Lt Governor visits Akhnoor, addresses public function at Garkhal Panchayat

08/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 7: Lieute-nant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today addressed a public function at Garkhal border village Panchayat of Akhnoor, Jammu. The Lt Governor appreciated the District administration for its efforts in accelerating the socio-economic development of Garkhal Panchayat. "Border Gram Panchayat of Garkhal is scripting a golden chapter of development with active participation of residents and transforming it into a model village," said the Lt Governor. Under the guidance of Hon'ble Pri...

First batch of 630 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir leaves for Saudi Arabia for Haj

08/06/2023
Srinagar, Jun 7: The first batch of 630 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday left for Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj pilgrimage, officials said. The batch of pilgrims was flagged off at the Srinagar airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. "Flagged off UT's 1st batch of Haj pilgrims from Srinagar International Airport, today. Conveyed my greetings and best wishes to the blessed pilgrims, who are embarking upon the sacred journey for performing the Haj. I pray for successful pilgri...

Militant hideout busted in Kupwara, Arms and Ammunition recovered

08/06/2023
Srinagar, Jun 7: Security forces on Wednesday busted a militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district and recovered arms and ammunition from it, police said. They said a hideout was busted in the Lolab area of the district. Police claimed the recovery has certainly averted a suspected misadventure by militants, overground workers and their nefarious attempts to disturb the peace and tranquility in the area Police said a specific input from a reliable source with respect to an old hi...

Probe against Brij Bhushan to be completed by June 15; WFI polls by June 30: Thakur

08/06/2023
New Delhi, Jun 7: After meeting with India's star wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik on Wednesday, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur assured them that the ongoing probe against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will be completed by June 15 and a chargesheet will be submitted. A six-time BJP MP, Brij Bhushan was booked by Delhi Police following allegations of sexual harassment. Earlier, on Wednesday, wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik reached Thak...

Period of Study Leave by an employee cannot be treated as deputation: DB

08/06/2023
Jammu, Jun 7: A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Puneet Gupta settles the issue that period undergone for study leave by an employee cannot be treated as deputation. DB after hearing AAG Amit Gupta for the UT whereas Sr. Adv Abhinav Sharma with Adv Abhimanyu Sharma for the respondent, modified the judgment of Central Administrative Tribunal with the observation that we do not fully concur with the view taken by the Tribunal a...

Period of Study Leave by an employee cannot be treated as deputation: DB

08/06/2023
Jammu, Jun 7: A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Puneet Gupta settles the issue that period undergone for study leave by an employee cannot be treated as deputation. DB after hearing AAG Amit Gupta for the UT whereas Sr. Adv Abhinav Sharma with Adv Abhimanyu Sharma for the respondent, modified the judgment of Central Administrative Tribunal with the observation that we do not fully concur with the view taken by the Tribunal a...

HC upholds PSA of Militant Sympathizer

08/06/2023
Jammu, Jun 7: Justice Mohammad Akram Chowdhary uphold the order No.33/PSA of 2022 dated 04.11.2022, issued by District Magistrate, Ramban whereby Sajad Ahmed alleged militant sympathier was detained under PSA. According to the police the activities of the detenu are highly prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. It is submitted that the petitioner was in contact with one terrorist namely Mohammad Ashraf Naik S/O Ahmedo Naik R/O Lablotha Khari, who is affiliated with HM Outfit, operatin...

Farooq emphasises on unity among regional parties to save country

08/06/2023
Bengaluru, Jun 7: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday emphasised upon regional parties coming together to fight the 2024 Lok Sabha election as it was necessary to save the country from being divided on religious lines. The National Conference president denounced films like 'Kashmir Files' and 'The Kerala Story', saying they were destroying India and its constitution by dividing people. Speaking to reporters after meeting former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda at...

17 labourers injured as truck hits load carrier in Kathua

08/06/2023
Jammu, Jun 7: A truck rammed into a load carrier in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Wednes-day, leaving 17 labourers, including a pregnant wom-an, injured, police said. A concrete mixer machine was also damaged in the accident which took place near Baswai Morh along the Jammu-Pathan-kot highway around 9 am. They said the driver of the truck lost control and collided with the load carrier carrying labourers for work. All the injured were rushed to a hospital and the condition of three ...

SIA, JK Police acts tough against terror funding; Attach 124 properties situated across J&K

08/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 7: In consonance with the policy of the government for zero tolerance towards anti State activities, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and the Executive Wing of J&K Police has widened the legal framework against terror funding by attaching 124 properties, land and buildings, situated across J&K at 86 locations. These properties, during the course of investigation in terrorism related cases, have been established prima facia to be either proceeds of terrorism or used in such ac...

Jaiswal bridge over Chenab on Jammu-Srinagar NH completed: Gadkari

08/06/2023
Jammu, Jun 7: A two-lane Jaiswal bridge over the Chenab river in Ramban district along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been completed, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday, reiterating his commitment to provide exceptional highway infrastructure in the Union Territory. Earlier, the bridge missed two back-to-back deadlines between March and April but its completion came just a few weeks before the start of the two-month-long annual pilgrimage to 3,880-metre high holy cave shri...

Poonch gets first-ever automated cash recycler machine

08/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 7: Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Wednesday got its first-ever automated cash recycler machine which will ensure hassle-free deposit and withdrawal of cash and reduce long queues of customers at bank counters. According to officials, with the installation of a cash recycler a much-awaited demand of local businessmen has been fulfilled. Poonch Muncipal Council chairman Sunil Sharma along with J&K Bank's deputy general manager (DGM) Satish Kumar inaugurated the cash recycler ...

PDP delegation submits memorandum to JK admin, highlights various demands

08/06/2023
Jammu, Jun 7: A nine-member PDP delegation on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Jammu and Kashmir administration here, highlighting various demands including a house and a government job to the family of terror victim Deepu Kumar. The four-page memorandum, signed by party general secretary Amreek Singh Reen, was handed over to the divisional commissioner, Jammu. It also demanded shifting of Army ammunition depots from Kunjwani and Kaluchak and upgradation and renovation of several tourist pl...

Serbia emerged as film destination for Indian filmmakers: President Murmu

08/06/2023
Belgrade, Jun 8: President Murmu who reached Serbia in the final leg of her two-nation visit on Wednesday said that Serbia has emerged as a new film destination for Indian filmmakers. Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on Wednesday, Droupadi Murmu said that she has been told Indian movies have been popular in Serbia. "I am told Indian movies have been popular in Serbia, and Serbia has emerged as a new film destination for Indian filmmakers. Many Serbians also have...

Kiren Rijiju blames Manipur violence on ‘inter-community differences’

08/06/2023
Imphal, Jun 7: Days, after Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited violence-hit Manipur and urged Meitei and Kuki communities, which have been at the centre of the ethnic strife in the state, to maintain peace, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday termed the clashes as 'unfortunate'. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rijiju said, "The violence was unfortunate and took place because of inter-community differences. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, himself, camped in the state for four days, ur...

From the valley to silver screen - Gul Reyaz’s cinematic triumphs in Kashmir

08/06/2023
Srinagar, Jun 7: "Inspiring audiences and bringing stories to life is a deeply fulfilling experience for me," says Gul Reyaz Ahmad, a multifaceted artist who has left an indelible mark on the performing arts industry. With a diverse range of accomplishments in acting, directing, producing, and scripting, Ahmad has established himself as a prominent figure in both the theatre and film circles. His journey from a young theatre enthusiast to a celebrated filmmaker is a testament to his unwavering...

BBC in hands of people with agenda on India: Union Min Hardeep

08/06/2023
Srinagar, Jun 7: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday took a jibe at BBC's allegation of the freedom of the press after the Income Tax department raided BBC offices in the country, saying that the British broadcaster is in the hands of people with an agenda on India. "...Our laws are very transparent. If someone is not paying tax and we send notice to them, then they say, it is an issue of Freedom of the Press...I would not like to go into details but some...

Puri, Sinha lay foundation stone of Amarnath Yatri Niwas

07/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 6: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday jointly laid the foundation stone of an Amarnath yatri niwas and a disaster management centre here, and announced the setting up of 4-5 more yatri niwas soon. Sinha said a financial allocation of Rs 51 crore was received from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for the construction of the yatri niwas as part of government-owned company's corporate social responsib...

‘Naya Kashmir shaping up,’ says LG Sinha days after G20 event

07/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that "Naya Kashmir" is shaping up following the successful G20 event in Srinagar and maintained that the security forces are "fully capable of dealing with any challenge" in the valley. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Manoj Sinha said, "Challenges come but now we are capable of successfully handling the challenges. For the first time, such a big international-level event (G20) was organised in Jammu and Kashmir". Referring to the re...

Employee cannot seek stay at a particular place as a matter of right: HC

07/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 6: The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court holds that employee cannot seek stay at a particular place as a matter of right. It is for the employer to determine where the services of employee are required to be utilized in the department. This significant judgment has been passed by Justice Puneet Gupta in a petition filed by Mumtaz Begum who is Junior Assistant with the JK BOSE, was transferred from sub-office Kishtwar to Exam Unit-I, Jammu Division vide order No. 148-B of 202...

India, Germany explore ways for joint development of military platforms

07/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 6: India and Germany on Tuesday explored ways to co-develop key military platforms with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius showing keen interest in New Delhi's mega plan to procure six stealth conventional submarines at a cost of around Rs 43,000 crore. In his talks with Pistorius, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed that India and Germany could build a "more symbiotic" defence relationship based on shared goals and complementarity of strength and invited German investm...

Modi govt disbursed 27 crore Mudra loans to women: Shah

07/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 6: The Narendra Modi government has disbursed 27 crore Mudra loans to women entrepreneurs who have empowered the Indian economy with their "womanly force", Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday. The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) is a scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8, 2015, to provide loans up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro enterprises. In a series of tweets, Shah said the celebration of womanhood is not a mere slo...

Govt school principal arrested, suspended after molestation charges

07/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 6: The principal of a government school here was arrested on Tuesday in a case of molestation, police said. The government employee was also suspended and an inquiry ordered after the allegations of molestation were levelled against him. Shabir Ahmad Mir, resident of Zadibal area of the Srinagar city, working as principal at the Government Higher Secondary School at Gund Hassi Bhat, was taken into custody after police registered a case against him. The Srinagar Police, in a twe...

PM Modi will be first Indian PM to address US Congress twice

07/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he is honoured to accept the invitation and looks forward to addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress on June 22. "Thank you @SpeakerMcCarthy, @LeaderMcConnell, @SenSchumer, and @RepJeffries for the gracious invitation. I am honored to accept and look forward to once again address a Joint Meeting of the Congress," PM Modi tweeted on Tuesday. The PM further wrote: "We are proud of our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership ...

India is a vibrant democracy, go to Delhi and see for yourself: White House

07/06/2023
WASHINGTON, Jun 6: India is a vibrant democracy and anybody who happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves, the White House said Monday, as it appeared to dismiss concerns about the health of democracy in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to the US later this month. "India is a vibrant democracy. Anybody that, you know, happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves. And certainly, I would expect that strength and health of democratic institution...

EC should tell people why no elections in J&K: Omar

07/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 6: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Election Commission should muster courage to tell people why assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are not being held. "Is there a pressure on them (EC) not to hold elections? Let the Election Commission show some courage and say that they are under pressure. There is something fishy," Abdullah told reporters outside the party headquarters here. Abdullah, a former chief minister, said the Election Commission shoul...

Two month long Amarnath Yatra reflects Govt’s confidence, people’s enthusiasm: Dr Jitendra

07/06/2023
MANIPURI (UP), Jun 6: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Science & Technology, PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said, two month long Amarnath Yatra, planned for this year, reflects government’s confidence and people’s enthusiasm. Addressing a gathering of prominent citizens here to mark the completion of 9 years of the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, as chief guest, Dr Jitendra Singh said, J...

Reforms in dispute resolution will incentivise investors: Law Minister Meghwal

07/06/2023
LONDON, Jun 6: The government has undertaken several steps to strengthen the judiciary and alternate dispute resolution mechanism which will act as an incentive to foreign investors and help take India-UK relations to new heights, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal has said. Meghwal, who is on his first UK visit since taking charge of the portfolio last month, participated at an Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) conference here. He also met his British counterpart Alex...

19th century-built school of PM Modi in Guj restored, to serve as centre of inspiration for children

07/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 6: A heritage school in Gujarat's Vadnagar where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had his initial education has been restored and is being redeveloped under project 'Prerna' to serve as a centre of inspiration for children through immersive experience, top government sources said on Tuesday. Built in the late 19th century, the school has been restored in an old architectural style by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Based on the vision of the prime minister, this "first-of...

Odisha train tragedy toll rises to 288

07/06/2023
BHUBANESWAR, Jun 6: The final death toll in the Bahanaga Bazar Train tragedy in Balasore went up to 288 on Tuesday, Odisha Chief Secretary P K Jena said. The Chief Secretary on Monday quoting Balasore the District Magistrate had confirmed 275 deaths after thorough verification and said the verification process is continuing. Jena told newspersons that the District Collector did a combing operation on both sides of the track up to 200 meters on Monday. The district collector, he said, made a t...

Court sends Amritpal, Amrik Singh associated with Khalistani outfit KTF to judicial custody after NIA remand ends

07/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 6: Delhi's Patiala House Court on Tuesday remanded two accused Amritpal Singh alias Ammy and Amrik Singh in judicial custody after National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody ended. They are allegedly associated with Canada-based terrorists Arshdeep Dhalla and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). They were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after being deported from Manila Philippines on May 19 at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Special judge ...

NIA raids 10 premises of Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Singh Dala's aides in Punjab, Haryana

07/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 6: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted searches at 10 premises of Canada-based 'individual designated terrorist' Arshdeep Singh Dala's aides in Punjab and Haryana. The NIA's action was taken a day after the NIA Special Court, Mohali, declared Dala a Proclaimed Offender (PO) in a targeted killing conspiracy case. The searches were conducted at 10 locations at the premises of associates of Dala and his close aide and absconder, Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, ...

PM Modi has prioritised road development in border areas: Rijiju

07/06/2023
ITANAGAR, Jun 6: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritised development of roads in the international border areas of the country, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, to instil confidence among people living there. In contrary to earlier policies, now the "last border village has been considered as the first Indian village" for development in the international boundary areas, Rijiju, the minister for earth sciences, said. Arunachal Pradesh share...

Humanity is facing grave challenges of plastic pollution today: LG Sinha

06/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the World Environment Day event, organized by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, today at Srinagar. The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to protect the environment and natural resources and sustainable, inclusive development. "Humanity is facing grave challenges of plastic pollution today. Our resolution on this year's environment day is to 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. It is now the respo...

Arms License Scam: DB directs Govt to file status of 2 FIRs

06/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 5: A Division Bench of High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Jammu Wing) comprising Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Puneet Gupta has directed the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to file the status report with regard to two CBI cases (FIRs) No. RCCHGO51201850006 and No.RCCHGO51201850007 pertaining to Arms License Scam being investigated by CBI in which the CBI has sought prosecution sanction of IAS Officers allegedly involved in the scam. The Division Bench headed by Chief Jus...

India, US finalise roadmap for fast-tracking defence tech transfer, co-development of military platforms

06/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 5: India and the US on Monday concluded an ambitious roadmap for defence industrial cooperation to fast-track technology tie-ups and co-production of military platforms such as air combat and land systems, a move that comes in the wake of China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The new framework for cooperation was finalised during talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his visiting American counterpart Lloyd Austin, two weeks ahead of Pri...

Lok Adalat has no jurisdiction to offence under rash driving: HC

06/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 5: In a petition, Justice Sanjeev Kumar holds that Lok Adalat has no jurisdiction to compound the offence under Section 279 of RPC and, therefore, the order impugned is nullity in the eye of law. This significant order has been passed in a petition challenging of award/order dated 23.11.2013 passed by the Lok Adalat presided over by the learned JMIC (Munsiff), R.S.Pura whereby respondent No.2, who was accused in FIR No.23/2013 registered with Police Station, R.S.Pura and facing ...

G20 has opened new chapter in J&K: Chugh

06/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 5: Reacting strongly to former NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah's statement that India should have dialogue with Pakistan, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Monday said that "If India will talk to anyone it will only with the people of J&K". Chugh said Farooq Abdullah remains a pawn in the hands of Pakistan. “Dr Farooq Abdullah should learn from the new developments in J&K During the rule of Abdullahs the Kashmir was popular for bullets and bombs. PM Narendra Modi has m...

Drawing samples of drugs in non-compliance with Section 52A of NDPS Act fatal to case of prosecution: SC sets aside conviction

06/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 5: The Supreme Court recently in a Criminal Appeal challenging the conviction of the Petitioner under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) reiterated that the act of an officer empowered under Section 42 of NDPS Act for drawing samples of the material at the time of seizure, if is not in conformity with the law laid down by this Court in the case of Union of India v. Mohanlal & Anr (2016) 3 SCC 379, will create a serious doubt about the prosecution...

No space left for terror supporters in ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’

06/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 5: A massive crackdown launched by investigating agencies against the terror supporters in Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370, a temporary provision in the Constitution, has broken the back of separatists and terrorists sponsored by Pakistan. There is no space left for terrorists and their supporters in 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir' which is scaling new heights and marching ahead on the path of peace and prosperity. Terrorist supporters have been held accountable for the...

Govt orders transfer, posting of 3 JKAS officers

06/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 5: The Jammu and Kashmir Government Monday ordered the transfers and postings of three Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers with immediate effect. As per an order issued by General Administration Department (GAD), Suheel Ahmad Lone, JKAS, Sub-Registrar, Pulwama, is transferred and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kokernag, against an available vacancy. He shall also hold the charge of the post of Sub-Registrar, Kokernag, in addition to his own duties, till fu...

Highest ever investments worth Rs 2200 Cr made in J&K under NIP in 2022-23

06/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 5: Dispelling all the previous notions, Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta remarked that J&K is fast turning into an investment hub as people are keen to establish their business units here in the UT. Dr Mehta made these remarks while talking in a meeting called to deliberate upon the deliverables set for the I&C Department for the year 2023-24. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce; Director General, Industries, Jammu; Director, Industries, Ka...

Missing Bangladesh minor child rescued in Kulgam trafficking case

06/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 5: A missing minor child from Bangladesh was rescued in a trafficking case in Kulgam district, officials said on Monday. The Child Protection Officer (CPO), Integrated Child Protection Services (ICPS) District Kulgam said one child, aged around 13, and resident of Bangladesh, was found from Awantipora Pulwama. The child was apprently trafficked from Bangladesh to Kashmir month before. The child's custody was taken after the CPO ICPS Kulgam received a call from police post Mirbaz...

Woman who lost two sons in terrorist attack demands justice

06/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 5: Saroj Bala, who lost her two sons in a terror attack in Rajouri attack on January 1, appealed to the government on Monday to deliver justice. She addressed a press conference in Jammu accompanied by Amandeep Singh, the chairperson of charitable organisation Humanity First. "I simply want justice for my children," Bala said. She appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and ensure justice for her family. "Every time they eliminate a terrorist, they call me. But how ...

Mughal road partially reopens after being blocked due to landslide in Poonch

06/06/2023
RAJOURI, Jun 5: The Mughal road connecting Kashmir Valley's Shopian district with the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch was partially reopened for vehicular traffic after it was blocked for six days due to a landslide here, officials said. Debris from the landslides have been cleared partially and vehicular traffic has been restored at affected place, the officials said. On May 31, heavy rains triggered a major landslide on Mughal road near Ratta Chamb bridge, blocking traffic movem...

Terror attack victim's wife delivers baby in mud house with no electricity

06/06/2023
UDHAMPUR, Jun 5: A week after she lost her husband to a terror attack in Anantnag district, Gudiya gave birth to a baby boy at her mud house in Udhampur district. Deepu Kumar, 27, who worked at a circus in the Janglat Mandi area in the south Kashmir district, was shot dead by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists when he had gone to the market to buy milk around 8.30 pm on May 29. "Gudiya delivered a baby boy on Sunday. Although it is a happy moment for the family, it is heartbreaking to see Deepu not h...

Sringeri Shankracharya performs pooja at Sharda temple in Teetwal

06/06/2023
TEETWAL, Jun 5: The Shankracharya of the Sringeri Muth Sri Vidushekara Bharathi on Monday performed a 'pooja' at the recently constructed Mata Sharda Devi temple in Teetwal belt. A large number of followers and locals took part in the function at the temple close to the Line of Control. The shankracharya performed 'abhishek pooja' and 'pran pratishtha' of the idol of Mata Sharda, Save Sharda Committee chairperson Ravinder Pandita said. He said it is after many decades that a shankaracharya h...

Pak using social media, local influencers, narcotics to radicalise Kashmiri youth: Lt Gen Aujla

05/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 4: Pakistan is using a mix of social media, local influencers and narcotics to radicalise the Kashmir youth to pick up the gun but Army has launched various people-friendly initiatives to counter the propaganda of the inimical elements, a senior army officer has said. General Officer Commanding of Army's 15 Corps Lieutenant General ADS Aujla said the attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC) to push narcotics was a cause of concern as it was destroying the future generat...

Bhaderwah Lavender capital of India, Agri StartUp destination: Jitendra

05/06/2023
BHADERWAH, Jun 4: It is a moment of pride for all of us as Bhaderwah has emerged as the Lavender capital of India and Agri StartUp destination. This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr. Jitendra Singh while inaugurating the 2 -day Lavender festival here. CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu has organised the event as part of its 'One Week One...

Accused can be discharged only if no case is made out even after presuming entire prosecution evidence to be true: SC

05/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 4: The Supreme Court recently set aside an order passed by the Bombay High Court which had discharged two murder accused persons, on the ground that the High Court did not refer to the evidence, in its entirety, collected by Investigating Agency produced along with charge-sheet. The division bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Rajesh Bindal observed: "If the facts of the case are examined in the light of law laid down by this Court on the subject, it is evident that the H...

Constable dismissed from service for unauthorised absence from duty, involvement in narcotics cases

05/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has dismissed a constable from service on Sunday for unauthorised absence from duty for a prolonged period and his alleged involvement in narcotics cases, officials said. Arvind Kapoor, who joined the Ramban district police on September 5, 2019, had remained absent from duty since October 26 that year, making it a total of three years and 221 days, they said. Kapoor was allegedly involved in multiple cases of narcotics smuggling and was arrested ...

Situation in Kashmir won’t improve till India, Pak hold dialogue: Farooq

05/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 4: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said holding the G20 event in Kashmir will not benefit tourism in the Valley till India and Pakistan resolve the "future" of the Union Territory through dialogue. He also said Jammu and Kashmir was suffering heavy losses because of the lack of an elected government. "The question is whether we will benefit in terms of tourism arrivals from these countries? That cannot happen till the situation here does not improve and t...

28K govt employees under I-T dept scanner for claiming bogus refunds

05/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 4: More than 28,000 government employees working in Jammu and Kashmir, including 8,000 police and paramilitary force personnel, are under the scanner of the Income-tax department for allegedly claiming bogus refunds worth a few crores of rupees while filing their ITRs, official sources said. The taxman has found that this purported fraud took place during the Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filing seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22 even as the department has registered two criminal FIR...

Mehbooba issued passport after 3 years

05/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 4: PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has been issued a regular passport with a validity of 10 years, after more than three years of legal battle. Authorities had declined to renew Mehbooba's passport since 2019 citing "adverse" police report, after which she moved the Delhi High Court. The high court, in an order in March this year, stated that the passport authority should decide within three months on issuing a fresh travel document to her...

Mega nursery near Pakistan border all set to cater to local fruit growers this monsoon

05/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 4: Ahead of monsoon, a mega nursery of fruit plants set up by the Jammu and Kashmir horticulture department near the India-Pakistan border fence is all set to provide saplings of guava, mango, litchi and other fruits to the local farmers from next month. The nursery spread over 100 acres in the Chakroi area of R S Pura was inaugurated in January by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. "It was set up in a record period of one and a half years and was inaugurated in January by the lieute...

India no longer lumbering around at relatively slow pace: EAM Jaishankar

05/06/2023
JOHANNESBURG, Jun 4: India is no longer "lumbering around at a relatively slow pace", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said and urged the diaspora to be part of the country's growth story. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Indian diaspora and expatriate community in Cape Town in his honour Saturday evening, he also spoke about the special relationship between India and South Africa, which would celebrate 30 years of new diplomatic ties. The minister was in the city with his coun...

Uncle shoots nephew in shoulder ‘accidently’ in Rajouri

05/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 4: A 21-year-old youth was injured allegedly in accidental fire in Rajouri district on Sunday evening, a senior police officer said. The incident happened in Lower Dhangri village under Rajouri Police Station jurisdiction. According to police, a Village Defence Committee member accidently shot at Sunil Kumar, a resident of Dhangri, wounding him in his shoulder. Kumar was taken to GMC Hospital in Rajouri where he is under treatment and is out of danger, they said. The weapon has b...

US Defence Secretary Austin arrives in India, to hold talks with Rajnath on Monday

05/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 4: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in India on Sunday on a two-day visit to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware. Secretary Austin's trip comes over two weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington during which the two sides are expected to unveil initiatives to expand the India-US global strategic partnership. "I'm r...

India, Maldives able to develop deep and close cooperation at all levels: MoS Muraleedharan

05/06/2023
MALE, Jun 4: India and the Maldives have been able to develop deep and close cooperation at all levels including political, administrative, entrepreneurial and people-to-people ties apart from their strong development partnership, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said on Sunday. Muraleedharan, who is in the Maldives on a two-day official visit, said his trip has been "highly productive" and he was reassured that the bilateral relationship will continue to grow. "I had ve...

Drug peddler nabbed, heroin-like substance recovered in Poonch

05/06/2023
POONCH, Jun 4: Continuing its drive against drug peddlers and ensure a drug-free society, Poonch Police arrested a narcotic peddler and recovered heroin-like substance and a sharp-edged weapon from his possession, an officer said on Saturday. The arrested accused was identified as Mohd Zahir aka Urf Pitti S/0 Mir Mohd R/0 Gohlad, Mendhar. According to the police, the recovered heroin-like substance weighed approximately 6.4 grams. "The police team was on the lookout for the accused as he was ...

Woman dies after hit by moving train in Budgam

05/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 4: A woman died after she was hit by a moving train in Budgam district on Sunday, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Raja Bano, wife of Abdul Rashid Dar and a resident of Galvanpora Budgam. The woman was hit by a moving train in between Railway station Budgam and Mazhama resulting in her on the spot death, a railway official said. He said a police party has reached the spot and taken away the body for legal medico formalities before handing her to relatives for...

People of India are going to defeat BJP: Rahul

05/06/2023
NEW YORK, Jun 4: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said after the Karnataka election victory his party will “decimate” the BJP in Telangana and other state polls, emphasising that it is not just the Congress party but the people of India who are going to defeat its hate-filled ideology. “We have shown in Karnataka that we can decimate the BJP…We did not defeat them, we decimated them. We smashed them in Karnataka,” Gandhi said at a dinner event organised here Saturday by the Indian Overseas Con...

Govt committed to ensure best possible arrangements for comfort, well-being of pilgrims: LG

04/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the Pratham Puja to mark the ceremonial beginning of the Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, through video conferencing today. The Lt Governor sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health and well-being of one and all. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has been organising Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima every year. "For millions of devotees all over the world, pilgrimage...

Govt has taken decisive steps to empower youth, women, artisans: Sinha

04/06/2023
BUDGAM, Jun 3: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha visited Budgam District and addressed a public function at Beerwah Town Hall Ground, today. Addressing a large gathering, the Lt Governor lauded the PRI members and District Administration for their commitment and dedication towards the welfare of the people. "Budgam is rapidly achieving all-round development and it has been possible because of the hard work, competence, integrity and excellent coordination between PRIs and district administ...

Kishtwar to be North India's major ‘power hub’: Dr. Jitendra Singh

04/06/2023
KISHTWAR, Jun 3: Union Minister of State (Indepe-ndent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grieva-nces, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar will become North India's major "power hub" generating around 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects. Dr Jitendra Singh who was scheduled to address two public rallies at Nagseni and Dachhan respectively, cancelled both the rallies as a mark...

Judicial Academy organizes one day sensitization workshop on ‘Animal Laws’

04/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 3: J&K Judicial Academy organized one day Sensitization Workshop on 'Animal Laws' for judicial officers and prosecuting officers of Jammu Province at Judicial Academy, Jammu. The workshop was held under the patronage of Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy) and guidance of Justice Sindhu Sharma, Chairperson, Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, Justice J...

DB directs UT to initiate, conclude selection of MS on substantive basis in GMC Jammu within four weeks

04/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 3: In a LPA filed against the judgment of Central Administrative Tribunal whereby CAT quashed the appointment of Dr. Narinder ingh Bhutyal as Medical Superintendent, Govt Medical College Jammu, A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court Comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta directed UT of J&K shall initiate and conclude the selection of Medical Superintendent on substantive basis in Government Medical College, Jammu within a period of four weeks...

'No one would be spared': Modi assures strong action in Odisha train crash

04/06/2023
BALASORE, Jun 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said strong action would be taken against anyone found guilty in the train crash in Odisha that killed 288 people. Speaking to reporters after visiting the accident site and meeting the injured persons at a hospital in Balasore district, Modi said he was unable to find words to express his pain. "The government has taken the incident very seriously. No one would be spared and strong action would be taken against those found guilty in t...

Security forces alert to foil infiltration attempts along LoC in Kashmir: IG BSF

04/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 3: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday said the melting of snow increases the chances of infiltration of militants along the Line of Control in Kashmir but security forces have upped their preparation to foil any such attempt. "We are alert on the LoC. We conduct area domination and anti-infiltration role jointly with the army. Snow has started melting along some areas which make them vulnerable to infiltration. We map these areas and then redistribute our deployment. "T...

Odisha train crash one of deadliest in Indian Railways' history

04/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 3: The train crash in Odisha on Friday, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in which at least 288 people have been killed and 803 injured, is one of the deadliest such accidents since independence, data shows. Here is a look at other such deadliest train crashes: * June 6, 1981: India recorded its worst train accident that occurred in Bihar. A train fell into the Bagmati river while crossing a bridge...

Criminal escapes from police custody in Rajouri, nabbed

04/06/2023
RAJOURI, Jun 3: A notorious criminal who escaped from police custody in Rajouri district was re-arrested on Saturday, officials said. Sikander Ahmed was arrested by the Punjab Police in a case of narcotics smuggling. He was in the custody of Jammu and Kashmir Police in Nowshera in connection with probe into some other cases when he fled Friday morning. Following his escape, the officials added, a massive manhunt was launched. He was nabbed from a forested area in Gagrote village of Nowshera....

Daily traffic jams on Jammu-Srinagar national highway pose challenges for commuters

04/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 3: The daily traffic congestion on the Ramban-Banihal sector of the 270-kilometre-long Jammu-Srinagar national highway has become a major concern for thousands of commuters. This highway otherwise known as NH 44 is the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country. According to commuters, while a majority of the construction work that started in 2016 on the highway has been completed, some tunnels, bypasses, and flyovers are yet to be finished. "The main cause...

Quadcopter crashes in Udhampur village

04/06/2023
UDHAMPUR, Jun 3: An unidentified quadcopter crashed in a village in Udhampur district on Saturday, official sources said. The incident was reported from Neeli Nallaha village in the district around 7 pm, they said. Police and officials of security agencies have rushed to the spot to investigate the matter, the sources said.

Srinagar to develop 80-km walking space under Smart Cities Mission

04/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 3: Srinagar will develop 80 kilometres of walking space in an "unprecedented" development for any Indian city, besides introducing water transport and electric buses under the Smart Cities Mission, a top official said. Cycling tracks, a robust sewerage system and an underground electricity network across the city are also being set up, Srinagar Smart City CEO Athar Aamir Khan said. According to the plan, electricity poles through which power is supplied to domestic consumers wil...

SC stays Allahabad HC order to ascertain whether ‘rape’ victim is ‘manglik’

04/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 3: The Supreme Court Saturday stayed an unusual order of the Allahabad High Court asking the head of the department of astrology of Lucknow University to decide whether a woman, an alleged rape victim, is 'manglik' or not. The apex court, which held a special sitting on Saturday, took suo motu cognisance of the matter and observed it doesn't understand why the "astrology report is called for" while hearing a bail application. The high court had passed the order on May 23 while ...

Shankaracharya to visit Jammu on June 5

04/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 3: Saint Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri 1008 Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati is scheduled to arrive here on a three-day visit from June 5. Media in-charge Ashok Sahu here told reporters that Pujyapad Shankaracharyaji Maharaj is continuously making serious endeavours in different parts of the country for the restoration of Sanatan Dharma. Shankaracharya Ji already running Ramsetu Raksha Abhiyan, Aviral Nirmal Ganga Abhiyan, established 108 feet religion flag in Chhattisgarh and p...

Successful conclusion of G20 meet lesson for trouble makers: LG

02/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with senior officials of Police and Civil Administration of Kashmir Division and commended their efforts in the successful conduct of G20 meeting in Srinagar. Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh R K Goyal, ACS, Home Department; Sh Dilbag Singh, DGP; Sh RR Swain, Special DG CID; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir,...

Dairy sector continues to play a vital role in Agriculture GDP: LG Sinha

02/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the World Milk Day Celebration and Summer Meet for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Sector, today. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying presided over the event organized by Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department and Agriculture Production Department of J&K UT. Sh Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Union Minister of State; Dr. L. Murugan, Union MoS; Ministers from different states and UTs; Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnag...

India, Nepal resolve to address boundary dispute amicably; ink raft of pacts to broadbase ties

02/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Thursday vowed to resolve the vexed boundary dispute under the spirit of friendship even as the two sides signed several major pacts including one on increasing New Delhi's import of power from the neighbouring country to 10,000 mega watt in the next 10 years. In the wide-ranging talks between Modi and Prachanda, the Indian side agreed to the first trilateral power trade from Nepal to B...

POLICE FAILS TO BRING ALLEGED VICTIM FOR DEPOSITION BEFORE COURT IN LAST THREE YEARS

02/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 1: The High Court of J&K and Ladkah at Jammu comprising of Justice Sanjay Dhar has granted bail to an accused Ravi Kumar in a case under section 8 of POCSO Act as he had undergone half of the sentence and also another reason weighed upon the Court was that the Police failed to bring the alleged minor victim to depose before Court in last three years. The full text of the order is as follows: HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT JAMMU Bail App No. 47/2023 Ravi Kumar …....

Rain lashes J&K, more in offing during next 24 hrs

02/06/2023
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Jun 1: The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed for traffic on Thursday for repairing a patch of road in Ramban district, officials said. The 270-km highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with rest of the country, was blocked by a landslide at Dhalwas section in Ramban district, on Wednesday but restored for traffic later, they said. "The traffic on highway is closed as on now for restoration work at Dhalwas", Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mussarat Islam said....

BSF neutralizes Pakistani intruder near IB in Samba sector

02/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 1: The Border Security Force (BSF) neutralized a Pakistani intruder near the India-Pakistan border in Samba area in the early hours of Thursday. The BSF troops deployed in the Jammu sector neutralized the intruder as he kept advancing towards border fencing despite warnings from the personnel. "In the early hours of June 1, 2023, the alert BSF troops noticed a suspicious movement of a person who crossed IB from the Pakistan side in the Samba area," the BSF said in a statement. He w...

Kashmiri Pandit killing: SIA raids 9 locations

02/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 1: State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday raided nine locations in south Kashmir in the ongoing investigation into the killing of a Kashmiri Pandit earlier this year, officials said. Sanjay Sharma (40), who worked as an ATM guard, was shot dead by suspected militants in the Achan area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 26. On Thursday, SIA Kashmir carried out searches at nine locations in three districts of Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag in south Kashmir. "So...

Timing for JK&LHC Jammu Wing, subordinate Courts of Jammu Division changed from June 5

02/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 1: High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh today ordered the change of timing forJammu Wing of JK&LHC and Subordinate Courts of Jammu Division from June 5, 2023 to September 30, 2023. As per a notification issued by Registrar General of J&K and Ladakh HC, Shahzad Azeem, the Court timing of Jammu Wing of High Court, from June 5 to September 30, 2023, will be 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM with half an hour break from 11:30 AM to 12 Noon, while the office and the registry High Court Jammu Win...

Time not ripe for army's withdrawal from Kashmir hinterland: GOC Chinar Corps

02/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 1: The situation in Kashmir has improved vastly over the last few years but the time is not ripe yet for the army to go back to the barracks, a senior officer said here. The number of active terrorists in the valley is at its lowest in the last 34 years, General Officer Commanding of Chinar Corps Lieutenant General A D S Aujla told PTI TV in an exclusive interview on Wednesday. "In Sha Allah, but I think the time is not ripe at this point in time. We still have to see a lot of g...

2 militant associates arrested in Baramulla

02/06/2023
SRINAGAR, Jun 1: Security forces arrested two militant associates of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Baramulla district on Thursday and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession, police said. Acting on specific information regarding the movement of terrorists in Frestihar Kreeri village, the security forces placed a mobile vehicle checkpoint (MVCP) at the Frestihar Waripora crossing, a police spokesperson said. Two suspects who were coming towards the crossing tried to flee when they n...

Modi provided decisive leadership, stability in governance: Anurag Thakur

02/06/2023
MUMBAI, Jun 1: Union minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided "decisive leadership with stability and continuity in governance" to the country. He was speaking at a press conference here on the Modi government completing nine years in office. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided a decisive leadership with stability and continuity in governance.....Nine years of the Modi government have seen transparency in governance," he said. Jan Dhan bank acc...

GST collections in May rise 12 pc YoY to Rs 1.57 lakh crore

02/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 1: Goods and services tax (GST) collection rose 12% year-on-year to Rs 1,57,090 crore in May, 2023, according to data released by Finance Ministry on Thursday. Out of the total GST mop-up during the previous month, CGST was Rs 28,411 crore, SGST was Rs 35,828 crore, IGST Rs 81,363 crore (including Rs 41,772 crore collected on import of goods) and cess was Rs 11,489 crore (including Rs 1,057 crore collected on import of goods). The government settled Rs 35,369 crore to CGST and ...

Commercial LPG gas price cut by Rs 83-85

02/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 1: In a big respite for commercial LPG consumers, public sector Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) on Thursday cut the prices of 19-kg commercial gas cylinders from June 1, 2023. As per the monthly price revision by IOCL for various metros, refill of 19-kg commercial gas cylinders would now cost Rs 83-85 less compared to earlier price. Effective June 1, 2023, the 19-kg LPG cylinder in New Delhi would be priced at Rs 1,773 per cylinder from Rs 1,856.50 per cylinder earlier. Pric...

Special NIA court declares Sikhs for Justice terrorist a Proclaimed Offender in 2022 Model Jail Tiffin Bomb case

02/06/2023
NEW DELHI, Jun 1: A National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Chandigarh on Wednesday declared a member of banned 'unlawful association' Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Jaswinder Singh alias Multan a Proclaimed Offender (PO) in the Model Jail Tiffin Bomb case of April 2022, the agency said on Thursday. Multani, hailing from the village Mansoorpur in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district, has been declared a Proclaimed Offender under section 82 of the CrPC. Multani is currently based in Germany and h...

Jambu Zoo welcomes inmates of 17 species

02/06/2023
JAMMU, Jun 1: Days after its inauguration, Jambu Zoo here has welcomed inmates of 17 different species, including leopard, black bear, deer and birds, according to officials. Situated on the outskirts of Jammu and spread over 3,200 kanals, Jambu Zoo was inaugurated on Sunday by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after several delays since its conception in 2016. One acre is equal to eight kanals. “We have 3,200 kanals of land. As far as the area is concerned, we will be considered among the big...