Jammu: The Jammu District Administration today sealed an illegal arms dealership after acting swiftly on a credible tip during a surprise inspection here at Railhead Shopping Complex.
As per the official spokesman, the team led by Tehsildar Bahu, Raju Sambyal and Tehsildar HQ, Mona Chalotra, raided the premises of Aman Arms Company at Railhead Shopping Complex and unearthed a series of serious violations flagged as of immediate concern to public safety and firearms regulation.
The inspection, carried out under the direct directions of District Magistrate Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, revealed that the establishment had been operating entirely without a valid arms dealership licence, he said.
The spokesman added that the dealership licence application of Aman Shop had been rejected in 2024, rendering all commercial activity conducted by the shop in the capacity of an arms dealer not only unauthorised, but a direct violation of the Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016.
“More alarmingly, the inspection team recovered multiple Gun Licences from the premises which were last renewed from other districts including Poonch, Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Pulwama,” he added.
He further said that a number of personal documents belonging to license holders were also retrieved, adding, “complaints had also been received by the district administration that the establishment was refusing to return firearms licences to their rightful holders, a practice strongly suggestive of exploitation of licence holders under the pretext of offering renewal or allied facilitation services through unauthorised, illegal means.”
The District Magistrate, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, while taking serious cognisance of the violations, has directed that appropriate legal action be initiated against those responsible.
He further reiterated that the district administration will continue to conduct inspections of arms dealerships and enforce full compliance with applicable laws and Home Department directives without exception.
The District Administration, Jammu, once again called upon all arms licence holders and members of the public to exercise extreme caution and vigilance. No middleman, agent or unlicensed shop has any authority whatsoever to assist, facilitate, expedite, or accept any payment in connection with the renewal, application or surrender of firearms licences.
All services related to arms licences, including renewal of existing licences, application for fresh licences and surrender of weapons etc, can be accessed conveniently, transparently and without any intermediary through the National Database of Arms Licences — Arms Licensing and Information System (NDAL-ALIS), the official Government of India portal, accessible at https://ndal-alis.gov.in
“Citizens are urged to report any individual or establishment soliciting money, licences or documents on the pretext of facilitating arms licence services to the office of the District Magistrate, Jammu,” he said.

The area falls in the forested and upper mountain stretches around Gulmarg and Tangmarg.
According to the advisory, police have observed a recent rise in the movement of tourists towards the interior areas of Mulbangil and Batoo, facilitated by some tourism service providers, guides and transport operators.
The police stated that the Qazipora–Ziran–Batoo–Mulbangil–Hajibal route is not part of the officially notified tourist circuit and passes through remote areas lacking adequate visitor support and emergency response facilities.
“In the interest of public safety and to prevent tourists from venturing into areas not designated for tourism activities, Police shall be regulating and prohibiting tourist movement towards the aforesaid route with immediate effect and until further notice,” the advisory by Police said.
Baramulla Police also advised all hotel owners, guest house operators, homestay owners, travel agencies, tour operators, taxi operators, tourist guides and pony operators not to facilitate, advertise or organise visits to the restricted areas.
The advisory warned that strict legal action would be taken against any individual or establishment found violating the directions or facilitating unauthorised tourist movement that could endanger visitor safety.
Police teams have been deployed at key locations to enforce the restrictions.
Tourists have been urged to cooperate with authorities and limit their visits to approved and established tourist destinations in the Tangmarg–Gulmarg area.
The police sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in ensuring the safety, convenience and welfare of visitors to the region.

The meeting, described by Omar Abdullah as an “off-site”, was held at Dachigam National Park, nearly 22 kilometres from Srinagar and known for limited mobile network connectivity.

As NC legislators and MPs gathered at the Chief Minister’s private office on Gupkar Road in Srinagar, they were boarded onto waiting buses without being informed about the final destination, sources said. Omar Abdullah himself travelled with the group and later shared photographs from the journey on his social media handle.

“We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months – the good, the not so good & everything in between,” Omar posted on X.

The meeting assumes significance amid increasing concern within sections of the ruling National Conference over the delay in restoration of statehood and political rights to Jammu and Kashmir following the formation of the NC-led government in October 2024.

Party insiders said the legislators were expected to deliberate on governance challenges arising from Jammu and Kashmir’s union Territory status, reservation policy, delay in restoration of statehood and other long-pending political and administrative matters. Discussions on possible expansion of the council of ministers and appointment of the Advocate General were also likely to figure in the meeting.

Independent MLAs supporting the government were also invited to attend the deliberations.

The meeting comes at a time when opposition parties, including the BJP, have claimed that the ruling National Conference is facing internal strain. Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma termed the gathering as Omar Abdullah’s “floor test” to assess whether party MLAs continue to stand with him.

People’s Conference chairman and Handwara legislator Sajad Lone said, “ So this is the bombshell threatened by CM sahib. Tourist to the core. A trip to the scenic and beautiful Dachigam. Dachigam is actually symbolic for today’s congregation. It is secluded, isolated, entry is restricted. That actually sums up the state of the present government. Aloof, secluded, isolated and entry restricted.”

“A little bird told me. The MLAs have been shifted into the Wildlife area of Dachigam. And an ultimatum will be served. They will be told, “ Fall in Line” or else stay back and provide company to inhabitants of the Zoo. But the inhabitants of the zoo are apparently aghast,” Lone wrote on X.

BJP leader Sajid Yousuf Shah taunted the NC, saying holding a crucial meeting at Dachigam National Park was perhaps Omar Abdullah’s most appropriate political decision.

“After all, the gathering included NC MLAs, Ministers, Black Bears, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bears, Hangul, & other rare species. Some species are struggling to survive because of nature; others because of the policies of the National Conference. Rest is history!” he said.

Meanwhile, J&K Government on Wednesday claimed that entry to Dachigam National Park remains fully open for visitors and no restrictions have been imposed on public access today.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed the death and said it was coordinating with local authorities to support the victim’s family.

According to Kuwait’s Health Ministry, at least 63 people were injured, including airport staff and passengers. Kuwaiti authorities reported damage to airport infrastructure and nearby diplomatic facilities during the attack. One person was killed, while several others sustained injuries.

Moreover, flight operations at Kuwait International Airport were temporarily suspended following the incident.

Kuwait’s health ministry also informed that seven people require emergency surgeries.

Terminal 1 of the airport sustained severe damage, forcing a suspension of all flight operations before services resumed from Terminal 4 after safety assessments were completed, as per the Kuwaiti News Agency KUNA.

The Kuwaiti military said it intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones since dawn, though debris fell across several residential areas.

The attacks drew swift condemnation from across the region. Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait on Wednesday as a “clear violation” of international law.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed its “strongest condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian aggression and the blatant violation” of the sovereignty of Bahrain and Kuwait.

Reiterating its “categorical rejection” of the attacks, the ministry said the strikes constitute a “clear violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations” and undermine international efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in the region.

It renewed its solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait and “full support” for any measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty, security and stability.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called for a unified Gulf response, warning that the strikes carried broader implications.

“The aggression does not target one country alone, but all of us,” he said.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun also condemned the strikes on civilian sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, while in Bahrain authorities reported intercepting three missiles and several drones. Iran claimed its forces had targeted the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet, an airbase, and military helicopters in the region.

US Central Command said the Iranian strikes largely failed to reach their intended targets. Washington confirmed it had carried out operations near the Strait of Hormuz, including action against a tanker heading toward Iran. The strikes Tehran condemned as violations of international law and an existing ceasefire framework dating to 8 April.

Iran’s foreign ministry warned it would “utilise all capacities to counter aggressive actions”, placing responsibility on Kuwait and Bahrain for allegedly permitting their territory to be used in operations against Iran.

Global oil prices rose more than 2% amid mounting concern over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route handling a significant share of the world’s oil and gas exports.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was involved in discussions with Washington.

Iran, however, has consistently maintained its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes.

According to an advisory issued by Srinagar Airport, flight operations may be affected due to the proposed runway maintenance work planned by the Indian Air Force.

The advisory stated that the airport runway is proposed to remain unavailable every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 to September 30 as part of the scheduled maintenance exercise.

It further said that a complete closure of runway operations has been proposed from October 1 to October 16.

Airport authorities, however, clarified that the schedule is still in the planning stage and has not yet received formal approval.

“As soon as the schedule is formally approved, detailed updates will be shared through official channels,” the advisory said.

Passengers have been urged to stay in touch with Srinagar Airport and their respective airlines for timely and authentic updates regarding flight schedules and operations.

Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport have already been under restrictions since April this year due to ongoing runway maintenance works undertaken as part of the airport’s expansion and modernization plans. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force, these restrictions were initially scheduled to remain in place till July 31.

‎Beginning the programme with a focus on India’s rising stature in athletics, the Prime Minister lauded athletes who created new national records at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition held in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

The event, which featured nearly 800 participants from across the country, witnessed four national records being broken.

‎Modi paid special tribute to sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur, whose performances in the men’s 100-metre race attracted national attention after the national record was shattered three times in just two days. During an interaction with the athletes, the Prime Minister described their rivalry as a “jugalbandi” that had pushed both competitors to achieve new heights.

‎“You both have achieved something remarkable. Together, you have created history,” Modi said, noting that healthy competition and mutual encouragement had become the driving force behind their success.

‎Gurindervir Singh, an officer in the Indian Navy and currently India’s fastest sprinter, recalled his journey from a middle-class family to becoming the first Indian to run the 100 metres in under 10.1 seconds. He said he was inspired by his father, a former volleyball player, to pursue sprinting despite widespread perceptions that Indians could not excel in the discipline.

‎“People used to tell me that the 100 metres was not an event for Indians. But my father and I decided we would prove them wrong,” Singh said.

‎Animesh Kujur, who hails from Chhattisgarh and now represents Odisha, spoke about his transition from football to athletics and his rise to international competition. He said recent performances had challenged long-standing assumptions about Indian sprinting.

‎“People often said Indians could not run below 10 seconds or even 10.1 seconds. But now we have shown that Indians can do it,” Kujur remarked.

‎Commending their camaraderie, Modi said the athletes exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship by motivating one another while striving for excellence. “You challenge each other, help each other and move forward together. This is the true spirit of sportsmanship,” he said.

‎With several regions of the country experiencing severe heatwave conditions, the Prime Minister urged citizens to take precautions and prioritise their well-being. He advised people to remain hydrated, minimise exposure to the sun and follow official health advisories.

‎Highlighting India’s traditional wisdom in dealing with extreme summer temperatures, Modi spoke about a range of regional beverages including aam panna, lassi, chaas, sattu sherbet, kokum drinks, sol kadhi, panakam, neer mor and bel pana. He said these traditional refreshments reflected India’s rich cultural heritage and close connection with local agriculture.

‎The Prime Minister also celebrated the country’s love for mangoes, describing varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Dasheri, Langra, Chausa, Himsagar and Banganapalli as symbols of India’s diversity. He praised mango growers and noted that Indian mangoes were increasingly finding markets around the world.

‎Turning to cultural heritage, Modi recalled his recent visit to the Netherlands, where ancient Chola-era copper plates were formally returned to India. He described the occasion as a matter of immense national pride and said the artefacts offered valuable insights into the reign of Rajendra Chola I, the maritime achievements of the Chola Empire and its historical links with Southeast Asia.

‎“The rich history and culture of the Chola Empire are a matter of pride for every Indian,” he said.

‎The Prime Minister also referred to the discovery of rare copper plate inscriptions in Chhattisgarh under the Gyan Bharatam initiative, saying such findings help enrich understanding of India’s ancient governance systems, culture and religious traditions.

‎Encouraging young people to develop an interest in science, Modi highlighted the growing popularity of astronomy clubs across the country. Referring to initiatives in Bengaluru, Kerala, Rajkot and other regions, he said students were increasingly engaging in observation camps, telescope-building workshops and stargazing programmes.

‎“Night-time observation of the sky is an extraordinary experience,” he said, urging students to visit planetariums and participate in astronomy-related activities during their vacations.

‎Among the inspiring stories featured in the programme was the rescue of an endangered Gangetic dolphin in Uttar Pradesh. Modi praised the efforts of India’s first Ganga Dolphin Rescue Ambulance, which successfully saved the animal after a challenging operation that lasted nearly 13 hours.

‎“When we save a Ganga dolphin, we are not merely saving a species. We are protecting the biodiversity of the river and preserving a precious natural heritage for future generations,” he said.

‎The Prime Minister also highlighted the work of individuals making meaningful contributions to society at the grassroots level. He spoke about Saji Valasseril of Kerala, whose swimming initiative in Aluva has trained more than 15,000 people, including children with disabilities. The programme was inspired by a tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of several students.

‎“Service does not require vast resources. What is needed is a noble intention and sustained effort,” Modi observed.

‎He also praised Akash Gupta of Uttar Pradesh’s Basti district for spearheading efforts to clean the polluted Manorama River and raise awareness about environmental conservation. From Goa, he highlighted the work of retired teacher Balakrishna Aiya, who helped improve access to water through community participation and local initiatives.

‎Another story that drew attention was that of educationist Girija Amma from Tamil Nadu, who inspired students in her network of schools to contribute to the welfare of India’s armed forces. Motivated by a message of service conveyed through Mann Ki Baat, students donated one rupee each day and collectively raised nearly Rs 40 lakh for soldiers.

‎Modi said the initiative demonstrated how small acts of patriotism and collective participation could instil a strong spirit of national service among young people.

‎Wrapping up the programme, the Prime Minister said countless inspiring stories emerge daily from villages, towns and cities across the country, often without attracting public attention. He urged citizens to recognise and support such efforts, describing them as powerful examples of people-led development.

‎“Many of these initiatives may not receive widespread publicity, but they strengthen our faith that the nation is progressing through the power of its people. Learn from such individuals, appreciate them and, if possible, become part of some positive effort yourself,” he said. UNI

In the first operation, the Army foiled an exfiltration attempt along the LoC and detained three individuals from Sopore sub-district during a joint search operation with police, following specific intelligence inputs.

“Based on specific intelligence input, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice in general area of Uri, Baramulla. Two individuals from Sopore apprehended by vigilant Chinar Warriors while attempting exfiltration in Uri Sector with inimical intent alongwith their accomplice guide. Further probe underway,” Army’s Srinagar based Chinar Corps said on X.

While the Army didn’t disclose any identity of the trio, sources said one of them is a suspended Territorial Army personnel and a resident of Dangerpora Sopore. The trio was detained in the Hathlanga area of Uri.

Sources said all three are being questioned and further investigations are underway to ascertain the circumstances of the attempted exfiltration.

In a separate incident, an intruder from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was apprehended by the Army along the LoC in the Uri sector.

The Chinar Corps said in a post on X that vigilant troops maintained restraint while challenging the intruder before apprehending him during the operation.

“A POJK intruder has been apprehended, who was intercepted by alert Chinar Warriors while crossing the Line of Control in Uri Sector. The vigilant troops maintained restraint while challenging the intruder and surgically apprehended the individual. Intruder handed over to JKP for further legal proceedings,” the post said.

The Army also shared the identity card of the intruder, identifying him as Zeeshan Ahmad Mir, son of Lal Din Mir, a resident of PoJK.

UNI

‎In a post on X, Gandhi clubbed together recent controversies around NEET, CBSE, SSC and CUET, calling it evidence of deeper governance failure.

‎“NEET | CBSE | SSC | And today CUET. Four exams. One crore students. Not even one was conducted honestly,” he wrote.

‎Mocking the government’s “Vishwaguru” pitch, he added: “Claims of being ‘Vishwaguru’, but you can’t even conduct a single exam in the country – Modi ji has destroyed the entire education system.”

‎Gandhi also issued a political warning: “The generation whose future you are ruining – that same generation will hold you accountable.”

‎His comments came as CUET-UG 2026 ran into technical glitches at multiple TCS-operated centres in Delhi, Bengaluru and elsewhere, disrupting the test for thousands. The National Testing Agency admitted the issue, granted extra time to affected candidates, and postponed some afternoon sessions.

‎The CUET trouble follows the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 earlier this month over paper-leak allegations, which impacted nearly 24 lakh medical aspirants and sparked nationwide protests. Opposition parties accused the Centre of failing to protect exam integrity, while the government said corrective steps were underway and culprits would face action.

‎CBSE’s shift to digital On-Screen Marking for Class 12 answer sheets also drew flak, with students and teachers reporting mismatched scripts, blurred scans, missing pages and unexpectedly low marks, fueling calls for re-evaluation and more transparency.

‎In another X post, Gandhi extended his criticism to healthcare and medical education, stressing that medicine rests on trust:

‎“Becoming a doctor and saving people’s lives is the noblest work, bound by the delicate thread of trust. When that trust is turned into business, malpractice begins – something that cannot be fixed with patchwork reforms. This system must be corrected from the root.”

‎Congress leaders have repeatedly argued that tech-driven reforms without safeguards are hurting students, and that commercialisation of education and healthcare needs stronger public oversight.

‎Education, jobs and youth opportunity were key themes in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and remain central to Congress’s attack strategy. With fresh exam disruptions and leak allegations keeping the issue alive, the government’s push for tighter security and better administration is being countered by the opposition’s charge that structural flaws run deeper.

‎As millions of students wait for clarity on exams and admissions, accountability in the education sector is set to stay a hot political battleground. UNI SKA AAB

He was addressing the Attestation-cum-Passing Out Parade of the 7th batch of Agniveers at the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regimental Centre in Srinagar. The parade marked the successful completion of 24 weeks of rigorous military training by 538 Agniveer recruits.

Addressing the newly inducted soldiers, the Corps Commander of army’s Nagrota-based White Knight Corps Lt Gen Mishra said they were fortunate to become part of an army whose history of bravery, sacrifice and patriotism is written in golden words.

“The Indian Army is not just a force protecting the borders but also a symbol of the faith and security of the people of the country,” he said.

Highlighting the role of the Army in challenging situations, the Corps Commander said, “Whether it is a war, anti-terrorist operations or a natural disaster, the country’s first ray of hope is the Army.”

He said that from now on, the Agniveers would not only carry ranks on their shoulders but also the hopes and trust of millions of Indians.

“Your bravery, determination and dedication will inspire future generations. I am confident that all of you will take this glorious legacy to new heights,” Lt Gen Mishra said.

The Corps Commander also congratulated the families of the Agniveers for encouraging their children to join the Indian Army and serve the nation.

Concluding his address, Lt Gen Mishra prayed for the recruits’ bright future, good health and exemplary journey in the Army.