Punjab all set for mock drills in 20 towns as nation ramps up defence preparedness
CHANDIGARH: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, civil defence mock drills will be held at 20 places in Punjab, besides several locations in Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Wednesday, as per instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In Punjab, the mock drills will be held in Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Adampur, Halwara, Patiala, Pathankot, Barnala, Mohali, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Rupnagar, Bhakra Nangal, Sangrur and Abohar. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The civil defence teams and Punjab Police, along with the Home Ministry, will conduct mock drills tomorrow, adding that the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is closely monitoring the exercise to ensure the safety of citizens. Preparations are almost complete for conducting the mock drills. The objective of the drills is to create awareness among the public and take necessary precautions in the event of any attack, he added. Cheema said the directions of the Home Ministry will be followed during the mock drills. Sources said that public announcements will be made before the drills. As per the guidelines issued by MHA, the drills will include activation of air raid warning sirens, training of civilians, students and others in civil defence procedures to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack, implementation of crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations, updating and rehearsing of evacuation plans. The ministry had asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. In the meeting today, the issue of sirens was raised as for many years these have not been tested thus many might be dysfunctional for that we need to first check the working of all the civil and defence siren systems and these will be tested. Thus people should not panic, said a senior functionary who took part in the meeting. MHA conducts key review meeting ahead of massive civil defence mock drill, identifies 19 'top priority' sites Meanwhile, Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said as part of the mock drill preparations, six civil defence sirens will be sounded in the city and the Ferozepur Cantonment area from 7 to 7.15 pm on Tuesday. These sirens will be sounded for the preparation of the May 7 mock drill, she said, adding that there was no need to worry. A senior police official in Ferozepur said a blackout rehearsal will be carried out from 9 to 9.30 pm on Wednesday and police patrolling teams will be deployed. In Haryana too, mock drills will be conducted at many places, including Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Panchkula, Panipat and Rohtak. In a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union Territories, the MHA stated that the measures to be taken during the mock drills include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack and cleaning bunkers and trenches. The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. The mock drills also include the operationalisation of hotline and radio-communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF), testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms. It said the active participation of the district controllers, various district authorities, civil-defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (active and reservists volunteers), National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), college and school students is envisaged in the exercise. Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill
Farooq suspects involvement of local Kashmiris in Pahalgam Terror Attack
New Delhi, May 2: Hinting at Pakistans role in the Pahalgam terror attack, former Union Minister and president of the National Conference party Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the same handlers who perpetrated 26/11, Uri, Pulwama and Pathankot strikes are behind the April 22 tragedy in the Baisaran Valley. Talking to news agency, the former [] The post Farooq suspects involvement of local Kashmiris in Pahalgam Terror Attack appeared first on Northlines .
'Resilient and undeterred': Punjabs border villages remain calm amid India-Pakistan tensions
CHANDIGARH : Despite heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed , life remains largely unaffected in the villages along the Indo-Pak international border in Punjab. The residents continue their daily routines with resilience, even as feelings of anguish, dismay, and uncertainty linger. Farmers are working in their fields as usual, and locals are engaged in their everyday chores. Villagers gather under trees at village chowks, sipping tea, playing cards, and discussing political developments after the Pahalgam attack. Some elders recall past incidents, such as Operation Parakram, when the Army laid landmines along the border and villagers were instructed to evacuate. Speaking to The New Indian Express , Surjit Singh Bhoora, Vice President of the Punjab Border Area Kisan Union, said, The farmers are working as usual in their fields. There is no tension in the border villages. Our relatives call us to ask if everything is fine, and we tell them we are living our lives as normal. He added that residents of border villages yearn for peace, as any escalation affects them the most. If conflict arises, we are the ones who suffer. Our businesses, agriculture, and our childrens education all take a hit, Bhoora explained. Attari-Wagah border completely shut after hundreds cross over; several Pakistani nationals stuck The 553-kilometer India-Pakistan border stretches across six districts in PunjabFerozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. In these areas, villagers remain calm and committed to their daily routines. Subash Sharma, a resident of Bareka village in Fazilka, whose home is about one kilometer from the zero line, said, Life is going on normally. Yes, there's mental pressure about what could happen in the coming days. People call us after watching the news, but children are attending school and we are working in the fields. I have two and a half acres beyond the border fence but before the zero lineno farmers have been allowed there for the last three days as the BSF has closed the gates. I have another 12 acres on this side, where Ive already harvested the wheat crop and am preparing to sell it at the grain market. Naseeb Singh of Palla Magha village in Ferozepur, located two and a half kilometers from the zero line, owns 15 acres of land. He said, There is a strong sentiment across the country demanding retaliation for the Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam. But villagers here believe that any conflict would mostly affect the Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir borders, as in previous wars. Life is otherwise normalIve harvested my crop, though it was damaged due to todays rain. Relatives call us daily, worried about war, but were living our lives normally. Another villager recalled that during the Kargil war, people needed a signed slip from the village sarpanch and clearance from the Army to leave the village. Gurdeep Singh of Thaman village in Gurdaspur district, located three kilometers from the international border, said, Weve received no special directions from the Army or BSF. Life is normal here. Life in border villages is different. Other farmers cultivating land beyond the fence and near the zero line said they face many ongoing challenges, such as frequent crop damage by wild animals crossing from Pakistan, labor shortages due to restricted entry hours, limitations on crop height, and an inability to check crops during floods, hailstorms, or other extreme weather events. Even as tensions between the nuclear-armed nations rise, and the summer temperatures soar, the spirit of the border villagers remains steady. Stories from Attari border
Pahalgam Handlers Same As Those Behind 26/11, Uri, Pulwama: Farooq Abdullah
New Delhi, May 2: Hinting at Pakistans role in the Pahalgam terror attack, former Union Minister and president of the National Conference party Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the same handlers who perpetrated 26/11, Uri, Pulwama and Pathankot strikes are behind the April 22 tragedy in the Baisaran Valley. Talking to news agency, the former J&K Chief Minister described the Pahalgam strike as very painful and murder of humanity, adding, Anyone could be involved in the Pahalgam incident. Until we [] The post Pahalgam Handlers Same As Those Behind 26/11, Uri, Pulwama: Farooq Abdullah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajani Shaw, wife of detained BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, sought answers in Pathankot regarding her husband's situation in Pakistan. BSF officers in Firozpur assured her that Purnam was safe and his release was likely soon, with talks underway with Pakistan Rangers.
FIR against Punjab MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli over highway blockade on Bio-CNG plant
Jalandhar Rural police have filed an FIR against Adampur Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli and numerous others for obstructing the Jalandhar-Pathankot national highway on April 23. The protest was against a bio-CNG plant at Bhogpur sugar mill intended to process solid waste from the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation. The FIR includes charges under the National Highway Act, potentially leading to imprisonment.
Pahalgam attack: Sibal urges PM to call special session of Parliament
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call a special session of Parliament and pass a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and conveying the message to the world that the country is united. Sibal also suggested to the government to send out delegations of the ruling and Opposition MPs to various important countries so that diplomatic pressure can be created on Pakistan. Addressing a press conference here, the former Union minister suggested that like the US does with its sanctions, India should tell all major nations who have trade with Pakistan that they cannot come to our market if they have trade with Islamabad. In 1972, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had said, 'we will bleed India with a thousand cuts'. Following that, terror attacks have taken place in Parliament in 2001, Kaluchak massacre in 2002, Indian Institute of Science was attacked in 2005, Mumbai train bombings in July 2006, Mumbai attack in 2008, Pathankot airbase attack in 2016, Uri terror strike in 2016 and Pulwama suicide bombings in 2019, this continues, he said. In this context, I want to suggest to the PM to convene a special session of Parliament and hold discussion over this, because the country is standing with you. The opposition is with you because it is an attack on India's sovereignty, the Independent Rajya Sabha MP said. Sibal said a resolution must be passed by Parliament unanimously to express the sentiment of the nation in front of the world that everyone is standing with the government and the country is together and will not tolerate such acts. A terrorist is a terrorist, is a terrorist, he has no religion. Pakistan wants to put forth its issues before the world through terrorism and thinks that its military system will stay in place, he said. Sibal also called for delegations of the ruling and Opposition MPs to be sent to countries such as Africa, the US, Europe, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and South America, so that diplomatic pressure is created. We should tell all major nations who have trade with Pakistan that they cannot come to our market if they have trade with Pakistan. What the US does to other nations, do it, and the country will stand with you, the former Congress leader said. We should present this point in every diplomatic initiative. The United Nations should create pressure. A resolution must be passed in the Security Council, and we should see whether China supports it or goes against it. We have to take these diplomatic initiatives, Sibal asserted. In the Parliament resolution, he said a message should be given against those who plays politics on terrorism. The statements being made in mainstream media are moving towards the direction Pakistan wants us to move. Does the mainstream media want to support Pakistan? Some senior BJP leaders are making statements and doing the same, he claimed. Taking the life of an innocent be it of any religion you should not take political advantage of that. I agree with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement that if you get together you will be heard, he said. Sibal also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not attending the all-party meeting on Thursday. It would have been better if PM could have come to the all-party meeting but he may have felt Bihar meeting is important. I didn't like it (PM not attending) as an MP, he said. Leaders across party lines on Thursday called for decisive action against terrorism and terror camps, and assured the government of their full support, even as some opposition parties flagged security lapses in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 people were gunned down by terrorists. During an all-party meeting to discuss the April 22 Pahalgam attack, the government said it was taking all measures to ensure security and assured the leaders of action against terrorism and its backers.
Two injured as stone falls from truck, shatters restaurant glass in Samba
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Apr 24: Two people, including a restaurant owner, were seriously injured after a stone slipped from a truck and crashed through a restaurants glass wall near Sidco Chowk on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway late Thursday evening. According to eyewitnesses, the stone got stuck in a trucks tyre due to lose debris from ongoing roadwork on the highway. They said, as the truck moved, the stone dislodged and flew towards a roadside restaurant, smashing its glass front. The [] The post Two injured as stone falls from truck, shatters restaurant glass in Samba appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Railways to run second special train from Jammu's Katra to Delhi on April 24
It will start from Shri Vaishno Devi Katra, and halt at several stations such as Udhampur, Jammu, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ambala, Kurukshetra and Panipat before terminating at the New Delhi Railway Station
2 killed in road accident on Jammu-Pathankot Highway
Samba, Apr 20:Two young men lost their lives in a tragic road accident on the Jammu-Pathankot highway in Samba district late last night. The victims were returning from a marriage function when their car collided with an oil tanker. As per initial reports, the deceased have been identified as Bantu Dogra, a resident of Himachal [] The post 2 killed in road accident on Jammu-Pathankot Highway appeared first on Northlines .
Kangra valley rail stations display artefacts to celebrate their rich history
NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Several railway stations in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra valley, which are nearly 100 years old, have displayed artefacts and archaic types of equipment used in train operations over the years since their inception in 1929. A week-long exhibition from April 14 to 20 was organised to commemorate World Heritage Day on April 18. Stations, such as Kangra, Palampur and Pathankot, held several events and activities to display rare types of equipment like signal lanterns for night-time [] The post Kangra valley rail stations display artefacts to celebrate their rich history appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pathankot District Court Peon Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 6 Posts Before May 15
ThePathankot District Court has released an official notification for the recruitment of 6 Peon posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Pathankot District Court website. The last date to submit the application form is 15-05-2025.
Thunderstorm, hailstorm batter parts of Himachal Pradesh causing widespread damage
CHANDIGARH: A squall accompanied by heavy rain and hailstorms lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday night, causing widespread damage and power outages were across the state. Shimla remained without electricity for several hours. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in parts of the state on April 18 and 19. Meanwhile, heavy rains also lashed Punjab and Chandigarh. The squall struck Shimla around 11:15 PM plunging the town into darkness, the power supply was restored 10 hours later. The thunderstorm uprooted trees causing damage to vehicles, and blew off the roofs of makeshift houses. In the upper Shimla region, high-velocity winds caused significant damage to apple and stone fruit trees like plum and apricot. In many areas, fruit was knocked off the trees. Apple growers in Jubbal and Rampur reported major losses. The weather office has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts on April 18 and 19. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti districts during this period. On April 20 light to moderate rains are likely at many places and at few places on April 21 and 22 due to fresh Western Disturbance, as a cyclonic circulation lies over the region. There was an appreciable fall in the minimum temperatures. Lahaul and Spitis Keylong was coldest at night with a low of 0.5 degree Celsius. As per MeT, Seobagh in Kullu district recorded the highest rainfall of 28.8 mm, followed by Lahaul-Spitis Kukumseri 23.8 mm, Narkanda 18 mm, Mandi 17.6 mm, Dharamshala 17 mm, Chamba 16 mm, Kalpa 15.6, Kufri 15 mm while the tourist resorts of Kasauli received 14.4 mm rain, Dalhousie 10 mm, Shimla 9.6 mm and Manali 6.8 mm. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, lashed many parts of Punjab and Chandigarh late yesterday night and in the early today morning. As per the MeT Department Chandigarh received 8.3 mm of rain, however, the sky became clear in the morning and residents woke up to sunny weather. While Amritsar received (4.5 mm), Pathankot (3.2 mm), Gurdaspur (18.8 mm) and Rupnagar (6 mm) and in neighboring Haryana, Ambala received a light shower.
SBI donates school bus under CSR activity
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: State Bank of India, Chandigarh Circle today donated a school bus to Army Public School (APS), Pathankot, under CSR initiative. The key of bus was handed over to Dr Anju Saini, Principal of Army Public School, Pathankot. Krishan Sharma, Chief General Manager, SBI Chandigarh Circle, Manoranjan Panda, General Manager (Network-I), Aruna Thakur, Deputy General Manager (B&O), Mohali and other dignitaries flagged off the Bus in the presence of staff members of Local Head Office, Chandigarh. [] The post SBI donates school bus under CSR activity appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Blast outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence in Jalandhar, Opposition slams AAP govt
CHANDIGARH: A last took place outside the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjab's Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh said forensic teams have reached the spot to collect samples. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident. No one was hurt in the incident, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh, adding, The forensic team is investigating the matter. Speaking to reporters, Kalia said it could be a hand-grenade blast. The grenade attack was so severe that the partition in the house was severely damaged. The window glass of the kitchen was damaged. A bathroom door was damaged, said Kalia. There was some damage to the floor of the entrance and his SUV as well. Kalia said he was sleeping when he heard the sound of the explosion. He said he initially thought there was a blast in the electric transformer because of overloading. His driver then told him it was a blast. Thereafter, he called the police but nobody picked up the phone, he said. Then he sent his gunman to the police station, Kalia added. BJP Jalandhar district president Sushil Sharma said some unidentified persons came in an e-rickshaw and threw a hand-grenade towards the leader's residence. Senior police officers, including Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur, reached the spot to take stock of the situation. Kaur told reporters that police received information about the explosion at around 1 am. We have checked the spot. Our forensic teams also investigated it. We will register an FIR and further investigate the incident, she said. We are examining the CCTV trail, she said, and added, We have secured nearby areas. Asked whether it was a hand-grenade attack, Kaur said the forensic team has collected samples from the spot. Whatever information we receive, we will share, she further said. Police said it was examining the CCTV footage to trace the accused. There have been many incidents of explosions, targeting police posts in Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the past four to five months. Last month, a blast occurred outside a temple in Amritsar. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and Pathankot MLA Ashwani Sharma visited Kalia's residence. Many other BJP leaders and party supporters also gathered at his residence. Opposition parties targeted the AAP government over the law and order situation following the blast at the residence of Kalia. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal sought the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who holds the home portfolio. Lawlessness has crossed all bounds in Punjab. After attacks on police stations, places of worship & vandalism of statues of Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, now the residence of a former minister & senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia has been subject to a grenade attack. All these incidents make it clear the @AamAadmiParty & chief minister @BhagwantMann are unable to come to grips with the situation. The CM must take moral responsibility for these incidents & resign immediately, said Badal in a post on X. Lawlessness has crossed all bounds in Punjab. After attacks on police stations, places of worship & vandalism of statues of Babasaheb Dr. BR Ambedkar, now the residence of a former minister & senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia has been subject to a grenade attack. All these pic.twitter.com/CJEmESTGfp Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) April 8, 2025 Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa also hit out at the chief minister over the incident. The grenade attack on Shri Manoranjan Kalia's residence is a stark reminder of the escalating violence in Punjab under CM @BhagwantMann's tenure. Since he assumed office, there have been multiple blasts, including the Mohali RPG attack in May 2022 and the series of grenade attacks on police stations in late 2024. This pattern underscores a significant lapse in maintaining law and order. If the Chief Minister @BhagwantMann cannot ensure the safety of citizens, he should step down, said Bajwa. The grenade attack on Shri Manoranjan Kalias residence is a stark reminder of the escalating violence in Punjab under CM @BhagwantMann s tenure. Since he assumed office, there have been multiple blasts, including the Mohali RPG attack in May 2022 and the series of grenade pic.twitter.com/9XDXMR6huJ Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) April 8, 2025
Army deploys kamikaze drones near LoC in Pathankot
The Indian Army has deployed five kamikaze (suicide) anti-tank drones at Pathankot, near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Indian Armys kamikaze-role anti-tank munition drone developed and tested
NEW DELHI: Drawing lessons from the rising effectiveness of armed FPV drones against tanks in the Ukraine-Russia war, the Indian Army has developed its First-Person View (FPV) drone equipped with an impact-based, kamikaze-role anti-tank munition a first-of-its-kind project in the force. The drone meant for actical drone warfare has been successfully developed, tested, and validated in collaboration with the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh. The initiative was launched in August 2024. The Army on Friday said that success was achieved after extensive research, development, and trials to enhance the capabilities of low-cost, high-impact aerial strike systems. The drones developed in the Pathankot area cost around Rs 1,40,000/- per drone, the Army added. Five of them have been inducted and 95 being subsequently procured. The drone has been developed by Major Cephas Chetan of the Army in conjunction with a TBRL team, led by Dr Raghvendra. In-House drone fabrication facility The FPV drone was entirely assembled in-house at the Rising Star Drone Battle School, which has fabricated over 100 drones within the formation as of March 2025. Rising Star is the Indian Army's Corps. This self-reliant approach, as per the Army ensured complete control over build quality, component integration, and real-time modifications as per TBRL directives. It also optimized structural integrity, weight distribution, and flight dynamics, making the drone highly manoeuvrable and efficient for operational deployment. Focus on safety of payload and its deployment To enhance operator safety, a dual-safety mechanism has been incorporated into the payload system. This prevents accidental detonation during transport, handling, and flight, significantly increasing reliability and minimising risks for pilots and personnel handling the drone. The trigger mechanism has been meticulously designed to align with the dual safety features, ensuring that the payload can only be armed and deployed under strictly controlled conditions. It is activated exclusively by the pilot via the radio controller, eliminating premature detonation and ensuring precise execution during missions. Additionally, a live feedback relay system provides the pilot with real-time payload status updates through the FPV goggles, enabling informed decision-making while flying the drone. Trials and validation ensured success The system underwent rigorous trials, beginning with explosive testing, followed by aerial vehicle assessments and trigger system evaluations. Each phase was validated by TBRL scientists, confirming the drone effectiveness, accuracy, and reliability in payload delivery. The successful results mark this first-of-its-kind FPV drone project as a game-changing force multiplier in modern tactical engagements, the Army said.
Search operation enters fourth day in J-K's Kathua
JAMMU: A massive multi-tier combing operation to track down a group of infiltrating terrorists continued for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday in forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. A local woman informed the police on Tuesday that two men in army uniform asked her for water while they were having food in the Ding Amb belt of the district, prompting the area to be cordoned off. They took water and headed towards the nearby forest area, Darshana Devi said. Security has been intensified along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in the Samba-Kathua section, with increased vigilance on border roads, officials said. The search operation is concurrently underway in multiple areas from Sanyal to Ding Amb and beyond, covering several kilometers. The operation involving the army, NSG, BSF, police, Special Operation Group, and CRPF armed with technical and surveillance equipment, is supported by helicopter, UAVs, drones, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs. Security agencies have questioned several persons in various areas and picked up three suspects for questioning, they said. During the search operation on Tuesday, security forces recovered two grenades. The tracksuits found among a large cache of ammunition and other materials in the Sanyal forests were identical to those worn by the four JeM terrorists killed in Assar forests and Doda in June and August last year. Locals of the areas have joined the operation by security forces and urged people in other areas to remain vigilant and inform any movement of suspected persons in their areas. Several villagers have requested people to come forward with information about the movement of terrorists in their areas. The operation led by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat was launched on Sunday evening in the Hiranagar sector following an encounter between security forces and terrorists hiding in a nursery. The Special Operations Group of police initiated the operation after receiving intelligence about terrorists hiding inside a 'dhok' (local enclosure) in a nursery in Sanyal village, approximately five kilometers from the International Border with Pakistan, officials said. The hidding terrorists opened fire on the police team, resulting in a prolonged gunfight lasting over half an hour. Reinforcements were promptly dispatched as a manhunt began to apprehend the terrorists believed to have infiltrated on Saturday via either a ravine route or a newly constructed tunnel. Initial firing did not cause any casualties, and the area remained under tight security overnight before security forces moved in at dawn, officials said. Although there have been no further encounters with the terrorists, search parties on Monday discovered four loaded magazines of M4 carbine, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits and several packets of food.
Demanding flyover, locals block highway in Jatwal
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Mar 20: Residents of Jatwal area today blocked the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway, demanding the construction of a flyover. The protest, which lasted for about two hours, was largely led by women who raised slogans against the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The protesters set up a tent on the highway and warned that they would continue the sit-in and even go on a hunger strike if their demands were not met. The main issue raised by [] The post Demanding flyover, locals block highway in Jatwal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Locals staging a demonstration on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in Jatwal area on Thursday.
Locals staging a demonstration on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in Jatwal area on Thursday. The post Locals staging a demonstration on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in Jatwal area on Thursday. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K: Nai Basti shopkeepers begin hunger strike, demand relocation
Jammu, Mar 18: Around 30 shopkeepers from Jammus Nai Basti, who received eviction notices from Highway Authorities for the expansion of the Satwari-Bikram-Chowk stretch of the Jammu-Pathankot highway, launched a hunger strike on Tuesday, demanding proper rehabilitation. The protest followed several unsuccessful meetings with the administration. The families, led by local BJP leaders, accused the [] The post J&K: Nai Basti shopkeepers begin hunger strike, demand relocation appeared first on Northlines .
Demanding Relocation, Jammus Nai Basti Shopkeepers Begin Hunger Strike
Jammu, Mar 18: Demanding proper rehabilitation, around 30 shopkeepers of Jammus Nai Basti, who got eviction notices from Highway Authorities for expansion of Satwari-Bikram-Chowk stretch of Jammu-Pathankot highway, on Tuesday began a hunger strike after series of futile meetings with administration. The families of shopkeepers led by local BJP leaders, accused the administration of deliberately delaying the relocation despite the commitment by LG Manoj Sinha in July last year. LGs commitment has been ignored by the administration. In the last [] The post Demanding Relocation, Jammus Nai Basti Shopkeepers Begin Hunger Strike appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
JKP wrestler Nisar wins Jib Kesari Dangal Title 2025
Excelsior Sports Correspondent REASI, Mar 10: Wrestler Nisar of J&K Police clinched the Jib Kesari Dangal Title 2025 after defeating Alam of Pathankot, Punjab, in the first malli main bout that lasting 22 minutes, at village Manmella, here today. The event was organized by the Shiv Shakti Dangal Committee in collaboration with the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association. Ex-Minister and MLA Udhampur (West) Pawan Kumar Gupta, the chief guest, awarded cash prizes to the winners. Shiv Kumar Sharma, President of [] The post JKP wrestler Nisar wins Jib Kesari Dangal Title 2025 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Four killed, 11 injured after bus heading to Jammu rams into brick-laden tractor-trolley in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: Four persons were killed while 11 others were injured after a bus rammed into a brick-laden tractor-trolley in Punjab's Jalandhar district on Monday, police said. The accident took place near the Kala Bakra area in Jalandhar when the bus was going to Jammu from Rajasthan, police said. When the tractor-trolley came on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway from a village road, the bus rammed into it, said police. Police said the bus driver and a passenger were killed on the spot while two passengers died in the hospital. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, said police. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the death of passengers in the accident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured, said Mann in a post on X. He also lauded the efforts of the 'Sadak Surakhya Force' (road safety force) of the Punjab Police for helping the injured. - - SSF , Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 10, 2025
4 killed, 11 injured after bus heading to Jammu rams into tractor-trolley in Punjab
Chandigarh, Mar 10: Four persons were killed while 11 others were injured after a bus rammed into a brick-laden tractor-trolley in Punjabs Jalandhar district on Monday, police said. The accident took place near the Kala Bakra area in Jalandhar when the bus was going to Jammu from Rajasthan, police said. When the tractor-trolley came on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway from a village road, the bus rammed into it, said police. Police said the bus driver and a passenger were killed on [] The post 4 killed, 11 injured after bus heading to Jammu rams into tractor-trolley in Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sarthal a Paradise in Jammu needs attention
Mudasar Ali Sarthal, located in the Tehsil Bani of District Kathua, is a beautiful tourist destination, situated near Bhaderwah, Basohli, and Pathankot. It is approximately 50 kilometers away from Bhaderwah and is one of the most charming places in Jammu and Kashmir, often referred to as Mini Kashmir. The area is blessed with abundant natural beauty, with lush greenery, dense forests, towering mountains, and clear air. Sarthals scenery rivals popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. The beauty of the [] The post Sarthal a Paradise in Jammu needs attention appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
5 pistols seized from Jammu bound train
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 27: Railways police have seized five pistols and ammunition from Jammu-bound Malwa Express, at Pathankot in Punjab. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Reports received here said that five pistols and 10 empty cartridges were seized by the Railways police team at Pathankot Cantonment Station. The person had abandoned the consignment and left the train. A case has been registered and efforts are on to identify the person who was carrying the consignment as well [] The post 5 pistols seized from Jammu bound train appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The J&K and Ladakh High Court ordered the NHAI to reduce toll at two plazas on the Pathankot-Udhampur highway due to construction and poor road conditions. The court directed NHAI to only collect 20% of the toll until the highway is fully operational. The court also emphasized the unfairness of charging full toll for deteriorated roads.
J&K High court to NHAI: Cant collect toll if highway in bad shape, cuts fee
The J&K and Ladakh High court has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to collect only 20% of toll on the Pathankot-Uddhampur stretch, saying that if the highway is in bad shape owing to different nature of construction activities, it cannot collect this much amount from the commuters, if the highway is not in good condition. The order comes to a PIL hearing on Tuesday regarding Pathankot-Uddhampur stretch of NH-44, by Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice MA Chaudhary. It shall come into immediate effect, at two toll plazas- Lakhanpur and Bann- till the national highway from Lakhanpur to Uddhampur gets fully operational. Further the court has also directed not to establish any plaza within 60km radius of NH44. It has instructed the removal of plazas in the two union territories of J&K and Ladakh within a period of two months. The bench said, There should be no mushrooming of toll plazas in the UT of J&K and UT of Ladakh only with the sole aim and objective of minting money from the general public. The NHAI has always had the power to reduce, rather suspend the user fee, popularly known as toll on damaged, unoperational and dilapidated highways, it has never exercised this provision. The commuters face poor maintenance, declining quality of roads and diversions here and there, and still have to pay user fee without getting the desired benefits. The PIL was filed by Sugandha Sawhney, who seeked exemption of toll at Lakhanpur, Thandi Khui and Bann plazas on the national highway from Pathankot to Uddhampur. The construction is underway here, as a part of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway project. Sawhney submitted to the court that about 60-70% of the stretch is under construction since December 2021, yet NHAI was collecting toll at these three plazas even though the rules say that the fee collection should commence within 45 days from the date of the completion of the section. She had further addressed that there are grave hurdles and diversions on the route. The toll collection at Thandi Khui is however closed since January 26, 2024. Stating the order, the High court said, This is based on the principle that the tolls are collected to provide users with the benefit of well maintained infrastructure. If this highway is in a deteriorated condition and uncomfortable to drive on, it is considered unfair for commuters to continue paying tolls, rather the same is a violation of fair service. Certainly, the commuters and drivers must be feeling frustrated by the poor state of this particular highway they are paying to use. The basic premise is that the tolls should be a form of compensation for road users in exchange for smooth, safe and well-maintained highways. The court, however took note of NHAIs submission that the service roads and diversions have been provided due to different nature of construction works being carried out on the highway. For the movement of traffic, the 4-lane NH has been reduced to single lane. The court said, Otherwise too, it is not a hidden thing nor the learned counsel appearing for respondents have denied this that the NH-44 from Pathankot to Bann toll Plaza to Domel (Katra) is in a poor and deteriorated condition, there are grave hurdles, potholes and diversions due to complete destruction of this particular NH. Thus, the commuters are being unfairly charged as they are not receiving the value they are paying for in terms of quality of infrastructure. Thus in this way, the general public or commuters are feeling cheated as they are being forced to pay tolls for the highway which is at present is in a poor and shabby condition that too when in ending June 2024, road transport and highway minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari at a globsl workshop on satellite-basede tolling said that there is no justification of highway agencies charging tools, if roads are not in good condition or not up to their standards and people continue to face problems. The judgement is surely in favor of the daily commuters who face problems, and at present not getting the services due to the construction activities. Of course, tax is necessary when the services are apt. Though, the order is said to have ramifications ahead.
Can't collect toll if road in bad shape, says J&K HC, cuts fee at 2 NH-44 plazas
The J&K and Ladakh High Court has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to collect only 20% of the toll on the Pathankot-Udhampur stretch due to ongoing construction activities. The court emphasized that toll should only be charged when highways are in good condition, and directed the removal of plazas established within 60 km of NH-44.
Terrorists open fire at army vehicle in Jammu & Kashmir's Rajouri
Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri fired at an army vehicle in Sunderbani, prompting troops to return fire and search the area. Hours earlier, the BSF neutralized an intruder crossing the International Border in the Pathankot sector. These incidents underscore heightened security measures following recent terrorist activities and infiltration attempts.
BSF foils infiltration bid on Pathankot IB
Jammu, Feb 26: Alert troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) early in the morning on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid along the International Border(IB) in the Pathankot sector. The Jammu-based BSF spokesperson here said that at pre-dawn, troops observed a suspicious movement across the international border in the Border Outpost of Tashpatan, Pathankot border [] The post BSF foils infiltration bid on Pathankot IB appeared first on Northlines .
BSF troops shoot Pakistani intruder dead along international border at Pathankot in Punjab
The intruder was subsequently shot dead, and his identity is being ascertained, the officials said. A spokesperson of the BSF, Jammu frontier, said a strong protest will be lodged with Pakistan Rangers over the incident.
REQUIRED ACCOUNTANT FOR MONIKA SUPERMARKET PREFERABLY FEMALE TIMING : 10 AM TO 6 PM HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF BUSY SOFTWARE RELATED TO GST MINIMUM EXPERIENCE OF 4 YEARS CONTACT: 9906097333 7889831585 MAHAVEER SERVICE PROVIDER ALL KIND, PATIENT CARE ATTENDENT DAY & NIGHT SHIFT COOK, SERVANT, MAID, COUPLE HOUSEKEEPING, BABY CARE ETC. MOBILE: 9419810385 WHATSAPP: 9149638703 SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HIRANAGAR, DISTT. KATHUA (J&K) 45 KM FROM PATHANKOT (SESSION 2025_26) REQUIRED PGT ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS STUDIES, ECONOMICS FOR ALL SUBJECTS. SALARY NEGOTIABLE + FREE [] The post EMPLOYMENT (26-02-2025) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pakistani intruder shot dead by BSF along Punjab border
AMRITSAR: A Pakistani intruder was shot dead early Wednesday morning by BSF troops along the international border at Pathankot in Punjab, officials said. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel noticed some suspicious movement in the Border Outpost Tashpatan area along the IB. Despite being challenged by the BSF troops, the intruder did not stop after crossing over onto this side, they said. The intruder was subsequently shot dead and his identity is being ascertained, the officials said. A spokesperson of the BSF, Jammu frontier, said a strong protest will be lodged with Pakistan Rangers over the incident. The BSF guards the India-Pakistan international border, including a 553-km stretch in Punjab.
Pak Intruder Shot Dead Along Punjab Border
Amritsar/Jammu, Feb 26: A Pakistani intruder was shot dead early Wednesday morning by BSF troops along the international border at Pathankot in Punjab, officials said. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel noticed some suspicious movement in the Border Outpost Tashpatan area along the IB. Despite being challenged by the BSF troops, the intruder did not stop after crossing over onto this side, they said. The intruder was subsequently shot dead and his identity is being ascertained, the officials said. A spokesperson [] The post Pak Intruder Shot Dead Along Punjab Border appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BSF foils infiltration bid on Pathankot International Border, to lodge protest with Pak Rangers
Alert troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) early in the morning on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid along the International Border(IB) in the Pathankot sector.
Army shoots down Pakistani intruder at Indo-Pak border
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot an intruder who was observed crossing the International Border at Pathankot in the early hours, despite being challenged by troops. The BSF stated that the identity and motive of the intruder are being investigated and plans to lodge a strong protest with Pakistani Rangers.
Toll Should Not Be Collected When Highway Is In Bad Shape: J&K High Court
JAMMU, Feb 25: In a major relief to people traveling on the National Highway-44 (NH-44) from Punjab (Pathankot) to Jammu (Udhampur), the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Tuesday ordered that only 20 percent of the toll fee be collected at two plazas on the highway till the completion of the construction The Bench of Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice MA Choudhary said that if the highway is in bad shape due to different nature of construction [] The post Toll Should Not Be Collected When Highway Is In Bad Shape: J&K High Court appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
A few final steps remain: Misri on Rana's extradition
The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.
Working on logistics of Tahawwur Rana's surrender, extradition to India: Foreign Secretary Misri
WASHINGTON: India is working on the logistics of Tahawwur Rana's surrender and extradition from the US, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said, as President Donald Trump announced that his administration has given the go-ahead to extradite the 26/11 terror attack accused to face justice. This is an issue on which the US authorities have taken very clear decisions. I think you've seen the President announce it himself from the White House podium the decision of the United States to extradite Rana, Misri said at a press conference here on Thursday. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has approved the extradition of very evil Tahawwur Rana, wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, o face justice in India. In response to a question by PTI on the timeframe by when Rana will be extradited to India, Misri said: We are working on the logistics of his surrender and extradition to India. There are a few final steps to be completed. The two sides are in touch on this particular issue. US approves extradition of 26/11 terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India The India-US joint statement issued during the Prime Minister's visit to the US notes that Modi and Trump reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought and terrorist safe havens eliminated from every corner of the world. They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, the joint statement said. Recognising a shared desire to bring to justice those who would harm our citizens, the US announced that the extradition to India of Tahawwur Rana has been approved, it said. The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks. The leaders also pledged to work together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors, the joint statement added. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles. He is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks. Speaking at the joint press meet, Trump said Today I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and very evil people of the world, and having to do with the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, to face justice in India. So, he is going back to India to face justice. The extradition of Rana was cleared by the US Supreme Court in January as it rejected his review petition in the case. We resolve issues bilaterally: India dismisses Trumps mediation offer on China skirmishes India last month said it was working with American authorities for the early extradition of Rana. The US Supreme Court on January 21 declined to hear a petition from the accused. We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for early extradition to India of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said. On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists attacked Mumbai, India's financial capital, and went on a killing spree as they carried out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre. As many as 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour assault. In November 2012, Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman among the Pakistani group, was hanged to death in Yerawada Jail in Pune.
PM Modi, US President Trump call on Pakistan to bring perpetrators of 26/11 attacks to justice
WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks even as the latter announced approving extradition to India of Tahawwur Rana , a key plotter of the dastardly strike. The US president hosted Modi at the White House on Thursday in their first bilateral meeting after Trump became the US president for a second term. Trump, addressing a joint media briefing with Modi, announced that his administration has approved the extradition of one of the very evil people of the world to India. He is going to be going back to India to face justice, he said. We're giving him back to India immediately and more such extraditions could follow as we have quite a few requests (from New Delhi), the US president added. On his part, Modi thanked Trump for the decision. I am thankful to the President that he has decided to hand over the culprit who committed the killings in India in 2008, to India now. Indian courts will now take appropriate action, he said. Modi said India and the US have stood firmly together in the fight against terrorism and both sides agreed that concerted action is necessary to eradicate cross-border terrorism. A joint statement said the two leaders committed to strengthening cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba to prevent heinous acts like the Mumbai attacks. It said the leaders reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought and terrorist safe havens eliminated from every corner of the world. They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, according to the statement. Recognising a shared desire to bring to justice those who would harm our citizens, the US announced that the extradition to India of Rana has been approved, according to the statement. The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks, it said. On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went into a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into India's financial capital using the sea route in the Arabian sea. As many as 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour assault that sent shockwaves across the country and even brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a war. Trump and Modi also pledged to work together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors, the statement noted.
Punjab cops to install 2,300 CCTV cameras near Indo-Pak border as second line of defence
CHANDIGARH: In a move aimed at strengthening the second line of defence and enhancing surveillance capabilities, the Punjab Police is all set to install as many as 2,300 CCTV cameras in areas near the Indo-Pak international border stretching from Pathankot to Fazilka. While inaugurating a slew of police infra projects at Pathankot including a new Cyber Crime Police Station located on the second floor of Police Station Division-1 in the district, Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav on Monday said, We are strengthening the second line of defence with 2300 CCTV cameras being installed at 703 strategic locations right from Pathankot till Fazilka, at a cost of Rs 45 crores. He said the Cyber Crime Police Station is equipped with advanced technologies to tackle complex cybercrimes and provide swift and effective solutions to victims of online fraud. Citizens can report cybercrimes directly to the police station or through the toll-free helpline number 1930, he added. Yadav also inaugurated the overhauled Police Command and Control Centre aimed at enhancing security in the border district by keeping vigil around all the entry and exit points in the entire Pathankot through CCTV cameras. As many as 344 HD cameras, including Auto Number Plate Reader (ANPR) cameras, have been installed for live coverage of key areas, while another 357 cameras are being added to further strengthen security arrangements in the district, he said. Yadav also addressed a joint meeting of officers of Punjab Police, Army and Border Security Force (BSF) at Police Station Narot Jaimal Singh. While acclaiming the Pathankot Police for showing a high level of coordination and efforts to address drone crossings and terror activities, he said the Punjab Police, Army, BSF and central agencies need to work as one team to break the nexus of terrorists, gangsters and drug smugglers, who are working jointly on the orders of the ISI. Information sharing is crucial, and coordination between agencies is the need of an hour to combat these threats, he said. He honoured high-performing officials and personnel of Punjab Police and BSF with DGP Commendation Discs and appreciation letters to encourage and motivate them to perform their duties more effectively. He also joined the Bada Khana lunch organized by the Pathankot Police, which provided an opportunity to officers of all ranks to interact with the Head of the Police Force and exchange ideas, thereby strengthening the bond that is essential for effective teamwork in the field. Later, the DGP also visited the BSFs Shaheed Kamaljeet Singh Border Outpost (BOP) situated at the international border to assess the security arrangements and interact with security forces deployed there.
Couriers to soldiers, BSF at work
CHANDIGARH: The BSF has a novel idea to discourage Punjab youth in the border areas from becoming drug couriers. It gives them paramilitary and armed forces training to motivate them to take up soldiering instead. The forces focus is on the Punjab districts along the Indo-Pak international border that suffer from cross-border drug supply vial drones, turning youth into couriers or addicts. For long, the BSF has been fighting the brutal battle of securing the border, checking the drug menace and stopping the youth from becoming couriers for Pakistan smugglers and, in the process, becoming addicts. Now it has hit upon the training idea and begun the reformation exercise in earnest. Youngsters are being tried out for fitness and mental and physical strength and commitment to training them. They hail from border areas of Punjab like Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Ferozepur. Thus, now you are given pre-recruitment training for paramilitary and armed forces so they do not fall into the wrong hands. A few hundred of them have been selected for this, said a senior officer of BSF on the condition of anonymity. Also, next month, a marathon will be held from Amritsar to Attari, where the BSF expects some 700 youth from border areas to participate. As motivation, motorcycles will be given away as prizes. The BSF is in talks with various sponsor companies regarding this. The BSF has also started a community interface as it has established a number of vocational training centres to train the youth in tailoring, carpentry, mobile repair, plumbing, harnessing dairy products and computer-related skills. Many got successful placements at the end of their training. An English coaching class for the youth of the border villages has come up in the Taran Taran district. They aspire to clear competitive examinations for higher studies in the countrys premier institutions or go abroad. Around 50 youth have been given coaching in English speaking and writing. To generate job creation and empower local artisans, BSF distributes toolkits to artisans. The BSF has also established a number of Ankur Primary Schools under the aegis of BWWA (BSF Wives Welfare Association) in the remote areas of the Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Taran Taran, Pathankot, Fazilka and Jalandhar districts where school infrastructure is deficient. Inspector General of BSF Punjab Frontier, Atul Fulzele, told this newspaper, After having analysed the need to minimise the alienation, BSF had embarked upon a number of initiatives in different fields, from skill development of youth to provide education to children and health care, as the people living along the border face numerous challenges due to their geographical location and socio-political dynamics. The larger aim is to motivate youth to choose the right path to understand the legal ramifications of drug smuggling and addiction. Last year, BSF intercepted and seized approximately 270 drones along the Punjab border, against 107 last year and to just 21 in 2022. The seizures led to the confiscation of 254 kg of heroin in 2023, compared to 440 kg in 2022 and 317 kg in 2021. 700 youth to take part in marathon A marathon will be held next month from Amritsar to Attari, where the BSF expects some 700 youth from border areas to participate. As motivation, motorcycles will be given away as prizes. The BSF is in talks with various sponsor companies regarding this. The BSF also started a community interface as it has established a number of vocational training centres to train the youth in tailoring, carpentry, mobile repair, plumbing, harnessing dairy products and computer-related skills. Many got successful placements at the end of their training.
Bhaderwah, Adjoining Areas In Jammu Division Receive Fresh Snowfall
Doda, Jan 16: Jammu divisions Bhaderwah valley in Doda district received a fresh spell of snowfall on Thursday, as did the adjacent region of Bhalessa which was blanketed in pristine white. Poonch, too, was freshly covered in snow; while further north in Kashmir valley, there has been snowfall in Anantnag and the adjoining areas of south Kashmir. Competing healthily with spells of snowfall in Kashmir valley, following the restoration of the Bhaderwah-Basholi-Pathankot National Highway, a large number of tourists thronged [] The post Bhaderwah, Adjoining Areas In Jammu Division Receive Fresh Snowfall appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Train link in J&K to be extended to border dists: Sinha
SRINAGAR: Ahead of direct train connectivity between Kashmir and Delhi, the train service in J&K will be further extended to border town of Uri and Kupwara in north Kashmir and border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region. It will connect the Line of Control (LoC) with the rail link. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under consideration for new railway lines. For Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration. The prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari which will boost tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region, Sinha said. He said several transformative projects are in the pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir. The extension of the rail link to the border town of Uri and border districts will generate employment for the locals and improve connectivity. The link to Uri and border districts would also help in the mobility of the troops deployed at the LoC and other forward areas of J&K. It would help with quick transportation of troops and military hardware. The L-G also said that DPR is also under examination for the new line between Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line. By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the regions untapped potential and boost local economies, he said. Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah said creation of Jammu Railway division is a historic moment. He allayed fears of Jammu that it would suffer losses due to direct train connectivity between Kashmir and Delhi. I want to assure people that rail connectivity to Kashmir will benefit Jammu. It will increase trade, tourism and connectivity of Jammu, he said. Maintaining that trade and industry in J&K would benefit from train connectivity, Omar said job opportunities will increase with the new railway division in Jammu.
Modi launches major railways projects in Telangana, J&K and Odisha
Srinagar: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday, after virtually inaugurating the newly carved out Jammu Railway Division (JRD), said that this historic milestone will create steps to take Jammu and Kashmirs journey of developmental infrastructure and connectivity to higher levels. The integration of J&K into the national railway network is a monumental step towards transforming Indian Railways into a global leader in efficiency, speed, and passenger experience, he said, adding, The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project is a landmark achievement that demonstrates India's engineering excellence. The 742.1-kilometre long JRD comprises of the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (423 km), Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 km), Batala-Pathankot (68.17 km) and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar routes (163.72 km). It is expected to create new employment opportunities in J&K and neighbouring Punjab and apart from boosting up infrastructure development promote tourism and the overall socio-economic development of the region, officials said in Jammu. Endorsing it, the Prime Minister said that the JRD would not only benefit the people of J&K but also extend its advantages to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Ladakh. He termed its inauguration as a symbol of Indias collective progress under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, filling colours in the dream of Developed India. He said the completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, will play a key role in connecting J&K with the rest of the country India through rail besides providing convenience to the people of Leh-Ladakh. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana which too will promote tourism and add to socio-economic development in these states. According to an official statement, the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana has been developed as a new coaching terminal along with provision of a second entry with a cost of around 413 crore. This environment friendly terminal, having good passenger amenities, will ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city like Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kacheguda, the statement said. It added that the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Prime Minister through video conferencing will improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and nearby areas and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region. The Prime Minister said, We are taking forward the development of railways in India on four parameters. First- modernization of railway infrastructure, Second- Modern facilities for railway passengers, Third- Railway connectivity in every corner of the country, Fourth- Railways for creating jobs and supporting industries. The Prime Minister said, Today is a big day for new-age connectivity. It shows that the entire nation is moving forward together. He asserted that in order to translate the dream of Vikshit Bharat, it is crucial to develop Indian Railways. He said the past decade has witnessed a transformational change in railway infrastructure modernization, enhanced connectivity, and improved facilities for passengers. The Prime Minister said, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab Riverthe worlds highest railway bridgeare marvels that are making waves globally. He said that the government has laid more than 30,000 kilometers of new railway tracks in the last ten years, nearing 100 percent electrification, compared to just 35 percent existing in 2014 (when he took over as the Prime Minister) and that all manual crossings on broad-gauge tracks have been removed during this period. Mr. Modi while lauding Indias fast-paced progress in connectivity said that since the start of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1,000 kilometers. While referring to the recent inauguration of Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR along with the launch of Delhi Metro projects on Sunday, the Prime Minister asserted, Todays event is a further testimony to the fact that the entire nation is moving forward together, step by step, as projects launched in J&K, Odisha and Telangana mark a major leap in modern connectivity for these the north, east and south regions of the country. He said the work on modern rail networks like the Dedicated Freight Corridor is progressing rapidly in the country and that these special corridors will reduce pressure on the regular tracks apart from creating more opportunities for high-speed trains. He reiterated that the railways are undergoing a transformation with the promotion of Made in India. He said modern coaches are being developed for metros and railways, stations redeveloped, solar panels installed at stations and One Station, One Product stalls set up at railway stations. All these initiatives are generating millions of new employment opportunities in the railway sector. Over the last decade, millions of young people have secured permanent government jobs in the railways, he said, adding, The demand for raw materials in factories producing new train coaches leads to more job opportunities in other sectors as well. The Prime Minister said that the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana has the potential of accelerating regional development by connecting to the Outer Ring Road. This station, connected to the Outer Ring Road, will significantly boost development in the region, he said and highlighted the stations modern amenities including its platforms, lifts, escalators, solar-powered operations. The Prime Minister said, This is a step forward in creating sustainable infrastructure as this new terminal will ease the pressure on existing stations in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, making travel more convenient for the people. He said Odisha is blessed with abundant natural resources and a large coastline, and holds significant potential for international trade. He said that several railway projects worth over 70,000 crore are ongoing in the state, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which are boosting trade and industry. He said the Rayagada Railway Division will strengthen the states railway infrastructure promoting tourism, business, and employment in Odisha, especially South Odisha, where the number of tribal families is higher. Mr. Modi said that such projects not only enhance the ease of living but also promote the ease of doing business, aligning with Indias broader infrastructure goals. He said India is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks. The number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today. The metro services have expanded from 5 cities to 21 cities across the country. These projects are part of a larger roadmap towards a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country, he said. He added, I am sure that together we will accelerate this growth even further. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, G. Kishan Reddy, Jitendra Singh, V. Somanna, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Governor of Odisha Jishnu Dev Varma, his counterpart of Telangana Hari Babu Kambhampati, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah, A Revanth Reddy and Mohan Charan Majhi, the chief minister of J&J, Telangana and Odisha, respectively were present among other dignitaries at the event.
PM Modi Launches Major Railway Projects in Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several significant railway projects across Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development. The virtual event, held on Monday at 12:30 PM IST, was a major milestone in the countrys railway infrastructure upgrades. One of the standout initiatives was the inauguration of the new Jammu Railway Division, covering over 742 kilometers and vital routes such as Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla. This development is set to improve transport links in Jammu and Kashmir, offering the region enhanced access to other parts of India. Local aspirations for better connectivity will be met, boosting tourism and providing employment opportunities while driving regional economic growth. Alongside this, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telanganas Medchal-Malkajgiri district. With an investment of around Rs 413 crore, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to be eco-friendly and passenger-centric. It will alleviate congestion at existing coaching terminals in Hyderabad, including Secunderabad and Kacheguda. This new terminal will play a key role in improving the region's railway infrastructure. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway, aimed at improving rail connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and surrounding regions. This project will contribute to the socio-economic development of these areas by providing better transportation options. The event saw the participation of several notable figures, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampat, and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. These initiatives form part of the government's ongoing commitment to modernizing the railway network, enhancing infrastructure, and improving services for millions of passengers nationwide. The project, aimed at connecting vital regions such as Pathankot, Jammu, Udhampur, and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, holds significant promise for the region's growth. By improving connectivity, it will not only foster smoother movement of people and goods but also facilitate the integration of these areas with the broader national network. This enhanced connectivity is expected to stimulate economic activities, boost trade, and create new employment opportunities, unlocking the untapped economic potential of the region. Furthermore, the project reflects the governments firm dedication to addressing regional disparities, ensuring that remote and underserved areas are brought into the national economic fold, and promoting balanced development across the country. Ultimately, this initiative has the potential to play a pivotal role in transforming the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Snow-Clearing Operations: Bhaderwah Highway Reopens | #watch #trendingshorts | N18S
| Bhaderwah, Doda (J&K) | NH Bhaderwah-Pathankot opens for tourist vehicles after Border Roads Organisation's snow clearance operation. n18oc_shortsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
The last time a new division was declared in the Indian Railways was in November 2007 when the Salem Railway Division was constituted
PM Modi to inaugurate key railway projects on January 6
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several key railway projects via video conferencing from New Delhi on Monday, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity. Among the projects, PM Modi will inaugurate the newly established Jammu Railway Division in Jammu & Kashmir and the recently completed Charlapalli Terminal Station in Telangana. He will also lay the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of the East Coast Railway in Odisha. The creation of the Jammu Railway Division encompasses 742.1 km of railway lines, including the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla route, the Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot line, the Batala-Pathankot section, and the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar stretch. According to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on Sunday, the new division is expected to bring substantial benefits to Jammu & Kashmir and neighbouring areas, fulfilling a long-standing demand for improved rail connectivity with the rest of India. It will create employment opportunities, foster infrastructure development, promote tourism, and lead to overall socio-economic progress in the region, the PMO stated. Located in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana, the Charlapalli Terminal Station has been developed as a new coaching terminal at an estimated cost of 413 crore. This eco-friendly terminal, equipped with excellent passenger amenities, will help reduce congestion at existing coaching terminals in the city, such as Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda, the PMO highlighted. The foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building in Odisha will also be laid during the event. Situated in a tribal-dominated and mineral-rich region, the Rayagada division is being carved out of the existing Visakhapatnam Division in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative will enhance connectivity across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and neighbouring regions, contributing to socio-economic growth and improved transportation infrastructure, the PMO stated. Railways to develop Bargarh-Nuapada new line in Odisha as a special project These projects are part of the governments broader strategy to bolster the nations railway infrastructure, improve connectivity, and promote regional development, the statement added.
