Stresses strong border security

New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah Friday attended the Border Security Force (BSF) Investiture Ceremony and Rustamji Memorial Lecture as the Chief Guest in New Delhi. Several dignitaries including the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Secretary (Border Management), and the Director General of the BSF attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that the investiture ceremony symbolizes the BSF’s unwavering dedication, commitment to duty, and complete devotion to the nation. He said that after the 1965 war, a detailed assessment of the shortcomings in border security led to the realization that a dedicated force was needed to secure India’s borders even during peacetime. At that time under the leadership of Padma Vibhushan K.F. Rustamji, the BSF was established and has since ensured the security of the country’s borders. He said that the strong foundation laid by Rustamji has enabled the BSF to build an institution in the field of national security, bringing pride to the nation.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that the investiture ceremony symbolizes the BSF’s unwavering dedication, commitment to duty, and complete devotion to the nation. He said that after the 1965 war, a detailed assessment of the shortcomings in border security led to the realization that a dedicated force was needed to secure India’s borders even during peacetime. At that time under the leadership of Padma Vibhushan K.F. Rustam, the BSF was established and has since ensured the security of the country’s borders. He said that the strong foundation laid by Rustamji has enabled the BSF to build an institution in the field of national security, bringing pride to the nation.

Amit Shah said that today, several new challenges have emerged in the field of border security. Illegal infiltration, narcotics smuggling, cattle smuggling, counterfeit currency, organized crime, and the smuggling of weapons and narcotics through drones are among the many challenges facing the BSF. However, the BSF has consistently made well-planned efforts to tackle these challenges. Shah said that the BSF has safeguarded the nation by making the best possible use of its resources and effectively confronting all these challenges. He added that in the coming days, the role of the force will have to become even more coordinated and comprehensive.

Amit Shah said that border security can no longer rely solely on traditional methods. Strengthening the security grid will require close coordination among State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), other armed forces, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), intelligence agencies, and state administrations. He said that border security should no longer be viewed as an isolated responsibility but as a broader territorial responsibility.

Shah also stressed the need to remain vigilant against demographic changes caused by cross-border infiltration and against attempts to weaken the country’s economy through narcotics and fake currency. He said that India must adopt new strategies to address cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and drone-based challenges.

Union Home Minister said that the Border Security Force remains steadfast in some of the country’s most challenging terrains, including the icy mountains of Siachen and Kashmir, difficult regions such as Kupwara, Keran, and Uri, the deserts of Rajasthan, the Rann of Kutch, the marshy creeks of Sir Creek, the dense forests of the Sundarbans, the difficult eastern borders of Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and the sensitive riverine areas connected to the Brahmaputra. He said that this is why the BSF, which began in 1965 with only 25 battalions and limited resources, has today grown into the world’s largest border guarding force with strength of 2.70 lakh personnel.

Amit Shah said that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s defence and border security policies have undergone a transformational change.

Referring to incidents such as Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam, he said that India responded decisively through surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor by targeting terror infrastructure inside Pakistan.

He said that the era of responding to terror attacks with negotiations is over, and that India has strengthened its security framework in line with the spirit of the Constitution. He described this as a new defence doctrine in which the BSF has played a major role.

Amit Shah further said that the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs will provide technological support to transform the country’s border into a ‘smart border’. He said that work is progressing towards creating an impregnable border security grid within the next year by integrating all kinds of technologies under the Smart Border concept. The Ministry of Home Affairs will soon introduce a Smart Border Project equipped with drones, radars, modern cameras, and other advanced technologies. The Home Minister said that once this initiative begins, the work of the Border Security Force will become significantly easier and stronger.

Amit Shah said that in the 60th year of the Border Security Force’s establishment, the government will launch the Smart Border Project and make the entire borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan impenetrable, thereby providing the BSF with significant technological support. He said that along with courage, valour, dedication, and patriotism, the force will also be equipped with strong technological backing, which will further enhance the security of both borders.

Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Government of India has resolved not only to stop infiltration, but also to identify and expel every single infiltrator from the country, and will not allow unnatural demographic change. He said that the BSF must prevent conspiracies aimed at altering demographics through infiltration. He said that governments in Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal now follow policies that clearly oppose illegal infiltration.

Shah said that it is the responsibility of the BSF not only to secure the borders but also to maintain close coordination with village-level officials, police stations, district collectors, DDOs, and superintendents of police. He said that detailed information must be gathered about new infiltrators, their routes of entry, and the networks involved in smuggling, including cattle smuggling, and that all such routes must be systematically identified and shut down. He said that the available information should be used to build a structured system for preventing and removing infiltrators. Union Home Minister said that the time has come to decisively stop infiltration that has continued unchecked for years.

Amit Shah also said that due to the Government’s determined efforts, the five-decade-old problem of Naxalismhas now been effectively eliminated from India. He said that security policy should not merely aim to contain problems, but to eradicate them completely. He urged the BSF to adopt the same determined approach in tackling infiltration.

Amit Shah said that Vibrant Villages-1 and Vibrant Villages-2 are development programmes being implemented in a democratic manner with the cooperation of the Border Security Force. He also mentioned that the BSF’s jurisdiction has been extended from 15 kilometres to 50 kilometres and that decisions related to land allocation in West Bengal have also been finalized.

Amit Shah said that PM Narendra Modi has announced the High-Powered Demography Mission, and work on it will begin soon after its committee is constituted. He said that in the coming days, a strong security grid will have to be established along the borders of both countries, for which a major campaign will also need to be launched. Amit Shah said that the 60th year of the BSF is also a year dedicated to building a Smart Border and ensuring the welfare of BSF personnel. Shah said that within the next two months, the Narendra Modi government will introduce a major programme for the welfare of BSF personnel and all CAPF jawans.

Union Home Minister said that the government is going to launch a major nationwide campaign against narcotics, in which the Border Security Force will also play a very important role. He praised the force’s vigilance in gathering intelligence from both sides of the border to combat drug trafficking. He said that the next three to four years will bring transformative changes in border security. While technology will strengthen capabilities, he stressed that it will also increase responsibilities. Home Minister urged BSF personnel to embrace technology, build stronger ties with local communities, and improve coordination with local administrations to achieve the goal of making India infiltration-free. (PIB)

New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly-appointed youth in various government departments and organisations at the 19th Rozgar Mela on Saturday, said an official.

The letters will be distributed via video-conferencing, and PM Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion.

In keeping with the Prime Minister’s commitment to prioritising employment generation, the Rozgar Mela is a major initiative aimed at translating this vision into reality. Since its inception, around 12 lakh recruitment letters have been issued through 18 Rozgar Melas organised across the country.

The 19th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. The newly recruited candidates, selected from all parts of India, will be joining various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, including the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services, Department of Higher Education, among others.

During the 18th Rozgar Mela held in January, PM Modi emphasised that connecting youth with skills and providing them employment and self-employment opportunities have been the priority of the government.

The Prime Minister had said that the Rozgar Mela was launched to bring government recruitments into mission mode, and over the years, it has become an institution. Through this initiative, lakhs of young people have received appointment letters in various government departments.

“India today is among the youngest nations in the world, and the government is consistently striving to create new opportunities for the youth both domestically and globally,” the Prime Minister had said.

He had noted that the government was entering into trade and mobility agreements with numerous countries, which were opening countless new opportunities for young Indians.

PM Modi had pointed out that in recent times, India has made unprecedented investments in modern infrastructure, leading to increased employment across construction-related sectors.

He observed that India’s startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with nearly two lakh registered startups employing over 21 lakh youth.

He remarked that Digital India has expanded a new economy, with India emerging as a global hub in animation, digital media, and several other sectors.

‘Ek Galat Kadam’ backs Nasha Mukt Abhiyan

JAMMU, MAY 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday unveiled the poster of “Ek Galat Kadam”, an awareness short film on drug abuse, at Lok Bhavan.

The short film features Mahira Tandon, the Youth Ambassador of Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan.

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated and extended his best wishes to the entire team.

Divya Tandon, Writer and Director; Sumit Tandon, Producer of the film along with other team members were present at the poster unveiling ceremony.

CS pushes time-bound execution of mobility projects

SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Friday chaired the 5th meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management System to review the implementation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

The meeting was attended by senior administrative and police officers, including Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Departments; Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Inspector General of Police, Traffic; Secretary, Transport; Deputy Inspectors General of Traffic, Jammu/Kashmir; Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Jammu/Srinagar; Senior Superintendents of Police, Traffic, Srinagar/Jammu; Vice-Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority (SDA); Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir/Jammu; besides officers from other concerned departments.

The Chief Secretary highlighted the significance of the recommendations put forth by the committee headed by the Principal Secretary, Home, and called for a time-bound action plan for their effective implementation.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed progress on identification and rectification of black spots, widening of major roads, creation of rotaries and junction improvements in both cities.

He stressed the need for clearly identifying funding sources for all the proposed works, noting that these interventions are aimed at providing much-needed relief to the general public by improving ease of mobility in the twin cities and other urban centres of the UT. He directed the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to take up the matter with the Finance Department to ensure smooth and timely execution of these projects across Jammu and Kashmir.

During the review, the Chief Secretary took a detailed appraisal of the measures undertaken by different departments for decongestion of major traffic corridors, augmentation of parking facilities, improvement of road infrastructure, streamlining of public transport and strengthening of intelligent traffic management systems in both the capital cities.

It was informed that several diversion routes have already been identified and operationalised in Jammu and Srinagar to reduce congestion on critical stretches and ensure smoother vehicular movement. In Jammu city, 10 diversion routes are being utilized for traffic decongestion. Similarly, five diversion routes have been made operational in Srinagar to reduce pressure on heavily congested city stretches.

The meeting was informed that dedicated e-rickshaw zones have also been notified to regulate traffic movement and improve last-mile connectivity. Six e-rickshaw zones have been established in Jammu while multiple operational, free and restricted zones have been identified in Srinagar city with some already implemented and others under consideration in consultation with stakeholders.

Reviewing traffic regulation measures, the Chief Secretary was apprised that one-way traffic systems have been introduced at several key locations in both cities, while proposals for additional no-vehicle zones in crowded commercial and hospital areas are under implementation after consultations with stakeholders and local authorities.

The meeting further discussed the implementation of Smart City Command and Control Response Systems (SCCoRS), installation of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), creation of Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS) junctions and procurement of modern enforcement and surveillance equipment.

It was informed that Traffic Police and allied departments have procured motorcycles, interceptor vehicles, cranes, body-worn cameras and ambulances for better traffic enforcement and emergency response.

In order to improve road safety and enforce traffic discipline, action has also been taken against habitual offenders across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was informed that action has been initiated against more than 39,000 habitual offenders, resulting in suspension and cancellation of driving licences and registration certificates besides seizure and blacklisting of vehicles.

It was informed that several projects including Canal Head–Bohri, Jewel–Canal Head and Satwari–Belicharana road stretches in Jammu have already been completed, while other projects are at different stages of execution. In Srinagar, widening proposals and road safety interventions are under progress, including installation of metal beam crash barriers and preparation of DPRs for identified black spots.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of no-parking zones, IT-based parking systems, on-street parking management, parking policy formulation and development of dedicated vending zones. It was informed that GIS-based mapping for parking management is underway in Srinagar while several parking sites in Jammu have already been tendered and partially operationalised.

The meeting also discussed regulation of banquet halls and schools lacking adequate parking facilities. The Municipal Commissioners informed that notices have been issued to non-compliant establishments and parking management plans are being enforced to prevent roadside congestion.

Besides, the progress on installation of traffic signages, creation of no-honking zones, development of new roads, construction of rotaries and upgradation of bus stands in Jammu and Srinagar was also reviewed in detail.

The Chief Secretary further called for expediting all pending works, removing bottlenecks hampering project execution and ensuring visible improvement in traffic flow and commuter convenience across the twin cities at the earliest.

Calls for unity, brotherhood

SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of the annual Urs of revered saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (RA), popularly known as Ameer-e-Kabeer.

In his message, the Chief Minister highlighted the immense spiritual, cultural and social contributions of Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabeer (RA), whose teachings of peace, compassion, brotherhood and righteousness continue to guide humanity and inspire generations across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.

The Chief Minister said that the revered saint played a pivotal role in spreading the message of Islam, promoting communal harmony and enriching the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage through his wisdom, scholarship and exemplary character.

He urged the people to imbibe the noble values preached by the saint and work collectively towards strengthening mutual respect, unity and harmony in society.

The Chief Minister prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the blessed occasion.

‘Exam cancellation was necessary to ensure fairness’

New Delhi: Acknowledging the mental torture suffered by 22 lakh students due to the NEET-UG 2026 exam cancellation, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan vowed on Friday that the retest on June 21 will be free from irregularities, urging parents and students to trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling their aspirations.

Reiterating the Union government’s commitment to ensure 100 per cent error-free NEET-UG 2026 exam, Union Minister Pradhan also hinted towards suicides by competitive exam aspirants, calling upon parents to introspect on excessive “coaching culture” and avoid mounting pressure on their wards that drives them to lose balance.

Speaking at an event, the Union Minister said, “I understand the pain suffered by 22 lakh students and say this with full responsibility that we had to take the tough decision of cancelling the exam for ensuring fair play with all deserving medical aspirants.”

“We are facing stigma and public ire for the tough decision of cancelling NEET-UG exam but we did not want the wrongdoers in the education sector or the ‘examination mafia’ to deny any meritorious candidate his due,” Pradhan said, sharing the video of his speech on his social media account.

He added that he accepted the exam cancellation challenge as it is his duty to set the system right but not turn a blind eye to the root cause of the irregularity.

“In a democracy, it is our duty to take the responsibility,” the Union Minister said, adding that the Education Ministry is committed to ensuring an error-free NEET-UG 2026 exam on June 21.

He also dismissed the criticism of on-screen marking scheme introduction by the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) for error-free, scientific and uniform assessment in Board exams.

He said the time has come to admit lack of uniformity in assessment and award of marks to resourceful parents’ wards studying in an urban school and marks given to a meritorious student from a distant, rural school.

“An honest criticism should be accepted if it is intended to improve the system. We get to learn and improve the system. Attempts to create a new system face shortcomings and only collective consultation and criticism can show the way forward.”

Union Minister Pradhan said the couple of incidents mentioned by him in his speech underscore that the Central government is not going to turn a blind eye towards a grave problem or try to sweep it under the carpet.

“The government is duty-bound to fulfill the realistic aspirations and expectations of society,” he added, calling for a collective fight against social evils — like use of unfair means in exams — which will continue to exist despite stringent laws to restrict them.

“I want you to keep faith in the system, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in the National Education Policy, 2020, which is like a philosophical document of the country,” Union Minister Pradhan said.

He also urged parents to introspect on the excessive “coaching culture” and collectively resort to course correction.

“Handholding or arranging tuition for one’s wards is welcome but it is not good to turn a student into a commodity and mount unbearable pressure on him that he loses his matrix or balance.”

“As the Prime Minister has rightly said, ‘competence is more important than a certificate’,” the Union Minister said.

Hailstorm wreaks havoc in north Kashmir

Srinagar, May 22: Fresh snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Kashmir, including Minimarg along the strategic Zoji La axis, while heavy rain and hailstorm lashed several plains areas on Friday, damaging orchards and standing crops in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said.

The weather activity affected many parts of the Valley as an active western disturbance continued to influence Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said  that higher reaches around Minimarg received fresh snowfall during the day, leading to a sharp dip in temperatures in the area. Rainfall was also reported from several plains districts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara and parts of central Kashmir.

A severe hailstorm struck the Lasar area of Rafiabad in Baramulla district and nearby villages, causing extensive damage to apple orchards, vegetable fields and standing crops, locals said.

The hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds, also affected villages in the Zaingeer belt, where residents reported damage to agricultural land during the afternoon hours.

“The weather changed suddenly as dark clouds gathered over the area, followed by intense rainfall and hailstones. Apple orchards and crops have suffered damage,” a resident from Rafiabad said.

Farmers expressed concern over losses to orchards and crops, saying the untimely hailstorm could impact the ongoing agricultural season in the area.

Officials said preliminary reports of damage had been received from affected villages, and assessment teams would evaluate the extent of losses.

The latest weather activity disrupted normal life in some areas, with waterlogging reported from low-lying localities and movement slowing on several roads during heavy showers.

The Meteorological Department said weather conditions are expected to remain unstable over the next few days.

According to the forecast, generally dry weather is expected during the forenoon between May 23 and 25, with brief showers likely at scattered places towards late afternoon hours.

From May 26 to 28, the weather is expected to remain mainly hot and dry across Jammu and Kashmir, while brief showers are likely at a few places between May 29 and 31.

Weather officials have advised people, particularly those in vulnerable and mountainous areas, to remain cautious during periods of thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorm activity. (KNO)

Srinagar, May 22: Widespread hailstorms accompanied by intense rainfall lashed several parts of south and north Kashmir on Friday, causing extensive damage to apple orchards, vegetables and other standing crops, and leaving growers devastated during the crucial fruit development stage.

The fresh spell of hailstorms affected several villages in Shopian, Tral, Baramulla and other areas, further worsening the crisis for orchardists already struggling with repeated weather-related losses this season.

In south Kashmir’s Shopian district, villages including Pinjora, Largam, Gagren and Kanipora witnessed heavy hailstorm activity during the wee hours of Friday. Growers said the hailstorm lasted for nearly 10 to 15 minutes, damaging hundreds of apple orchards across the plains of the district.

Farmers said pea-sized hailstones struck orchards at a sensitive stage when fruit formation had just begun, causing visible injury to apple fruitlets, leaves and branches.

“We have suffered major losses once again. The hailstorm came suddenly and within minutes damaged orchards spread over several kanals,” said Fayaz Ahmad, an orchardist from Largam village. “The fruit and leaves have been badly hit. This season has become extremely difficult for growers.”

Preliminary estimates suggest around 15 to 20 per cent damage to the fruit in affected areas, though the actual losses are yet to be assessed fully.

“This is the fourth hailstorm in the Shopian district this season. Repeated weather shocks are breaking the backbone of orchardists,”  said Mohammad  Yousuf Bhat, a fruit grower. “Growers are already under financial stress, and such calamities are pushing them towards collapse.”

Several orchardists claimed the actual damage in some areas could range between 25 and 30 per cent.

A heavy hailstorm was also reported from Nagbal, Zaradihar, Machama, Mandoora, Panner Jageer and adjoining areas of Tral in Pulwama district, where apple blossoms and vegetable fields suffered extensive damage.

“We have never witnessed this kind of hailstorm. It continued for nearly half an hour and destroyed everything,” said a fruit grower from Tral. “Our entire livelihood depends on horticulture. If crops keep getting damaged like this, how will growers survive?”

Another grower said repeated losses have shattered hopes of a stable harvest this year. “Our lives used to depend on orchards, but now nothing remains secure. We don’t know whom to approach for help,” he said.

Reports of hailstorm damage also poured in from several parts of north Kashmir, including Baramulla district, where intense evening storms damaged orchards and standing crops on Friday.

Growers across Kashmir expressed anger over what they termed the government’s failure to introduce long-pending crop protection measures despite recurring natural calamities.

They said repeated appeals for implementation of a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), and waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans up to Rs 3 lakh have gone unheard for years.

“We have repeatedly demanded crop insurance and loan waivers, but nobody is listening to us,” said an orchardist from Shopian. “Every year, hailstorms, untimely rains and market distress destroy our crops, yet growers are left to suffer alone.”

Farmers said the horticulture sector remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy at a time when unemployment continues to rise. “Agriculture and horticulture are the only sectors sustaining thousands of families in Kashmir. If the government is serious about protecting livelihoods, it must safeguard this sector,” another grower said.

The affected orchardists alleged that despite repeated disasters since 2014, growers have received neither adequate compensation nor any meaningful relief package. “Survey teams visit affected areas every time, estimates are prepared, but nothing concrete happens on the ground,” growers said. “The government must immediately announce compensation and waive loans to help orchardists recover.”

Experts warned that repeated hailstorms during flowering and early fruit formation stages can severely impact fruit recovery, quality and overall yield.

Mukhtar Ahmad, an expert from the Horticulture Department, said immediate fungicide spray is necessary in hail-affected orchards to prevent fungal infections and secondary diseases.

“We have advised growers to spray recommended fungicides immediately after hailstorm damage. After three days, a 0.2 per cent urea spray can help partially damaged crops recover,” he said.

He further advised orchardists to maintain proper drainage, avoid immediate pruning after a hailstorm, and ensure balanced nutrition and adequate air circulation in orchards to support recovery.

“Regular monitoring of orchards becomes extremely important after such weather events,” the expert added.

Notably, Kashmir has witnessed multiple hailstorms this season, causing widespread damage across orchard belts.

The first major hailstorm struck on April 6, affecting several villages in Shopian and Kulgam districts, including Feeripora, Mandujan, Pudsoo, Saidpora and DH Pora, while hilly areas of Bandipora also reported damage.

Another severe hailstorm on May 2 affected parts of Kulgam, Shopian, Kupwara and Baramulla, followed by fresh weather disturbances on May 12 and May 13 that again damaged orchards and vegetable crops in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts. (KNO)