Page 89 - Jammu And Kashmir

Narco-terror case: SIA raids continue for second day in J-K's Poonch

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted raids in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district in connection with a narco-terrorism case for the second day on Sunday, officials said. The SIA carried out raids at multiple locations in the border district and questioned several people to expose the narco-terror module headed by Rafiq Lala, who was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) early this year, they said. On Saturday, the SIA raided over half-a-dozen places, including Lala's house in Danna Doyiyan village in Mandi tehsil. In March, 7 kilograms of heroin, over Rs 2 crore in cash and a pistol along with some ammunition were recovered from Lala's house. The SIA took Lala into custody on July 1 for questioning him over his alleged links across the border.

Army jawan goes missing from Kashmir's Kulgam, search op underway

An army Jawan was reported missing from Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials here said on Sunday. Javaid Ahmad Wani, a resident of Achathal area of Kulgam district, had gone missing Saturday evening, officials said. Wani, posted in Ladakh region, was on leave. His car was found in Paranhall later last evening, they said. Security forces have launched a massive hunt to track down the missing soldier.

Footbridge in J-K swept away in heavy rains, more than 5,000 affected

The bridge, situated in ward no 8 of Bhiala Jagir in Dalwalt panchayat of Ramnagar tehsil, was literally swept away as heavy rains lashed the area last week

Pak made attempts to disrupt peace, but conspiracies defeated: J-K police

Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh said Friday Pakistan made all attempts including propagating a "venomous narrative" to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir but all its conspiracies were defeated by the strenuous efforts of security forces and the support of people. Singh made these remarks during an interaction with a group of probationary IPS officers from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad. Other senior Police officers of the J-K Police were also present at the interaction at the Police Headquarters here. The group of 22 IPS probationary officers including two women officers and two officers from Nepal and the Maldives are on a study-cum-cultural tour to J-K as a part of Bharat Darshan programme and of their basic training. While giving an overview of working of the JKP in different wings, the DGP said the J-K police has faced a huge share of problems over the last three decades. Appreciating the support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Singh

Amazon India announces first-ever floating store on Srinagar's Dal Lake

Amazon India on Thursday announced its first-ever floating store on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, as part of its last-mile delivery programme "I Have Space". Murtaza Khan Kashi, owner of houseboat Selec Town, will deliver packages every day to customers at the doorstep of their houseboats as part of the onboarding. Amazon Logistics, India, Director Karuna Shankar Pande said this will provide faster and reliable deliveries to customers across Srinagar, opportunities for small businesses and strengthen Amazon's delivery network. Launched in 2015, the 'I Have Space' programme has 28,000 neighbourhood and kirana partners in about 420 towns and cities in India. It partners with local stores and small businesses for delivering products within a 2 to 4 kilometres radius.

Govt brings bill to change nomenclature of J-K quota beneficiaries to 'OBC'

A bill to change the nomenclature of a section of people who are eligible for reservation in appointment and admission in professional institutions in Jammu and Kashmir was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, will change the nomenclature of "weak and underprivileged classes (social castes)" to "other backward classes" for getting reservation benefits in the Union Territory, according to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill. The bill was introduced in the House by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, on behalf of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 (Jammu and Kashmir Act XIV of 2004) was enacted to provide for reservation in appointment and admission in professional institutions for the members of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and other socially and educationally backward classes. In term

TBM successfully launched at 1,000-MW Pakal Dul HEP in J-K's Kishtwar

Tunnel boring machines (TBM) have been deployed for the construction of head race tunnel-1 of 1,000 MW Pakal Dul project in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said on Wednesday. The deployment will accelerate the construction of the project on Marusudar, a tributary of the Chenab river, at Drangdhuran village in Kishtwar. Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL), a joint venture of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) is developing the Pakal Dul HE Project. It is likely to become a fully-operational power plant by next year. The launch of the TBM was executed with precision and excellence for the construction of head race tunnel-1 which is a critical component of this venture, an official spokesman said. He said the twin head race tunnels, measuring 9.6 km in length and 8.33 m in excavated diameter, will significantly contribute to the generation of 1000 MW of hydroelectric ...

Another batch of over 3,000 pilgrims leaves for Amarnath yatra: Officials

A fresh batch of over 3,000 pilgrims left here for the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas on Tuesday, officials said. While 1,160 pilgrims left in a convoy of 38 vehicles for the Baltal base camp, another convoy of 81 vehicles carrying 1,865 pilgrims left for Pahalgam. Over 3.30 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the shrine since the commencement of the pilgrimage from the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal districts on July 1.

Jammu and Kashmir Bank Q1 net profit nearly doubles to Rs 326 crore

Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Monday reported a 96 per cent jump in net profit at Rs 326 crore in the June quarter, aided by decline in bad loans. The Srinagar-based lender had posted a net profit of Rs 166 crore in the year-ago period. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir holds 63.41 per cent stake in the bank. Total income in the first quarter of the current fiscal rose to Rs 2,885 crore from Rs 2,306 crore in the same period a year ago, J&K Bank said in a regulatory filing. Interest earned by the bank improved to Rs 2,657 crore as against Rs 2,103 crore in June 2022. The bank's asset quality showed an improvement as gross non-performing assets (NPAs) declined to 5.77 per cent of gross advances at the end of the June quarter, from 9.09 per cent a year ago. Similarly, net NPAs, or bad loans, declined to 1.39 per cent, as against 3.02 per cent in the year-ago period. As a result, provision for bad loans came down to Rs 56 crore, as against Rs 135 crore allocated in the same ...

LG Sinha visits Baltal base camp, reviews arrangements for Amarnath Yatra

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. At the base camp, the Lt Governor interacted with the pilgrims, service providers and officials and reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing yatra. "Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is making significant contribution to tourism, employment generation and revenue. Human spirit soaring to great heights, cultural diversity, communal harmony is being strengthened," Sinha said. The sacred journey is bringing happiness in people's lives and giving new wings to local aspirations, he added. The Lt Governor, during a review meeting with the senior officers of the administration, stakeholder departments, SASB, police and security forces, directed for maintaining enthusiasm for excellent service, seamless coordination, effective communication, prompt response to concerns and encourage feedback from pilgrims during the remaining period of yatra. Make sure every ...

Indian mountaineers create history, successfully scale Mt Brammah-I in J-K

A group of Indian mountaineers created history by scaling Mt Brammah-I, standing at a formidable 6,416 metres, in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, an official said on Thursday. The challenging peak, known for its technical difficulty, has been a long-standing aspiration in the community since it was first scaled by British mountaineer Chris Bonnington about five decades ago. Brammah-I is a mountain massif in the Himalayas, east of Kishtwar town and near the border with Himachal Pradesh. It comprises four peaks -- Brammah-I, Flat Top, Brammah-II and Arjuna -- from west to east. Brammah-II is the highest of the group. The official said the nine-member team from West Bengal-based Sonarpur Aarohi Club, including skilled and eminent mountaineers, successfully scaled Mt Brammah-I on Tuesday. "This remarkable achievement marks the first Indian team to conquer the summit, making history in the world of mountaineering," the official said, adding that the route followed to conquer the

NIA raids 5 locations in Kashmir in against newly floated outfits

The locations being raided by the NIA sleuths are residential premises of hybrid terrorists and OGWs linked with the newly-formed offshoots and affiliates of several banned Kashmiri terrorist outfits

Targeted terror attacks in J-K, Cong demands security for vulnerable groups

The Congress expressed serious concern on Wednesday over targeted attacks on non-locals in Jammu and Kashmir and called on the Union Territory administration to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable sections that have recently been targeted. Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Vikar Rasool Wani condemned the attacks on non-local labourers and questioned the administration over these incidents. "We express our serious concern over targeted attacks on non-locals in Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir administration must ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable sections that have recently been targeted," he said. Wani urged the administration to prioritise the safety of all citizens, especially Hindus who have become frequent targets in the valley. The Congress leader expressed concern over the rise of terrorism in various forms, including targeted killings of minorities and non-locals as well as attacks on the Army and

Suspicious bag found on Jammu-Pathankot highway in Samba, traffic suspended

Traffic movement on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway was suspended on Wednesday afternoon after a suspicious bag was found lying outside an Army camp in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The Army and the police cordoned off the area and a bomb disposal squad was called in to check the bag that was found outside the Army camp in Maheshwar, they said. Subsequently, Army troops and the police halted traffic movement on the highway as a precautionary measure. The bomb disposal squad has reached the spot and is inspecting the bag, the officials said.

Heavy rains trigger landslides in J-K's Kathua, houses damaged, 5 dead

Five people, including three children, were killed after heavy rains triggered landslides and left several houses damaged in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said. Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rakesh Minhas ordered an immediate ex-gratia relief of Rs 50,000 to the kin of the deceased. We have five confirmed deaths in rain-related incidents, while three others are still trapped under the debris of a collapsed house in Bani Tehsil, Minhas told PTI. Expressing condolences over the loss of lives, he said an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for the next of kin of deceased and Rs 25,000 to the injured was sanctioned. He said a rescue operation is on to trace three persons who are believed to be trapped under the debris of their house at Surjan. A police official said two houses collapsed in the village, trapping five inmates. While bodies of Shahbaz Ahmad (14) and Nazir Tabassum (10) were recovered by the rescuers, three others are still missing and an operatio

Vaishno Devi yatra on new track suspended as Katra witnesses heavy rainfall

The new track to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been closed for pilgrims in view of landslide threat as Katra town in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district received the heaviest rainfall in past 43 years. Chopper service to the shrine has also been suspended because of inclement weather. However, pilgrims can reach the shrine atop Trikuta Hills will continue on the old track, officials said on Wednesday. "Yatra has been suspended on the new track due to the threat of landslides. However, the yatra is going on the old track," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Anshul Garg told PTI. Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, received 315.4 mm of rain in 24 hours. "This is the heaviest rainfall since 1980. On July 31, 2019, Katra received 292.4 mm of rain," an official of the weather department said.

Landslide hits construction site in J-K's Udhampur; six labourers rescued

Six labourers were rescued while one was missing after a landslide hit an under-construction building in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Joginder Singh Jasrotia said a rescue operation is on to locate the missing person, who is believed to be trapped under the debris of the landslide. Police officials said a group of labourers were busy in construction work at Kallar near vegetable market when they came under the landslide around 11.45 am. A rescue operation was launched immediately and six labourers were rescued, while the search is on for a missing labourer, the officials said. Jasrotia said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF teams along with police were deployed to trace out the missing labourer. Nine labourers were at the scene when the landslide struck. Out of two missing labourers, one was safely retrieved from under the debris while the search is on for another missing person, he

Rohingya Muslims demand release from 'holding centre' in J-K's Kathua

Lodged at a "holding centre" here for the past over two years, over 200 Rohingyas from Myanmar on Tuesday held a protest and clashed with guards inside Hiranagar sub-jail demanding their release, official sources said. However, a senior police officer dismissed the protest as "normal", saying they are holding protests for the past one month for their release from the centre. A total of 271 Rohingyas, including 74 women and 70 children, are lodged at the sub-jail that was notified as a "holding centre" on March 5, 2021, for lodging illegal immigrants. The official said the protest inside the holding centre broke out when a woman fell sick in the morning. "Senior police and jail officials rushed to the scene and the situation is under control," he added. The sources said police used mild force to disperse the protesters who reached near the main gate of the facility. Rohingyas went on an indefinite hunger strike against their lodgment at the centre in May but called off their prote

State Investigation Agency raids in south Kashmir in terror-related case

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted raids at multiple locations in south Kashmir on Tuesday in a terror-related case, officials said. The raids were underway at multiple locations in Anantnag and Shopian districts of south Kashmir, they said. The searches by SIA sleuths accompanied by police personnel were a part of the agency's probe into a terror-related case, the officials said.

Security forces bust terrorist hideout in J-K's Poonch, one detained

Security forces have busted a terrorist hideout and nabbed a person during their search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, official sources said on Tuesday. Three grenades and other materials have been seized from the hideout, they said. The search operation was being conducted by the Army and the special operations group in the Kala Jhula forest area. Security was beefed up in Poonch town vehicles plying on the roads were being examined as part of the search operation. On Monday, two terrorists were killed as troops foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Poonch.