Security Forces Deploy UAVs in J&K’s Kathua Amid Anti-Terror Operations

UAVs in J&K

Security personnel has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in continuation of the cordon and search operation in the Saniyal area of Hiranagar in the Kathua region of Jammu and Kashmir to track down terrorists following intelligence inputs about their presence.

The joint operation, involving Jammu and Kashmir Police and troops of the Rising Star Corps, was launched late last night in response to the reports.

According to officials, the operation began on the night of March 23 after credible intelligence indicated terrorist activity in the region.

“Based on Intelligence Input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation has been launched by @JmuKmrPolice & troops of #RisingStar Corps on 23 Mar 25 in general area Saniyal #Hiranagar. Operations in Progress,” the Rising Star Corps, Indian Army, stated in a post on X.

The operation follows a firing incident reported in the Hiranagar area of Kathua during an ongoing search by security forces.

“A firing incident was reported in the Hiranagar area of Kathua after a search operation was underway,” Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed.

Security forces remain on high alert as the cordon and search efforts continue, with the UAV assisting in tracking movements in the area. Further details are awaited as the operation progresses.

Meanwhile, The Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered multiple heavy arms, ammunitions, IEDs and Narcotics in a joint intelligence based operation, foiling a ‘major terrorist attempt’ in the Rajouri and Poonch area of the union territories, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said.

Named Operation Nandiyali, the Indian Army shared the visuals of the seized heavy arms in a post on X late night on Sunday.

“On 23 mar 25, Recovery of Heavy Arms , Amn , IEDs and Narcotics was made in An Intelligence Based Joint Search Operation by #Indian Army and #J&K police from #Sangla Top, #Surankote #Poonch; spoiling a major terrorist attempt in Rajouri & Poonch area and disrupting their operational capabilities,” read the Army’s post.

This comes after the security forces received input about some ‘suspicious movement’ in the general area of Sangla in Surankot, in the Poonch district.
The joint operation was launched by the Indian Army’s Romeo Forces along with the Poonch Police, according to the officials. (ANI)

J&K Govt Examining Proposal to Provide 12 Free Gas Cylinders Annually

12 Free Gas Cylinders

The Jammu & Kashmir Government on Monday said that the proposal of providing 12 gas cylinders free of cost to people in J&K is currently under examination.

In a written reply to a question of Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in-charge Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma informed the House that the issue of providing 12 gas cylinders free of cost in J&K is under examination.

“The issue is under examination in the Government. All efforts are being made to fulfill commitments,” the minister said.Lone had inquired whether the government intends to provide 12 gas cylinders free of cost and if so, the timeline for its implementation.

The promise to provide 12 cylinders free of cost every year to Economically Weaker Sections(EWS) of the society in J&K was originally made in the manifesto of National Conference for 2014 UT polls.

In November last year, Satish Sharma had said the formal announcement on providing 12 gas cylinders a year to the people of J&K will be made shortly.“ Modalities are being finalized and very soon the formal announcement regarding double ration and 12 gas cylinders will be made public,” he had said—(KNO)

Muslim Personal Law Board Announces Nationwide Agitation Against Waqf Amendment Bill

Muslim Personal Law

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, following its massive protest in Delhi on March 17.

In an official statement, Mohd Vaquar Uddin Latifi, Office Secretary of AIMPLB, confirmed the decision, emphasizing that the board is committed to opposing the bill, which it describes as “controversial, discriminatory, and damaging.”

Speaking on behalf of AIMPLB, SQR Ilyas, the board’s spokesperson and Convener of the Action Committee Against the Waqf Bill, extended gratitude to Muslim organizations, civil society groups, and leaders from Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, and other minority communities for their support.

The AIMPLB’s 31-member Action Committee has resolved to use all constitutional, legal, and democratic means to challenge the bill. As part of the first phase of the agitation, the board has planned large-scale protest sit-ins in front of state assemblies in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29.

According to the statement, senior AIMPLB leaders, along with representatives from national and state-level religious and social organizations, will actively participate in these demonstrations. Additionally, leaders from civil society, prominent personalities from minority communities, and key figures from Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC sections have also confirmed their participation.

The AIMPLB has reiterated its stance that the bill poses a serious threat to Waqf properties and the fundamental rights of the Muslim community, vowing to intensify its opposition if necessary.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Dr.Farooq Abdullah Join Mehbooba Mufti’s Iftaar Party in Jammu

Mehbooba Mufti's Iftaar Party

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah today attended an Iftaar party hosted by Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu on Sunday.

The event saw participation of several political leaders which include Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee’s (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra, senior party leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir and others.

SKIMS Soura Fund Lapse Sparks Inquiry Demands from NC, PDP

A day after J&K Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo apprised the Legislative Assembly about the major lapse of funds over the past three years at SKIMS Soura, J&K National Conference has sought an inquiry to fix responsibility on the delays that compromised healthcare delivery at the premier institute. PDP also called for a thorough inquiry into the issue.

National Conference Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar expressed anguish over the lapse of funds that was meant for patient care and augmentation of the Institute. He said the lapses took place due to lack of accountability and due to the lacunae in governance over the past few years. “Today, we are talking about these projects, funds and asking question while seeking meaningful answers in assembly. All these years, people of J&K could not even ask a question,” he said. He said SKIMS Soura concerns everyone and its upgradation would have benefitted people of J&K.

Dar demanded that Assembly was early to comment on who is responsible for the delays in spending. “A committee must be constituted to reveal the facts that led to the lapses,” he said. It needs to be ascertained whether the lapses happened at SKIMS Soura or elsewhere. He said the people of J&K people could hold the administration accountable and seek the trial of money. It is not just about SKIMS Soura, but many other departments were also under scanner for their fund utilization. “The House has established a committee for investigating a case related to Jal Shakti department only yesterday,” he said.

Meanwhile, PDP Spokesperson Iqbal Tramboo said the inquiry must be beyond SKIMS Soura. Industrial grants, land allotment, township projects must be investigated. Public money meant for SKIMS Soura and patient-care to the tune of Rs 100 crore must be investigated. There must be a committee to probe why and how these funds lapsed. He said accountability must be fixed and the guilty punished.

It was revealed in Assembly on 22 March that funds to the tune of 34.16% of the allotted funds had lapsed at SKIMS between 2021 and 2023.

Anyone Orchestrating Terror Activities from Across the Border Will Face Stringent Action: SSP Anantnag GV Sandeep Chakravarty

Dr. GV Sandeep Chakravarty

In a decisive crackdown on terror networks, Anantnag Police, in coordination with the District Administration, demolished an illegally constructed house and plinth at Rekha Hassanpora. 
The property belonged to Haroon Rashid Ganie, son of Abdul Rashid Ganie, a known terrorist handler affiliated with the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
“If anyone tries to orchestrate terror activities here from across the border, we will ensure prompt and stringent action against him,” said SSP Anantnag Dr. GV Sandeep Chakravarty while briefing the media after the operation.
Haroon Rashid Ganie, who has been operating from Pakistan since 2018, has been accused of facilitating terror activities aimed at destabilizing national security.His illegally constructed property was built on encroached state land, which has now been reclaimed.
This operation is part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle terror networks and their support structures, SSP told KNS. He also reaffirmed commitment to uphold law and order, ensuring that no individual or group misuses government land for unlawful activities.
Anantnag Police have vowed to continue strict measures against terror operatives and their facilitators, maintaining an uncompromising stance against terrorism in the district. (KNS)

National Testing Agency (NTA) Extends CUET UG 2025 Application Deadline to March 24

National Testing Agency (NTA)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the submission date for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG online application form to March 24.

Meanwhile, date for the submission of examination fees has been revised to March 25 whereas the candidates can correct the details in their application form between March 26 to 28. NTA shared a press release and informed about the development.

“The National Testing Agency will be conducting Common University Entrance Test [CUET (UG)] -2025 between 08 May 2025 and 01 June 2025 (tentative) in Computer Based test (CBT) mode at different centres located in various cities throughout the country and 15 cities outside India, which provides a single window opportunity to students seeking admission in any of the Central Universities/ Participating Universities (State/Deemed/Private) across the country”, the NTA press release said.

“Online submission of application for the above-mentioned exam is in progress at https://cuet.nta.nic.in from 01 March 2025 onwards. In continuation to the Public Notice dated 01 March 2025 regarding submission of online application form for CUET (UG) 2025 and in response to the multiple requests received from candidates to extend the last date for submission of online application form, NTA has decided to extend the last date for submission of online application form for CUET (UG) -2025, enabling the aspiring candidate(s) to apply for the said exam”, the release added.

The National Testing Agency are also conducting examination for post graduate courses of CUET which began from March 13 and is set to conclude on April 1. (ANI)

Handwara Police Conducts Search at DFP Member’s House in Ongoing Investigation

Ashok Kumar VDG

Continuing its efforts to tighten the noose around anti-national elements, Police in Handwara conducted search at the residence of a DFP member for his sustained association with a banned organization.

A Police spokesperson said that acting on reliable information, a police team raided the house of Farooq Ahmad Dar, son of Mohd Shaban Dar, resident of Turpora, Handwara, late this evening. The search was conducted in connection with the ongoing investigation in Case FIR No. 08/2024 of Police Station Handwara.

“During the search, incriminating material was recovered, which has been seized and made part of the investigation. Further raids are expected as the investigation progresses”, he said.

Police remains committed to maintaining peace and security in the region and will continue to take stringent action against elements involved in unlawful activities.

BJP Leaders Visit Kangan to Condole Ex-MLA Faqir Mohammad Khan’s Alleged Suicide, Demand Probe

Faqir Mohammad Khan

A high-level delegation of BJP leaders visited Wooder Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district to offer their condolences to the family of its leader and Ex MLA Gurez Faqir Mohd Khan who died by alleged suicide at his official residence in Tulsibagh Srinagar on Thursday.

BJP leaders Altaf Thakur, Ali Mohammed, Sajid Yousuf, Ghulam Hassan Rather besides others were part of the delegation who visited the bereaved family in Kangan. 

Talking to the media persons, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur demanded a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding Faqir Mohammad Khan’s alleged suicide.

“This is a suspicious death and the police and other investigation authorities should properly investigate and probe this incident,” Thakur said.

“I met him a day before and he was doing well and doesn’t look like he will have taken this extreme step,” he said, adding that though police is investigating the matter but it seems that it has happened under a conspiracy which needs to be investigated.