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J&K BJP Won’t Tolerate Indiscipline, Anti-Party Activities

BJP
BJP flag

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): The BJP will not tolerate indiscipline, anti-party activities or actions against public interest, party’s J&K chief spokesperson and chairman of its Disciplinary Committee, Advocate Sunil Sethi, said on Wednesday.

Sethi said the party had taken prompt action against those found violating organisational discipline within a week of receiving directions from J&K BJP president and MP Sat Sharma.

“The BJP is a cadre-based and ideology-driven political organisation where discipline is the cornerstone of its strength. Every party worker, irrespective of his or her position, is accountable to the organisation and is expected to adhere to its principles, values and code of conduct,” Sethi said.

He said the action reflected the party leadership’s commitment to maintaining organisational discipline and protecting its credibility.

“The BJP will not tolerate any form of indiscipline, anti-party or anti-people activities. Anyone found acting against the party’s ideology, organisational discipline or the interests of the people will face strict disciplinary action,” he said.

Sethi said the disciplinary process demonstrated the party’s internal mechanism of accountability, with organisational interests taking precedence over individual considerations.

He also urged other political parties to take firm and impartial action against those involved in activities that undermine party discipline and public interest.

“Strong organisations are built on discipline, accountability and commitment to public service,” Sethi said.

He reiterated that the BJP would continue to enforce discipline without fear or favour and remain committed to its ideology, public welfare and high standards of public life.(NVI)

Odisha: Virtual graveyard for elephants

Representational image

By Arun Kumar Das

BHUBANESWAR, Aug 12 (NVI) As the world celebrates Elephant Day today, Odisha represents a sorry state as the population of this animal is reducing due to poaching, electrocution and other extraneous reasons.

The state, once known for its magnificent elephants, has virtually become a graveyard for these animals. Electrocution, train hits and poaching deaths are among the top causes for unnatural deaths.

In the last financial year 2025-26, Odisha recorded 84 elephant deaths. Of these, 14 were killed by electrocution, all of which were avoidable.

The death figure of 84 was slightly down from the previous year’s 94 but remains high.

Compared to Karnataka, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the elephant death rate in Odisha is much higher revealing breakdown of protection.

Electrocution deaths since 16 years :

In 2010, the Ministry of Environment and Forest had set up an enquiry committee to investigate electrocution deaths of elephants and recommend steps for prevention.

Most of the recommendations are yet to be implemented since the last 15 years while elephants continued to be slaughtered .

Despite allocation of more than Rs 700 crores funds by the state government for strengthening of power lines, patrolling, insulation of naked overhead 11kv wires in forest areas for barricading of transformers, electrocution death rates have not declined.

From April 2010 to March 2026 (16 years) the state has lost 227 elephants to electrocution, averaging nearly 14 elephants killed in a year.

In Dhenkanal 5 elephants were electrocuted in a horrific case in September,2017 near Meramundali (largest case in India) when a sagging 11kv wire touched a passing herd.

Concealment and cover up and false claim of Anthrax :

Wildlife Society of Odisha (WSO) has noted that 17 concealment cases which have been exposed by the media have been reported since October, 2012 till March 2025 of which the highest reported in 2021-22 (3) and 2022-23 (9). 12 bodies were exhumed – 7 of them in Athagarh Forest division, 3 in Sambalpur Forest Division, 1 each in Boudh Forest Division & Satkosia Wildlife Division.

Athagarh continues to be a hotspot for elephant poaching and the local staff regularly cover up such deaths by burying or burning the carcasses without recording the offence.

Claiming Anthrax as the cause eliminated the need to carry out a proper post-mortem and investigation for the true cause of death and was an excuse to cover up poaching cases.

An RTI response from Animal Disease Research Institute (ADRI), Phulnakhara in 2020 revealed that of the 20 samples received by them mostly from Similipal, Hadgarh and Kuldiha sanctuaries between August, 2017 and December, 2019, only 2 were found to be Anthrax positive which meant 90 percent of the suspected Anthrax cases were false.

Despite demand by WSO to re-open the 90 per cent cases not proved to be Anthrax the department preferred to cover them. Therefore at least 18 cases out of the 503 cases shown as “natural, infighting, disease deaths” have been wrongly recorded.

Lack of action

Not a single power department official was convicted under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 despite the death of more than 227 elephants by electrocution in the last 15 years due to utter negligence and violation of Safety rules.

Trains have killed at least 47 elephants in 16 years. Not a single railway officer or train driver who failed to implement the maximum speed limits in elephant crossing zones has been convicted under wildlife laws. There is no daily monitoring of train speed at vulnerable crossing zones by FD.

No action against senior officers for dereliction of duties- only forest guard or forester is suspended for a few months. Not a single officer or senior officer has been dismissed.

Though a circular by the government issued in 2012 mandates enquiry and fixing of responsibility on Range Officer/DFO in case of every unnatural elephant death, no such enquiry is ever conducted.

The field patrols have failed despite thousands of elephant squads and Gaja Saathi who are supposed to check and seize illegal hooking wire traps and electrified steel wire fences.

Over the last 14 years, at least 17 cases of cover ups of elephant deaths were uncovered by Crime Branch/STF Not a single forest official responsible for such shocking cover ups has been dismissed from service. (NVI)

Path cleared for introduction of polymer currency notes in India

Representative pic of plastic note

New Delhi, Aug 12 (NVI) The government of India has paved the way for introduction of currency notes in Polymer (Plastic) form in the country by approving a proposal of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in this regard.

The RBI has proposed introduction of 2 billion polymer banknotes for field trials.

These will include one billion ₹10 notes and one billion ₹20 notes.

The proposal was submitted by the RBI’s Central Board under Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934 and the government has approved it, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Rajya Sabha.

The approved plan allows for regular issuance of polymer banknotes in the two denominations if the field trials are successful.

The RBI has said the polymer notes are proposed to circulate alongside existing paper substrate-based banknotes, rather than immediately replacing them.

Sitharaman said the procurement process is currently at an initial stage, meaning the government has not yet determined the exact timeline for introduction or the expenditure involved.

The RBI will assess the performance of the notes during field testing before taking a final decision on wider circulation.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra has indicated that the central bank is targeting the circulation of polymer currency by FY28.

He said the pilot programme remains underway and the notes will be tested before being introduced into the market.

The move could eventually expand the use of polymer currency in India if the field trials demonstrate satisfactory results. (NVI)

J&K Legislative Assembly to Convene from September 21

Srinagar, August 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has summoned the Legislative Assembly to meet on September 21, officials said on Wednesday.

The Assembly has been summoned on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The Lieutenant Governor summoned the House in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.(NVI)

J&K Weather: Heavy Rain, Landslides Likely During Aug 16-19

(File/Representational image)

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places over the next few days, with heavy and intense showers expected in some districts between August 16 and 19, the Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.

Director of Meteorological Department J&K, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said Poonch received 53 mm of rainfall, Pulwama 57.5 mm, Awantipora 47.8 mm and Rajouri 44 mm during the past 24 hours.

On Wednesday, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places, with brief spells of intense and heavy rain possible in some districts during the afternoon and evening, he said.

Between August 13 and 15, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely at many places, with brief intense showers possible at isolated locations during the early morning and late afternoon or evening hours.

From August 16 to 19, several spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places. Heavy rain and brief intense showers are likely in some districts, particularly during the early morning and afternoon hours.

The weather is likely to remain relatively drier thereafter, with light rain or thundershowers possible at scattered places from August 20 to 22, according to the forecast.

The Met Department has advised caution as heavy to intense rainfall during August 16-19 could occur in some districts of the Jammu division, while brief intense showers are possible in one or two districts of the Kashmir division.

It warned that torrential rain and intense showers could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas.

Dr Mukhtar advised residents, especially those living in vulnerable and hilly areas, to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the authorities during periods of intense rainfall.(NVI)

J&K Must Retain Top Spot in Vande Mataram Campaign: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged people to carry forward the spirit of patriotism, unity and national service, saying the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has evolved into a mass movement of national consciousness.

Addressing a Tiranga Mahotsav at the Botanical Garden here, Sinha called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that the Union Territory retains its top position in the next phase of the Vande Mataram campaign.

He said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, launched in 2022, was aimed at reviving the respect, emotional connect and sense of belonging towards the national flag.

“When the Tiranga waves across millions of homes, it is not just the flag that waves, but the hearts of 140 crore Indians that are united by the same feeling, faith and resolve,” he said.

Referring to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Sinha said the song represented the immortal voice of the nation’s soul and played a significant role in awakening national consciousness, courage, self-confidence and self-respect during the freedom struggle.

He congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the campaign, saying their efforts had become a source of inspiration for the entire country.

“I am proud that the youth and citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, along with all those associated with the Vande Mataram campaign, have helped make Jammu and Kashmir the best in the country,” he said.

Sinha urged people to work harder to maintain the UT’s number one position in the next phase of the campaign, saying the achievement should not be viewed merely in terms of numbers but as an expression of an “unbreakable national consciousness”.

He said the participation of districts such as Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Jammu and Srinagar reflected the growing spirit of national unity.

The lieutenant governor said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and Vande Mataram campaigns should inspire citizens to contribute towards building the India envisioned by freedom fighters and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

“If our ancestors protected the nation with their blood, sweat and tears, it is our responsibility to protect it with our character, honesty, dedication, unity and service,” he said.

Describing the campaigns as more than just national initiatives, Sinha said they symbolised a new era and a new Jammu and Kashmir that was confident, development-oriented and firmly moving towards the future.

He urged people to take a pledge that the Tiranga should remain high not only on the rooftops but also in their thoughts, character and actions.

Sinha also called for imbibing the spirit of Vande Mataram in every action, decision and responsibility and urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs by working towards a prosperous, safe and just nation offering equal opportunities to all.

He called for collective efforts to build an economically strong Jammu and Kashmir that takes pride in Indian culture, traditions and spiritual values.(NVI)

J&K: Police conduct searches in 36-year-old murder of Kashmir Pandit poet Premi and son

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Wednesday conducted searches at nine locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a 1990 double-murder of Kashmiri Pandit poet Sarwanand Koul Premi and his son Virender.

Sarwanand Koul Premi and his 27-year-old son were abducted from their home in Anantnag in south Kashmir by unidentifed terrorists in May 1990 and they were subsequently found killed.

The searches were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation into an FIR registered at Dooru police station in Anantnag district in 1990, officials said.

The case, registered as FIR No. 45/1990, is now being investigated by the SIA, officials said.

Further details regarding the locations searched and the outcome of the searches were not immediately available.(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 32 Pakistani soldiers, associates & injuring dozens in 8 days

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

Quetta (Balochistan), Aug 12 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight claimed to have killed more than 32 personnel and associates of the occupying Pakistan Army and injured several others in 38 operations across Balochistan during a span of 8 days.

In these operations, BLA targeted the Pakistani army, its trade and communication routes, death squads, and exploitative projects across various areas of Balochistan, the outfit’s spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

As a result of these operations, carried out between August 1 and 8, “more than 32 enemy personnel and operatives were killed and dozens were injured, while several armored and military vehicles, a quadcopter, bridges, and a railway track were destroyed,” the spokesman said.

Additionally, an intelligence operative in custody was executed, and a large quantity of military equipment was seized, he added.

One big attack was carried out on August 3 in Jojki area of Chagai, where the BLA targeted two large convoys of the occupying Pakistani army and commercial vehicles, according to Jeeyand Baloch.

“One military vehicle was destroyed by a rocket strike, while another enemy vehicle took a direct hit, leaving nine personnel dead and several injured,” the spokesman said.

Multiple commercial vehicles in the convoy were also targeted during this operation, he said.

On the same day, the BLA fighters took control of a police checkpoint on the Quetta-Karachi main highway in the Nami area of Bela, detaining 9 personnel present and confiscating their weapons and motorcycles.

The BLA later released the other personnel, while the checkpoint in-charge, Sub-Inspector Gulab, remains in custody undergoing interrogation, the spokesman said.

Furthermore, in the Nok Chah area of Chagai, BLA fighters seized control of the trade route and conducted snap checking, during which one commercial vehicle was set on fire and another was damaged by gunfire, he said.

Two suspicious drivers were detained and later released after questioning.

BLA fighters also targeted a convoy belonging to the Saindak Project and other commercial vehicles at Chhattar, seizing one vehicle.

On the same day, the BLA fighters destroyed a railway track near Musa Colony in Quetta using explosives.

The next day, BLA fighers destroyed a bridge on the trade route with explosives in Yakmach in Chagai and carried out an ambush in the afternoon targeting commercial vehicles and the occupying army.

In this 40-minute attack, several occupying army personnel were killed, and sarmachars shot down an enemy quadcopter, the spokesman said.

On August 8, BLA fighters ambushed an armored vehicle and another military vehicle of the occupying forces in Marjan area of Kalat district, killing three soldiers on the spot.

Meanwhile, in the Siah Pusht area of Mastung district, BLA fighters targeted an occupying army vehicle first with an explosive device and then with an armed attack, the spokesman said.

In Dasht (Mastung), they also inflicted casualties on the occupying army in an armed attack, he added.

In a separate attack in the Dorwa area of Kharan district, BLA fighters targeted two vehicles of the occupying army in an armed attack, causing casualties.

On the same day in Killa Abdullah, BLA fighters seized stocks stored under a government scheme.

During this operation, personnel of the occupying army and their non-uniformed associates, called ‘death squad’ attempted to advance into the area, where they were ambushed by the BLA fighters, the spokesman said.

Out of eight military vehicles, two took direct hits, and at night, BLA launched another attack on the occupying army and death squad at the same location.

These attacks resulted in a total of 9 deaths, the majority of whom were members of the “death squad”, Jeeyand Baloch said. (NVI)

J&K Notifies New Ex-Gratia Rules, ₹25 Lakh Relief for Domicile Defence Personnel

Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has revised the rates and provisions for payment of ex-gratia relief under Security Related Expenditure (SRE), including ₹25 lakh for the death of a domicile defence or Central Armed Police Forces personnel in a terrorism-related incident.

The revised provisions were notified through Government Order No. 1387-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated August 10, and supersede the instructions issued in December 2025.

According to the order, an ex-gratia of ₹7 lakh will be paid from the Police Welfare Fund and ₹5 lakh from the J&K government budget in case of death of police personnel.

The order provides ₹5 lakh for the death of a Special Police Officer (SPO) and ₹2 lakh in case of death of an ex-serviceman. Relief has also been prescribed for police personnel suffering permanent or partial disability.

For defence personnel and Central Armed Police Forces, ₹25 lakh will be provided for the death of a J&K domicile killed in a terrorism-related incident, whether within or outside the Union Territory. In case of a non-domicile killed in J&K, the relief has been fixed at ₹5 lakh.

The government has also laid down provisions for permanent and partial disability of defence and paramilitary personnel.

For government employees other than police personnel, the order provides ₹2 lakh in case of death of a magistrate and ₹1 lakh for the death of other employees. Relief of ₹75,000 has been prescribed for permanent disability, while ₹5,000 will be paid for serious injuries requiring hospitalisation for more than 24 hours, ₹1,000 for hospitalisation of less than 24 hours and ₹500 for minor injuries requiring first aid.

The relief for government employees will be admissible only when death, disability or injury occurs as a consequence of, or during the discharge of, official duties, the order said.

For civilians, the government has fixed ex-gratia relief at ₹1 lakh in case of death, including death caused by shelling along the Line of Control. An amount of ₹75,000 has been prescribed for surrendered terrorist and ₹1 lakh for terrioists-turned-informers killed in such incidents.

The order also provides ₹5,000 for permanent serious injuries involving hospitalisation for more than 24 hours, ₹1,000 for hospitalisation of less than 24 hours and ₹500 for minor injuries.

Civilian relief will be admissible only to those killed, disabled or injured innocently and not directly or indirectly involved in violence or its instigation, it said.

For damage to movable and immovable property caused during counter-terrorist activities, relief will be subject to an overall ceiling of ₹10 lakh per case. The ceiling includes ₹7 lakh for immovable property and ₹3 lakh for movable property, or the actual assessed loss, whichever is lower.

In cases of damage caused by cross-border shelling or firing along the International Border or Line of Control, relief will be limited to 50 per cent of the assessed loss, subject to the prescribed ceiling.

For damage to immovable property caused by bomb blasts or other acts of sabotage, ex-gratia relief will be 50 per cent of the assessed loss, subject to a maximum of ₹1 lakh.

The order said such property-damage claims will be sanctioned by the concerned Deputy Commissioner on the recommendations of the District Level Screening-cum-Coordination Committee.

An aggrieved person can appeal against the Deputy Commissioner’s order on assessment of damage to immovable property before the concerned Divisional Commissioner within 30 days.

The consolidated instructions were issued by the General Administration Department on the orders of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and signed by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government M Raju.(NVI)

J&K BJP suspends Pulwama district president over extortion FIR

Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has suspended its Pulwama district president Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from all party positions following the registration of an FIR alleging extortion against him, the party said on Tuesday.

The suspension was ordered by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma on the recommendation of the party’s disciplinary committee chairman and chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi.

Sethi said the allegations against Andrabi were serious and warranted organisational action, while stressing that the suspension should not be construed as a finding of guilt.

“While the law will take its own course and every individual is entitled to due process, the BJP has an equally important responsibility to uphold its organisational values and ethical standards,” Sethi said in a statement.

He said an office-bearer facing serious allegations should not continue to hold a responsible organisational position while the matter is being examined through the party’s disciplinary mechanism.

The BJP said disciplinary proceedings against Andrabi would be conducted in accordance with the party constitution and established procedures, with the concerned office-bearer being given an opportunity to present his case.

Sethi said the action was aimed at protecting the credibility and reputation of the party and maintaining public confidence in the organisation.

The party reiterated that the criminal allegations would be subject to due process of law and that its internal disciplinary proceedings would independently examine the matter.

Andrabi will remain suspended from all official party positions, including the post of Pulwama district president, pending completion of the disciplinary proceedings, the BJP said.(NVI)

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