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Snow Avalanche Blocks Srinagar–Leh Highway Near Zojila, Rescue Ops On

Zojila, March 27 (NVI): A massive snow avalanche hit near Zero Point along the Srinagar–Leh highway at Zojila Pass on Friday, trapping 3–4 passenger vehicles under heavy snow debris, officials said no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

Rescue and road clearance operations were swiftly launched by authorities to evacuate the stranded vehicles and restore traffic movement.

The highway has been temporarily closed as teams continue efforts to clear the debris and ensure safe passage.

Authorities have advised travelers to avoid the route until the situation improves.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Urges PM Modi to Use Diplomacy to End West Asia Conflict

Jammu  Mar 27 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage India’s diplomatic influence to help end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, describing it as a grave humanitarian crisis with direct implications for India.

Speaking during the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah highlighted the escalating war in the region and its widespread human impact, particularly in Iran. He noted that while global discussions revolve around strategic concerns like oil supply routes and geopolitical shifts, the suffering of ordinary people continues largely unaddressed.

The Chief Minister said the crisis is affecting India directly, pointing out that several Indian nationals, including residents of Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iran. He also cited domestic repercussions such as long queues at fuel stations and growing public anxiety.

“As representatives of the people, we have every right to raise our concerns,” Abdullah said, adding that although the Assembly cannot halt the war, India’s strong international ties position it to play a constructive role in de-escalation.

Referring to India’s relations with countries including the United States, Israel, and Iran, he expressed confidence that the Centre could use diplomatic channels effectively to push for peace.

Abdullah condemned what he termed an “unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran” and expressed condolences over the loss of lives, including that of Ali Khamenei and his associates.

Reiterating his appeal, he urged the Government of India to take urgent steps to help end the conflict, stating that an early resolution would benefit humanity at large.

“It is not any one religion that is being killed — it is humanity that is being killed,” he said, framing the crisis as a humanitarian issue rather than a religious one.

He concluded by expressing hope that the entire Assembly would support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the region.(NVI)

ACB Traps Two Forest Officials in Rajouri Corruption Case

Jammu, Mar 27 (NVI)Anti-corruption operation, a forester and a forest guard were caught red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said on Friday.

According to official sources, the action was carried out by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) following specific inputs about the alleged demand and acceptance of illegal gratification.

Details regarding the amount involved and the exact circumstances leading to the arrests are being finalised and are expected to be shared soon.

The accused officials have been taken into custody, and further investigation into the case is underway.

Officials said the arrested individuals will be produced before a competent court, adding that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of corruption.(NVI)

End conflict to reduce suffering, restore peace: J&K CM

CM Omar Abdullah in J&K Assembly (file Pic)

Jammu, Mar 27 NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday condemned the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran and urged the Centre to use diplomatic channels to help de-escalate the conflict.

Speaking in the J&K Assembly, Abdullah said the manner in which the war was being waged could not be supported, referring to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others during the conflict.

He expressed concern over civilian casualties, including children, and said such incidents were unacceptable.

Questioning the objectives of the war, the Chief Minister said there was no clarity on its purpose, noting that different reasons had been cited by the US leadership at different times.

Abdullah said the conflict was also impacting people in Jammu and Kashmir, with some residents stranded in Iran and concerns visible through long queues at petrol pumps.

He asserted that the Assembly had the right to express its views on issues affecting the people.

Referring to India’s relations with the countries involved, Abdullah said New Delhi maintains ties with the United States, Israel and Iran, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage these relations to push for an end to hostilities.

He stressed that ending the conflict would reduce suffering and called for efforts to restore peace, saying the issue must be viewed from a humanitarian perspective.(NVI)

Proposal for Chenab, Pir Panjal Divisions Gains Push from Waheed-ur-Rehman Para

File Photo : PDP MLA Waheed Parra

Srinagar, Mar 27 (NVI): Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Friday called for a major administrative overhaul in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating the creation of new divisions and districts to strengthen grassroots governance and improve administrative accessibility in remote areas.

The Peoples Democratic Party leader said the proposal is aimed at decentralisation and better governance, and should not be viewed through a political lens.

“It is not about dividing Jammu and Kashmir. The objective is to ensure effective grassroots governance. Regions like Chenab face several challenges due to distance, and creating a division there will benefit people,” Para said.

He proposed the formation of separate Chenab and Pir Panjal divisions, with Rajouri as a key administrative hub, and also suggested the creation of new districts, including in areas like Ashmukam to facilitate better management of yatra tourism.

Para further said that towns such as Sopore, Handwara and Tral, which already function as police districts, should be granted full administrative district status.

He added that any required delimitation, including adjustments in the number of MLAs or Lok Sabha seats, can be considered as part of a long-term effort to enhance governance and administrative efficiency in the Union Territory.(NVI)

NC Leaders Protest Outside J&K Assembly Over Middle East Crisis, Express Solidarity with Iran

Jammu, Mar 27 (NVI): National Conference (NC) leaders on Friday staged a protest outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, voicing solidarity with Iran amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Led by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the protesting leaders condemned the reported killing of a religious leader and called for a unified global response against such actions.

Speaking to reporters, Sadiq said, “We stand in solidarity with Iran. The entire National Conference stands together on this issue. We believe no country has the right to attack another, and the killing of a religious leader in such a manner is condemnable.”

He added that the top leadership of the country should also come forward and strongly condemn the incident.

Sadiq further said that he has moved a call attention and an adjournment motion in the Assembly to raise the issue.

The protest underscores the party’s stance on international developments and its call for condemnation of violence against religious and political figures.(NVI)

Iran Crisis Echoes in J&K Assembly as Congress MLA Protests

Jammu, Mar 27 (NVI): Irfan Hafiz Lone on Friday staged a protest outside the Assembly complex here, condemning the attack on Iran and criticising the Union Government’s response.

The legislator raised slogans ahead of the House proceedings, alleging that the Centre has maintained silence over the developments in the Middle East.

Describing the attack on Iran as a “murder of humanity,” Lone said India has historically stood by sovereign nations facing aggression. He further claimed that the Centre’s stance was being widely questioned and gave an impression of having “compromised.”

He also said that donations made by people in Kashmir for Iran reflect humanitarian values.(NVI)

No Proposal for Lockdown in India, Rumours Baseless: Petroleum Minister

Odisha

New Delhi, Mar 27 (NVI): The government on Friday dismissed rumours about a possible lockdown in the country, terming them as completely false and misleading.

Petroleum Minister said there is no proposal under consideration by the Government of India to impose any lockdown, and urged people not to pay heed to unverified information circulating on social media.

He emphasized that such rumours create unnecessary panic and advised citizens to rely only on official sources for accurate updates.(NVI)

3 GMC Anantnag Staff Suspended Over ‘Expired Glucose’ Row; Probe Ordered

Anantnag, Mar 27 (NVI): Authorities at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag have suspended three staff members pending an inquiry into alleged negligence in patient care following an incident reported on March 26, officials said.

The suspended employees include an incharge store keeper, an incharge pharmacist, and a staff nurse posted in the surgery ward.

The action follows allegations that expired glucose was administered to patients, raising serious concerns over safety protocols and hospital supply management.

Medical Superintendent of MMABM Associated Hospital, Dr. Arshad Hassan Siddiqui, said that a detailed investigation has been initiated and responsibility will be fixed at the earliest. He asserted that the institution follows a zero-tolerance policy towards any compromise in patient care and safety.

Meanwhile, attendants of patients alleged that some individuals developed adverse reactions shortly after being administered intravenous glucose. They claimed that upon checking, the glucose bottles were found to have expired nearly a year ago.

Calling it a grave lapse, attendants demanded strict action against those responsible, stating that the incident could have endangered lives.

Family members also alleged systemic failures in monitoring and managing medical supplies, questioning how expired stock reached the ward. They called for a comprehensive probe into procurement and storage mechanisms.

They further urged authorities to ensure stringent action, including action against all involved personnel and possible blacklisting of the supplier if found guilty.(NVI)

Central Government Revises Excise Duty: Rs. 3 per Litre, Nil on Select Goods

Representational image

New Delhi, Mar 27 (NVI): The Central Government has issued a notification amending the existing excise duty framework under the Central Excise Act, 1944, and the Finance Act, 2002.

The move, aimed at serving the public interest, was notified in the Gazette of India, with immediate effect.

The notification excise duty has been revised for certain goods. Against Sl. No. 1 in the earlier table, the duty has been set at Rs. 3 per litre, while for Sl. No. 2, the entry has been kept Nil. Additionally, the notification clarifies that the amendments will not apply to goods cleared for export.

The notification comes into force immediately, reinforcing the government’s measures to regulate taxation while ensuring compliance with public interest objectives.

The changes are expected to impact domestic excise collections and trade regulations within India. (NVI)

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