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GOC White Knight Corps reviews security, operational preparedness in Rajouri

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GOC White Knight Corps reviews security, operational preparedness in Rajouri

Srinagar, Apr 16: GOC White Knight Corps Lt Gen P K Mishra today visited general area of Kalakote in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, to review the prevailing security environment and assess the operational preparedness of troops.

During the visit, the GOC held detailed deliberations with commanders in chain, focusing on operational posture, readiness levels and coordination mechanisms.

The GOC commended all ranks for their professionalism, dedication and steadfast commitment.

Greater Kashmir

SIA files chargesheet in ‘Doctors Terror Module’ case; 10 accused named

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SIA files chargesheet in ‘Doctors Terror Module’ case; 10 accused named

Srinagar, Apr 16: The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, today filed its charge sheet in a significant terrorist conspiracy case involving a covert module commonly referred to as the “Doctors Terror Module” .The charge sheet has been filed against ten (10) accused persons in connection with an FIR registered at Police Station Nowgam, Srinagar.

The case originates from an incident dated 19-10-2025, wherein provocative and threatening posters were pasted in the Nowgam area in the name of the proscribed terrorist outfit Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM). The posters were aimed at spreading fear among the public, disturbing public order, and directly challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

According to the statement issued by SIA, a meticulous and sustained investigation has revealed that the poster campaign was not an isolated act, but part of a larger, well-orchestrated terrorist conspiracy aimed at reviving the banned terrorist outfit Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH). The accused persons had formed a highly clandestine module, actively engaged in radicalisation, recruitment, and operational preparations for carrying out terrorist attacks across the country.
The investigation further established that the accused deliberately used the name of JeM to exploit its notoriety and create psychological impact, while covertly advancing the re- establishment and operational build-up of AGuH, reflecting a calculated attempt to mislead security agencies and conceal their true objectives.

Significantly, the module included highly educated individuals, including medical professionals, who misused their knowledge, access, and institutional spaces for unlawful activities. The accused were actively disseminating extremist propaganda through digital platforms and had undertaken procurement of materials and experimental activities related to explosive fabrication, including within residential premises and facilities linked to Al-Falah Medical College/University.

The investigation has revealed that the group had identified Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)-a highly sensitive and volatile explosive used in several global terror incidents; as a preferred material due to the relative ease of sourcing its precursor components. The scale of accumulation of explosive substances and precursor materials by the module has sent shockwaves across security and investigative agencies nationwide, underscoring the seriousness of intent, level of preparedness, and the potentially catastrophic consequences had the conspiracy not been timely detected and neutralised.

Through a comprehensive, evidence-driven investigation, SIA has successfully dismantled the entire terrorist network and its support structure. The investigation has unearthed clinching and irrefutable evidence; comprising recoveries, digital forensics, scientific analysis, and corroborative
witness accounts, which firmly establishes the complicity, active participation, and coordinated roles of each accused in the conspiracy. The material brought on record not only exposes the depth and spread of the module. A substantial body of evidence has thus been collected, clearly establishing a strong prima facie case against the accused.

Those chargesheeted include (1) Arif Nisar Dar @ Sahil, R/o Bunpora Nowgam, Srinagar; (2) Yasir Ul Ashraf Bhat, R/o Bunpora Nowgam, Srinagar; (3) Maqsood Ahmad Dar @ Shahid, R/o Bunpora Nowgam, Srinagar; (4) Irfan Ahmad Wagay @ Owais, R/o Nadigam, Shopian; (5) Zameer Ahmad Ahanger @ Mutlashi, R/o Wakoora, Ganderbal; (6) Dr. Muzamil Shakeel Ganaie @ Musaib, R/o Koil, Pulwama; (7) Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather @ Javaid, R/o Wanpora Qazigund, Kulgam; (8) Dr. Shaheen Saeed, R/o Lalbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; (9) Tufail Ahmad Bhat, R/o Diarwani, Batmaloo; and (10) Dr. Umar Un Nabi S/o Gh. Nabi Bhat, R/o Koil, Pulwama (killed in Red Fort suicide attack)

The charge sheet has been filed before the competent court of law.

The SIA reiterated its unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist ecosystems, neutralising radical networks, and safeguarding national security. This case highlights the evolving and sophisticated nature of terror conspiracies, including the misuse of professional institutions and digital platforms, and reinforces the need for sustained vigilance and coordinated counter-terror efforts.

Further investigation is in progress.

Greater Kashmir

Kashmir valley biggest victim of delimitation: Naeem Akhtar

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Kashmir valley biggest victim of delimitation: Naeem Akhtar

Bandipora, Apr 16: Former Minister and senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the delimitation exercise, alleging that the process is being driven by political considerations to strengthen the party’s base ahead of the 2029 elections.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a workers’ meeting in Bandipora, Akhtar described the Kashmir Valley as the “biggest victim” of the delimitation process. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to redraw constituency boundaries in a manner that would favour its electoral prospects.

He further asserted that minorities in India are not demanding reservation on religious grounds but are instead seeking an end to what he termed as systemic discrimination. “Minority communities are facing discrimination under the present regime, which has played now become a routine matter,” he alleged.

Commenting on the Women’s Reservation Bill, Akhtar welcomed the initiative, stating that it would create greater opportunities for women to participate equally in the democratic process. However, he added that such a measure should have been implemented much earlier.

Greater Kashmir

Akasa Air, SpiceJet planes come in contact at Delhi airport; suffer damages

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Akasa Air, SpiceJet planes come in contact at Delhi airport; suffer damages

New Delhi, Apr 16: Wings of an Akasa Air and a SpiceJet plane came in contact on the taxiway at the Delhi airport on Thursday afternoon and both aircraft have been grounded due to damages suffered in the incident, according to officials.

The officials said the Akasa Air aircraft was taxiing for take off and the SpiceJet was taxiing towards the parking stand when the incident happened at around 2.15 pm at Terminal 1 of the airport.

Akasa Air’s plane was to operate flight QP-1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad while the SpiceJet aircraft had arrived from Leh, they added.

“Akasa Air’s aircraft operating flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad had to return to the bay on April 16, 2026. Preliminary information indicates that Akasa’s aircraft was stationary when another airline’s aircraft made contact with it,” the airline said in a statement.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

The airline said all passengers and crew were safely disembarked. “In line with established protocols, the relevant authorities have been informed, and the matter is under investigation,” it added.

In a statement, SpiceJet said its Boeing 737-700 aircraft was involved in a ground occurrence while taxiing at the Delhi airport, resulting in damage to its right winglet and the left-hand horizontal stabiliser of another aircraft belonging to a different airline.

The SpiceJet aircraft has been grounded at Delhi, it added.

According to the officials, the wings of both aircraft came in contact on the taxiway.

Greater Kashmir

Patwar association calls off 3-day pen-down strike, warns of indefinite agitation if demands not met

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Patwar association calls off 3-day pen-down strike, warns of indefinite agitation if demands not met

Srinagar, Apr 16: The All Jammu and Kashmir Patwar Association (AJKPA) on Thursday announced the end of its three-day pen-down token strike, directing members to resume duties from April 17 across all districts.

The association had observed the strike on April 13, 15, and 16 to press for the fulfillment of its long-pending demands. Officials said the decision to call off the protest was taken after a meeting with the Administrative Secretary of the Revenue Department held earlier in the day.

According to a statement issued by the AJKPA, the meeting was attended by members of its apex body, including the Provincial Presidents of Kashmir and Jammu, along with their respective teams. During the discussions, key issues and demands raised by the association were deliberated upon, and the minutes of the meeting are expected to be shared separately.

The association noted that the strike witnessed “full enthusiasm and discipline” from patwaris across all districts, reflecting unity among its members.

Directing all District Presidents to ensure smooth resumption of work, the AJKPA said services will be restored with immediate effect from April 17, formally ending the pen-down protest.

However, the association issued a stern warning to the government, stating that if its “already accepted genuine demands” are not fulfilled within 45 days, it will be left with no option but to launch an indefinite strike.

The statement was issued by the Publicity Secretary of AJKPA.

Greater Kashmir

SC notice to Centre on PIL against Muslim personal law sections being ‘discriminatory’ against women

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SC notice to Centre on PIL against Muslim personal law sections being ‘discriminatory’ against women

New Delhi, Apr 16: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Centre’s response on a PIL challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, on the ground that those are allegedly discriminatory against women.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Panchol took note of the submissions made by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who appeared in the matter for petitioners Poulomi Pavini Shukla and the Nyaya Naari Foundation, and issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The plea says the current Shariat inheritance rules are “manifestly discriminatory” against women, often granting them only half or less of the share allocated to their male counterparts.

Bhushan said the 1937 Act violates Article 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution. He said matters of succession are civil in nature and do not constitute an “essential religious practice” protected under Article 25.

“Saying women will get half or even less than half compared to male counterparts is discriminatory,” the lawyer said.

Greater Kashmir

Ramban youth untraced on day 5 of searches; SIT investigating case

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Ramban youth untraced on day 5 of searches; SIT investigating case

Banihal, Apr 16: The search operation for a youth Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, who went missing after allegedly jumping into Nallah Bishleri near Makarkoot along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, entered its fifth day on Thursday with no breakthrough, officials said.

According to reports, the youth reportedly leapt into the fast-flowing stream on Sunday following an alleged  chase by miscreants. Since then, multiple rescue teams have been engaged in a massive search operation, combing the nallah and adjoining areas up to its confluence with the Chenab River.

Police said four persons have been arrested already and a SIT led by SDPO Banihal Surinder Singh Biloria is investigating the case. 

Despite strenuous efforts and risking their lives in deep gorges and turbulent waters, rescue personnel have so far failed to trace the missing youth. Officials said that teams have been thoroughly scanning both banks of the nallah as well as its deeper pockets.

Officials said that the Police and the Himalayan Quick Response Team (QRT) Ramsoo initiated the rescue operation immediately after the incident on Sunday. From Monday onwards, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Banihal Volunteers (NGO), Civil QRT Ramban, QRT Khari, Red Cross, and a group of expert divers from Doda under the banner of Ababeel also joined the operation.

An official said that the search operation has now been expanded from the incident site at Makarkoot up to the Digdool and Battery Cheshma stretch. “Heavy machinery has been deployed to divert the flow of water at several deep points in Nallah Bishleri to facilitate the search in otherwise inaccessible areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, a proposed public rally titled “Justice for Tanveer,” announced by former NSUI president and senior Congress leader Advocate Feroz Khan along with his associates, was not permitted by the police on Thursday.

The rally, which was scheduled from Dak Bungalow Ramban to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, aimed to seek justice for the missing youth and to prevent such incidents in the future.

Organisers claimed that a large number of people from across the district were expected to participate in the peaceful march, but many were stopped from reaching Ramban. They also alleged that Advocate Feroz Khan from his office chamber was summoned to Police Station Ramban in the morning and informed that permission for the rally had been denied. He was later allowed to leave.

Greater Kashmir

Centre must win people’s hearts if it wants real peace in J&K: Mehbooba Mufti

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Centre must win people’s hearts if it wants real peace in J&K: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Apr 16: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said if the Centre wants real peace in Jammu and Kashmir, it will have to focus on winning the hearts of the people.

“If you want real peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, it is not possible until the Centre attempts to win the hearts of the people and talks about dialogue,” Mehbooba told reporters in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president also expressed hope that the Centre would soon understand that there is no alternative to dialogue.

“I hope that by today or tomorrow or the day after, the Central government understands that you can only oppress people by positioning Army at every place, or by imposing AFSPA, PSA or UAPA. But if you want to win their hearts, there is no alternative to dialogue,” she added.

The former J-K chief minister also said that the PDP’s interaction series with the people titled ‘Kath Bath’ is meant to hear people’s problems and to rid them of “helplessness”.

“Through Kath Bath, the PDP intends to talk about the helplessness and depression of J-K’s people, especially in the Valley after 2019 (when Article 370 was abrogated and J-K was bifurcated into two Union territories). We want to rid the people of that helplessness and depression,” Mehbooba said.

Greater Kashmir

PM Modi pitches for lasting peace amid ‘very tense’ global situation

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PM Modi pitches for lasting peace amid ‘very tense’ global situation

New Delhi, Apr 16: The world is going through a “very tense” situation impacting all nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, pitching for bringing lasting peace to Ukraine and West Asia as military conflict cannot solve any problem.

Modi made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Austria’s Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker that focused on significantly ramping up bilateral ties in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure.

In their talks, Modi and Stocker extensively deliberated on the consequences of the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine on global economy and vowed to work jointly to mitigate them.

The Austrian Chancellor landed in New Delhi on Tuesday on a four-day trip. It is Stocker’s first official trip outside Europe.

“The entire world is going through a very serious and tense situation today. And it is affecting all of us,” Modi said in his media statement.

“In such a tense global environment, India and Austria are unanimous that military conflict cannot solve problems. Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable, and lasting peace,” he said.

“We also agree that reform of global institutions is essential to address growing global challenges. And eradicating terrorism is our shared commitment,” Modi noted.

Following the Modi-Stocker talks, the two sides signed six agreements including one on setting up a setting up a fast track mechanism to help Indian and Austrian companies wanting to invest in each other’s economies.

Another pact was signed on cooperation on military matters.

The letter of intent on military cooperation will provide an institutional framework for promoting cooperation building on the momentum of the India-EU defence and security partnership signed in January.

In his remarks, Modi said Stocker’s visit is “extremely significant” and referred to involvement of Austrian companies in numerous engineering projects in India including in railways as well as clean energy initiatives.

“Following the historic India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, a new golden chapter has begun in relations between India and the EU. With Chancellor Stocker’s visit, we are also taking India-Austria relations into a new era,” he said.

Modi said the Chancellor’s visit will “inject new energy” into bilateral trade and investment ties.

“We are delighted that he has come to India with a broad vision and a large business delegation. By combining Austria’s expertise with India’s speed and scale, we will ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the entire world,” Modi said.

“We will also strengthen our partnerships in defense, semiconductor, quantum, and biotechnology,” he said.

Greater Kashmir

Chief Secretary assesses impact, implementation of PMIS in J&K

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Chief Secretary assesses impact, implementation of PMIS in J&K

Jammu, Apr 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today convened a meeting to assess the implementation status of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) in Jammu and Kashmir and outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance its outreach and impact across the Union Territory.

Those who attended this meeting includes Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department; Secretary, Employment and Skill Development Departments; MD, Skill Development Mission along with other concerned officers.

Director, PMIS in Ministry of Corporate Affairs, GoI attended the meeting through video link.

The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of the scheme in improving youth employability by providing structured internship opportunities in reputed companies. He noted that PMIS, launched under the Union Budget 2024–25, offers internships of 6 to 9 months with a monthly stipend of 9,000 and an additional one-time grant of 6,000, thereby enabling young individuals to gain valuable industry exposure.

Reviewing the progress, it was informed that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed encouraging response in terms of registrations, with over 4,400 youth registered on the portal and more than 2,800 profiles completed so far. However, only 68 internship opportunities are currently available in the UT, despite J&K ranking among the top states in registrations.

The Chief Secretary took this occasion to impress upon the concerned to bridge the gap between registrations and available opportunities, he also emphasized the need for aggressive industry engagement with the active role of the Ministry in doing the same for J&K. He observed that increasing participation of companies is crucial to ensuring that the registered youth are meaningfully absorbed under the scheme.

The Chief Secretary directed the department to significantly scale up registration efforts and set an ambitious target of achieving at least 2 lakh registrations from across the districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that this can be achieved through a mission-mode approach involving educational institutions, employment centres, and grassroots-level outreach mechanisms.

Highlighting the constraints posed by the limited presence of large corporate houses in the UT, he stressed the need to scale up internship opportunities multifold for the youth across the States/UTs of the country. He called for proactive engagement with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to enhance the number of internship opportunities to at least 1,000 in the coming days, so as to bridge the existing gap between demand and availability.

The Chief Secretary directed that PMIS registration be integrated with institutional mechanisms, including ITIs, polytechnics, and colleges, to ensure maximum coverage of eligible youth. He also called for active involvement of District Employment & Counselling Centres, Common Service Centres, and placement cells in facilitating registrations.

The Secretary, SDD, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan apprised the meeting of a 100-day roadmap aimed at significantly scaling up registrations and improving outcomes. The plan targets 20,000 registrations in the initial phase, with a structured approach involving campus drives, establishment of help desks, mass awareness campaigns, and deployment of mobile registration units in remote areas.

A key focus of the strategy, he revealed, pivots on the convergence with Mission YUVA to leverage its extensive youth database and grassroots network. He further divulged that over 4.73 lakh “willing to work” youth have already been identified under Mission YUVA, and around 2,000 YUVA Doots will be mobilized to carry out door-to-door awareness and registration drives across all districts.

Stressing the need for effective monitoring, he instructed departments to conduct regular reviews and ensure real-time tracking of progress through digital platforms. He further directed that bottlenecks, if any, be promptly escalated for timely resolution.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the scheme, the Chief Secretary said that PMIS can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and employment and in preparing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for the demands of the modern job market.

Greater Kashmir

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