NIA conducts searches at multiple locations in J&K

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that India’s culture, traditions and the Constitution has not allowed the thread of unity in diversity to get weaken in any circumstances. Addressing Pandit Deen Dayal Smriti Samman Programme in New Delhi on Sunday Naqvi said, many obstacles came in the way of inclusive development, but our strength of Unity in Diversity has ensured the country moved forward on the path of prosperity. He said, that even after having various languages, religions, regions, lifestyle, India is united only because of its culture, traditions and strong Constitutional values. The Minister said that during the last seven years, the Government has worked for inclusive empowerment with commitment to Constitutional values. It has ensured development with dignity of all the sections including the Minorities.

-In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in a historic event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated Retreat Ceremony at Octroi Post in Suchet Garh on the India-Pak International Border. The Retreat Ceremony on the lines of Wagah Border reflects the great legacy and valour of BSF, India’s first line of defence. On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, BSF has made a new beginning that will ensure a massive push to the border tourism in the UT, besides putting Suchet Garh into the global tourism map, the LG said. The LG paid homage to the brave-hearts of security forces and said while the nation is celebrating the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, we must remember all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country. Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh was the special guest on the occasion.

-The National Investigaton Agency (NIA) on Sunday conducted searches at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir in Cross LoC Trade Case. The searches were conducted at nine places in J&K in its ongoing probe in connection with a large scale transfer of funds from Pakistan to India through the import of California Almonds (Badam Giri) through cross LOC trade routes. The NIA with the assistance of J&K Police, CRPF and ITBP conducted searches in the border district of Poonch at the premises of the suspected LoC traders in relation to the case.The NIA had filed an FIR on December 16, 2016 and registered a case under Section 17 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and started a probe after Union Home Ministry's December 9, 2016 order based on input regarding terror funding taking place through cross-LOC trade routes. LoC Trade was started in the year 2008 as a part of confidence-building measure between J&K and PoK. The trade was based on barter system and third party origin goods were not allowed. The instant case is related to the large scale transfer of funds from Pakistan to India through the import of California Almonds and other items via the Cross LoC Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) located at Salamabad, Uri, District Baramulla and Chakkan-Da-Bag, District Poonch. These funds were purportedly being used for fomenting terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.

-Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has urged the centre and states to work in a team India spirit to further improve the health indices. He also called for bridging disparities in health infrastructure between urban and rural areas. Naidu urged health experts and youth icons to spread awareness about healthy lifestyle.  He said that healthcare is not just absence of illness and called for taking a holistic view of health that includes physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing and empowers an individual to reach his or her full potential. In a video message to a Private Satellite Channel, the Vice President said that this holistic approach towards health is the aim of Swasth Bharat, which will ultimately lead to Sampann Bharat or prosperous Bharat.He lauded the government’s flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat and said it has brought health assurance to millions of poor families.

-In Kerala, heavy rain lashed across the northern districts of the state, especially in Kozhikode, Thrissur, Wyanad and Kasargod districts  last on Saturday evening. Water entered several homes and shops in Mukkom and Vellayil areas in Kozhikode district. Low lying areas in many places were inundated, causing traffic snarls.Landslip was reported at Thottakkad near Karassery. Another landslide took place inside the forests near Maruthom Hill Highway in Kasargod district last evening, causing traffic disruption. Meanwhile, Met Department says, rain or thundershower is likely to occur at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep. A yellow alert has been issued today for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wyanad districts. It said isolated heavy rainfall is likely across the state till the 6th of this month.