the BCCI so that Jammu and Kashmir can eventually host IPL and international matches.

Replying to a question on the recent killing of civilians in south Kashmir, Abdullah termed the incident “deeply tragic” and said no religion permits the killing of innocent people. He said those responsible for maintaining security must ensure such attacks do not occur.—(NVI)

Search operation launched in J&K’s Poonch after reports of suspicious movement

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Aug 4 (NVI): Security forces on Tuesday launched a search operation in the remote Surankote area of Poonch district after suspicious movement at two locations, officials said.

They said joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies launched a cordon-and-search operation in the identified areas and adjoining forests to verify the inputs.

The operation was continuing when the last reports came in, while further details were awaited. (NVI)

Old Mortar Shell Recovered During Digging in J&K Kathua

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 4 (NVI): An old rusted mortar shell was recovered during digging work at a vacant house in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Tuesday, officials said.

The shell was found in the courtyard of a vacant house a resident of Kattal Brahmana village in Hiranagar area.

Police were immediately informed and a team from the Border Police Post (BPP) Sherpur rushed to the spot. The mortar shell was taken into custody, following which the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) from District Police Lines (DPL) Kathua was informed to safely defuse the explosive, officials said.

No injuries or damage were reported in the incident. Further details are awaited, officials added.—(NVI)

J&K Integrates 50,000 Migrant Families into NFSA Database to Expand Social Security

Jammu, Aug 3 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Relief and Rehabilitation Organisation has launched a month-long outreach drive to integrate nearly 50,000 migrant families into the National Food Security Act (NFSA) database, aiming to expand their access to social welfare schemes, officials said on Monday.

The initiative, being carried out in coordination with the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and the Social Welfare Department, is based on government notifications issued in 2021 and 2024.

Officials said the integration will enable migrant families to access a range of welfare schemes, including pensions, healthcare benefits, scholarships and financial assistance, while retaining their existing relief benefits and recognised migrant status.

More than 3,000 migrant families have been assisted so far through door-to-door outreach, e-KYC facilitation and field-level coordination, they said.

According to officials, 1,625 old-age pensions, 114 widow pensions and 88 disability pensions have been verified and sanctioned. In addition, two beneficiaries have received assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme, while two persons with disabilities have been sanctioned tricycles.

The organisation has also announced special awareness and facilitation camps across migrant camps and settlements in Jammu and Udhampur from August 3 to August 31 to ensure wider coverage.

The camps, being held under the supervision of Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) Dr Arvind Karwani, will provide on-site assistance, with Common Service Centre (CSC) operators helping eligible beneficiaries submit online applications for various welfare schemes free of cost, officials added.(NVI)

Heart transported by train for first time to save life

A box carrying a heart being received at Ahmedabad railway station

Arun Kumar Das

New Delhi, Aug 3 (NVI) In a first, a train became an instrument of saving a life as a donated heart was transported from Surat to Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The life-saving organ was transported by Vande Bharat Express, ensuring its safe and timely arrival for transplantation at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre, Ahmedabad, according to railway officials.

Given the highly time-sensitive nature of organ transplantation, the operation required meticulous planning and seamless coordination among Indian Railways, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Gujarat State Police and medical teams, they said.

Every stage of the transportation was carefully synchronised to ensure that the donor heart reached the recipient hospital within the prescribed viability window, the officials said.

A dedicated Green Corridor was created from Platform No. 1 of Ahmedabad Railway Station to the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre by the Railway Protection Force and Gujarat State Police, enabling uninterrupted movement of the donor heart and ensuring that the transplant procedure could commence without delay, they said.

Speaking on the occasion, Ved Prakash, Divisional Railway Manager, Ahmedabad, said, “This is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction for Indian Railways… The excellent coordination among Indian Railways, RPF, Gujarat State Police and the medical teams ensured the success of this mission. Contributing towards saving a human life is not only our responsibility but also our highest duty towards service and humanity.”

The successful mission demonstrates how modern railway infrastructure can play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s emergency healthcare ecosystem. (NVI)

IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Preparedness Ahead of Upcoming Events

Srinagar, Aug 3 (NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V.K. Birdi on Monday chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the prevailing security situation and review preparedness for upcoming events across the Valley, officials said.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, BSF, CRPF, CID, SSB, ITBP, Railways, Traffic Police and other security agencies.

Officials said the meeting reviewed the overall security scenario, recent developments and measures in place to tackle emerging challenges.

Birdi directed officers to strengthen the existing security grid and maintain a high level of preparedness. He stressed the need for close coordination among various security agencies and called for intelligence-based operations to counter militant activities, they said.

The IGP also reviewed security arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, railway tracks and stations, directing enhanced deployment at vulnerable locations, increased night patrolling and effective surveillance.

He asked district police chiefs to intensify monitoring of anti-national and anti-social elements, strengthen area domination in sensitive locations and keep a close watch on social media to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation that could affect law and order, officials said.

The meeting concluded with directions to maintain heightened vigil and ensure seamless coordination among security agencies to preserve peace and stability in Kashmir, they added.(NVI)

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