New Delhi, May 6 : The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday described the North Tech Symposium as a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defence sector, emphasising that the initiative brings together users, industry, and academia under a common platform. In a video message, Lt. Sharma stated that the symposium is being held in the historic city of Prayagraj, situated at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Themed ‘Defence Triveni Confluence’, the event aims to integrate ideas, innovation, and operational experience into the armed forces’ capabilities, he said. For the first time, two frontline commands of the Indian Army have united on one stage to share operational experience, the Army Commander said. He identified the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPDA) as co-participants. Lt Gen Sharma said the symposium will see armed forces, industries, start-ups, innovators, and academic institutions collaborate to find solutions to critical operational challenges. Describing the present as a turning point in a fast-changing battlefield, he observed that innovation not only aids ideas but also shapes them. The Defence Minister’s announcement of the ‘Year of Reforms’ and subsequent joint efforts have reduced the gap between ideas and innovation, Lt Gen Sharma added. He said the initiative is inspired by the principles of ‘Jai’ — Jointness, Independence, and Innovation — which is crucial for modernising combat capability. The symposium provides industry partners a platform to showcase technical capabilities and understand end-user requirements in depth, the Army Commander said, adding that this would enable the Indian defence industry to produce customised weaponry. He emphasised that the event will deliver practical technological solutions for soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. Based on operational challenges faced by the Army, focus teams will ensure clear problem statements, immediate feedback, and practical solutions, Lt Gen Sharma said. He said that the cooperative model brings together end-users, innovation partners, industry, start-ups, and academia, with technical seminars, equipment displays, and army innovations adding value to the event. Lt Gen Sharma also highlighted an unprecedented level of coordination among the armed forces, industry, academia, and government institutions. He expressed gratitude to all participants, government agencies, SIDM, and UPDA, stating that their cooperation had made the project a real success.

Addresses workers’ convention in Pattan, slams NC government over failure to address rising unemployment in J&K  Srinagar, May 3: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, on Sunday accused the government of lacking a comprehensive plan to tackle rising unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the ruling party misled the public during election campaign by making false promises of providing one lakh jobs soon after assuming power. Apni Party President made these remarks today while addressing a workers’ convention in Pattan of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Reiterating his demand for dialogue between the Union government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that “it is of utmost importance that the Centre initiates talks as promised by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. He stressed that the trust deficit between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir must be bridged,”  “Whether or not New Delhi talks to Pakistan is not our issue, but it must talk to its own people—especially the youth—to address their pressing issues,” he asserted. Calling for the release of detainees, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that numerous leaders and young people have been jailed for an extended time. “How long will they remain behind bars?” he asked, asserting that those not facing grave charges must be freed to return to normal life with their families. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari further said, “New Delhi has to understand that our youth are enduring many hardships and problems that need to be addressed. They have no jobs, and no employment generation measures are being taken. Even our youth are not being given passports to travel abroad for better livelihood opportunities. People are deeply disappointed. On one hand, J&K was stripped of its special constitutional status, statehood, and other privileges on August 5; on the other hand, people are being left high and dry, with their pressing issues and grievances unaddressed. Where will they go? How does New Delhi expect people here to remain content with the Centre?” “That is why I repeatedly urge the Centre to initiate a dialogue with the people and address their concerns,” he added. Accusing the elected government of misleading people with false promises during the 2024 assembly election campaign, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “They (the ruling party) misled people by claiming that they would create one lakh jobs soon after assuming charge of the government. Where are those jobs? They have neither a plan nor a policy to address the grave issue of unemployment in J&K.” He added, “We understand that not everyone can be given a government job, but that does not mean the elected government should remain idle and do nothing about rising unemployment. What is their plan, and what have they done during the past one and a half years in power?” “During the election campaign, they misled people. They promised free electricity, but instead they have increased electricity charges. Where are the free cooking gas cylinders and the enhanced ration quota they had promised to the people?” “Have they made the daily wagers permanent, as they had promised to the people?” he asked. Addressing the occasion, the party’s Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir, accused the elected government of deliberately depriving people of their right to choose their representatives through Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections. He said they know these elections will empower people at the grassroots level, and they do not want such empowerment. "They do not want democracy to strengthen here because they are unwilling to share power with the common people. They seek only their own empowerment and wish to rule through unchecked and continuous authority. That is why this government is not allowing Panchayat and ULB elections to be held here," he said. He raised the issue of mineral extraction and said that many local people have been earning their livelihood by manually extracting building materials from rivers and nallahs. This source of livelihood has been taken away from them. “We raised this issue with the central government and convinced them that traditional methods of mineral extraction should continue as they used to. We were assured that permissions for extracting sand, bajri, etc., from rivers would be granted to Panchayats, which would be authorised to decide who should receive the contracts. But unfortunately, the local government is not allowing these bodies to be elected here.” Mir said that the Apni Party wants genuine development in Jammu and Kashmir. “We want a better future for our youth and a dignified life for them. They should not be summoned to police stations or put in jails. We must transform Jammu and Kashmir into a truly peaceful, stable, and developed region.” He said that in the 2024 Assembly elections, the people have given the Apni Party the role of the opposition, and it will leave no stone unturned to perform its duties effectively “We will raise pressing public issues and grievances time and again, ensure they are addressed, and continue striving to hold this government accountable for its misgovernance before the people.” Addressing the workers’ convention, the party’s Chief Coordinator, Returning Officer, and District President Kulgam, Abdul Majeed Paddar, urged people to wake up and play their role in holding the elected government accountable. “You have given your mandate to this government, and it is accountable to you. It is your right to hold them accountable,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, State Youth President and Spokesperson Yawar Dilawar Mir said Apni Party is committed to striving for the peace, prosperity, and development of Jammu and Kashmir. "We will ensure that Jammu and Kashmir and its people receive all the rights they deserve, like any other citizen of the country. This party will continue to fight to restore people’s rights," he said. He urged the public to support the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party so that it can effectively implement its pro-people agenda and policies. The prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included party’s State Secretary & Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin, Provincial Vice President Kashmir Hakikat Singh, District President Baramulla Shabir Ahmad Shah, Constituency In-charge Pattan Sheikh Riyaz, Syed Muzaffar Rizwi, and others. 

Srinagar, May 3: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that drug peddlers are enemies of the nation and will be dealt with accordingly. He termed drug trafficking as “silent terrorism” which is aimed at destroying Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, families and future. Addressing a gathering at TRC Football Ground here during the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’ before leading the padyatra, LG Sinha said the anti-drug campaign has transformed into a “Jan Andolan” within just 22 days. “This war is being fought in every home, every mohalla and every lane where drugs are draining the life force of our youth,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor said the oath against drugs is not symbolic but reflects the pain of parents, anguish of families and concern of teachers who have seen young lives getting destroyed. “This is not just a government pledge. It is the resolve of every mother, every father and every teacher. People have now declared ‘bohat hua, ab aur nahi hoga’,” he said. LG Sinha said he personally visited eight districts of Jammu division and undertook padyatras, where a unified message emerged from people. “Everyone said, we want our children back, we want our future back. Today I have come to Kashmir to say we will bring it back at any cost,” he said. He added that the campaign has united generations and sections of society in a collective fight. Narco-Terror Angle  Flagging a serious security dimension, the LG said drug trafficking is linked to terrorism. “We are facing a dangerous enemy sitting in our neighbourhood. Drug money is being used to fund terrorism and procure weapons,” he said. He added that narco networks are targeting the “most creative and productive force, our youth” and trying to weaken families, economy and moral foundations. “They are introducing new methods and instruments to push drugs into markets. But we will not allow their designs to succeed,” he said. 100-Day Campaign, 78 Days Left  LG Sinha said a 100-day campaign was launched from April 11 to involve every citizen in the fight, with 78 days still remaining. “Every day, every hour is important. We must ensure maximum public participation and make JK a model drug-free society,” he said. Three-front Strategy He said the administration is working on three front. Breaking supply chains. Mass awareness. Rehabilitation of addicts However, he stressed that “public participation is the biggest weapon.” “Police action and laws alone are not enough unless society stands together,” he said. Massive Crackdown Giving figures, the LG said that between April 11 and May 2, over 481 FIRs registered, 518 drug smugglers arrested, 24 narco properties attached; 26 in Kashmir districts, around 300 driving licences suspended. Several licences cancelled; 5 passports cancelled, 325 vehicles seized. 3000+ drug stores inspected. As many as 107 licences suspended; FIR lodged against one. He said financial transactions of drug syndicates are being tracked and “each link of the network is being broken.” Strict Warning “I assure the people that every culprit will be identified. Whether inside or outside JK, anyone linked to drug networks will face the strictest law,” he said. LG Sinha said that police stations will maintain photo galleries of peddlers and lookout notices are being issued against absconders. No Mercy For Guilty Reiterating zero tolerance, LG Sinha said: “Where there is guilt, there will be no mercy. But the innocent will not be touched.” He said drug smugglers will be treated like enemies of the country. “They are enemies of humanity and our youth,” he said. Silent Terrorism “Some call it crime, but I say it is terrorism silent terrorism. It is poisoning lives, weakening families and destroying society,” he said. The LG urged people to act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration. “Prepare lists of drug traffickers and cooperate with police and civil administration. Together we will eliminate this menace,” he said. He also called upon religious leaders, imams, teachers, women and youth groups to actively participate. “The time for silence is over,” he said He said over 70,000 people have already joined the movement, with women’s committees, youth clubs and social organisations playing a key role. Message to Youth In a direct appeal, LG Sinha said: “Taking drugs is not ‘cool’. Those trapped are victims and must be helped through treatment and compassion.” “The days of those trying to destroy Jammu and Kashmir are over. We have taken a pledge to make JK drug-free and we will achieve it with full determination,” he added. (KNO)

Srinagar, May 1: The newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh on Friday vowed to work in close coordination with the civil administration and the people to strengthen peace, stability and prosperity across Valley. He was speaking during his inaugural address soon after taking over as the new Lieutenant General of the Srinagar based 15 Corps of the Indian Army. "I will work in close synergy with the civil administration and the Awaam of Kashmir to further strengthen the foundation of peace, stability and prosperity in the region," an official handout reads. He took over as the new Lieutenant General after the outgoing Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava relinquished the Command and handed over reins of the Chinar Corps after 19 months of leadership and sage guidance. "During this period the region witnessed consolidation of security architecture which became responsive and synergised and contributed to peace and stability of the Valley," the handout reads. "His eventful and challenging tenure was characterised by meticulous execution of OP SINDOOR & OP MAHADEV, which brought the perpetrators of the dastardly ‘Pahalgam Attack’ to justice, incident-free conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2025 and multiple initiatives in Nation Building," it reads. It reads that under his astute stewardship, the Corps also registered notable operational successes in Counter-Infiltration along the Line of Control and in Counter-Terrorism operations in the hinterland, delivering a decisive and debilitating blow to inimical elements. "Equally commendable were his sustained outreach initiatives, which fostered trust and goodwill among the local populace, earning him admiration for his humane and affable approach," the handout reads. Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava now proceeds to assume the prestigious appointment of the Quarter Master General at IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi, it reads  Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, a highly decorated and battle-hardened officer with over 34 years of illustrious service assumed command of the Chinar Corps on May 1 of 2026. Upon taking over, he paid solemn obeisance at the Chinar War Memorial, Srinagar, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the Nation’s bravehearts. "Possessing extensive operational experience in Counter-Infiltration and Counter-Terrorism operations across Jammu & Kashmir and North East, he brings along a wealth of expertise and strategic acumen," the handout reads. He previously had commanded the Counter Insurgency Force (Victor) in South Kashmir. In his inaugural address, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh reaffirmed his resolve to work in close synergy with the Civil Administration and the ‘Awaam of Kashmir’ to further strengthen the foundation of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He exhorted all sections of the society to join hands with security forces in overcoming the persistent challenges. "As the mantle of leadership transitions, the Chinar Corps remains an enduring emblem of unity, resilience and unwavering commitment - steadfast in its mission to ensure lasting peace, stability, nurturing rich cultural heritage and meet the aspirations of the Kashmiri youth for a brighter future and Vikasit Kashmir," the handout reads.