Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today urged officers from the Jammu division to work towards further enhancing the ease of living for the people, with a special focus on ensuring the delivery of government services directly at the doorsteps of citizens.

The Minister issued these directions during a meeting with officers from Poonch district and senior officials from various departments of the Jammu division. He highlighted the importance of reaching out to every region and sub-region of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those that have been historically neglected.

Javed Rana stressed the urgent need for inclusive development, ensuring that progress benefits all areas, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic challenges. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the overall progress of far-flung areas, emphasizing that it is a top priority of the elected government to ensure that the benefits of development reach every citizen, especially in remote and underserved regions.

The Minister also called for enhanced coordination among departments to facilitate better implementation of welfare schemes and development projects, ensuring they are executed efficiently and effectively. He stressed the need for constant monitoring of ongoing projects to address any challenges and ensure timely completion.

“We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of progress reach the last person, especially in the farthest corners of the region. It is our responsibility to uplift every section of society, leaving no one behind,” Minister Rana said.

The meeting also discussed strategies to ensure that development initiatives are more people-centric, and the government’s welfare schemes are accessible to all

CHANDIGARH, NOV 30 – In a significant breakthrough, the Punjab Police arrested two individuals after recovering eight sophisticated pistols that had been smuggled into India from Pakistan, a senior officer confirmed on Saturday.

The arrests took place in Nurpur Padhri, near Gharinda, in Amritsar. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced the development, stating that the Counter Intelligence Unit in Amritsar had apprehended the suspects while they were waiting to receive a consignment of weapons that had been smuggled from Pakistan.

“In a major blow to illegal arms smuggling networks, Counter Intelligence Amritsar apprehended two persons from Nurpur Padhri while they were waiting for another operative to hand over the weapon consignment smuggled from Pakistan,” Yadav said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Police recovered eight sophisticated weapons, including four Glock pistols (manufactured in Austria), two Turkiye-made 9mm pistols, and two X-Shot Zigana pistols, along with 10 rounds of ammunition. The authorities have registered a case under the Arms Act in Amritsar, and investigations are underway to trace both the source and destination of the illegal arms network.

The police are working to establish the backward and forward linkages of the smuggling operation, including identifying other members of the network involved in the illicit trade of firearms. The recovery of these high-grade weapons highlights the ongoing challenges posed by cross-border smuggling activities and the threat of illegal arms trafficking in the region.

The arrest underscores the efforts of Punjab Police in combating illegal arms trade and disrupting the operations of organized crime syndicates operating in the region.