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Army Conducts Search Operation After Terror Attack Kills Ten in Reasi Jammu

June 10, 2024 by NOK Desk

Indian Army has initiated a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district following a tragic terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims. The attack occurred on Sunday evening, resulting in the death of ten individuals and injuring 33 others.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed to assist in the search operation, which includes the utilization of drones to scour dense forest areas surrounding the incident site.Reasi District Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan confirmed the casualties, stating that ten people lost their lives in the attack. He also mentioned that 33 individuals sustained injuries in the incident.

According to officials, the bus, en route from the Shiv Khori shrine to Katra, was ambushed by terrorists around 06:10 PM in the Pouni area of Reasi district, bordering Rajouri district. The terrorists opened fire, causing the driver to lose control, leading the bus to plunge into a gorge.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma, informed ANI that rescue operations have been completed, and the injured have been transported to Naraina and Reasi District hospitals. While the identities of the passengers are yet to be confirmed, initial reports suggest they hail from Uttar Pradesh.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, condemned the cowardly attack and assured swift action against the perpetrators. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and highlighted the joint efforts of security forces and JKP in launching a counter-operation against the terrorists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took cognizance of the situation, directing continuous monitoring and ensuring the best medical care for the injured. The PM vowed that those responsible for the heinous act would face consequences.

Defence Expert Hemant Mahajan emphasized the timing of the attack, suggesting a clear objective behind it. He noted the increasing tourism in Kashmir and stressed the need for security forces to take proactive measures to apprehend or neutralize those involved in such attacks, especially with the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for concerted efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard the lives of civilians and pilgrims.

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Dr. Sameer Siddiqui Condemns Blasphemous Remarks by GMC Srinagar Student

June 10, 2024 by NOK Desk

Dr. Sameer Siddiqui, head of Khanqa-e-Haideri, Aishmuqam, has condemned the alleged blasphemous remarks made by a non-local student of GMC Srinagar about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He demanded immediate and stern action against the culprit.

“Communal harmony is the bedrock of a civilized society, and blasphemous remarks against any community or its religious figures or symbols must be sternly dealt with by law enforcement agencies, irrespective of the offender’s socio-religious or political affiliations,” Dr. Siddiqui stated. “Those studying in reputed institutions should at least have the courtesy to respect the collective feelings of others. Education is not just about degrees; it should bring about positive changes in our actions and behavior. Give respect, take respect.”

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Narendra Modi Takes Oath as Prime Minister of India for Third Term

January 4, 2025June 9, 2024 by NOK Desk

Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister of India for his third consecutive term on Sunday in a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event saw the presence of leaders from India’s neighboring countries and the Indian Ocean region. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Modi, followed by his team of ministers.

Modi attended the ceremony wearing a full-sleeved white kurta with churidar and a blue half-jacket. Dignitaries in attendance included Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, and Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif.

Having served as Prime Minister since 2014, Modi is also the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat, holding office from October 2001 to May 2014. His tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by several key initiatives emphasizing development and corruption-free governance. Programs such as Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and Housing for All have been launched under his leadership.

Modi has promoted transparency and efficiency through the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile), eliminating middlemen and leveraging technology. His first term saw the launch of the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ on Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary, a nationwide cleanliness campaign.

The BJP-led NDA government under Modi has focused on creating next-generation infrastructure, including highways, railways, and waterways. Modi introduced PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) to expedite delayed projects.

A champion of environmental causes, Modi has been recognized with the United Nations ‘Champions of the Earth Award.’ His foreign policy initiatives have significantly elevated India’s global stature, evidenced by the presence of SAARC and BIMSTEC leaders at the start of his terms. Modi has received numerous honors, including Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor, the Sash of King Abdulaziz.

Modi’s proposal for an International Day of Yoga was endorsed by 177 nations at the UN, establishing June 21 as the official day. Born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat, Modi’s background from a marginalized section of society and early work with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party shaped his political career. Known for his strong connection with the populace and being tech-savvy, Modi uses the web to engage with people and drive change.

The BJP, under Modi’s leadership, secured absolute majorities in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections with 282 and 303 seats respectively. In the 2024 elections, the NDA coalition led by Modi holds 292 seats in Parliament, with a vision to make India a developed nation by 2047.

After staking his claim to form the government, Modi spoke at Rashtrapati Bhavan, emphasizing continuity and commitment to good governance. He reflected on India’s emergence as a global partner and expressed optimism about the next five years amidst global crises, highlighting India as the world’s fastest-growing economy.

Modi, who begins his day with Yoga and has authored several books, noted his experience as Prime Minister and his determination to utilize it for India’s benefit in the global arena.

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Bus Carrying Pilgrims Plunges into Gorge in J&K After Terrorist Attack

June 9, 2024 by NOK Desk

A tragic incident occurred in Jammu and Kashmir’s Raesi when a bus carrying pilgrims to the cave temple of Shivkhodi plunged into a gorge after coming under fire from terrorists. The accident has resulted in several feared fatalities, with bodies scattered at the site and the bus significantly damaged by the impact.

Visuals from the scene depict locals actively participating in rescue efforts, while ambulances are stationed nearby to provide immediate assistance. According to a police statement reported by news agency PTI, reinforcements from the police, army, and paramilitary forces were swiftly dispatched to the location.

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Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai Assures Stable Security in Kashmir Ahead of September Assembly Polls

June 9, 2024 by NOK Desk

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, stated on Sunday that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a stable security situation in Kashmir ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls scheduled for September.

Speaking to reporters at the felicitation ceremony for Kargil War veterans at General Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla, Lieutenant General Ghai confirmed that the security situation in Kashmir is stable and that steps are in place to maintain this stability. He was responding to questions about the Valley’s security situation in light of the forthcoming Assembly elections.

When asked about the Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain’s statement on Saturday regarding the presence of 70 to 80 active foreign terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, and the shift in focus from local to foreign terrorists, Lieutenant General Ghai acknowledged the accuracy of these figures. He emphasized that the actions taken by security agencies against these foreign terrorists are clearly evident.

Regarding the situation along the Line of Control (LoC), Lieutenant General Ghai assured that the borders are stable. Commenting on the recent successful anti-militancy operation in South Kashmir, where the longest surviving Lashkar-e-Toiba commander was killed, he remarked that every anti-militancy operation signifies success and progress.

Additionally, Lieutenant General Ghai highlighted the celebration of Kargil War veterans, noting that the Himalayan regiment of the army delivered a strong response to the enemy during the Kargil War.

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Senior PDP Leader Sartaj Madni’s Son Passes Away from Heart Attack

June 9, 2024 by NOK Desk

Senior PDP leader Sartaj Madni’s son passed away on Sunday after suffering a heart attack at his residence in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

In a post on X, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti informed, “Pains me to write this. We lost Aroot Madni – Sartaj sahab’s son who passed away due to a heart attack earlier today. No words can suffice for how we all feel. We raised him like a son & will miss him terribly. This aching void can never be filled.”

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Rohit Sharma Praises Virat Kohli and Rallies Team for T20 World Cup Clash Against Pakistan

June 9, 2024June 9, 2024 by NOK Desk

India’s captain Rohit Sharma praised Virat Kohli and encouraged his team to perform well in their important match against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup.Fans are very excited as India and Pakistan are about to face each other again after nearly eight months. They will compete at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, continuing their historic rivalry.

In the last tournament, Kohli’s brilliant performance helped India win a thrilling match at Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2022. This time, Rohit wants the whole team to contribute, not just rely on a few players.

“I don’t want to depend on one or two individuals to win the game. All 11 of us need to contribute. Of course, there are key players, but everyone needs to help in any way they can,” Rohit said at the pre-match press conference.

India has experience playing at Nassau County. They had a strong win against Bangladesh in a warm-up game and a solid performance in their first match against Ireland.Kohli missed the warm-up game and only scored one run in five balls while opening with Rohit. Despite this, Rohit believes Kohli’s training and experience make him a valuable player.

“Virat didn’t play the Bangladesh game, but he has trained a lot before this game. His experience from playing around the world and in big tournaments is unmatched,” Rohit added.

India’s T20 World Cup squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.

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Neighboring Leaders Invited to Narendra Modi’s Swearing-In Ceremony for Third Term as Prime Minister

June 9, 2024 by NOK Desk

India has invited several leaders from neighboring countries to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi, who is set to become Prime Minister for a third consecutive term. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 9 at 7:15 pm at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The same evening, the Council of Ministers will also take their oaths of office and secrecy, forming part of the Prime Minister’s new cabinet.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, several leaders have accepted the invitation and will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday to participate in the ceremony.

Leaders who have confirmed their attendance:

President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe
President of Maldives, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
Vice-President of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Afif
Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
Prime Minister of Nepal, H.E. Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Tshering Tobgay

June 8, 2024:

12:00 PM: Arrival of Prime Minister of Bangladesh at AFS Palam
2:45 PM: Arrival of Vice President of Seychelles at IGI T-3

June 9, 2024:

9:05 AM: Arrival of Prime Minister of Mauritius at IGI T-3
9:05 AM: Arrival of President of Maldives at IGI T-3
11:30 AM: Arrival of Prime Minister of Bhutan at IGI T-3
11:50 AM: Arrival of President of Sri Lanka at IGI T-3
2:50 PM: Arrival of Prime Minister of Nepal at IGI T-3

The national capital will remain on high alert on Sunday as SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) leaders prepare to attend the event, Delhi Police told news agency PTI. Major hotels like the Leela, Taj, ITC Maurya, Claridge’s, and Oberoi are already under tight security. Officials have arranged safe routes for the dignitaries’ travel between their hotels and the venue.

“Dignitaries attending the swearing-in will be given designated routes from their hotels to the venue and back,” according to officials.

In addition to attending the swearing-in ceremony, these leaders will participate in a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan the same evening. This gathering is expected to facilitate high-level interactions and discussions, further strengthening regional ties among SAARC member nations.

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MMU Condemns Alcohol Consumption on Dal Lake, Calls for Respect of Kashmiri Ethics

June 8, 2024 by NOK Desk

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), comprising leaders of religious sects and educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir and led by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, has expressed grave concern over a viral video showing outsiders openly consuming alcohol on a shikara in Dal Lake. MMU strongly condemns this act and the fact that it occurred in Kashmir.

Public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited by law, and how this was allowed to happen is troubling.In a statement, MMU emphasized, “The people of Kashmir are hospitable and respect tourists as guests. However, such un-Islamic and unethical practices will not be tolerated in the Muslim-majority valley, known as the land of saints and Sufis. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Islam due to its harmful effects on society and cannot be allowed to go unchecked.”

MMU urged hotel owners, houseboat operators, and shikara operators to prevent such un-Islamic and immoral practices for profit and appealed to tourists to respect Kashmir’s moral and religious ethos.Additionally, the Council reiterated its call for the immediate arrest and appropriate punishment of the student involved in blasphemy against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at GMC Srinagar, despite the police having filed an FIR.

The United Council of Scholars of Jammu and Kashmir includes organizations such as Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Darul Uloom Raheemiya Bandipora, Mufti Azam’s Muslim Personal Law Board, Anjuman Shari Shian, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, Karwan-e-Islami, Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, Jamiat Hamdania, Anjuman Ulema-e-Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat-ul-Aimma wal Ulema, Anjuman Aimma wa Mashaikh Kashmir, Darul Uloom Naqshbandiya, Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Ahl-e-Bait Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom, Pirwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khiram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tauheed Ahl-e-Hadith Trust, Anjuman Tanzeem-ul-Makatib, Muhammadi Yateem Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karwan Khatm-e-Nabuwat, Darul Uloom Syed-ul-Mursaleen, Anjuman Ulema wa Aimma Masajid, Falah Darain Trust Welfare Society Islamabad, Ashraf-ul-Uloom Hyderpora, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Batamaloo, Darul Uloom Farqaniya Nowshera, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Khanyar, Jamiat-ul-Ulama Kashmir, Siraj-ul-Uloom, Idara Wahdat-ul-Makatib Jammu and Kashmir, Darul Uloom Imdadiya Natipora, Darul Uloom Jamia-tur-Rashad Awantipora, Khanqah Muradiya Jamia Masjid Kreeri, Darul Uloom Saut-ul-Quran Gulshan Abad Srinagar, and other contemporary religious, national, social, and educational organizations. (KNS)

Decline in Local Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir: DGP Highlights Peaceful Elections and Tough Measures

June 8, 2024 by NOK Desk

Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP), RR Swain, announced a decline in the number of locals joining terrorist groups, emphasizing the necessity of strict measures to ensure a peaceful environment.

The DGP highlighted the successful and peaceful conduct of the recent Lok Sabha elections in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We are pleased that the Lok Sabha elections were conducted without incident. Voter turnout was also high. We believe elections can only be held peacefully when there is no tension, allowing people to vote freely and candidates to contest without fear,” DGP Swain told reporters.

Swain emphasized the need for decisive action against certain individuals to maintain peace. “Police are fundamentally about enforcing the law. To sustain a peaceful environment, we must take action against some people,” he stated.

He also noted the police’s success in saving lives and reducing violence in the region.

“We are shifting from local to foreign terrorism. Local terrorism involves our residents joining terrorist ranks, and their numbers have decreased. We’ve worked with the community to prevent locals from joining terrorism. When someone does join, our priority is to understand why and prevent it from happening again. Our efforts have saved lives and reduced violence,” Swain added.

In related news, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has dismissed four employees for alleged “links with terror outfits” and anti-national activities, sources reported.

According to top government sources, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha invoked Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution to terminate these employees after thorough investigations revealed their involvement with Pakistan’s ISI and terrorist organizations, with law enforcement and intelligence agencies gathering substantial evidence against them. (ANI)