MP Devotee Yashwant Walks 3,200 Km in 4 Months to Reach Amarnath, Carries Flag and 25-Kg Backpack

Yashwant

A devotee named Yashwant from Madhya Pradesh walked approximately 3,200 kilometers to reach the Amarnath Cave in South Kashmir, carrying a religious flag and a 25-kg backpack. His journey, which took four months, began in Madhya Pradesh and passed through holy cities such as Ayodhya, Haridwar, and various Jyotirling temples.

Yashwant chose to travel on foot to experience and understand different people and cultures, expressing a desire for his religion and country to progress. He faced no major issues during his journey and noted the warm hospitality he received along the way. He planned to proceed to the Amarnath Cave via the Baltal route.

DGP Nalin Prabhat Reviews Security in Doda Amid Counter-Terror Operations, Calls for Joint Operational Synergy

Nalin Prabhat

Director General of Police, J&K, Nalin Prabhat, IPS, visited Doda district to conduct a comprehensive review of the security arrangements in view of ongoing counter-terror operations and the upcoming events scheduled across the region.

The visit was part of a broader effort to recalibrate field-level preparedness in the mountainous districts of the DKR Range, especially in light of evolving threat perceptions.

A strategic security review meeting was convened at Bhaderwah and was attended by key officers from civil, police, and military establishments. The meeting was attended by DIG DKR Range, SSP Doda, SSP Kishtwar, Commander 9 Sector RR, Commanding Officer 4 RR, and Commanding Officer CRPF. The deliberations focused on multi-agency coordination, domination of vulnerable areas, and integrated intelligence flow to pre-empt and neutralise any security threats in the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar.

The DGP conducted a detailed briefing with field commanders on deployment patterns, current operational challenges, and area-specific threat assessments. Special focus was laid on enhancing grid saturation in higher reaches, securing transit routes, and hardening soft targets.

He also reviewed the integration of real-time intelligence inputs with area domination plans, stressing the need for proactive policing and early-warning systems through community contact and covert surveillance.

Nalin Prabhat emphasized the importance of joint operational synergy between the J&K Police, Army, and CAPFs. He called for sustained high-altitude area patrols, layered checkpoints, and night-time area domination, particularly in infiltration-prone and previously disturbed regions. He appreciated the work being done by the Doda and Kishtwar police in ensuring peace and law and order despite the rugged terrain and recent attempts by terror elements to revive activities in the Chenab Valley.

Underscoring the importance of both tactical readiness and public confidence, the DGP directed officers to maintain a visible security presence in urban centers while remaining agile and unpredictable in rural and forested belts. He also reviewed logistical preparedness, including mobility, communications, and emergency response plans to ensure readiness for any exigency during the forthcoming festivals and events.

Pulwama Police Arrest Two Vehicle Lifters, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Swift Operation

Vehicle Lifters

In a significant breakthrough, Police in Pulwama have successfully apprehended two notorious vehicle lifters and recovered stolen bike from his possession.

A Police spokesperson said that acting on credible input, a dedicated team from Police Station Pulwama launched a targeted operation following the investigation of case FIR No. 171/2025 U/S 303(2) BNS, resulting in the recovery of a stolen motorcycle bearing registration number JK13F/0492. During the operation, the accused individuals have been arrested. They have been identified as Adil Ahmad Mir son of Mohd Akbar and Sameer Ahmad Mir son of Ab Ahad Mir, both residents of Rawalpora Khansahib, Budgam.

This swift action reflects the continued efforts of J&K Police to curb vehicle theft and uphold public safety. J&K Police reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens and urges the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station without delay.

Youth Killed in Qazigund While Resisting Armed Robber Posing as Security Personnel

Dead body

A youth was killed in Qazigund area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, following a scuffle with a robber who had entered their residential house.

Official sources told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a robber, posing as a member of security forces, barged into the residence of Mohammad Yaseen Banday, a resident of Kishgund, Sangran, under the pretext of conducting searches.

Sensing something fishy, Zahid Ahmad Banday—son of the house owner— confronted the intruder and tried to apprehend him, ensuing a scuffle.During the fight, Zahid was critically injured after being attacked by the robber with a sharp-edged weapon.He was immediately rushed to Emergency Hospital Qazigund where he succumbed to his injuries.

Other family members managed to apprehend the robber and handed him over to Qazigund Police.A toy pistol and a sharp knife were recovered from his possession.

The robber, who sustained injuries during the scuffle, was shifted to GMC Anantnag for treatment.A police officer told KNO that a thorough investigation has been launched into the incident—(KNO)

20 Engineers Promoted as Incharge Executive Engineers in PWD (R&B); Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Intervenes

20 Engineers Promoted

In a significant administrative development, the Public Works (R&B) Department today ordered placement of 20 Assistant Executive Engineers and Incharge Assistant Executive Engineers (Mechanical) as Incharge Executive Engineers.

This long-pending placement has been made after considerable delay and was expedited due to the personal intervention of Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, who has been consistently advocating for timely career progression and addressing stagnation in the department.

Congratulating the promotees, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this move is expected to streamline the departmental functioning and bring greater efficiency and accountability in the mechanical engineering wing of the PWD (R&B).

He expressed confidence that the elevated officers will contribute effectively in their new roles and uphold the spirit of service delivery and infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir Engineering fraternity extends heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and special thanks to Deputy Chief Minister, who is also PWD (R&B) Minister for their continued efforts in strengthening the engineering cadre.

27-Year-Old Youth Stabbed to Death in Thanamandi, Rajouri; Police Launch Investigation

Ashok Kumar VDG

A 22-Year-Old youth was Stabbed to death in Village Khanyalkote in Thanamandi area of Rajouri district on Thursday.

Officials told GNS that today some unknown person stabbed a youth in Thanamandi. He was immediately shifted to nearby hospital for where doctors declared him brought dead.

The deceased has been identified as Mehraj Ud Din(27) son of Ghulam Muhi Din resident of Kheora Rajouri.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case in this regard and investigation has been taken up.(GNS)

Indore Crowned India’s Cleanest City for 8th Time in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25; Surat, Navi Mumbai Follow

Indore Crowned India

Indore once again has been declared India’s cleanest city, winning the top spot for the eighth year in a row in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Surat secured the second position, while Navi Mumbai stood third. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards in New Delhi on Thursday.

Gujarat’s Surat secured the second position in the Super Swachh League category. Ahmedabad emerged as India’s cleanest big city (population more than 10 lakh). Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel received the award on behalf of the government.

After Surat bagged the second spot, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said it was a victory for the people of Gujarat and thanked all sanitation workers and cleanliness ambassadors for their efforts in keeping the city clean.

Speaking to ANI, Harsh Sanghavi said, “This is the victory of the people of Gujarat. The people of Gujarat have achieved this together. First of all, I would like to congratulate all those who work day and night, those who keep our city clean. I also extend my gratitude to all Swachhata ambassadors. I am grateful to them. Due to their hard work, Gujarat is leading in the Swachhata Survey today.”

Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 marks the 9th edition of the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey. This landmark event unveiled the cleanest cities of urban India, recognising the tireless efforts of cities driving the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) forward.

This year, the prestigious awards were presented across 4 categories: a) Super Swachh League Cities, b) Top 3 clean cities in 5 population categories, c) Special Category: Ganga Towns, Cantonment Boards, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Mahakumbh, d) State Level Awards, Promising clean city of State/UT. A total of 78 Awards will be presented this year.

Swachh Survekshan (SS), a landmark initiative under the SBM-U, has become a defining force in India’s urban journey toward cleanliness, capturing hearts, shaping mindsets, and inspiring action over the past nine years. Starting with 73 ULBs in 2016, the latest edition now encompasses 4,500+ cities. This year, the awards not only celebrate the top Swachh Shehar but also recognise and encourage small cities showing strong promise and progress

SS 2024-25 awards spotlight the theme of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Over 3,000 assessors conducted thorough inspections in every ward across the country over a 45-day period. With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and transparency, the initiative encompassed the assessment of over 11 lakh households, reflecting a comprehensive and far-reaching approach to understanding urban living and sanitation on a national scale.

The Assessment conducted in the year 2024 marked a landmark moment in public engagement, successfully reaching and involving 14 crore citizens who participated through face-to-face interactions, the Swachhata App, MyGov, and social media platforms. (ANI)

SPO Mohd Razaq Dies After Falling from Bus in Rajouri’s Dheri Ralyote, Police Begin Investigation

Dead

A Special Police Officer of Jammu and Kashmir Police was killed after he fell from a bus at Dheri Ralyote in Rajouri district on Thursday.

Officials told GNS that an SPO who was commuting in a private bus bearing registration number JK02DE-1671 fell from the bus at Dheri Ralyote.

He was immediately shifted to PHC Manjakote for treatment; however, doctors declared him brought dead. He has been identified as Mohd Razaq, son of Raj Mohd, a resident of Bindi Jamola, Rajouri.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case in this regard and investigation has been taken up.(GNS)

Amarnath Yatra Halted After Landslide Kills Woman Pilgrim, Injures Three Others on Baltal Route

Amarnath Yatra

A woman pilgrim lost her life while three others sustained injuries in a landslide along Baltal route of Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district while authorities have suspended the Yatra temporarily due to safety concerns, officials said.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the landslide occurred at Z-mode, near Upper Railpathri, sweeping several pilgrims downhill along the Baltal axis, leading to the holy cave.

The injured were rushed to the Baltal base camp hospital, where a woman was declared dead on the arrival.

The deceased has been identified as Sona Bhai, wife of Dara Ram, a resident of Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, the authorities said that no fresh batch of pilgrims will be allowed to proceed from Jammu towards the holy cave today.

The decision was taken in view of landslides and heavy rainfall along the Yatra route—(KNO)

Sajad Lone Slams Removal of Urdu Requirement for Naib Tehsildar Post, Warns of ‘Linguicide’ in Kashmir

Sajad Lone Criticises

Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the exclusion of Urdu as a qualifying requirement for the post of Naib Tehsildar in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it part of a “systematic marginalisation” of the Kashmiri-speaking majority and a dangerous step toward the “linguicide” of Urdu.

Reacting sharply to the development, Lone said, “So now Urdu is no longer needed to qualify for the post of Naib Tehsildar. The majority Kashmiri-speaking population has been almost relegated to a footnote in the recruitment lists. Their presence in the recruitment lists is inversely proportional to their numbers. That is of course due to reservations.”

He noted that Urdu had historically given Kashmiri aspirants a reasonable edge in such posts because of the language’s relevance in administrative affairs. “They may have had a slight advantage in the NT exams and justifiably so as all revenue records are in Urdu. Now that has been withdrawn too,” he said, calling it a calculated move to erase regional linguistic roots.

Taking aim at the National Conference, Lone questioned the intentions of the ruling regime, “The onus of giving a good legal representation is on the incumbent elected government. Hope it is not yet another fixed match in a series of fixed matches that we are seeing lately.”

But beyond governance, Lone’s statement struck an emotional chord, underscoring the deeper cultural loss at stake. “This is also about gradually exiting Urdu,” he said. “I have not studied Urdu. And that has been a regret all my life. Urdu is a literary delight and some of the greatest poets in the world have expressed themselves in this great language. And to think of enabling linguicide of this great language.”

He cautioned that the emotional and historical link between Urdu and Kashmiris cannot be severed so easily. “This language has an emotional and a historical connect with Kashmiris and that will never go away,” Lone asserted.

The move, he implied, is not just a policy change, but an identity shift, one that he described as risks severing a people from their linguistic and cultural heritage.