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Gunshots Heard During Search Operation in J&K’s Shopian

File Photo

Srinagar, July 4 (NVI): Gunshots were heard during a cordon and search operation launched by security forces in the Saidpora area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday evening, officials said.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of the police and the Army launched the search operation in Saidpora, the officials said.

During the searches, a few gunshots were heard from the area, prompting security forces to tighten the cordon, they said.

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

Heatwave Tightens Grip on Kashmir; Srinagar Sizzles at 34°C

Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): Heatwave-like conditions continued across Kashmir on Saturday as maximum temperatures remained significantly above normal, with Srinagar recording 34 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recorded a maximum temperature of 34.0 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees above normal, while Qazigund registered 32.8 degrees Celsius, the highest departure among major weather stations at 5.3 degrees above normal, the IMD said.

Kupwara recorded 33.5 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees above normal, Kokernag 30.9 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees above normal), Gulmarg 24.4 degrees Celsius (3.9 degrees above normal) and Pahalgam 26.9 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average.

Night temperatures also remained above normal across the Valley. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees above normal, while Pahalgam registered the highest positive departure in minimum temperature at 3.1 degrees above normal.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius, 1.6 degrees above normal. Katra recorded 34 degrees Celsius, Banihal 31.2 degrees Celsius, Batote 28.2 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 31.4 degrees Celsius, all above their respective normal temperatures.

The IMD said most parts of Jammu and Kashmir remained dry during the past 24 hours, with only a few places receiving light rainfall.

The above-normal temperatures across most parts of the Union Territory have led to hot and humid conditions, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, where several stations recorded departures of 2 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, the IMD said.(NVI)

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner reviews safety of Srinagar airport

 

Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed aviation safety and environmental management issues around the Air Force Station (AFS) Srinagar and directed authorities to expedite measures to improve emergency access and address hazards affecting flight operations.

Chairing a meeting of the Airfield Environment Management Committee, Garg reviewed issues including construction of an emergency access road, regulation of brick kilns near the airfield, scientific solid waste management, removal of unlit obstructions and measures to tackle the stray dog menace around the airport, an official spokesperson said.

The meeting was attended by the deputy commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director Airports Authority, senior Indian Air Force officers and representatives of urban local bodies.

Officials informed the meeting that one of the three designated emergency exit gates at the Air Force Station does not meet operational requirements for the movement of crash fire tenders.

Garg directed the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, to convene a meeting with the concerned departments to expedite connectivity between the Ring Road and the airport and prioritise the feasibility and construction of an emergency access road to strengthen emergency response.

The committee also reviewed the functioning of brick kilns within an eight-kilometre radius of the airfield. Officials said a standard operating procedure was already in place under which brick kilns remain closed from November to March to ensure visibility and safe aircraft operations during winter.

Reviewing progress on the solid waste management project at the Achan-Soura dumping site, officials said the work was progressing steadily and was expected to be completed by June 2028.

The divisional commissioner directed the Budgam district administration to strengthen waste collection and disposal in villages surrounding the airfield, saying indiscriminate dumping attracts birds and poses a risk to aviation safety.

The meeting also decided to direct telecom service providers to ensure proper illumination of communication towers, while a detailed survey would identify and rectify other unlit structures in the aircraft operational area.

Describing stray dogs around the airport as a serious threat to air operations and public safety, Garg directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to address the issue at the earliest, the spokesperson said.(NVI)

J&K Lt Governor suspends 8 Education Dept officials over controversial books

Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered disciplinary action against officials of the School Education Department after two books supplied to government school libraries were found to contain “highly inappropriate” content related to separatism and terrorism.

The government said the books contained content related to separatism with the potential to create law-and-order issues and cited serious negligence and lack of due diligence by the officials responsible for scrutinising and recommending them.

An inquiry has been entrusted to Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), while Rohit Sharma, JKAS, has been appointed as the Presenting Officer. The inquiry report has been sought within 30 days.

According to an official order, eight officials have been placed under suspension pending inquiry, while a contractual employee associated with the library procurement process has been disengaged.

The government has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter, to be completed within 30 days, and blacklisted the authors and publishers of the two books across the Union Territory.

The books were procured under the Samagra Shiksha library scheme, under which grants were provided for purchasing age-appropriate books for government schools.

An expert committee had scrutinised and recommended books submitted by publishers before procurement.

The two books, “Personalities and Legends of J&K” by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu, and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir” by Dr Sushant Giri, published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi, were withdrawn after objectionable content was detected.

According to the government, 123 copies of the first book had been distributed in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of the second book had been supplied to schools in Jammu and Baramulla.

The government has also directed that all printed material authored or published by the blacklisted authors and publishers be withdrawn from the Union Territory.

Following the objections, the School Education Department on Friday ordered the immediate withdrawal of both books from all government schools.

Commissioner/Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma had said action would be taken against those responsible for their publication, approval, procurement and circulation.(NVI)

India has progressed from shortages to building Viksit Bharat in last 12 years: Rajnath Singh

Balakot Air Strikes
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Jul 4 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India has moved from an era of shortages to building a “Viksit Bharat” over the last 12 years, asserting that the country’s global stature has undergone a transformational change and the world now listens attentively to its views on international issues.

Addressing an event, Singh said the government’s initiatives have strengthened national confidence and highlighted India’s cultural heritage through projects such as the Central Vista redevelopment, installation of the Sengol in Parliament, restoration of the prominence of Vande Mataram, repatriation of ancient artefacts and digitisation of ancient manuscripts.

The defence minister said record defence exports reflect growing global confidence in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing under the Make-in-India initiative.

Speaking on the role of the media, Singh said the challenge in today’s age of abundant communication is not the availability of information but ensuring its accuracy and reliability.

He said journalism has also been transformed by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), but maintained that AI cannot surpass human creativity and intellect.

“The future success of journalism will depend on balancing the capabilities of AI with human empathy. AI can make journalism faster and more precise, while emotional intelligence will ensure it remains humane and credible,” he said.

Emphasising the media’s responsibility, Singh said journalism should not only disseminate information but also guide society, bring truth to light and strengthen democracy.

He cautioned that misinformation can adversely affect society and the morale of the armed forces, and stressed that while being the first to report is important, publishing accurate information is even more critical.

“Especially when the subject concerns the defence forces, national security or the honour of those who make the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation, every word becomes a matter of national responsibility. The media must always uphold the values of accuracy, objectivity and impartiality,” Singh said.(NVI)

LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements, asks pilgrims to travel only with valid registration

Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra and directed officials to ensure smooth management of the pilgrimage, while urging devotees to undertake the journey only with valid registration.

Chairing a high-level meeting, Sinha reviewed pilgrim movement, traffic regulation, security arrangements, accommodation, registration status and other logistical aspects related to the Yatra, an official spokesperson said.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior officers of the civil administration, police, security forces, intelligence agencies and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.

Officials informed the meeting that an unusually large number of pilgrims have been arriving without valid registration, leading to long waiting periods.

The lieutenant governor said the Yatra is being conducted in accordance with the prescribed daily ceiling on pilgrim movement to the holy cave shrine, as mandated under Supreme Court guidelines, and stressed that adherence to the registration schedule is essential for ensuring the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

He reiterated that only pilgrims holding valid registration for the designated date would be allowed to proceed on the Baltal and Pahalgam tracks leading to the shrine.

Sinha appealed to intending pilgrims who are not registered to postpone their travel for the next few days to avoid inconvenience on reaching Jammu and Kashmir.

The administration also advised devotees to complete the mandatory registration process and obtain a valid Yatra Registration Permit for their allotted date before starting their journey, stating that pilgrims without confirmed registration would not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.

The lieutenant governor directed all departments and security agencies to maintain close coordination with langar organisations, service providers and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of the annual pilgrimage.(NVI)

Over 26,000 pilgrims visit Amarnath shrine in first two days: Div Com Kashmir

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Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): More than 26,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the first two days of the annual pilgrimage, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said on Saturday.

Addressing a joint press conference with Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi, Garg said the pilgrimage, which began on July 3 through the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district, is progressing smoothly with elaborate arrangements in place.

He said adequate facilities, including accommodation, healthcare, drinking water, rest shelters, disaster management teams and lighting along the tracks, have been put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

Garg said the administration is adhering to the Supreme Court-mandated carrying capacity for the annual pilgrimage.

He said online registration for the yatra commenced on April 15 and only registered pilgrims, after completing the mandatory formalities, are being allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.

The Divisional Commissioner said some devotees have reached Jammu and Kashmir without prior registration, leading to inconvenience.

He urged such pilgrims to wait for their scheduled turn, reiterating that only those holding valid registration for the allotted date would be permitted to undertake the yatra.

Garg said the Tatkal quota is limited and depends on vacancies arising due to the non-reporting of registered pilgrims.

He also appealed to pilgrims who have arrived ahead of their scheduled dates to undertake the pilgrimage only on their allotted date to ensure smooth management and avoid overcrowding.

The Divisional Commissioner advised devotees planning to undertake the pilgrimage in the coming days to complete the online registration process well in advance.

He said the administration, in coordination with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and other departments, is making all efforts to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.(NVI)

CM Omar thanks Centre for withdrawing Srinagar Airport closure plan
Says move will ease inconvenience for travellers, boost tourism

CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday thanked the Centre for withdrawing the proposed closure plan for Srinagar Airport, saying the decision would bring relief to travellers and help the tourism sector.

In a post on X, Abdullah expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for accepting the Jammu and Kashmir government’s request to suspend the airport closure plan.

He said the proposed closure would have caused inconvenience to regular passengers and adversely affected tourism, with several tour groups and visitors cancelling their planned trips to Kashmir.

“Grateful to the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Ji and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Ji for acceding to our request and suspending the airport closure order. This closure had created a lot of difficulties for regular travellers and forced tour groups/tourists to cancel planned visits,” Abdullah said in the post.

The Srinagar Airport earlier withdrew its proposed Monday and Tuesday runway closure plan, announcing that only scheduled night-time runway maintenance would continue till October while regular daytime flight operations would remain unaffected.(NVI)

Srinagar airport withdraws plan for Monday-Tuesday runway closure

Srinagar International Airport

Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): Srinagar Airport has withdrawn its proposed plan to keep the runway closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for maintenance, and announced that only night-time runway closures will continue till October this year.

According to an official airport operations update issued on Saturday, flight operations will continue on all days, with operational and watch hours from 8 am to 5 pm.

The airport said the proposed NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) regarding runway closure on Mondays and Tuesdays has been withdrawn, allowing airlines to operate flights as per the existing schedule during the notified operational hours.

It added that airlines will continue updating their flight schedules in line with the prevailing operational timings.

Passengers have been advised to verify the status of their flights with the respective airlines before leaving for the airport and rely only on official sources for operational updates.(NVI)

MHA designates 23 operatives as individual terrorists under UAPA; 11 linked to J&K

Containment

 

Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday designated 23 operatives linked to banned terror outfits as individual terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing their involvement in terror attacks, recruitment, infiltration, terror financing and logistical support for terrorism.

According to a series of notifications issued by the MHA, the newly designated individuals are associated with banned organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), The Resistance Front (TRF) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

The ministry said 11 of the 23 designated individuals are originally from Jammu and Kashmir, while the remaining are Pakistani nationals. Of the J&K natives, seven are currently based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and four are residing in Pakistan.

The J&K natives based in PoK include Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan, Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, Abdullah Jehadi, Ghulam Fareed, Bilal Ahmad Mir of Sopore and Abid Qayoom Lone of Baramulla.

Those stated to be residing in Pakistan are Haroon Rashid Ganai of Anantnag, Nazir Ahmed Gujjar of Doda, Owais Farooz Mir of Pulwama and Mohammed Shaheed Faisal, originally from Bengaluru, now based in Rawalpindi.

The notifications said 10 of the designated individuals are affiliated with JeM, while 13 are linked to LeT, with some also associated with TRF or JuD.

The MHA alleged that the operatives were involved in recruitment and training of terrorists, facilitating infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir, planning terror attacks, supplying arms and ammunition through cross-border networks and drones, raising funds and managing logistics for terrorist activities.

The ministry also linked several JeM operatives to the 2016 Nagrota Army camp attack and the 2022 Sunjwan attack on security forces.

Among the Pakistan-based operatives designated under the UAPA are Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Khalid Waleed, Maulana Saifullah Khalid, Mohammad Yaqoob, Molana Yousaf Taibi, Qari Yaqub Sheikh, Rana Iftikhar, Waseem Noor Jat, Ashfaq Ahmad, Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki and Mohammad Mussadiq.

In a separate notification, the MHA alleged that Mohammed Shaheed Faisal had links with LeT, JeM, Al-Qaeda and ISIS modules, and accused him of recruiting youth through social media, arranging weapons training in Pakistan, raising funds and facilitating arms supply.

The Centre said it exercised its powers under Section 35 of the UAPA after concluding that the 23 individuals were involved in terrorism. With the latest additions, the number of individuals designated as terrorists under the Fourth Schedule of the UAPA has risen to 80.(NVI)

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