Srinagar Police, assisted by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), on Friday morning launched a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) in the Lal Chowk area of the summer capital, officials said.

They said that the search operation was carried out as part of heightened security measures in the busy commercial hub. Multiple teams conducted surprise inspections in several hotels and guest houses to verify records of visitors and ensure overall security compliance.

The operation continued for several hours; however, no suspicious activity was reported till the last reports came in.

They said such checks are routinely conducted to maintain vigilance and ensure a secure environment in the city. (KNC)

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on Saturday celebrated its 64th Raising Day in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur with Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha joining the event.

Army’s northern commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Director General of J-K Police Nalin Prabhat, Director General ITBP Praveen Kumar, Additional Director General, ITBP Mukesh Singh and other senior officials also attended the Raising Day celebrations at the headquarters of 15th Battalion in Udhampur.

The MOS Home paid solemn tribute to ITBP martyrs, took the ceremonial salute, and witnessed the grand Raising Day Parade.

In his address, the minister extended greetings to all ITBP personnel and commended their exemplary service under extreme Himalayan conditions, highlighting their devotion, dedication, and professionalism in safeguarding the nation.

The DG ITBP highlighted the force’s significant achievements and emphasised the ITBP’s contribution in high-altitude border security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, internal security, Naxal operations and mountaineering excellence and rescue operations. The parade featured participation from all major contingents of the force, including women’s contingent, Ski team, mounted column, commandos, paratroopers, dog squad and brass band.

Thrilling demonstrations added to the spectacle, including C-SAC drills by women Himveers, an integrated drone display, and a martial arts performance.

A total of five personnel received the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service, while 24 officers and personnel were awarded the Police Medal for meritorious service this year, an ITBP official said.

He added that the best unit awards for the year were presented to 43 Battalion (Best Border Battalion), 52 Battalion (Best Non-Border Battalion), 27 Battalion (Best Anti-Naxal Operation Unit), 18 Battalion (Best Clean Battalion), 25 Battalion (Best Green Battalion), and 13 Battalion (Winner, Rajbhasha Chalshield Trophy-2024). (Agencies)

With the border fencing and damaged pickets almost fully reconstructed after the devastating August flash floods, the Border Security Force (BSF) has shifted its focus to preventing terrorist infiltration attempts that typically intensify during the winter fog along the International Border (IB) in the Jammu region.

As reported earlier by the Daily Excelsior, the BSF has largely completed the restoration of fencing and posts that were washed away by torrential monsoon rains in August across Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts.

Sources said the force is now fully prepared to counter possible infiltration bids by Pakistan-based terrorists who often try to exploit low visibility conditions. The entire IB in Jammu falls in plain terrain and experiences dense fog during December and January, causing visibility to drop drastically.

To counter this, the BSF has deployed advanced surveillance systems capable of detecting movement over long distances, even in thick fog. The BSF is backed by border police pickets positioned behind the IB, as well as Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and local police units tasked with monitoring any unusual activity.

Police have been strengthening border pickets and VDGs, while also advising civilians living in frontier villages to stay alert, particularly during night hours, and report any suspicious movement immediately.

Although the Jammu stretch of the International Border has remained largely peaceful in recent months, the neighbouring Punjab sector has seen increased activity. Intelligence inputs, however, indicate that terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are making attempts to push trained cadres into Jammu and Kashmir through border routes.

Jammu, Nov 21:

In a firm and unequivocal voice, the medical fraternity of Jammu — represented by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Jammu Branch, Doctors Association Jammu (DAJ), and the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Government Medical College Jammu — has condemned the recent terror attack in Delhi, terming it a direct strike at the nation’s collective conscience, public safety, and the very idea of humanity.

The associations have expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of innocent lives and extended heartfelt solidarity to the families devastated by the November 10 blast near the Red Fort. The statements, issued separately yet aligned in spirit, underscore a shared resolve: terrorism will not shake the moral foundation of the medical profession nor the unity of the nation.

The IMA Jammu Branch described the incident as “a cowardly and reprehensible act designed to destabilise peace and inflict suffering on the innocent.” Expressing deep concern over reports suggesting the possible involvement of individuals from the medical fraternity, the association noted that if such allegations are proven, it would amount to “a grave betrayal of the trust reposed in the white coat and an unforgivable departure from the ethics that bind the profession.”

Doctors Association Jammu echoed similar sentiments, calling the incident “a ruthless affront to the Hippocratic Oath and an indelible stigma on anyone who misuses medical knowledge for destructive ends.” The association demanded that the investigation be pursued with urgency and precision, ensuring that every perpetrator, planner, or facilitator is brought before the law without exception.

The Resident Doctors Association of GMC Jammu termed the act “inhuman, indefensible, and intended to disrupt national harmony.” The RDA expressed full faith in the security and investigative agencies, affirming that the medical community stands shoulder to shoulder with the nation during this period of grief and determination.

Across all statements, the undertone remained consistent and resolute:

there can be no leniency toward individuals who engage in, support, or abet acts of terror. Each association pledged complete cooperation with national agencies tasked with uncovering the truth, emphasising that accountability is essential not only for justice but also for restoring the sanctity of the profession.

The collective stance of Jammu’s medical bodies reflects a rare moment of unanimity — a clear declaration that terrorism, in any form and by any hand, is an assault on the principles of civilisation. At a time when the country mourns, Jammu’s doctors have reaffirmed their commitment to humanity, their duty to protect life, and their unwavering support to the institutions safeguarding national security.