Security beefed up as Cong, PDP, NC to observe Aug 5 as
Jammu Tawi, Aug 4 : Security has been intensified across the Jammu region, particularly along the Jammu-Srinagar and Jammu-Pathankot national highways, as the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress have announced separate protests to observe August 5 as Black Day. August 5 marks the seventh anniversary of the Centres decision [] The post Security beefed up as Cong, PDP, NC to observe Aug 5 as Black Day appeared first on Northlines .
Security beefed up as Congress, PDP, NC to observe Aug 5 as 'Black Day'
Jammu, Aug 4: Security has been intensified across the Jammu region, particularly along the Jammu-Srinagar and Jammu-Pathankot national highways, as the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress have announced separate protests to observe August 5 as Black Day. August 5 marks the seventh anniversary of the Centre's decision to abrogate the special status of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state under Article 370 and reorganise it into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Police, the Army and the CRPF have stepped up security arrangements by increasing vehicle checking, frisking and surveillance at sensitive locations across the region, officials said. Special checkpoints have been placed on high alert along the Jammu-Srinagar and Jammu-Pathankot highways, with security personnel conducting searches of vehicles and verifying the identity of commuters, they said. Security has also been strengthened in border areas, where patrolling and area domination exercises have been intensified as a precautionary measure, the officials said, adding that additional deployments have been made at vulnerable locations. The National Conference leadership will assemble outside the party headquarters in Jammu and stage a protest on Wednesday, party leaders said. The Congress will hold a demonstration outside its Shaheedi Chowk headquarters, demanding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, along with constitutional safeguards for land, jobs and natural resources, party leaders said. The PDP will also hold a protest at its Gandhi Nagar headquarters to mark the occasion, its leaders said.
Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday stated that the delay in implementation of the Ujh multipurpose project and the Shahpurkandi project resulted in the waters of the Ravi river and its tributaries continuing to flow into Pakistan although India controlled it (Ravi), even when the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was in force. He asserted that the revival of Ujh after a hiatus of 100 years and Shahpurkandi project, which was almost completed, would optimise the use of Ravi water and 90,000 hectares of agricultural land in four districts of J&K and Punjab would get irrigation facilities after the phased completion of Ujh project. Dr Jitendra was reviewing the status and phased implementation roadmap of the Ujh multipurpose project (MPP) in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, in a meeting held in the union capital on August 2, 2026. The Ujh multipurpose project, located on the Ujh river, a main tributary of the Ravi River, is designed to generate around 186 MW to 212 MW of electricity. Besides bolstering irrigation and drinking water facilities, it also has an important security and border-management dimension and is backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to restrict unregulated water flows and plug vulnerable cross-border infiltration routes along the riverbed. In a detailed meeting with the officials of Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) Limited, a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has been entrusted with the implementation of the project, the Union Minister, on Sunday, August 2, 2026, emphasised the need for expeditious implementation so that the benefits of the strategically important project reached the people at the earliest. Dr Jitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences besides being the Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, advised WAPCOS to explore innovative solutions and implementation strategies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency. The Minister was informed that the project was being taken up in a phased manner. Work will commence while acquisition of the remaining land is pursued simultaneously, without waiting for completion of the entire land acquisition process. The implementing agency is also working out the project site and related requirements, it was stated. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra said, long-pending national projects were being taken forward with renewed urgency. He noted that the Ujh multipurpose project, conceived nearly a century ago, had remained in limbo for decades, while the Shahpurkandi project had remained pending for about four decades. The delay in implementation of these projects resulted in the waters of the Ravi river and its tributaries continuing to flow into Pakistan. Even when the Indus Waters Treaty was in force, Ravi, Satluj and Beas were Indias three rivers under the Treaty, with Ravi being the major river among them, he maintained, adding that the Treaty was currently in abeyance. Dr Jitendra said, The revival of the Shahpurkandi project in 2019, which is now almost complete and the revival of the Ujh multipurpose project in 2026 reflect the governments resolve under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to realise long-delayed projects, optimise the use of Indias water resources and deliver tangible benefits to the people. The Ujh multipurpose project is expected to provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. The project will also supply drinking water to Kathua district and provide industrial water availability. The project is expected to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve water security, create new opportunities for economic development and contribute to the overall socio-economic progress of the Union Territory. Dr Jitendra reviewed the implementation milestones in detail and stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders and effective monitoring for timely execution. He assured WAPCOS of the governments full support and cooperation for the successful implementation and timely completion of the prestigious project.
Dr. Jitendra reviews Ujh project, calls for faster implementation
Jammu, Aug 2: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Sunday reviewed the implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project (MPP) in Kathua district and directed officials to expedite its execution to ensure timely benefits for the people. Chairing a review meeting with officials of WAPCOS Ltd., the implementing agency for the project, Dr. Singh stressed the need for speedy implementation while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and efficiency. Officials informed the minister that the project would be implemented in phases, with construction work commencing alongside the acquisition of the remaining land instead of waiting for the entire land acquisition process to be completed. Describing the Ujh Multipurpose Project as strategically significant, Dr. Singh said the Centre was committed to completing long-pending national projects under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the Ujh project, conceived nearly a century ago, had remained pending for decades, while the Shahpurkandi project was stalled for around 40 years. According to the minister, these delays resulted in the waters of the Ravi River and its tributaries flowing into Pakistan. Dr. Singh said the revival of the Shahpurkandi project in 2019 and the Ujh project in 2026 reflected the government's resolve to optimise India's water resources and complete long-delayed infrastructure projects. The Ujh Multipurpose Project on the Ujh River, a tributary of the Ravi, is expected to generate 186-212 MW of electricity and provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. The project is also expected to improve drinking water supply in Kathua, provide industrial water, enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen water security and support regional economic development. The Centre said the project also has strategic importance for border management. Dr. Singh called for close coordination among all stakeholders and assured WAPCOS of the Centre's full support for the timely completion of the project.
Dr Jitendra Singh reviews status of Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu and Kashmir
New Delhi, Aug 02: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the status and phased implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project (MPP) in Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister held a detailed meeting with the officials of WAPCOS Ltd., a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has been entrusted with the implementation of the project. Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the need for expeditious implementation so that the benefits of this strategically important project reach the people at the earliest. He advised WAPCOS to explore innovative solutions and implementation strategies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency. The Minister was informed that the project is being taken up in a phased manner. Work will commence while acquisition of the remaining land is pursued simultaneously, without waiting for completion of the entire land acquisition process. The implementing agency is also working out the project site and related requirements. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, long-pending national projects are being taken forward with renewed urgency. He noted that the Ujh Multipurpose Project, conceived nearly a century ago, had remained in limbo for decades, while the Shahpurkandi project had remained pending for about four decades. The delay in implementation of these projects, he said, resulted in the waters of the Ravi River and its tributaries continuing to flow into Pakistan. The Minister said that even when the Indus Waters Treaty was in force, Ravi, Satluj and Beas were Indias three rivers under the Treaty, with Ravi being the major river among them. He noted that the Treaty is now in abeyance. Dr Jitendra Singh said that the revival of the Shahpurkandi project in 2019, which is now almost complete, and the revival of the Ujh Multipurpose Project in 2026 reflect the Governments resolve under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to realise long-delayed projects, optimise the use of Indias water resources and deliver tangible benefits to the people. The Ujh Multipurpose Project, located on the Ujh River, a main tributary of the Ravi River, is designed to generate around 186 MW to 212 MW of electricity. It is expected to provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu & Kashmir and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. The project will also supply drinking water to Kathua district and provide industrial water availability. The project is expected to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve water security, create new opportunities for economic development and contribute to the overall socio-economic progress of the Union Territory. It also has an important security and border-management dimension and is backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to restrict unregulated water flows and plug vulnerable cross-border infiltration routes along the riverbed. Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed the implementation milestones in detail and stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders and effective monitoring for timely execution. He assured WAPCOS of the Governments full support and cooperation for the successful implementation and timely completion of the prestigious project.
Pakistan made every effort to dismantle goodwill under Indus Water Treaty: Kwatra
Washington, Aug 2: The Indus Water Treaty was signed in the spirit of goodwill and friendship, and Pakistan spent half a century dismantling it, Indias envoy to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra said. In an article published in Newsweek magazine, Kwatra said Indias decision to keep the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance merely acknowledged what Pakistans conduct had already destroyed. Kwatra's article came days after Pakistan hosted a conference recently to protest Indias decision to hold the IWT in abeyance on April 23 last year, a day after Pakistan-trained terrorists killed 26 people, most of them tourists, at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It is worth remembering that the treaty's preamble declares it was concluded in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. Pakistan spent half a century dismantling that goodwill and friendship. The abeyance merely acknowledges what Pakistan's conduct had already destroyed, the envoy said. The IWT, signed by India and Pakistan in 1960, gave New Delhi control over three of the six Indus basin rivers that carry roughly 20 per cent of the basins water, while Islamabad got rights to rivers that carry roughly 80 per cent. That asymmetry stifled development for decades in Indian regions that could have benefited from better water rights. India honoured the treaty anyway, Kwatra said. He said Pakistan responded by launching wars against India in 1965, 1971 and in 1999; and through decades of persistent hostility and cross-border terrorism, including an attack on Indias Parliament in 2001, Mumbai terror carnage in 2008, Uri and Pathankot attacks in 2016, the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the Pahalgam attack in 2025. Kwatra said if Pakistan sincerely wants Indias cooperation on bilateral issues, it must first dismantle the terror infrastructure it has built over the years. Obstruction and bureaucratic delays have been Pakistans principal responses to any India-initiated projects under the treaty, he said. Pakistan also consistently blocked India's initiatives to renegotiate the treaty in light of six decades of technological change, which would have let India develop its hydropower potential, he said. Bit by bit, Pakistan eroded India's faith that it could exercise its rights under the treaty, or hope for a better one suited to today's realities, Kwatra said. The envoy said those advocating talks between India and Pakistan have not taken note of the history of these initiatives taken in the past or they must believe that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is not insanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly voiced Indias stand today: Terror and talks cannot go together... Terror and trade cannot go together... Water and blood cannot flow together', Kwatra said. He said the water scarcity Pakistan faces is a result of mismanagement by the government in Islamabad. ...the Government of Pakistan would do better to fix its dismal water productivity, than to stage conferences blaming India and issuing threats, Kwatra said, adding that the habit of pinning every domestic failure on India has grown old. The world should say so, unequivocally, he said.
Pathankot on alert after bomb hoax emails
Two dead as bus hits vehicles, set on fire in Pathankot
Monsoon swells Ranjit Sagar, floods hit Pathankot border villages
ED conducts search operations for illegal sand mining in Pathankot
Chandigarh, July 20 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorates zonal office in Jalandhar in Punjab on Monday said it has conducted search operations under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering
Jitendra Singh announces construction of Gateway to J&K at Lakhanpur
Jammu, Jul 17:Union Minister of State in PMO, Jitendra Singh on Friday announced that the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir will be developed into an attractive entry point through a unique gateway monument and comprehensive beautification works in Lakhanpur, at an estimated cost of over Rs 1.5 crore. He said the project estimate was already prepared and funds would be mobilised through the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) and other available resources. Singh also stated that while Shahpur Kandi project had become operational, the work on Ujh multi-purpose project would start soon. Singh was interacting with the local street food vendors, traders, who accorded him a warm welcome on Friday during his visit to the Lakhanpur vendors market. His visit follows the Government of India's decision to include Lakhanpur among 50 towns across India to be developed as 'Street Food Hub under the PM SVANidhi initiative. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Singh, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences besides being the Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently focussed on welfare-oriented development rather than vote-oriented politics. He remarked that several long-pending projects, which had remained neglected before 2014, were revived and implemented with renewed commitment under the present government. Highlighting the significance of the PM SVANidhi Scheme, the Union Minister said that for the first time in the country's history, the welfare of street vendors was addressed through a dedicated government initiative. He observed that street vendors had remained outside the policy focus of successive governments, but the sensitivity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured that neglected sections of society were brought into the mainstream through schemes that provided dignity, financial support and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Singh said Lakhanpurs selection in the first phase of the Street Food Hub initiative highlighted the government's dedication in empowering small vendors while creating organised, hygienic and visitor-friendly vending spaces. The Minister informed that the Ministry had received 126 proposals from 32 States and Union Territories, covering 106 Urban Local Bodies and seven census towns. The proposed Street Food Hub at Lakhanpur will be developed across two clusters in Lakhanpur Market - one near the Old Bus Stand and the other near the Sales Tax Office. Strategically located at the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir from Pathankot and on the route to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, the location witnesses substantial movement of tourists, pilgrims and transit travellers throughout the day. Spread across 1,754.25 square metres, the hub will provide modern vending infrastructure while promoting Dogra cuisine and other local culinary traditions in a clean, organised and visitor-friendly environment. Singh said the project was planned keeping local welfare at its core, adding that even the tendering process was designed to maximise benefits for local people. The hubs would showcase Dogra cuisine and other regional delicacies, strengthen local entrepreneurship and transform Lakhanpur from merely a transit point into a recognised culinary destination, he said. Referring to other major development initiatives in the region, the Union Minister said, The Shahpur Kandi Project, which had remained stalled for nearly four decades, has now become operational. Along with the revived Ujh multipurpose project, pending for nearly a century and now in its final stages of approval, these projects will significantly improve irrigation facilities in Kathua, Samba and parts of Jammu district while ensuring better utilisation of water resources. The minister also inaugurated a statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh at Lakhanpur. Installed at the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir, the statue has emerged as an important landmark reflecting the cultural and historical identity of the region. Singh maintained that the memorial honoured Maharaja Gulab Singh's contribution to nation-building while instilling pride among the younger generation about the history and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. He further informed that approvals were obtained for naming the Kathua Railway Station after Shaheed Captain Sunil Sharma and expressed confidence that the formal process would be completed shortly. Responding to queries regarding the shifting of the vehicle fitness testing facility from Kathua to Samba, Singh clarified that the move was necessitated by the establishment of a modern, technology-driven automated testing facility at Samba. He added that the arrangement was temporary and that a proposal to establish a similar state-of-the-art facility in Kathua was already under consideration by the competent authorities. The local street food vendors and residents thanked the Union Minister for securing the PM SVANidhi Street Food Hub for Lakhanpur, stating that the initiative would provide a clean, organised and dignified working environment for vendors while enhancing facilities for pilgrims, tourists and other visitors.
Good News For UP, Bihar Travellers: Chhapra-Pathankot Weekly Special Train From July 20
Train will have 19 coaches, including AC Second Class, AC Third Class, Third AC Economy, Sleeper Class, General Second Class, and luggage-cum-generator coaches.
MHA tags 17 from Pakistan and 6 Indians 'individual terrorists'
India has declared 23 individuals from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as terrorists, targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish operatives. Home Minister Amit Shah stated these individuals are involved in anti-India activities, including terror attacks and recruitment. The designated terrorists are linked to significant attacks like Pathankot and the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, with some also involved in reconnaissance for future strikes. This move underscores the government's firm stance against terrorism.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced that the long-pending Shahpur Kandi Project on the River Ravi is nearing completion, raising hopes among farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba and Kathua districts. The project is expected to bring irrigation to over 32,000 hectares of barren land in the Kandi belt and benefit thousands of hectares in Punjab's Pathankot district.
One more held in Patiala rail track blast
CHANDIGARH, May 2: Punjab Police on Saturday said it has arrested one more person in connection with the freight corridor railway track blast in Shambhu in Patiala. Gurjinder Singh alias Baba Beant has been arrested by the State Special Operation Cell in Amritsar, Patiala Police and Counter Intelligence wing in Pathankot in a joint operation, said Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Gurjinder is a key associate of Jagroop Singh, who was killed [] The post One more held in Patiala rail track blast appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Samba police arrests bike lifter
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Apr, 25: Samba police has arrested an accused person involved in a theft case registered at Police Station (PS), Bari Brahmana and recovered stolen bike from his possession. Police said on April 23 a written report was lodged at Police Station (PS), Bari Brahmana by one Ajay Kumar, son of Kulwant Singh of Sarna, Pathankot regarding theft of his motorcycle bearing Registration Number, PB36H-3464 from industrial area Bari Brahmana. Acting over the complaint, a case FIR No. [] The post Samba police arrests bike lifter appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Handlers in Pak monitored Army movement in Kathua, Pjb, Haryana
Major espionage network unearthed JAMMU/NEW DELHI, Apr 10: An espionage network with direct links to Pakistan has been unearthed, revealing how handlers across the border were remotely monitoring real-time movement of Indian Army personnel through a covert grid of solar-powered CCTV cameras installed at strategically sensitive locations across northern India, an official said on Friday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The surveillance network spanned key cities including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala and Moga in Punjab, Ambala in Haryana, [] The post Handlers in Pak monitored Army movement in Kathua, Pjb, Haryana appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
