Jammu, Jul 31: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Friday visited the Madras Regimental Centre in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, where he reviewed training, infrastructure and welfare measures, and lauded the high standards maintained by the premier infantry training establishment.

During his maiden visit to the centre as the Colonel of the Madras Regiment, Lt Gen Sharma paid homage to the regiment’s fallen soldiers at the war memorial.

“Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander and Colonel of the Madras Regiment, on his maiden visit to the Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington, paid homage to the Regiment’s bravehearts at the war memorial”, Northern Command headquarters said on X.

He also interacted with officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), Other Ranks (ORs) and Agniveers, and reviewed training and administrative infrastructure projects besides welfare initiatives for veterans and Veer Naaris.

The Army Commander commended all ranks for maintaining excellent professional standards and reaffirmed the Madras Regiment’s commitment to operational excellence, professional competence and selfless service to the nation.

Jammu, Jul 31: Cluster University, Jammu today celebrated a historic occasion as Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha inaugurated a series of groundbreaking academic programmes designed to redefine the future of higher education in the region.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significance of the “Design Your Degree” programme, calling it a revolutionary step towards student-centric learning. He noted that the world today demands multi-disciplinary thinkers who can integrate knowledge across diverse fields.  

“The frontiers of knowledge are continuously expanding. Problems are multidimensional, and their solutions are possible only through multi-disciplinary approaches. I believe that the 21st century will welcome those young people who are not specialists in just one subject but possess the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and discover new solutions. The future belongs to those who recognise possibilities, not boundaries. This initiative empowers students to shape their own academic journeys, combining subjects according to their interests, talents, and aspirations,” he said.  

The inauguration also marked the launch of integrated programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, and Geography. The Lieutenant Governor underscored that science thrives on interconnectedness, and these courses will nurture students as holistic researchers capable of addressing complex challenges.

“The study of climate change is not limited only to environmental science. Chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography and others play an equally important role. If we provide our students with a broader perspective from the very beginning, they will not become specialists in just one subject, but will emerge as researchers and thinkers capable of understanding complex problems in their entirety and finding solutions. By encouraging cross-disciplinary study, Cluster University, Jammu is preparing students not only to master theories but to generate new ideas and innovations,” the Lieutenant Governor said.   

Cluster University, Jammu has also introduced one-year PG Diploma in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems, along with the establishment of the Department of Vedic Studies.

The Lieutenant Governor said the true education must balance science with values. He stressed that India’s intellectual heritage, from Panini’s grammar to Aryabhata’s astronomy, from Ayurveda to linguistics, represents a treasure of systematic thought and scientific vision.

“As modern knowledge is essential, it is equally essential that we understand who we are, what our intellectual tradition has been and what our civilisation has contributed to the world. Giving expression to this very sentiment, the establishment of the Department of Vedic Studies and the launch of the one-year PG Diploma programme in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems today is a significant step. The students will get the opportunity to understand that the Indian Knowledge System is not limited only to ancient beliefs or religious rituals but that Indian philosophy, the Upanishads, the Vedas, ancient mathematics, medical science, astronomy and linguistics constitute an invaluable heritage of profound intellectual research, science and logical thinking that our ancestors gave to the world. This programme will allow students to engage deeply with India’s civilizational wisdom while pursuing modern knowledge,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Semiconductor Skilling Programme in collaboration with IIT Madras, describing it as a vital step in India’s technological mission. He observed that semiconductors are the backbone of modern innovation, powering everything from mobile phones to space missions.

“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has resolved to become a leader in technology development and manufacturing. This skilling initiative will equip students with cutting-edge expertise, aligning them with the needs of future industries and strengthening India’s position in the global deep-tech landscape,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon students to focus on skill development and innovation. He said every skill acquired and every innovation pursued will contribute to India’s journey towards self-reliance and global leadership. He expressed confidence that these programmes will not only enrich individual academic journeys but also give new direction to Jammu Kashmir’s progress.

“The new programmes at Cluster University, Jammu is the beginning of a new philosophy of education. Rooted in India’s cultural identity and oriented towards global aspirations, these initiatives promise to empower students to dream, innovate and lead,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The occasion also witnessed the launch of Post-Graduate Programme in Environmental Sciences with Minor Specialisation in Renewable Energy; One year Post-Graduate diploma in Dogri Translation; release of Nasha Mukt Bharat activity report, and renaming of Vice-Chancellor’s office-cum-secretariat complex as “Suryaputri Tawi Bhawan” and old IIM Campus as “Chandrabhaga Campus”.  

Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Shri Ankur Mahajan, Registrar, HoDs and office bearers of the Cluster University of Jammu; heads of several Constituent colleges of the University, faculty, and students attended the inaugural ceremony.

Jammu, Jul 31: Hundreds of displaced people from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on Friday staged a protest here against the alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army on residents of the occupied region and urged the government of India to work towards its liberation.

The protest, organised by SOS International, an organisation advocating the cause of displaced PoJK people, was led by its chairman Rajiv Chuni in Jammu. The demonstrators carried placards and raised slogans against Pakistan and its military leadership while demanding that PoJK be integrated with India.

Chuni alleged that Pakistan had subjected the people of PoJK to repression and exploitation and appealed to the Indian government to “free PoJK from Pakistan’s occupation and integrate it with India.”

“We urge the government of India to take steps to free PoJK from occupation of Pakistan and integrate it with our country”, he told reporters.

He claimed that the people of the occupied region had realised that Pakistan was “not trustworthy”, echoing the concerns expressed by those who migrated from the area during the Partition in 1947.

Questioning Pakistan’s conduct in the region, Chuni alleged that despite Islamabad portraying PoJK as a separate entity with its own institutions, mainstream Pakistani political parties contested elections there.

“If the region is truly independent, why are Pakistani political parties contesting elections there? Why are the people not allowed to decide their own future?” he asked.

Chuni also alleged that Pakistan was exploiting the region’s natural resources, including water, electricity, tourism and minerals, while local residents received little benefit in return and were forced to migrate.

Expressing solidarity with the people of PoJK, he said they were fighting for their rights despite facing hardships and loss of lives.

He urged the Centre to support their cause and reiterated the demand for the liberation of the occupied territory, saying displaced families wished to return to their ancestral homes.

Jammu, Jul 31: Security forces have busted a suspected terrorist hideout in a forest area of Rajouri district, seizing ration and cooking utensils, officials said.

The hideout was found during an area domination search operation in the Bhangai forest belt of Thanamandi on Thursday evening, they said.

Officials said the hideout had been constructed in a densely forested area, amid thick vegetation.

The seized items included two packets of rice, instant noodles, a knife, a lighter, a plastic sheet, an old blanket, a gas stove nozzle, two candles, and a plastic bottle, they said.

The search operation was on in the area when the last reports were received.