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Lieutenant Governor Greets People on Jumat-ul-Vida

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Mar 13 (KNC): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida, which will be celebrated today, on March 13.

In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said, “On the auspicious occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida, I extend my hearty greetings and good wishes to all. I pray for the health, happiness, and prosperity of every citizen.

As we observe the final Friday of the holy month of Ramzan, may the Almighty graciously accept our prayers and devotions and continue to steer us toward a future founded on compassion, unity, and enduring harmony.” (NVI)

J&K Cabinet To Meet Today; Allowances For Ministers, MLAs Likely To Be Enhanced

J&K CM Omar Abdullah during Press Interaction at Srinagar

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is scheduled to meet on Friday at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to discuss several key proposals, including enhancement of allowances for Ministers, Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Presiding Officers and the Leader of Opposition.

Sources Said that the meeting is scheduled to be held at 2:30 PM and will deliberate on amendments to rules governing travelling allowance (TA), daily allowance (DA), medical benefits and other facilities for legislators and ministers.

Sources said the proposed amendments include changes in TA Rules, Ministers and Ministers of State (Motor Car Advance and Allowances) Rules, Housing Loan Rules and Leader of Opposition Allowances and Medical Facilities Rules. If approved and subsequently cleared by the Lieutenant Governor, the amendments would enhance allowances including medical allowance for the Leader of Opposition, daily allowances, motor car advances for ministers and improved TA and medical benefits for MLAs.

They said the proposal has already received concurrence from the Finance Department.

The Cabinet is also expected to take up a proposal regarding revision of passenger transport fares across the Union Territory.

According to sources, the Transport Department has recommended an 18 percent hike in fares for all categories of commercial passenger vehicles. The department has also proposed fixation of charges for electric autos and e-rickshaws, suggesting a rate of ₹15 per kilometre for e-rickshaws and ₹25 for the first kilometre and ₹20 for each subsequent kilometre for e-autos.

Transport associations had reportedly demanded a 35 to 40 percent hike, however, the Fare Revision Committee recommended an 18 percent increase after assessing its impact on the general public, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet is also likely to approve creation of 136 new faculty posts in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) of Jammu and Srinagar under Phase-II implementation of the three-tier faculty structure as per National Medical Commission norms.

As per the proposal, 27 posts of Professors—10 for GMC Jammu and 17 for GMC Srinagar—and 109 posts of Associate Professors—36 for Jammu and 73 for Srinagar—are proposed. In total, 46 posts are proposed for GMC Jammu and 90 for GMC Srinagar.

Officials said the proposal, which carries an annual financial implication of around ₹17 crore, is expected to increase postgraduate medical seats by around 158 in different disciplines.

The Cabinet may also approve extension of services of the Jammu and Kashmir Real Estate Appellate Tribunal as the Real Estate Appellate Tribunal for the Union Territory of Ladakh under a joint arrangement between the two UTs.

Officials said Ladakh has limited real estate activity and intends to continue with the interim arrangement by sharing the appellate tribunal with Jammu and Kashmir. The proposal has already received support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the J&K Law Department.

Among other matters, the Cabinet may also consider promotion of Joint Director Fisheries Abdul Majid Tak as Director Fisheries and grant of Special Scale (Non-Functional) of JKAS in favour of officer Rajesh Kumar Basotra, sources added. —(NVI)

JKP Head Constable, Wife Killed; Two Children Injured in Bhaderwah Road Accident

Road accidents
Representational image

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): A head constable of Jammu and Kashmir Police and his wife were killed while their two children were injured after a car they were travelling in skidded off the road and plunged into a river in Doda district on Friday, officials said.

The accident occurred near Basti village in the Bhaderwah area when an Alto car reportedly went out of the driver’s control and rolled down into the river, they said.

Head constable Zulfikar Ali and his wife died in the accident, while their two children sustained injuries, officials said.

Ali was on his way to duty when the incident took place. The injured children were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further investigation is underway, officials added.(NVI)

CM Omar extends greetings on Jumat-ul-Vida

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Mar 12 (NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida.

In his message, the Chief Minister emphasized the profound spiritual significance of Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, which holds special importance for the Muslim community.

He urged people to utilize this sacred occasion for prayers, introspection and seeking divine blessings for peace, prosperity and harmony in society.

“May this blessed occasion bring peace, prosperity and well-being to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Let us pray for unity, harmony and the continued progress of our society while strengthening the bonds of compassion and brotherhood,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the people to remember the underprivileged and extend support to those in need, underscoring the values of kindness, charity and generosity that define the spirit of Ramadan.

He expressed hope that the prayers offered on this sacred occasion would inspire everyone to work collectively towards building a more just, inclusive and peaceful society.(NVI)

Kashmir University Postpones All Exams, Campuses to Remain Closed on March 13

Srinagar, Mar 12 (NVI): The University of Kashmir on Thursday announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled for March 13, 2026, in view of the holiday on account of Jumat-ul-Vida.

According to a notice issued by the Office of the Controller of Examinations, a copy of which lies with — (NVI), all university examinations slated for tomorrow stand postponed. The notice further stated that fresh dates for the postponed examinations will be notified separately.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of the University of Kashmir also issued an order stating that all campuses of the university will remain closed on March 13 (Friday) in compliance with Government Order No. 323-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated March 12, 2026, regarding the observance of the Jumat-ul-Vida holiday.

However, the order said that the university will remain functional on March 14 (Saturday) and all teaching as well as administrative activities will continue as per routine. (NVI)

“Peace in J&K Came at a Price; Sacrifices of Police, Army and CAPFs Secured It”: LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Mar 12 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the closing ceremony of the 2nd All India Police Kabaddi Cluster 2025–26 at MA Stadium Jammu, where he lauded the spirit of sportsmanship and paid tribute to the sacrifices of security forces who laid down their lives for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

As per news (NVI) Sinha said that the peace we enjoy today, the peace that lets families gather, athletes compete, and communities thrive, did not come without a price.

“This peace was secured through the sacrifices of the J&K Police, the Army, and the CAPFs. Thousands of police personnel, soldiers, and CAPF bravehearts gave their lives protecting the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Our duty is not just to remember them, but to ensure their sacrifice endures, preserving the peace they won,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor issued a stern warning to those who seek to destroy this peace: “You will find no place to hide. We will hunt you down from the deepest depths”.

The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the closing ceremony of 2nd All India Police Kabaddi Cluster 2025-26 (Men & Women) at MA Stadium Jammu.

The Lieutenant Governor felicitated the sportspersons from State Police Forces and CAPFs participated in different sports disciplines including Kabaddi, Gymnastics, Fencing and Kho-Kho. He said the discipline, and determination displayed by the participants truly reflect the core values of policing.

“Sports have always bridged divides through their unmatched reliability. Language, geography, social status, rank, and authority fade away on the field. There, only courage and resolve matter. The sports ground binds us in a shared humanity.

This is an education possible only on the ground, and it has the power to shape the character of the young generation. Such sporting events carry another vital lesson: lasting public security, peace and prosperity is strengthened from trust and values,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Lauding Jammu Kashmir Police, the Lieutenant Governor said that through the Civic Action Programme, the J&K Police has kept alive the conviction that we belong to community, that we care for youth, and that we believe in their future.

“The people here have always seen the Jammu & Kashmir Police as a guide, a mentor — an integral part of the community. These competitions are an expression of exactly that spirit,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth of Jammu Kashmir to recognize and fully seize the extraordinary potential of the Union Territory they have inherited.

“Dream big, with the health, freedom, and opportunities to make those dreams real,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Emphasizing that a bright future requires a healthy foundation, the Lieutenant Governor urged the younger generation to stay vigilant against the menace of narcotics and lead a collective war against drugs.

“Sports teach the power of shared purpose: a dedicated team achieves what no individual can. These lessons extend beyond the field, forming the foundation of life’s greatest triumphs,” the Lieutenant Governor further said.

The Lieutenant Governor also felicitated the J&K cricket team on clinching their maiden Ranji trophy title. The Lieutenant Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to the champions for this landmark triumph.

An e-Souvenir of the 2nd All India Police Kabaddi Cluster 2025-26 was also released on the occasion.

Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M Gillani, Special DG (Coordination); Abdul Ghani Mir, Commandant General, Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF J&K; Anand Jain, ADGP Armed Police; MK Sinha, ADGP Headquarters; Pankaj Thakur, Joint Director, IB; senior officials of J&K Police and Civil administration and eminent sports personalities attended the closing ceremony. (NVI)

Manoj Sinha Directs DGP Nalin Prabhat to Probe Firing at Farooq Abdullah

LG Manoj Sinha chairing University Council Meeting of SKUAST Kashmir, at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 12 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the firing incident targeting National Conference president Farooq Abdullah in Jammu.

According to NVI that the Lieutenant Governor spoke to Dr. Farooq Abdullah over the phone and enquired about the incident, assuring him that the matter would be investigated thoroughly.

Sinha also directed Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the incident and ensure swift action in the case.

Meanwhile, senior officials have been instructed to ensure airtight security arrangements for all protectees, with directions to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future. (NVI)

JKCA Scam Case: Court Orders Non-Bailable Warrant Against Farooq Abdullah

File photo: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Mar 12 (NVI): A court in Srinagar on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against Farooq Abdullah after rejecting his plea seeking exemption from personal appearance in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) scam case.

The order was passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Srinagar, during a hearing on the framing of charges in the case.

Abdullah did not appear before the court and his counsel sought exemption citing his inability to attend the proceedings. However, the court noted that the defence declined the option of ensuring his presence through virtual mode and subsequently ordered issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him.

The court has listed the matter for further proceedings on March 30.

The case relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association during Abdullah’s tenure as its president. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the probe in 2015 following directions from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, filed a chargesheet in 2018 alleging that more than ₹43 crore meant for cricket development in Jammu and Kashmir was misappropriated between 2002 and 2011.

The funds were part of grants exceeding ₹100 crore released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for cricket development in the region.

Abdullah has denied the allegations and termed them politically motivated. The development comes a day after a firing incident at a wedding function in Jammu attended by Abdullah, where a man allegedly opened fire before being overpowered by security personnel. The veteran leader escaped unhurt. (NVI)

Jammu Court Remands Farooq Abdullah Shooter to 5 Days’ Police Custody

Jammu, Mar 12 (NVI): A Jammu court on Thursday remanded 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal, accused of firing at National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, to five days of police custody for further interrogation.

Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi, was produced before the court amid tight security. Police informed the court that his custodial interrogation was necessary to ascertain the motive behind the attack and to probe whether he had any links with other individuals or organisations.

According to the court allowed the police request and directed the authorities to ensure that the accused undergoes medical examination every 24 hours during the custody period.

Earlier, before being produced in court, Jamwal was taken to a hospital for a medical check-up. Speaking to reporters, he claimed that he acted on his own and said, “I have not done this at the behest of anyone. I fired at him.”

Dr Farooq Abdullah had a narrow escape on Wednesday night when the accused allegedly opened fire from behind while he was leaving a wedding function in Greater Kailash on the outskirts of Jammu. (NVI)

Jumat-ul-Vida to Be Observed Across J&K Tomorrow: Grand Mufti

Srinagar, Mar 12 (NVI): Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan, will be observed across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said Jumat-ul-Vida will fall on March 13 this year, noting that the following Friday may coincide with Eid-ul-Fitr.

Meanwhile, the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid held a meeting chaired by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to review and finalise arrangements for Jumat-ul-Vida, Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr.

During the meeting, the Auqaf expressed hope that authorities will permit congregational prayers and religious gatherings at the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city, which has remained largely closed for major prayers for nearly seven years.

The Auqaf also said coordination will be maintained with concerned government departments to ensure smooth arrangements for the upcoming religious occasions. (NVI)

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