Kashmir Reader

DGP conducts security review, calls for plugging grey areas

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:52:10 +0000

Srinagar: Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat Friday asked the security forces to plug grey areas and refine drills to deal dynamically with the evolving threats.
J-K Director General of Police (DGP) Prabhat conducted a focused security review in south Kashmir, a police spokesman said.
He said senior officers of the police, Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) attended the meeting.
Prabhat recognised and commended the unflagging commitment of all security forces in securing the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, the spokesman said.
The DGP reiterated the need for continuous rehearsal of contingency drills and the imperative requirement for assessing and plugging grey areas, besides refining drills to deal dynamically with evolving threats, the spokesman added.
The J-K police chief also stressed relentless operations in the hinterland.

Intensified ops in Jammu region ongoing

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:51:27 +0000

Jammu: The security situation in the hinterland and along the borders of the Jammu region remains peaceful and under control, with the security forces maintaining a strong vigil and dominating the higher reaches of key areas through a series of operations aimed at tracking down 40 to 50 terrorists active in the region.
Multi-tier measures, including an anti-drone strategy, additional deployments and a focus on intensified night operations, have been put in place to keep the terrorists on their toes, they said.
According to the sources, around 40 to 50 terrorists operating in multiple groups are currently active south of the Pir Panjal range. “Nearly 80 per cent of them are Pakistani nationals,” a source said, citing earlier intelligence assessments and ongoing ground reports.
A series of counter-terror operations is underway in districts including Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Doda and Udhampur, they said. “We are acting on specific inputs regarding terrorist movements. They are being tracked and are on the run,” said the sources familiar with the ongoing operations.
The operations are focused on the hinterlands of Kishtwar, Basantgarh, Rajouri and Poonch, with ground-level intelligence playing a critical role in directing troop movements.
Security has been significantly stepped up, with reinforcements deployed across high-sensitivity areas and higher reaches in the region. “Higher reaches in the region have been brought under the effective control of forces and are being fully dominated. Night surveillance has been intensified using night vision devices and other modern equipment,” a source said.
Routes previously exploited by terrorists to enter the Kashmir valley have been plugged and preventive measures are in place to block infiltration attempts. “Cross-border activity continues and reports suggest that terrorists are being staged along the border. However, our troops are fully alert to foil any such design,” the source added.
The anti-terror strategy has been revised with increased emphasis on night operations and tactics aimed at denying terrorists the opportunity to regroup or seek shelter and carry out night movement in the hill ranges.
However, the sources maintained that there are no credible reports suggesting that Pakistani regulars are operating alongside terrorist ranks as of now.
The sources also cited a recent encounter in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar, where a terrorist group was caught off guard by Army personnel already dominating a strategic hilly area. The militants retaliated by hurling a grenade at the troops, confirming their growing unease in operating in the high-altitude belts now under tight surveillance.
“We are tightening the noose. They are finding it increasingly difficult to move and we will hunt them down, sooner or later,” the sources said.
Dozens of attacks, operations and encounters have been witnessed in several hilly districts of the Jammu region during the past three years resulting in casualties to troops.

Operation Sindoor – India Smashed 9 Targets With Precision: Doval

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:50:32 +0000

Chenna: India smashed nine terror targets with precision, crisscrossing Pakistan, under Operation Sindoor, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said here on Friday and dared the foreign media to show “even one image” of damage to any Indian structure, even a “glass pane having been broken”.
Speaking at the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras, Doval also asserted that not a single intended target in Pakistan was missed during the May 7 military offensive, which was in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 persons dead.
“Mention of Sindoor was made here. We are really proud of how much indigenous content there was. We decided to have nine terrorist targets in the crisscross of Pakistan, it was not in the border areas. We missed none. We hit nowhere else except that. It was precise to the point where we knew who was where. The entire operation that started at 1.05 am took 23 minutes,” he said amid loud cheers from the gathering.
Criticising the foreign media, Doval, who specifically named the New York Times, said: “They (international media) wrote these things and put out things. The images only showed 13 air bases in Pakistan before and after May 10, whether it was in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala or Rawalpindi,” but images only showed damage done by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan’s bases.
“You tell me one image or photograph which shows any damage to any Indian structure, even a glass pane having been broken,” he said.
Addressing the students, Doval also emphasised the link between technology and warfare and said the country should develop indigenous technology to meet its requirements.
Referring to the earlier speaker, Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary danseuse Padma Subrahmanyam, who congratulated Doval for the success of Operation Sindoor, the NSA said, “I am really proud of it (Operation Sindoor). Much of it was driven by indigenous content.” “We are proud of it—that some of our best systems worked, whether it was BrahMos (missiles), the integrated air control and command system…or battlefield surveillance. We decided on nine terrorist targets, not in the border areas but in the crisscross of Pakistan, and we missed none,” he added.
Earlier, speaking at the convocation, Subrahmanyam said the historic victory of Operation Sindoor was a manifestation of adherence to the valour that the Bhagavad Gita preaches.
“As a proud Indian, I have always offered my salutations to our jawans, who are our national guardian angels,” she said, congratulating Doval for his role in the operation.
At the event, Doval said the country could not afford to lose the technology battle and remain behind or fall decades behind others.
He acknowledged the role of IIT, Madras, and the private sector in developing 5G in two-and-a-half years’ time, whereas the Chinese took over 12 years and spent 300 billion dollars to develop 5G technology.
“Even a screw that deals with anything related to data or security protection must come from a trusted source. It is either made in India or by somebody who is very close to India,” he added, emphasising the need to totally insulate our system from the enemy. A total of 3,227 students graduated. As many as 3,661 Degrees (including Joint and Dual Degrees) were awarded to the students on the occasion. A total of 529 PhDs were also awarded, which included PhDs, Joint Degree Ph.Ds with foreign institutions, and Dual Degree PhDs, the institute said. (AGENCIES)

NC Vows To Restore July 13 ‘Martyrs’ Day’ Holiday ‘As Soon As Possible’

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:49:59 +0000

Srinagar: Amid the rising political heat over the 1931 martyrs, a senior member of ruling National Conference today vowed that the holiday on July 13 will definitely return as soon as possible.
After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 J&K government headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha removed the ‘Martyrs Day’ from the official holiday calendar of the government. There has been a growing demand from the Kashmir based parties including ruling NC to reincorporate July 13 in the holiday calendar.
NC’s chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the party has always paid tributes to July 13 “martyrs’ and it will continue to do so.
“As far as we are concerned, we have made a promise. We will definitely bring the holiday of 13th of July and bring it as soon as possible,” Sadiq told media on the sidelines of a party function.
Sadiq linked the removal of the holiday to the broader “erosion” of Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity.
“This is why we keep saying that the return of statehood is crucial,” he added. “Only then can we rectify what has been destroyed in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Sadiq said the party had already submitted a formal request to District Magistrate Srinagar, for paying tributes to July 13 martyrs at Naqshband Sahib in old Srinagar.
“We only want to offer tributes and Fatiha for the martyrs. I think there should be no obstacle,” he said. He said that Raj Bhawan, which is responsible for the law and order, should not have any reason to disallow them from paying tribute to martyrs.
“If the ruling party is asking to go and pay homage to those martyrs who live in the hearts of Jammu and Kashmir’s people, where is the law and order issue?” he asked. “It is a pity that remembering our martyrs causes discomfort to Raj Bhawan and their politics.”
Sadiq launched a scathing attack on PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and the Apni Party headed by Altaf Bukhari, accusing them of hypocrisy over their recent remarks regarding the July 13 Martyrs’ Day observance.
Sadiq questioned the moral ground of both parties to speak on the issue, alleging that during their alliance with the BJP, they failed to honour the legacy of the 1931 martyrs.
“When Mehbooba Mufti was the Chief Minister, not once did any of her cabinet ministers from BJP visited martyrs’ graveyard to offer homage on July 13,” Sadiq said.
“They didn’t even put the Jammu and Kashmir state flag on their official vehicles.” He accused the PDP and Apni Party of political opportunism, saying, “Today they want to teach us about Martyrs’ Day? It’s deeply unfortunate. It was because of their mistakes that 2019 happened … This is nothing but politics and people have rejected them,” he said. (AGENCIES)

CS assesses NHM progress, calls for prompt interventions

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:49:17 +0000

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to comprehensively review the progress and achievements made under the National Health Mission (NHM) across the UT.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department; Mission Director, NHM; Principals of Government Medical Colleges; Director Health Services, Kashmir/Jammu; Managing Director, JKMSCL and other concerned officers.
While underlining the importance of uninterrupted drug availability in all health institutions, the Chief Secretary directed for submission of the consolidated weekly reports on the status of essential medicines from every district.
He instructed that Deputy Commissioners, Directors of Health Services and the Planning Section in his office be given real-time access to this data, enabling prompt interventions wherever shortages are noticed.
Reviewing the Biomedical Equipment Management and Maintenance Programme (BEMMP), the Chief Secretary asked the concerned departments to complete the Equipment Profile exercise by August, as already directed. He underscored that maintaining functional equipment is central towards improving the patient outcomes and minimizing the service disruptions.
Dulloo expressed concern over the vacancies in DNB (Diplomate of National Board) seats across major hospitals of the UT. He directed for taking measures to fill these seats, including offering the opportunities to in-service Medical Officers, where external candidates are unavailable.
The Chief Secretary laid special focus on the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) while directing the Health Department to cover every school and Anganwadi centre across J&K. He stressed the need to screen children for key health indicators, including anaemia and other common disorders enabling targeted medical interventions at an early stage.
In line with the government’s commitment to equitable health access, Dulloo reiterated that no Primary Health Centre or Sub-Centre especially in remote and hilly areas should be left without doctors or requisite paramedical staff. He emphasized the need to fill vacant positions and deploy staff strategically to serve the underserved populations.
Taking stock of the critical care infrastructure being developed under PM-ABHIM, the Chief Secretary reviewed the status and timelines of various projects in the districts. He called for expedited completion of all ongoing works, urging the officials to meet deadlines without compromising on quality.
During the meeting, the functioning of key NHM programmes such as e-Sanjeevani (Tele-Consultation), Tele-MANAS (Mental Health Counselling), Tele-ICUs and free ambulance services was also reviewed.
The Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction over the reach of these initiatives but stressed on wider public awareness and operational efficiency to ensure they benefit every needy citizen.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the TB Elimination and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention programmes being run under NHM, urging intensified screenings, follow-ups and outreach campaigns especially in high-risk populations.
Secretary, H&ME, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, informed the meeting that unlike past the NHM, J&K, received five instalments totalling Rs 806.93 crore of central share and Rs 195.08 Cr for infrastructure maintenance in 2024-25 against a resource envelope of Rs 601.54 crore and Rs150.20 crore respectively.
He added that J&K has achieved 99% institutional deliveries in 2024-25 and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has significantly dropped from 16 to 14 as per SRS 2022 Bulletin, which is better than the national average of 26 per 1000 live births. As per HMIS data 2024-25, IMR has been recorded as 9.35 per 1000 live births, he reiterated.
While giving the account of achievements, MD NHM Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary informed that 86% of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) are operational in J&K.
Additionally, he informed the meeting that the number of free drugs had been increased from 23 to 96 at SHC-AAMs and from 71 to 175 at PHC-AAMs during FY 2024-25. Free diagnostic services have also been expanded resulting in 242.75 lakh OPD evaluations at these health facilities from 2023 till date.
Moreover, it was revealed that Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakarm (RBSK) teams regularly conduct screenings in schools and Anganwadi Centres, with 91% of targeted beneficiaries (0-18 years) screened in 2024-25.
In addition, 9.35 lakh patients have received tele-consultation services from FY 2023-24 to June 2025 and over 103,396 calls have been received by the Tele-MANAS unit established at IMHANS. It was revealed that 489 ambulances are operational under the 102-108 Ambulance Service. Also 10,164 (90%) ASHAs have qualified for NIOS certification, which is the highest in the country.
Regarding the status of critical infrastructure raised under PM-ABHIM, the meeting was apprised that 10 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) besides 20 Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) and 287 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) have been raised under this flagship programme.
It was said that the projects to the tune of Rs 512.00 crore have been allotted to HSCC (India) Ltd for execution across the UT. More than 200 works have been awarded and 150 works have started in the last couple of months under this programme across the districts of the UT.

Dulloo asks officers to maintain highest standards of integrity

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:49:02 +0000

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (J&K IMPARD) marked the successful culmination of a six-week Joint Foundation Training Course for the 2023 batch of J&K Administrative, Police and Accounts Services with a valedictory function.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, was the chief guest while Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M Raju was the guest of honor on the occasion.
In his valedictory address, the Chief Secretary exhorted upon the trainee officers to uphold the sanctity of integrity and professionalism in their future roles as administrators. He emphasized the importance of delivering justice in a transparent and responsive manner to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Secretary impressed upon them to work with zeal and dedication, becoming effective leaders in all administrative situations in the future.
Director J&K IMPARD, Rehana Batul, spoke at length about the efforts made by IMPARD to ensure smooth and successful completion of the Joint Foundation Training Course.
She highlighted the institute’s collaboration with the Art of Living Foundation to conduct a comprehensive training course on meditation and yoga, which helped the trainees stay focused, motivated and healthy throughout their training.
The Director congratulated the trainee officers on successfully completing the Training Course, expressing hope that it would significantly contribute towards shaping and building their professional careers.
The function was attended by all the officers and faculty members of J&K IMPARD, including Financial Advisor Darshan Lal, Faculty and In-charge Trainings, Jammu, Dr Reva Sharma and Faculty and In-charge Trainings, Srinagar, Dr Jahan Ara.
Lastly, Dr Jahan Ara Jabeen presented an overview of the course with details of methodology followed and learning outcomes achieved while Dr Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Course Coordinator for the Joint Foundation Course, presented vote of thanks.

SIA raids 3 places in case involving cryptocurrency use

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:48:27 +0000

Srinagar: Police’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Friday raided three places in the Union Territory in connection with a terror funding case involving the use of cryptocurrency.
Three suspected locations in Jammu, Doda and Handwara were searched, a police spokesperson said.
He said the searches were aimed at collecting critical evidence to unravel a conspiracy involving cross-border funding through cryptocurrency for fuelling terrorism and destabilising peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The search operations were also aimed at identifying individuals inciting youth against the Union of India, thereby threatening national security,” the spokesperson said.
The raids were part of an ongoing investigation under FIR No 12/2022, registered under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Indian Penal Code.
“The search operations yielded vital evidence, marking a breakthrough in exposing the clandestine financial networks that keep the pot of terrorism boiling in Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesperson said.
The recovered articles and electronic devices are expected to aid the SIA Kashmir in identifying and apprehending co-conspirators and accomplices orchestrating these anti-national activities, he added.
The spokesperson said the SIA remains determined in its commitment to rooting out terrorism and its support systems.
“These search operations reflect the SIA’s unwavering determination to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation while ensuring the safety and security of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Taxi plunges into over 300-ft gorge in Ramban, 4 killed

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:48:08 +0000

Jammu: Four people were killed and two others were injured when a vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and rolled about 300-500 feet deep gorge in Ramban district on Friday.
Officials told GNS that the accident occurred near Senabathi Dabdrora when a Tata Sumo (JK14C-2038) en route from Senabathi to Ukhral skidded off the road and plunged into the gorge approximately 300 to 500 feet deep.
They said four among the six passengers onboard the vehicle died and two others sustained injuries in the accident.
Those travelling in the vehicle were identified as Tawqeel Ahmed son of Ghulam Bhat of Gujrara Senabathi, Abdul Latief son of Ghulam Hussain, of Lel Khill Bengara, Shakeel Ahmed son of Abdul Rashid, Yawar Ahmed son of Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohammad Rafiq son of Ahmad and Ajaz Ahmed Bhat son of Nissar Ahmed, all residents of Gujrara Senabathi.
Earlier, soon after the accident, rescue teams besides locals responded swiftly, and all injured were evacuated and shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal for treatment, they added.
Meanwhile, District Administration Ramban expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of the four precious lives in the accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” District Administration Ramban said in a post on ‘X’.
“An assistance of ₹1 lakh is being provided to each deceased’s family and ₹25,000 to each injured person,” the post reads, adding, “all possible support is being extended to the affected families.”
(GNS)

Home Secy’s Tenure Extended

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:47:28 +0000

New Delhi: The Centre on Friday extended the tenure of Home Secretary Govind Mohan till August 22 next year, according to an official order.
Mohan, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Sikkim cadre, was named as the Home Secretary in August 2024. He took over the charge from Ajay Kumar Bhalla on completion of his tenure on August 22 last year.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved Mohan’s extension in services as Home Secretary beyond the date of his superannuation on September 30 up to August 22, 2026 or until further orders, in terms of the provisions of FR 56 (d) and Rule 16 (1A) of the all India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, said the order issued by the Ministry of Personnel.
The rules have provisions to extend the services of such officers.

First-ever MSME Health Clinic to revive sick Industrial Units launched in J&K

KR Desk — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:46:56 +0000

Srinagar: Aimed at building a resilient and growth-oriented industrial ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today launched J&K’s first ever MSME Health Clinic.
This pioneering initiative would address the challenges faced by industrial units by facilitating tailored interventions as recommended by the industry stakeholders and professionals from reputed management institutions.
Present on the occasion included Commissioner Secretary, I&C; MD, JKTPO; Director Industries, Jammu/Kashmir; Director Handicrafts, Kashmir/Jammu besides other senior officers from the concerned Departments.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Chief Secretary termed the Health Clinic as a critical institutional mechanism for diagnosing the stress factors plaguing industrial units and enabling timely redressal. He underlined the need for optimum utilization of the facility and ensuring that the services being offered are objective, data-driven and need-based.
The MSME sector is the backbone of our local economy and it is imperative that we extend all necessary support to the units that are under stress. The Health Clinic must evolve into a dynamic platform where distressed units can be clinically assessed and supported with actionable remedies.
To ensure efficient and timely decision-making, Dulloo called for seamless API integrations from the departments and institutions like the Power Development Department, financial institutions, the Udyam portal and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
These integrations, he emphasized, would provide real-time access to data that reflects the ground realities faced by MSMEs, thereby enabling accurate diagnostics and timely interventions.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Secretary, I&C, Vikramjit Singh, informed that the JKMHC portal is an innovative digital platform designed to provide comprehensive health monitoring and analytical insights for MSMEs across the region. This initiative aims to identify potential challenges early, offer timely interventions, and facilitate the sustainable growth of businesses, he added.
While throwing light on the embedded key features of the JKMHC Portal, Director, Industries, Jammu, Arun Manhas revealed that the MSMEs can easily register and log in to access the portal’s features.
He further divulged that the portal integrates and analyzes critical data from various sources, including UDYAM for comprehensive MSME profile details, EPFO, GST, Power Demand and Financial Information.
The same is going to provide a clear overview of MSME’s health status, categorizing them as “Stable,” “Recoverable,” or “Prone to Sick” based on a sophisticated weightage and scoring mechanism given to each of the indicators.
The portal also identifies correlation indicators for potential distress such as declining turnover, increased outstanding loans, irregularities in GST filings, declining profits, reduced cash inflows and delays in payments. It will suggest appropriate measures for its revival through dedicated handholding and mentorship after discussion with industry and knowledge partners.
Moreover, the IIM Jammu has been roped in as a knowledge partner in this initiative who along with the professionals from industry would suggest the tailored out remedial measures to be taken for reviving each of the unit based on its report card
Thereafter, the Industries Department would offer dedicated assistance in the shape of requisite handholding and mentorship throu