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Jammu-Srinagar NH Reopens For LMVs After 8 Days, Heavy Traffic Still Suspended

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The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, closed for over a week due to massive landslides at Thard in Udhampur district, was partially reopened for vehicular traffic on Wednesday, officials said.

An official said, light motor vehicles (LMVs) were allowed to move from 9:20 AM onwards, bringing partial relief to stranded passengers. However, movement of heavy vehicles will remain suspended until the restoration work is fully completed.

Officials added that efforts are continuing on a war footing to clear the debris and stabilize the affected stretch to ensure the safe resumption of full traffic flow. (KNC)

Cong Sends ‘Impartiality’ Reminder To VP-Elect, Recalls Words Of S Radhakrishnan In 1952

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NEW DELHI, Sept 10: The Congress on Wednesday extended best wishes to vice president-elect C P Radhakrishnan and recalled first vice president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s words in the Rajya Sabha in 1952 that a democracy is likely to “degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely, and frankly the policies of the government”.

 The opposition party asserted that Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan practised what he preached, both in letter and spirit.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “While extending its best wishes to Shri C P Radhakrishnan, the newly-elected Vice President of India who will also be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Indian National Congress recalls the wise words of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the very first Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.”Online shopping in India

“On the opening day of the Rajya Sabha on May 16, 1952, the very eminent philosopher-educationist-author-diplomat had said: ‘I belong to no party, and that means I belong to every party in this House. It shall be my endeavour to uphold the traditions, the highest traditions, of parliamentary democracy and act towards each party with fairness and impartiality with ill-will to none and goodwill to all….A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely, and frankly the policies of the Government’,” Ramesh posted on X.

“Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan practised what he preached, both in letter and spirit,” he added.

NDA candidate C P Radhakrishnan was elected the next vice president of India as he bagged 452 votes against the opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy’s 300, winning the contest with a bigger than expected margin.

After the results for the vice presidential polls were declared, the Congress on Tuesday had said the BJP’s “arithmetical” victory in the vice presidential election is both a “moral and political defeat” for the ruling party. It had asserted that the Opposition stood united in the election with “most respectable” performance.Online shopping in India Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had extended best wishes to Radhakrishnan on securing victory in the election, while also expressing sincere gratitude to Reddy for being the “united Opposition’s joint candidate” and for his spirited and principled fight.

Ramesh had asserted that the Opposition stood united for the vice presidential election.

“Its performance has undeniably been most respectable. Its joint candidate Justice (retd) B Sudershan Reddy secured 40% of the vote. In 2022, the Opposition had received 26% of the vote in the vice presidential elections,” Ramesh had said on Tuesday.

“The BJP’s arithmetical victory is really both a moral and political defeat. The ideological battle continues undiminished,” Ramesh had said. (Agencies)

Cong Sends ‘Impartiality’ Reminder To VP-Elect, Recalls Words Of S Radhakrishnan In 1952

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NEW DELHI, Sept 10: The Congress on Wednesday extended best wishes to vice president-elect C P Radhakrishnan and recalled first vice president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s words in the Rajya Sabha in 1952 that a democracy is likely to “degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely, and frankly the policies of the government”.

 The opposition party asserted that Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan practised what he preached, both in letter and spirit.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “While extending its best wishes to Shri C P Radhakrishnan, the newly-elected Vice President of India who will also be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Indian National Congress recalls the wise words of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the very first Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.”Online shopping in India

“On the opening day of the Rajya Sabha on May 16, 1952, the very eminent philosopher-educationist-author-diplomat had said: ‘I belong to no party, and that means I belong to every party in this House. It shall be my endeavour to uphold the traditions, the highest traditions, of parliamentary democracy and act towards each party with fairness and impartiality with ill-will to none and goodwill to all….A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely, and frankly the policies of the Government’,” Ramesh posted on X.

“Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan practised what he preached, both in letter and spirit,” he added.

NDA candidate C P Radhakrishnan was elected the next vice president of India as he bagged 452 votes against the opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy’s 300, winning the contest with a bigger than expected margin.

After the results for the vice presidential polls were declared, the Congress on Tuesday had said the BJP’s “arithmetical” victory in the vice presidential election is both a “moral and political defeat” for the ruling party. It had asserted that the Opposition stood united in the election with “most respectable” performance.Online shopping in India

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had extended best wishes to Radhakrishnan on securing victory in the election, while also expressing sincere gratitude to Reddy for being the “united Opposition’s joint candidate” and for his spirited and principled fight.

Ramesh had asserted that the Opposition stood united for the vice presidential election.

“Its performance has undeniably been most respectable. Its joint candidate Justice (retd) B Sudershan Reddy secured 40% of the vote. In 2022, the Opposition had received 26% of the vote in the vice presidential elections,” Ramesh had said on Tuesday.

“The BJP’s arithmetical victory is really both a moral and political defeat. The ideological battle continues undiminished,” Ramesh had said. (Agencies)

Nepal Army Imposes Nationwide Restrictive Orders, Curfew To Curb Possible Violence

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The Nepal Army on Wednesday imposed nationwide restrictive orders from morning till 5 pm, followed by a curfew until 6 am the next day, to curb any possible violence under the guise of protest.

In a statement, the Army warned that any form of demonstration, vandalism, arson, or attacks targeting individuals and property during this period would be treated as criminal activity and dealt with accordingly.

The restrictive orders are in effect throughout the country from morning to 5 pm, and then a curfew will be in place until 6 am on Thursday, it said.

The Army said the measures were necessitated to curb possible incidents of looting, arson, and other destructive activities under the guise of agitation.

“There are also possible threats of rape and violent attacks against individuals,” the statement said.

“Keeping in view the security situation of the country, restrictive orders and a curfew have been enforced,” it said.

The statement clarified that vehicles and personnel engaged in essential services, including ambulances, fire engines, health workers, and security forces, would be permitted to operate during the restrictive orders and curfew.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli quit Tuesday shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office demanding his resignation for the death of at least 19 people in police action during Monday’s protests by Gen Z over corruption and a government ban on social media. The ban on social media was lifted Monday night.

However, the agitation continued even after his resignation.

Protesters set fire to the Parliament, the President’s Office, the PM’s residence, government buildings, political parties’ offices and homes of senior leaders. (Agencies)

Avalanche Strikes Siachen Base Camp In Ladakh; Three Soldiers Killed

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Three soldiers lost their lives when an avalanche struck Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, officials said on Tuesday.

The avalanche occurred in the 12,000-feet-high Siachen base camp area on Sunday, trapping three soldiers, including two Agniveers, the officials said.

They said a rescue operation was immediately launched and the bodies of the trapped soldiers were retrieved. (Agencies)

NIA Conducts Multi-State Raids To Probe ISIS-Linked Terror Conspiracy Case

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New Delhi, Sep 9: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has searched 21 locations in five states and in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir as part of its probe in a terror conspiracy case linked with the ISIS and other terrorist organisations, officials said on Tuesday.

 The searches were conducted in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well as Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, they said.

The NIA, which took over the case from Kayar police in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu in June this year, seized several digital devices, including mobile phones, along with incriminatory documentary materials during the searches, according to an official statement.

The case emanated with the arrest of one Akhlathur alias Mohammed Akhlque Mujahid, who allegedly conspired with others to commit terrorist acts in India, it said.

“He was further found to have connections with multiple entities in Pakistan and Syria,” the NIA said.

The conspiracy was aimed at gathering men and material support to wage jihad against India by joining forces with proscribed terrorist organisations, said the statement.

NIA investigations showed that the accused was in contact with these terror outfits through social media platforms, it added. (Agencies)

PM Modi Announces Rs 1,500 Cr Immediate Relief For Disaster-Hit Himachal

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 SHIMLA, Sept 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an immediate relief of Rs 1,500 crore for rain-affected Himachal Pradesh.

Modi, who took stock of the flood and landslides situation in the state, also announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

He first conducted an aerial survey of affected areas and then held a meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage.

In the meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, BJP leaders, affected families and people engaged in rescue services in Kangra, Modi assured all help for restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure in the affected areas.

The financial assistance of Rs 1,500 crore will be advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Modi asked for a multi-dimensional view to be taken to get the entire region and people back on its feet. These would be done through multiple ways, like rebuilding homes through PM Awas Yojana, restoration of national highways, rebuilding schools, provision of relief under PMNRF along with release of mini kits for livestock.

To ensure uninterrupted education, schools will be able to report and geotag damages, enabling timely assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Construction of recharge structures for water harvesting to help collect and store rainwater will be done. These efforts will improve groundwater levels and support better water management.

The Centre has already sent inter-ministerial teams to Himachal Pradesh to assess the extent of damage, and based on their detailed report further assistance will be considered.

Modi also met families affected by the calamity. He expressed condolences and deep sorrow to those who lost their relatives.

The prime minister stated that the Centre will work closely with the Himachal Pradesh government at this difficult time and extend all possible assistance.

He said all assistance under disaster management rules are being made including advance disbursements to the states. He appreciated the efforts of the personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army, state administration and other service-oriented organisations in relief and response work.

The central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the state as well as the report of the central teams, he said.

Modi acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the Centre will make all efforts to address the situation. (AGENCIES)

Jammu Police, South Zone Solves Hit and Run Case Within 24 Hours, Accused Driver Arrested and Truck Seized by Police Station Gangyal

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On 08.09.2025, at around 17:40 hours, Police Station Gangyal received information that a road accident had occurred at Kunjwani Main Chowk, wherein an unknown vehicle hit a motorcycle (Registration No. JK02DF-7221) being driven by Jitender Singh S/o Gurudev Singh R/o Bihar A/P Preet Nagar, Digiana, Jammu.

The injured was immediately shifted to Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar by the Flying Squad of PS Gangyal, however, despite all efforts, the victim unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Taking swift action, FIR No. 98/2025 U/S 281/125(a) BNS was registered at PS Gangyal and investigation was initiated. A special team led by SHO PS Gangyal comprising of PSI ATTA UR REHMAN, PSI ARUN SHARMA, and Ct. Vinod Kumar of PS Gangyal was constituted to trace the offender under the close supervision of SDPO South and SP South .

The team made strenuous efforts, analyzing multiple CCTV footages from the vicinity and conducting on-ground verification. Through persistent efforts, within 24 hours, the police succeeded in identifying and apprehending the accused vehicle and its driver.

The accused has been identified as:

 • Ravinder Singh S/o Avtar Singh R/o Brevi Kalakote, Shiv Temple, Rajouri, J&K – 185131

 • Vehicle Involved: HP Gas Truck, Registration No. JK02CT-5856

After careful examination of CCTV footage and matching the vehicle’s body features, the truck was successfully traced and intercepted from Transport Nagar, Narwal, Jammu. The vehicle along with its driver was seized, and the accused was taken into custody.

The investigation of the case is under progress, and further legal action is being taken in accordance with law.

General public of the area has appreciated the swift action of police. Jammu Police reiterates its commitment to swift investigation, justice delivery, and ensuring road safety for the citizens.

Operate Special Trains To Ferry Essential Goods To Valley, Transport Fruits: Omar To Rail Minister

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to operate special trains between Kashmir and rest of the country for ferrying essential goods to the valley and transport fruits to terminal markets of the country.

The Jammu Srinagar national highway has been closed following incessant rains and landslides en route, leaving hundreds of trucks carrying horticulture produce stranded.

“Our (railway) tracks are open. I will request the Rail Minister if two to four special trains can be operated for bringing in essential supplies to Kashmir and taking out fruit from here, people will get some relief,” Abdullah told reporters outside his private office here.

He said Jammu and Kashmir had suffered losses due to floods and its aftermath on various accounts and he expected that the Centre would compensate for these losses.

“Lives have been lost in Kishtwar, residential houses and shops have been damaged, government infrastructure has also suffered due to floods. Fruit was not damaged by rains but is rotting in the trucks due to closure of the highway,” the chief minister.

He said an inter-ministerial central team had come to Jammu and Kashmir for loss assessment after the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for a first hand assessment of the situation in the wake of devastating floods.

“The Home Minister spent an entire day here. It is not as if no one came here …We expect that we are compensated for the losses we have suffered due to floods,” he added.

Asked about slapping of PSA against AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, the chief minister said it was unnecessary.

“Now what did he do to deserve a PSA? I fail to understand the reason for invoking such a stringent law, what did he do? Was there a law and order problem? Was there stone pelting anywhere? If the MLA had committed any mistake, it can be set right in the assembly under the supervision of the Speaker. PSA-like law should not have been invoked. This will fade the trust and faith of people in democracy,” he said.

Abdullah said the LG administration also made a mistake on July 13 by detaining leaders.

“On July 14, they made (another) mistake by using police to manhandle me,” he said referring to his visit to the Martyrs’ graveyard to pay tributes to those who were killed by the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh in 1931.

“On the contrary, there is no action taken against those who have vitiated the atmosphere here by playing with our religious sentiments. Innocent people are being harassed, they are being summoned to police stations,” he added. (Agencies)

SMVDIME sanctioned 50 MBBS seats, admissions to begin this session

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JAMMU, Sept 8: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Kakryal, Reasi district, has been sanctioned 50 MBBS seats, paving the way for admissions to its first batch in the 2025-26 academic session.

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Owned by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), the new Medical College started functioning in November last year from the administrative block of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. With the approval of seats, the Institute is set to formally begin imparting medical education this session.

Announcing the development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J P Nadda for the sanction. “This decision fulfils the resolve of the Shrine Board to provide world-class medical education in Jammu and Kashmir while also meeting the objective of improving healthcare access and producing highly skilled professionals in underserved areas,” he said.

The Shrine Board had, in its 71st meeting on August 19, 2023, approved the establishment of a 50-seat Medical College at Kakryal with a roadmap for upgradation to a 100-seat institution in the future. “Our aim is to create more opportunities for MBBS aspirants within the Union Territory. The consistent increase in MBBS seats in recent years will ensure better access to specialized care and strengthen the healthcare system,” Sinha added.

Executive Director of SMVDIME, Dr Yaspaul Sharma, said counselling for admissions has begun and the academic session is set to start soon.

The SMVDIME Medical College is affiliated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. Its associated teaching hospital will be the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital at Kakryal, where students will undergo practical training in around 26 specialties. Officials said the Medical College will be developed with full infrastructure and facilities in the coming months.