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J&K Enhances Medical Education, GMC Rajouri Gets 50 Additional Seats

Shivam Bakshi

Srinagar, July 21 (NVI): In a significant boost to medical education in Jammu and Kashmir, Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri has been granted approval for 50 additional MBBS seats, taking its annual intake from 100 to 150.

Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced the development on Tuesday, saying the decision would create more opportunities for aspiring medical students and further strengthen the healthcare sector in the Union Territory.

In a post on X, the minister said that following the enhancement of MBBS seats at Government Medical College Jammu and Government Medical College Srinagar, approval has now been accorded for an additional 50 MBBS seats at GMC Rajouri.

“Glad to share that, after the successful enhancement of MBBS seats at Government Medical College Jammu and Government Medical College Srinagar, approval has now been accorded for an additional 50 MBBS seats at Government Medical College Rajouri, increasing its intake capacity from 100 to 150 seats,” she said.

The minister said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, remains committed to strengthening medical education, expanding opportunities for aspiring doctors, and building a more accessible healthcare system for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (NVI)

Statehood restoration NC’s top priority, agitation to continue till Centre fulfils promise: CM Omar Abdullah 

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Srinagar, July 21 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said restoration of statehood remains the National Conference’s top priority and asserted that discussions on constitutional guarantees and special status can only meaningfully take place after statehood is restored.

Addressing a press conference organised by the National Conference here, Omar Abdullah said the party would continue its agitation until the Centre fulfils its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the recent National Conference programme in New Delhi was aimed at reminding the Centre of its assurance on statehood and was not confined to any single political party.

“We invited all political parties because this is not an issue of one party or one government. It concerns the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

The chief minister criticised opposition parties for staying away from the campaign, alleging that some political groups attempted to weaken the movement instead of supporting it.

Abdullah said statehood is a prerequisite for any discussion on Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional guarantees.

“What is the meaning of Article 370 without statehood?” he asked, adding that constitutional provisions relating to the distribution of powers require the existence of a state.

“Without statehood, everything remains under the Union List. Statehood is the foundation. Once that is restored, discussions on constitutional guarantees can follow,” he said.

He said the Assembly had already passed a resolution seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional position and maintained that the National Conference had not abandoned its commitment to constitutional rights.

Abdullah reiterated that the party’s agitation would continue in different forms until the Centre restores statehood.

“This is only the beginning. We will continue reminding the Central Government of its promise until Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood,” he said.

The chief minister also highlighted the participation of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah in the recent protest, describing it as a strong message in support of the party’s campaign.

He thanked party workers who travelled to New Delhi to participate in the protest, saying they did so voluntarily.(NVI)

Israeli National Arrested with Suspected Narcotics in Ladakh’s Zanskar

Zanskar, Jul 21 (NVI): An Israeli national was arrested in Ladakh’s Zanskar region after police allegedly recovered suspected narcotic substances from his possession during a routine checking operation, officials said on Tuesday.

The foreign national was intercepted at the Kargyak check post, where police recovered substances suspected to be charas, ganja and a heroin-like substance, they said.

The accused was taken into custody and shifted to the local police station for further legal proceedings.

A case under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered, and an investigation has been launched to ascertain the source of the seized substances and whether the accused has links to a larger narcotics network, the officials said.

They said the seized substances will be sent for forensic examination to determine their exact nature and quantity.

Further investigation is underway, officials added.(NVI)

J&K Chief Secretary attends Murti Pratishthan celebrations at Uma Bhagwati Shrine in Anantnag

Srinagar, Jul 21 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday attended the Murti Pratishthan Divas celebrations at the Mata Uma Bhagwati Shrine in Brariangan area of Shangus in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving religious and heritage sites.

Dulloo, who was the chief guest at the function, offered prayers at the shrine and participated in the Kalash Pooja and other rituals held as part of the two-day religious programme organised by the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary said the government is committed to safeguarding places of historical and spiritual significance across Jammu and Kashmir. He said the ongoing heritage conservation project at the shrine would be strengthened with additional works aimed at improving facilities for devotees while preserving the sanctity of the shrine.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, senior district officials, members of the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust and a large number of devotees attended the celebrations.

The Trust thanked the Chief Secretary for participating in the event and for assuring continued government support for the preservation and development of the historic shrine. It also appreciated the district administration for making arrangements for the smooth conduct of the religious function.(NVI)

J&K LG says 100-day anti-drug drive only beginning, vows sustained crackdown on narco-terror

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Srinagar, Jul 21 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan was only the beginning of a sustained campaign against drugs and narco-terror, asserting that the administration would continue its crackdown on drug traffickers with greater intensity.

Addressing the valedictory function of the campaign at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here, Sinha paid tributes to those killed in the recent flash floods in Rajouri, Poonch and Doda districts and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

He said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reviewed the flood situation and assured all possible assistance from the Centre to the affected families. A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of the victims.

Turning to the anti-drug campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the fight against narcotics was far from over.

“The 100-day campaign is only the beginning. The road ahead is long and challenging, and we have to move forward with greater resolve,” he said.

Sinha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan four years ago, while the Union Home Minister has been regularly reviewing anti-drug efforts across states and Union Territories.

He said the growing menace of drug addiction among youth prompted the administration to launch a focused 100-day campaign across Jammu and Kashmir.

Recalling his visits to all 20 districts during the campaign, Sinha said he interacted with families affected by drug addiction and witnessed their suffering and determination to bring their loved ones back to normal life.

Describing the initiative as a people’s movement, he said the campaign witnessed active participation from people across the Union Territory.

Highlighting the campaign’s achievements, Sinha said authorities registered 20,292 FIRs, dismantled 92 drug networks, identified 4,474 drug hotspots and attached properties worth Rs 188.9 crore linked to the narcotics trade.

He said action under the PIT-NDPS Act was initiated against drug traffickers, while recommendations were made for suspension or cancellation of 884 driving licences, 687 vehicle registration certificates, impounding of 64 passports, suspension of eight arms licences and withdrawal of security cover in eligible cases.

Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, Sinha said the government was determined to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem operating in Jammu and Kashmir and those involved in destroying the lives of youth would face the strictest action under the law.

He appealed to the public to cooperate with police by sharing information about drug peddlers and stressed the need to strengthen rehabilitation and de-addiction facilities to help addicts return to normal life.

Reiterating that the campaign would continue with greater intensity, Sinha said the administration was committed to making Jammu and Kashmir free from the menace of drugs.—(NVI)

J&K: Rajouri Admin Issues Flood Alert, Asks Residents in Vulnerable Areas to Shift

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, July 21 (NVI): In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall and the possibility of a sudden rise in the water level of rivers and nallahs, the District Administration Rajouri on Tuesday issued a precautionary advisory, asking residents of identified flood-prone areas to remain on high alert and shift vulnerable family members to safer locations.

According to the advisory, vulnerable areas include the CEO Office vicinity, Naban Mohalla along the riverbank, Tariq Bridge area, MLA House Colony, low-lying areas of Nowshera town, Bela area of Nowshera and other habitations located along riverbanks and flood channels.

The administration advised residents to voluntarily relocate elderly persons, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and essential belongings to safer places without waiting for floodwaters to rise.

It also asked people to remain prepared for evacuation at short notice and cooperate with Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, Revenue and other emergency response agencies.

The advisory urged the public to stay away from rivers, nallahs, bridges and flood channels, avoid unnecessary travel, shift vehicles from low-lying areas and keep essential medicines, drinking water, dry food, important documents and mobile phones ready in case of an emergency.

The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), officials said, is functioning round the clock, and residents have been asked to report incidents of flooding, landslides, embankment breaches or stranded persons without delay.

Officials said the situation is under constant monitoring and appealed to people not to panic or spread rumours, urging them to rely only on official information issued by the district administration and other government agencies. (NVI)

Suspicious illumination device recovered near BSF post in RS Pura Jammu, safely handled

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, July 21 (NVI): A suspicious illumination-type device was recovered near a Border Security Force (BSF) post in the R S Pura sector of Jammu district, officials said on Tuesday.

The device was found near the BSF’s Mangral post, following which a Bomb Disposal Team (BDT) from the BSF Headquarters in Paloura was rushed to the spot.

According to officials, the device emitted a bright light into the sky for nearly two minutes and appeared to be an illumination or signalling munition rather than a conventional high-explosive device.

The bomb disposal team secured the area and examined the device before safely handling it in accordance with standard operating procedures, they said.

No casualties, damage to property or any other untoward incident was reported during the operation, officials said, adding that security personnel maintained heightened surveillance in the surrounding area as a precaution.

The situation remained peaceful and under control, they added.—(NVI)

J&K: Poonch, Rajouri Most Vulnerable to Rain-Related Damage Over Next 48 Hours: Weather Expert

(File/Representational image)

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, July 21 (NVI): Poonch and Rajouri districts are likely to remain the most vulnerable areas in Jammu and Kashmir for rain-related damage over the next 48 hours due to saturated soil conditions and the possibility of fresh spells of heavy rainfall, according to a weather expert.

Kashmir Weather said both districts have received more than 50 mm of rainfall on each of the past three days, leaving the ground nearly saturated and significantly reducing its ability to absorb additional rain.

The expert said saturated soil increases surface runoff and weakens slope stability, raising the risk of landslides, mudslides, flash floods, slope failures and damage to infrastructure, particularly in hilly areas and along vulnerable road stretches.

The weather advisory said an approaching Western Disturbance is expected to enhance rainfall over Poonch and Rajouri during the next two days.

Located along the Pir Panjal range, the districts are usually among the first in Jammu and Kashmir to experience the impact of such weather systems, as moisture-laden air is forced to rise over the mountains, resulting in repeated spells of rainfall.

Given the already saturated ground conditions and the likelihood of additional rainfall, even moderate to heavy showers could trigger fresh weather-related incidents, the advisory said.

Residents have been advised to remain alert, avoid vulnerable areas and closely follow updates issued by the authorities and weather agencies.—(NVI)

Katra records highest rainfall at 245.6 mm as heavy showers lash J&K

Rainfall
Representational image

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, July 21 (NVI): Katra recorded the highest rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir over the past three days, with 245.6 mm of precipitation, as widespread heavy rains triggered flash floods, landslides and damage to property in several districts, officials said on Tuesday.

According to official rainfall data for the period from July 19 to 21, Poonch received 204.5 mm of rain, followed by Rajouri at 186.2 mm, Reasi at 184.5 mm and Udhampur at 155.2 mm.

The heavy rainfall led to flash floods, landslides and a sharp rise in water levels in rivers and nallahs, particularly in the Rajouri and Poonch districts. The adverse weather has caused loss of life and damage to public and private property in several areas, officials said.

Rescue and relief teams have been deployed in vulnerable locations, while the administration has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flood-prone areas and overflowing water bodies.

The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days and urged people, especially those living in hilly and vulnerable areas, to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.(NVI)

Bomb Disposal Squad Destroys IED Found in J&K Rajouri

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, July 21 (NVI): An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detected and safely destroyed in a controlled explosion by a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday.

Officials that the IED was spotted by an Army search party in Argi Dalhori village on Monday evening during a routine search operation.

Following the detection, a Bomb Disposal Squad was rushed to the spot and the explosive was neutralised in a controlled blast they said.

The officials added that the operation was carried out successfully without causing any loss of life or damage to property.(NVI)

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