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113 Killed in 795 Road Accidents in Four J&K Districts Till August

Road accidents
Representational image

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Sep 17 (NVI) : Traffic Police Rural Jammu will launch an intensive enforcement drive against violations by e-rickshaws, e-autos and e-carts operating in four districts of the Union Territory from September 21, officials said on Thursday.

According to a public advisory issued by SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Farooq Qaiser, a total of 795 road accidents were reported in Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch between January 1 and August 31 this year, claiming 113 lives and leaving 1,161 people injured.

Of these, e-rickshaws, e-autos and e-carts were involved in 81 accidents, accounting for about 10 per cent of the total accidents, the advisory said.

The accidents involving these vehicles left two people dead and 164 injured, with several of the injured reportedly suffering grievous injuries resulting in disabilities.

Traffic Police said it had received complaints of violations by operators, including overloading, overcharging, over-speeding and driving by unauthorised persons.

As part of the enforcement measures, such vehicles will have to operate strictly within their prescribed territorial limits as specified in orders issued by the concerned District Magistrates. They will not be allowed to ply in other districts or tehsils, the advisory said.

The vehicles have also been barred from operating on national and state highways, flyovers, hilly areas and major state roads.

Drivers have been directed to wear the prescribed uniform and carry a valid and appropriate driving licence. Fare meters must be installed and kept functional in all such vehicles, it said.

Operators have also been instructed not to exceed the prescribed passenger or luggage capacity, overcharge passengers or violate stipulated speed limits.

The Traffic Police said the drive would focus on enforcing provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and applicable rules, with the aim of improving road safety and preventing accidents involving such vehicles.—(NVI)

J&K Rajouri terror module: Pistol, ammunition and grenades recovered during probe

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, Sep 17 (NVI) Three persons have allegedly been found involved in providing logistic support, shelter and facilitating the movement of terrorists linked to the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit in Rajouri and adjoining areas, officials said on Thursday.

The development came during further investigation into FIR No. 95/2026 registered at Dharamsal police station, they said.

The accused, all residents of Kot Charwal, have been identified as Mohd Azam, Zakir Hussain and Mohd Mushtaq, officials said.

According to the investigation, the accused allegedly harboured and facilitated the movement of terrorists associated with the proscribed outfit.

Their alleged role in assisting, harbouring and facilitating the movement of terrorists who were subsequently killed in an encounter at Chassana in Reasi in 2023 has also emerged during the investigation, officials said.

The investigation further revealed that the accused had allegedly provided shelter and logistical assistance to multiple terrorist groups and facilitated their movement across Rajouri and Reasi districts and through the Pir Panjal region up to Shopian, they said.

During the investigation, a pistol along with a magazine and ammunition, besides two Chinese grenades, were recovered on the disclosure of the accused on Thursday, officials said.

Further investigation is underway.—(NVI)

ACB registers 3 FIRs over Rs 2.61 crore PDS fraud, disproportionate assets in J&K

Srinagar, Sep 17 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered three FIRs against serving and former government officials in connection with alleged disproportionate assets and irregularities in the distribution of food grains under the public distribution system, officials said on Thursday.

The cases involve officials of the Motor Vehicle Department, Rural Development Department and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department, the ACB said in a statement.

In one of the cases, FIR No. 06/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Jammu against an employee of the Motor Vehicle Department for allegedly possessing movable and immovable assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The ACB said verification found assets including shops, plots, flats and luxury vehicles in the name of the accused and his family members. Searches were subsequently conducted at his residential premises after obtaining a warrant from the court, it said.

In another case, FIR No. 03/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla against a JKAS officer, who had served as Block Development Officer in Singhpora/Pattan, for allegedly accumulating assets disproportionate to her known sources of income.

The agency said the assets included bank deposits, fixed deposits, LIC policies, jewellery and immovable properties, including a five-storeyed commercial complex and plots at different locations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Searches were conducted at her residential and office premises following warrants from the Anti-Corruption Court in Baramulla and incriminating material was seized, the ACB said.

The third FIR, registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla, relates to alleged irregularities in the distribution of government food grains under the PDS between June 2013 and June 2015.

The case has been registered against the same JKAS officer, who had then served as Assistant Director, CAPD Baramulla, a salesman in the department and other public servants, under relevant provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and RPC.

According to the ACB, verification found alleged unauthorised diversion of food grains from APL to BPL/AAY categories involving Rs 26.32 lakh, an unexplained shortage of 16,763.77 quintals valued at Rs 1.67 crore and a discrepancy involving 6,120.13 quintals worth Rs 61.20 lakh between district and circle-wise statements.

The agency also alleged short remittance of Rs 6.74 lakh and abnormal escalation in ration cards during the 2014 floods, resulting in an estimated wrongful loss of Rs 2.61 crore to the exchequer.

Searches were carried out at the residential and office premises of the accused and incriminating material was seized, the ACB said.

Further investigation in all three cases is underway, it added.—(NVI)

J&K Govt working on plan to raise handloom, handicraft exports to Rs 2000 cr by 2030

J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chairing meeting

Srinagar, Sep 17 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir government aims to increase the Union Territory’s handicraft and handloom exports from the current level of around Rs 800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore by 2030.

Reviewing an action plan in this regard at a meeting here today, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stressed the need for a detailed assessment of the sector’s strengths, competitive advantages and challenges before finalising the implementation framework, an official statement said.

He directed the Industries and Commerce Department to identify challenges requiring immediate intervention and prepare a year-wise strategy with clearly defined targets, milestones and timelines.

The Chief Secretary also called for a comprehensive plan focusing on capacity building, infrastructure development, establishment of clusters and better organisation of artisans and craftsmen.

He asked officials to prepare a blueprint for leveraging Central government incentives and schemes while introducing suitable UT-specific interventions to boost exports of high-value craft products.

Dulloo emphasised that the assessments and projections forming the basis of the action plan should be scientific, evidence-based and supported by robust data.

Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh briefed the meeting on the strategic framework for 2026-2030, which seeks to align the national export vision with coordinated Union Territory and district-level interventions.

He said J-K had improved its position in the national Export Preparedness Index among small states, northeastern states and Union Territories, moving from 36th position in 2020 to second in 2024.

The proposed framework includes a State Export Action Plan and District Export Action Plans, with interventions tailored to the competitive strengths of individual districts, the statement said.

According to the action plan presented by Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, the active registered exporter base is proposed to be increased to 15,000 by 2030 from the present 269 active RCMC exporters.

The plan also envisages 100 per cent GI-QR tagging of exports to improve authenticity and traceability, promotion of Rs 100 crore in e-commerce exports and increasing utilisation of free trade agreements to more than 50 per cent from the current level of below 20 per cent.

Immediate interventions planned for the next two years include expansion of the Artisan Credit Card, setting up Export Textile Planning Cells under Tex-RAMPS and launching the “Soulful J-K” GI branding campaign.

Medium-term measures include introducing ESG and EUDR compliance certifications for more than 100 manufacturing units and establishing raw material banks.

The action plan also proposes leveraging Central schemes of the Ministry of Textiles, including the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) and SAMARTH for capacity building in the textile sector.

It also seeks to utilise the J-K Export Subsidy Scheme, 2021, under which eligible exporters can avail an export subsidy of 10 per cent, subject to a maximum of Rs 5 crore per exporter.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on institutional coordination, monitoring and timely implementation of the action plan to expand the global reach of J-K’s traditional crafts and support sustainable livelihoods for around 4.5 lakh artisans and craftsmen.—(NVI)

US, Indian troops conduct counterterrorism drill during Yudh Abhyas in Auli

Auli (U’khand), Sep 17 (NVI) US and Indian Army troops on Thursday conducted a joint counterterrorism drill focused on building clearance and room intervention as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 here, officials said.

The drill simulated close-quarter operational scenarios and involved assault teams supported by drones, robotic dogs, canines and snipers, showcasing the coordinated use of specialised personnel and technology, they said.

US Army personnel also interacted with Indian troops and examined the equipment used during the exercise, gaining an understanding of the capabilities and techniques demonstrated during the training.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing professional exchanges, tactical understanding and interoperability between the two armies, officials said.

Exercise Yudh Abhyas is being conducted at Auli in Uttarakhand as part of the ongoing India-US military cooperation.—(NVI)

DGP Prabhat Orders Attachment of Terrorists’ Properties in J&K’s Kupwara

Srinagar, Sep 17 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat has ordered the attachment of properties belonging to two Pakistan-based terrorists in Kupwara district, officials said on Thursday.

The properties include around 15 kanals of land and two residential houses in Kachama village of Kupwara, they said.

According to officials, the properties belong to Abdul Majid Qureshi and Parvaiz Ahmad Qureshi, both residents of Kachama who are currently operating from Pakistan.

The property linked to Abdul Majid Qureshi comprises 10 kanals and seven marlas of land along with a three-storeyed residential house, while that of Parvaiz Ahmad Qureshi includes five kanals of land and a single-storeyed residential house, officials said.

The properties, registered in the names of the two accused, have been classified as “proceeds of terrorism” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), they said.

The attachment has been authorised under Section 25 of the UAPA in connection with FIR No. 276/2022 registered at Kupwara police station under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the UAPA, officials said.

Further legal proceedings in the case are being carried out in accordance with the provisions of law, they added.—(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah inaugurates renovated J&K House in Amritsar

Amritsar, Sep 17 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the renovated J&K House here, which has been upgraded to provide affordable and comfortable accommodation to residents of the Union Territory visiting the city.

The heritage property, located on Court Road, has been renovated at an approximate cost of Rs 2.30 crore, with the work covering civil and electrical works, interiors, guest amenities, external development and allied infrastructure, officials said.

The renovation work commenced in October 2025 and has now been completed.

The upgraded facility comprises four guest rooms with attached dressing areas and washrooms, besides a common sitting lounge, dining area and kitchen.

Located close to major hospitals and other key destinations, the J&K House is expected to particularly benefit patients and their attendants travelling to Amritsar for medical treatment. It will also cater to students, pilgrims and other visitors from Jammu and Kashmir.

During his visit, Abdullah inspected the upgraded facilities and directed officials to maintain high standards of hospitality, cleanliness and upkeep.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the facility would help ease the difficulties faced by patients and their families who travel outside Jammu and Kashmir for treatment.

He also appreciated the efforts of the departments and officers involved in the renovation and stressed the need for proper maintenance of the facility.

The chief minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar, Secretary Hospitality and Protocol Avny Lavasa, Additional Resident Commissioner Anil Sharma and senior officers of the J&K and Punjab governments.—(NVI)

J&K LG Sinha celebrates PM Modi’s birthday with children at Srinagar homes

Srinagar, Sep 17 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday with children at the ‘Palaash’ and ‘Pareesha’ homes here and later visited the Children’s Hospital at Bemina to meet young patients.

Sinha distributed school bags, sports kits and sweets among the children and reviewed the residential facilities being provided at the two homes, an official statement said.

He subsequently visited the Children’s Hospital at Bemina, where he spent time with young patients and wished them a speedy recovery.

The visit coincided with the launch of the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, a month-long campaign of service that will continue till October 17, marking Modi’s 25 years of public service, the statement said.

As part of the campaign, 12 programmes will be organised over the next month, including school competitions on the theme ‘Mere Sapno Ka Bharat’, felicitation of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, tree plantation drives, youth activities and registration camps under the Seva Setu Abhiyan.

Sinha said Seva Setu camps would be organised at the block and ward levels till October 17 to help deprived beneficiaries register for various government welfare schemes.

He appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the campaign.

The lieutenant governor highlighted various development and welfare indicators while speaking about the achievements of the Modi government.

He said the country’s GDP growth rate in the first quarter of 2026-27 stood at 7.8 per cent and claimed that 25 crore people had moved above the poverty line, while 80 crore people were receiving free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

Sinha also referred to the expansion of the national highway network from 91,000 km to 1.46 lakh km and the increase in the number of airports from 74 to 165.

“Kashmir is now directly connected with the rail network. Discrimination has been eliminated and the UT is witnessing historic transformation,” he said.

He also highlighted the construction of 11 crore toilets, more than 10 crore gas connections and four crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with another three crore houses under construction, according to the statement.

Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir would emerge as an example of prosperity and urged people to contribute to the service campaign.—(NVI)

14 injured in road accident in J&K’s Poonch

Jalgaon

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Sep 17 (NVI) Fourteen people, including two infants, were injured in a road accident in the Dharana area of Mendhar in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

The injured were evacuated from the accident site and shifted to the Government Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Mendhar for treatment, they said.

Health officials said the condition of all the injured was stable and they were kept under observation.

Chief Medical Officer, Poonch, Dr Parvaiz Ahmed Khan said ambulances were rushed to the spot soon after information about the accident was received and healthcare staff were mobilised for the timely evacuation of the injured.

He said all necessary medical treatment was being provided at SDH Mendhar and the injured were being continuously monitored by the medical team.

The CMO directed the Block Medical Officer, Mendhar, to ensure proper and timely treatment of all the injured and facilitate necessary medical assistance for eligible persons under the PM Relief Scheme, officials said.

All the injured are residents of the Dharana area, they said.

Further investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident is underway.—(NVI)

Two Pakistani JeM terrorists killed in J&K’s Udhampur encounter

Shopian
(Representational/file photo)

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Sep 17 (NVI) Two Pakistani terrorists belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were killed in an encounter with security forces in Udhampur district and have been identified as Saddam and Mustafa, police said on Thursday.

A suspected associated of the terrorists was also held from the encounter site, according to the officials.

In a joint intelligence-based operation during the last night, confirmed inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the general area of Brattal, Udhampur, Nagrota-based White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said in a social media post.

“Despite hostile weather, difficult terrain and poor visibility, troops of #WhiteKnightCorps, @JmuKmrPolice and CRPF launched a targeted counter-terrorism operation, resulting in the neutralisation of two terrorists,” it said.

The operation is still in progress, with search and surveillance operations continuing in the area, the Army said.

“Security forces remain deployed to track and neutralise any remaining threat,” it added.

Police said an AK assault rifle with four magazines, an M4 carbine with three magazines, a Glock pistol with two magazines and four grenades were recovered from the slain terrorists.—(NVI)

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