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CM Omar Backs Golf Push, Seeks IPL and International Cricket for J&K

Srinagar, Aug 4 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Union Territory must reclaim its position as one of India’s premier golf destinations, announcing plans to make the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament an annual event, establish a golf academy and strengthen sports infrastructure.

Speaking after inaugurating the J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, Abdullah said golf tourism forms an important part of the government’s strategy to promote high-value tourism in the Union Territory.

He said the government is focusing on the golf courses at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sidra in Jammu, while another golf course in the Jammu region is also proposed to be upgraded.

The Chief Minister said Kashmir has already started attracting golfers from different parts of the country for weekend visits, adding that the tournament would help restore the Valley’s place on India’s golfing map.

He said more than 100 professional golfers, including several international participants, are taking part in the event and expressed hope that the tournament would become an annual feature on the national golf calendar.

Abdullah said the government also plans to establish a golf academy to nurture young talent, adding that Pro-Am tournaments provide local amateur golfers an opportunity to compete alongside professional players.

Recalling Kashmir’s golfing legacy, he said the region hosted some of the country’s biggest golf tournaments before the onset of militancy and that Gulmarg was once considered a must-visit destination for golfers during the summer season.

Speaking on sports, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and the selection of local players in the Indian Premier League have changed perceptions about the Union Territory’s sporting potential.

He, however, said the lack of international-standard cricket infrastructure remains a major challenge and called for expediting the proposed construction of two international-standard stadiums by the BCCI so that Jammu and Kashmir can eventually host IPL and international matches.

Replying to a question on the recent killing of civilians in south Kashmir, Abdullah termed the incident “deeply tragic” and said no religion permits the killing of innocent people. He said those responsible for maintaining security must ensure such attacks do not occur.—(NVI)

Search operation launched in J&K’s Poonch after reports of suspicious movement

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Aug 4 (NVI): Security forces on Tuesday launched a search operation in the remote Surankote area of Poonch district after suspicious movement at two locations, officials said.

They said joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies launched a cordon-and-search operation in the identified areas and adjoining forests to verify the inputs.

The operation was continuing when the last reports came in, while further details were awaited. (NVI)

Old Mortar Shell Recovered During Digging in J&K Kathua

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 4 (NVI): An old rusted mortar shell was recovered during digging work at a vacant house in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Tuesday, officials said.

The shell was found in the courtyard of a vacant house a resident of Kattal Brahmana village in Hiranagar area.

Police were immediately informed and a team from the Border Police Post (BPP) Sherpur rushed to the spot. The mortar shell was taken into custody, following which the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) from District Police Lines (DPL) Kathua was informed to safely defuse the explosive, officials said.

No injuries or damage were reported in the incident. Further details are awaited, officials added.—(NVI)

J&K Integrates 50,000 Migrant Families into NFSA Database to Expand Social Security

Jammu, Aug 3 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Relief and Rehabilitation Organisation has launched a month-long outreach drive to integrate nearly 50,000 migrant families into the National Food Security Act (NFSA) database, aiming to expand their access to social welfare schemes, officials said on Monday.

The initiative, being carried out in coordination with the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and the Social Welfare Department, is based on government notifications issued in 2021 and 2024.

Officials said the integration will enable migrant families to access a range of welfare schemes, including pensions, healthcare benefits, scholarships and financial assistance, while retaining their existing relief benefits and recognised migrant status.

More than 3,000 migrant families have been assisted so far through door-to-door outreach, e-KYC facilitation and field-level coordination, they said.

According to officials, 1,625 old-age pensions, 114 widow pensions and 88 disability pensions have been verified and sanctioned. In addition, two beneficiaries have received assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme, while two persons with disabilities have been sanctioned tricycles.

The organisation has also announced special awareness and facilitation camps across migrant camps and settlements in Jammu and Udhampur from August 3 to August 31 to ensure wider coverage.

The camps, being held under the supervision of Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) Dr Arvind Karwani, will provide on-site assistance, with Common Service Centre (CSC) operators helping eligible beneficiaries submit online applications for various welfare schemes free of cost, officials added.(NVI)

Heart transported by train for first time to save life

A box carrying a heart being received at Ahmedabad railway station

Arun Kumar Das

New Delhi, Aug 3 (NVI) In a first, a train became an instrument of saving a life as a donated heart was transported from Surat to Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The life-saving organ was transported by Vande Bharat Express, ensuring its safe and timely arrival for transplantation at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre, Ahmedabad, according to railway officials.

Given the highly time-sensitive nature of organ transplantation, the operation required meticulous planning and seamless coordination among Indian Railways, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Gujarat State Police and medical teams, they said.

Every stage of the transportation was carefully synchronised to ensure that the donor heart reached the recipient hospital within the prescribed viability window, the officials said.

A dedicated Green Corridor was created from Platform No. 1 of Ahmedabad Railway Station to the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre by the Railway Protection Force and Gujarat State Police, enabling uninterrupted movement of the donor heart and ensuring that the transplant procedure could commence without delay, they said.

Speaking on the occasion, Ved Prakash, Divisional Railway Manager, Ahmedabad, said, “This is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction for Indian Railways… The excellent coordination among Indian Railways, RPF, Gujarat State Police and the medical teams ensured the success of this mission. Contributing towards saving a human life is not only our responsibility but also our highest duty towards service and humanity.”

The successful mission demonstrates how modern railway infrastructure can play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s emergency healthcare ecosystem. (NVI)

IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Preparedness Ahead of Upcoming Events

Srinagar, Aug 3 (NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V.K. Birdi on Monday chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the prevailing security situation and review preparedness for upcoming events across the Valley, officials said.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, BSF, CRPF, CID, SSB, ITBP, Railways, Traffic Police and other security agencies.

Officials said the meeting reviewed the overall security scenario, recent developments and measures in place to tackle emerging challenges.

Birdi directed officers to strengthen the existing security grid and maintain a high level of preparedness. He stressed the need for close coordination among various security agencies and called for intelligence-based operations to counter militant activities, they said.

The IGP also reviewed security arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, railway tracks and stations, directing enhanced deployment at vulnerable locations, increased night patrolling and effective surveillance.

He asked district police chiefs to intensify monitoring of anti-national and anti-social elements, strengthen area domination in sensitive locations and keep a close watch on social media to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation that could affect law and order, officials said.

The meeting concluded with directions to maintain heightened vigil and ensure seamless coordination among security agencies to preserve peace and stability in Kashmir, they added.(NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing 47 Pakistani soldiers in 15 days

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters at some undisclosed location. File Pic.

Quetta (Balochistan), Aug 3 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed 46 personnel and injured several others of the occupying Pakistani military in 51 operations in Balochistan during a period of 15 days.

The BLA fighters also destroyed 7 posts of the occupying Pakistani military and took temporary control of several areas during this period from July 15 to July 31.

BLA lost 5 fighters in clashes with the occupying military.

Stating this, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch shared the details as follows:

July 15: In Khost, Harnai, Sarmachars (fighters) gained control of the site of the exploitative ‘Mari Oil and Gas Company’ and destroyed tankers by planting explosive material.

At the same location, a Levies Force post being used to assist the gas company was destroyed in an explosion, while the main pipeline of the gas well was also destroyed in a blast.

On the same day, the occupying Pakistani military was targeted in an attack at Nighar Kand in Surab.

The enemy military was attacked while engaged in aggression.

In this attack, which lasted for several hours, six personnel of the occupying military were killed and several were injured, while three BLA Sarmachars, Sangat Waheed alias Bahot, Sangat Muhammad Rahim alias Asfand, and Sangat Shakir Rehman alias Ashraf, embraced martyrdom.

July 16: In Ahmad Wal, Nushki, Sarmachars took control of a Levies station and detained two personnel present there.

The said station was continuously used by the occupying military during aggressions, while Levies personnel were also found involved in extortion from vehicles.

After seizing weapons from the station, Sarmachars destroyed the building by planting explosive material. The detained personnel were released after a warning.

July 17: In Badrang, Kalat, Sarmachars targeted the occupying military in an attack, inflicting losses upon them.

On the same day, a camp of the occupying military at ‘Damb’ in Hoshab, Kech, and surveillance cameras installed at Hoshab ‘Zero Point’ were simultaneously targeted and destroyed by Sarmachars.

July 18: At Kachki and Station in Nushki, three vehicles carrying minerals on the trade route were targeted. Meanwhile, in Zareen Jungle, Nushki, a Levies Force post was destroyed by Sarmachars in an explosion.

July 19: In Kilshan, Panjgur, Sarmachars targeted foot personnel of the occupying military in an IED attack; two personnel were killed and one was critically injured in the blast.

Meanwhile, at Babri in Kanak, Mastung, Sarmachars set up a blockade on the Quetta-Taftan trade route for hours.

July 20: In Parom, Panjgur, Sarmachars targeted an armored vehicle of the occupying military in an IED attack, resulting in loss of life and property for the occupying military.

On the same day, Sarmachars blockaded the main Kharan-Quetta highway near Kharan city and conducted snap checking for seven hours.

Meanwhile, at Phatak in Dalbandin, Sarmachars gained control of the Quetta-Taftan trade route and carried out snap checking, while a Levies post was destroyed by planting explosive material.

Additionally, in Kachki, Nushki, a cargo vehicle on the Quetta-Taftan trade route was set on fire and destroyed by Sarmachars.

July 21: In Dasht, Mastung, Sarmachars destroyed a gas pipeline by planting explosive material.

On the same day, in Tazeena, Kharan, the occupying military attempted to advance for aggression, which was thwarted by Sarmachars. The cowardly enemy fired shells from quadcopters on civilian populations, resulting in loss to livestock.

July 22: In Durg, Bisima, Sarmachars destroyed a post of Pakistani forces in a blast; the said post was used at various times by the occupying military.

Meanwhile, in Hosri, Kohlu, Sarmachars destroyed a Levies Force post by planting explosive material.

On the same day, in Charsar, Dalbandin, a vehicle carrying minerals on the Quetta-Taftan trade route was set on fire and destroyed by Sarmachars.

July 23: In Dali, Kharan, Sarmachars targeted the occupying military in an attack while they were attempting to advance.

July 25: In the Ahmad Wal area of Nushki, on the Quetta-Taftan trade route, Sarmachars ambushed a multi-vehicle convoy of the occupying Pakistani military.

At least four personnel of the occupying military were killed and several personnel, including a DSP, were injured in the attack.

Meanwhile, in Dasht Kambela, Mastung, Sarmachars targeted a vehicle of the occupying military in an IED attack, inflicting losses upon them.

July 26: In Hosri, Kohlu, Sarmachars ambushed personnel of the occupying Pakistani forces (ATF) when they were attempting to advance into the area for aggression; five personnel of the occupying forces were killed in the attack, while other cowardly personnel fled in panic, including injured personnel.

Meanwhile, in Tazeena, Kharan, Sarmachars fired mortar shells at the advancing occupying military, inflicting casualties and forcing them to retreat.

On the same day, near Kharan city on the Quetta-Kharan road, Sarmachars targeted a convoy of the occupying forces (CTD) in an armed attack; two vehicles of the occupying forces were directly hit, resulting in multiple casualties.

Furthermore, in Nokchah, Chagai, on the Quetta-Taftan trade route, Sarmachars set eight large vehicles on fire and destroyed them, while blockades were established at Gadar Jori Cross and Tobo Cross in Surab, continuing snap checking on the main highway for hours.

July 27: On Airport Road in Panjgur, Sarmachars targeted a vehicle in the occupying military’s convoy with a remote-controlled IED, inflicting losses.

Meanwhile, in Daghari, Quetta, an armored vehicle of the occupying military was targeted by Sarmachars in an IED attack.

Furthermore, in Ahmad Wal (Haroni), Nushki, a convoy of occupying military vehicles was targeted in an attack, while on the CPEC route at Armagay, Washuk, Sarmachars targeted an occupying military convoy in an armed attack, resulting in the on-the-spot deaths of two occupying military personnel.

July 28: In Gharibabad adjacent to Nushki city, Sarmachars targeted an occupying military checkpoint with rockets and other weapons; four personnel of the occupying military were killed on the spot.

During this, an occupying military vehicle attempted to advance, which was targeted in an attack by a second ambushing squad of Sarmachars, inflicting further losses.

On the same day, near Kharan city at Bab-e-Kharan, Sarmachars targeted a police convoy in an attack when they attempted to advance into the area.

Later in the afternoon, the occupying Pakistani military attempted to advance in the area, which was targeted by Sarmachars; at least three personnel of the occupying military were killed and several were injured in this attack.

In Kalatak, Turbat, Sarmachars gained control of the area, established blockades at various locations, and continued snap checking.

BLA’s vanguard unit, ‘Fateh Squad’, was part of this operation; Sarmachars of the Fateh Squad raided a secret hideout based on intelligence, detaining seven operatives of the occupying Pakistani military’s Military Intelligence (MI) who were operating in disguise in the surrounding area.

The occupying Pakistani military attempted to advance during this time, which was targeted by Sarmachars in an attack.

In these clashes, four personnel of the occupying military were killed and several were injured, while two brave Sarmachars of the BLA, Sangat Qadeer Baloch alias Saud and Sangat Maqsood alias Beebagr, embraced martyrdom.

On the same day, at Nawroz Kalat in Kharan, Sarmachars targeted the occupying military in an armed attack; in the attack by BLA snipers, one personnel of the occupying military was killed, forcing the occupying military to retreat.

July 29: In Gwargo, Panjgur, Sarmachars targeted the occupying military when they were attempting to advance in the area; three foot personnel of the occupying military were killed on the spot.

Later, the enemy military attempted to advance with armored vehicles, whereupon Sarmachars targeted two armored vehicles.

Meanwhile, in Mach, Sarmachars targeted a vehicle of the occupying military in a remote IED attack, resulting in loss of life and property for the occupying military.

July 30: Near Killi Kareem Bakhsh in Kharan, Sarmachars targeted a convoy of the occupying military, inflicting losses; later, foot personnel of the occupying military were targeted in a remote-controlled IED attack, injuring three personnel.

On the same day, in Pul Abad, Panjgur, a post of the occupying military was destroyed by planting explosive material; the said post had been used at various times by the occupying military.

July 31: In Zidi, Khuzdar, Sarmachars targeted operatives of the ‘Death Squad’ in an attack, resulting in the on-the-spot deaths of five Death Squad operatives.

Later, when the occupying military attempted to advance in the area, Sarmachars directly hit two vehicles in the occupying military’s convoy in an attack, resulting in multiple casualties. (NVI)

J&K LG Calls for Nature-Based Solutions to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Himalayas

Srinagar, Aug 3 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for placing nature-based solutions at the centre of development planning to strengthen climate resilience in the Himalayan region, saying conservation and development must go hand in hand.

Addressing a conference on “Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayan Region through Nature-based Solutions” at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Sinha highlighted the growing impact of climate change in the Himalayas and stressed the need to integrate ecological restoration with infrastructure development.

He said the Himalayan region witnessed natural disasters at an alarming pace, while Jammu and Kashmir has faced repeated flash floods and cloudbursts that have damaged public infrastructure, including roads, water supply schemes and power feeders.

“There is no dichotomy between development and conservation. Nature itself is infrastructure,” Sinha said, citing watersheds, wetlands and forests as natural systems that help mitigate floods, conserve water and prevent soil erosion.

The Lieutenant Governor urged scientists, policymakers and engineers to make nature-based solutions an integral part of development projects and recommended greater use of technologies such as remote sensing, geospatial mapping and artificial intelligence to monitor glaciers, forests and water resources.

He also stressed the need to involve farmers, shepherds, orchard owners and tribal communities in environmental planning, saying their traditional knowledge of rivers, mountains and forests is invaluable.

Sinha called on universities to promote nature-based solutions as a multidisciplinary subject covering ecology, engineering, disaster management, economics and traditional knowledge to prepare future professionals for climate-related challenges.

Recalling the Green Jammu and Kashmir Drive launched in 2020, he said the initiative has helped raise the Union Territory’s forest cover to nearly 55 per cent and reiterated the importance of sustainable development.

During the event, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Block, IUST’s Larmoo Campus and the Law School. He also released a special edition of the university’s monthly magazine Times Echo on the 100-day anti-drug campaign and a policy brief on the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan.

Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Justice Sanjeev Kumar, IUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Shakil A Romshoo, faculty members, scientists, experts and students were present on the occasion.(NVI)

Govt Sanctions ₹10.95 Crore for Upgradation of Ziyarat Sharief, Shiv Mandir in J&K Anantnag

Srinagar, Aug 3 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned projects worth ₹10.95 crore for the restoration, renovation and upgradation of two prominent religious sites in Anantnag district, officials said on Monday.

According to an official statement, ₹5.03 crore has been approved for the restoration and renovation of Ziyarat Sharief Khiram, while ₹5.92 crore has been sanctioned for the repair and renovation of Shiv Mandir at Thajiwara in Bijbehara.

The projects are aimed at preserving the heritage, sanctity and architectural character of the two places of worship while improving infrastructure and facilities for devotees and visitors, the statement said.

The government said the approvals are part of its ongoing efforts to conserve religious and heritage sites across Jammu and Kashmir through restoration, preservation and infrastructure development.

It said several other heritage conservation projects have also been approved recently, including the restoration of the historic heritage site at Purmandal in Samba, conservation and upgradation of Imambara Zadibal in Srinagar, development of Khoo Sahib at Yarwan in Pulwama, and restoration of Jamia Masjid Sharief in Shopian and Sarvadhar Chaumanda Mata Mandir in Ramban.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Congratulates J&K MMA Fighter Owais Yaqoob on BRAVE CF 107 Victory

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 3 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday congratulated mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Owais Yaqoob for his victory at BRAVE CF 107  in Bulgaria, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the Union Territory and the country.

Yaqoob defeated an unbeaten two-time IMMAF world champion during the international event, earning praise from the chief minister for his determination, skill and dedication.

In a congratulatory message, Abdullah said the victory reflected Yaqoob’s hard work and exceptional talent and had brought international recognition to Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the young fighter’s success would inspire aspiring sportspersons across the Union Territory to pursue excellence and realise their potential.

The chief minister also wished Yaqoob continued success in his career and expressed confidence that he would bring more laurels to Jammu and Kashmir and the nation in the future.(NVI)

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