Bhuj, November 21. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA in the Bihar elections serves as a mandate against infiltrators in the country, emphasizing that citizens would never support political parties that back illegal immigrants. Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking the 61st Raising Day of the Border Security Force in the Kutch district, Shah stated that the BSF is engaged in preventing infiltration across all national borders.

The Home Minister noted that certain political parties are opposing the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process because they intend to ensure that the names of infiltrators remain on the voter lists. Describing the SIR as a purification of the electoral rolls, Shah stated, as per agency report, that stopping infiltration is essential not only for national security but also to prevent the corruption of the country's democratic system. He remarked that while the government is running an anti-infiltration campaign, some political entities are attempting to weaken these efforts.

Shah addressed the objections raised by the opposition, including the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal where assembly elections are scheduled for next year, who have claimed that the SIR could disenfranchise millions of voters. He clarified that the process is intended to secure and purify Indian democracy and requires the full support of every citizen. The Home Minister declared a firm resolve to remove every single infiltrator from the country, asserting that the decision regarding who becomes a Chief Minister or Prime Minister rests solely with the citizens of India, and infiltrators have no right to influence these democratic decisions.

Warning the political parties engaged in protecting illegal immigrants, Shah reiterated that the Bihar election results reflected the public's sentiment against the presence of infiltrators. He added that parties working to ensure a place for infiltrators in the voter lists should realize that the people of the country will never support such intentions. During the event, the Home Minister also praised the role of the BSF in Naxal-affected areas and expressed confidence that India would soon be free from the Naxal problem due to the joint efforts of all security forces.

Bhuj (Gujarat), May 16 – India has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider its financial assistance of one billion dollars to Pakistan, stating that the funds could potentially be used to finance terrorism. The statement was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his address to air warriors at the Indian Air Force station in Bhuj, where he also confirmed the use of the BrahMos supersonic missile in the recently conducted 'Operation Sindoor'.

As per agency report, Singh underlined that the operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on May 7. In retaliation, Indian forces targeted and destroyed nine terrorist infrastructures located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following Pakistan’s attempted strikes on Indian military installations, India launched further counter-attacks, resulting in damage to several Pakistani military assets. The cross-border exchanges continued for four days, concluding with a ceasefire agreement on May 10.

Rajnath Singh made it clear that this ceasefire does not imply closure, but rather serves as a probationary phase for Pakistan. He emphasized that if Pakistan’s behavior improves, India will maintain peace. However, any provocation will invite severe consequences. Describing the operation as merely a “trailer,” he warned that the full picture could be revealed if required. He reiterated that attacking terrorism and eliminating it is now the "new normal" for a new India.

The Defence Minister revealed intelligence indicating that Pakistan is attempting to rebuild the terrorist structures destroyed during the operation. He alleged that Islamabad is planning to channel nearly ₹14 crore, collected from ordinary Pakistani citizens, to Masood Azhar, the UN-designated terrorist and chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed. Singh warned that such misuse of funds further justifies India's call for the IMF to suspend all future aid to Pakistan.

Referring to Pakistan’s plans to finance the reconstruction of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed infrastructures in Muridke and Bahawalpur, Singh stressed that any global financial support to Pakistan, either directly or indirectly, contributes to terrorism.

The air base in Bhuj, from where Singh addressed the troops, was among the strategic locations targeted by Pakistan during the brief military engagement. Praising the Indian Air Force for its swift and decisive action, Singh stated that Indian fighter jets were able to destroy terrorist camps and Pakistani airbases within 23 minutes without crossing the international border. This, he said, showcased India’s evolved war doctrine and advanced technological capabilities.

He affirmed that Indian-made defence equipment, including the BrahMos missile and the Akash air defence system, played a critical role in the success of the operation. He added that Pakistan itself has acknowledged the effectiveness of the BrahMos missile, which, according to Singh, "brought daylight in the darkness of night" for the enemy.

Highlighting India's growing self-reliance in defence, Singh emphasized that the country is no longer dependent solely on imported weapons. Instead, indigenously developed systems are now integral to India’s military strength, offering both capability and credibility.

During his interactions with soldiers in Srinagar on Thursday and with airmen in Bhuj on Friday, the Defence Minister expressed confidence that India’s borders are completely secure. He concluded by commending the valour and patriotism of the armed forces, stating that their actions during 'Operation Sindoor' have made the entire nation proud.

Bhuj, May 8 – In a development that has added to the tense atmosphere along the India-Pakistan border, debris of a suspected drone-like object was discovered on Thursday morning in a remote area near Khavda village in Gujarat’s Kutch district. The incident comes amid heightened security following recent cross-border hostilities.

As per agency report, local authorities confirmed that the wreckage was found beneath a high-voltage power transmission line. Vikas Sonda, Superintendent of Police for Kutch (West), stated that the object resembled a drone and was located close to the border, roughly 20 kilometers from the India-Pakistan line.

The suspected drone debris was discovered shortly after the central government reported that Pakistan had attempted attacks on multiple locations across western and northern India during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

Upon receiving the alert, local police informed the Indian Air Force, whose officials arrived at the site and transported the remains to Bhuj Airbase for forensic examination.

Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the object and whether it was brought down intentionally or was damaged upon collision with the power lines. The exact nature and purpose of the drone-like object remain unclear at this stage.

Bhuj, February 2 – In a dramatic rescue operation, three private company employees stranded for nearly 16 hours in the tidal waters of Harami Nala, a creek near the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat’s Kutch district, were safely rescued by the Border Security Force (BSF) and local police.

Employees Stranded During Land Survey

The employees, working for Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Limited (GHCL), were conducting a land survey using a dredging machine in the eastern part of Harami Nala on Friday when they got trapped due to rising water levels and could not return.

Kutch (West) Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Sunda explained:

"As soon as GHCL officials alerted us on Saturday morning, we launched a joint rescue operation with the BSF. The area is difficult to access, so we used their last known coordinates to track them."

BSF & Police Conduct Drone-Assisted Rescue

Due to difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions, the BSF deployed drones to locate the trapped employees. The individuals were found standing on the nearly submerged dredging machine, awaiting rescue.

SP Sunda added:

"Once their location and safety were confirmed, we coordinated with the Indian Army and Air Force. A rescue helicopter was put on standby while BSF personnel navigated the waters in a boat and successfully brought them to safety."

16-Hour Ordeal Ends Safely

After enduring a 16-hour ordeal, the three employees were safely brought back. The incident highlights the challenging and unpredictable conditions in the Harami Nala region, a sensitive area near the international border.

Authorities have advised companies operating in the region to take extra precautions and ensure proper coordination with security forces before venturing into such high-risk zones.

In a brave but risky act of valor, Shepherd Raima Alubhai from Gadshisha village in Mandvi tehsil, Bhuj district, Gujarat, was injured while attempting to save a goat from a crocodile attack.

The incident occurred when Raima was grazing pet goats near Jagara pond, where a herd of goats was drinking water. Suddenly, a crocodile emerged from the pond and attacked the goats, capturing one of them. Without hesitation, Raima leaped into the pond to rescue the captured goat.

Although Raima successfully saved the goat, the crocodile latched onto Raima's leg. Despite the perilous situation, Raima managed to free herself from the crocodile's grip and reach the pond's bank. However, Raima sustained injuries in the process.

Local residents promptly rushed Raima to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The incident highlights the bravery and selflessness of individuals like Raima, who risk their lives to protect animals in need.

Ahmedabad: Western Railway is making holiday travel easier in Gujarat with the extension of two popular special trains and increased frequency of another two. Starting December 30, passengers will benefit from more trips between Ahmedabad and Okha, as well as Sabarmati and Bhuj, until January 15.

Longer journeys, easier bookings:

• Ahmedabad-Okha Weekly Special: Train No. 09435, initially running until December 30, will now operate daily until January 15.
• Okha-Ahmedabad Weekly Special: Train No. 09436, with its previous schedule ending December 31, will now ply daily until January 16.
• Sabarmati-Bhuj Special: Train No. 09455, earlier slated to run until December 31, extends its daily service to January 15.
• Bhuj-Sabarmati Special: Train No. 09456, previously scheduled for December 31, will now operate daily until January 15.

Tickets for the extended journeys of all four trains (09435, 09436, 09455, and 09456) will be available for booking starting December 30 through all Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and the IRCTC website.

This extension caters to the increased travel demand expected during the festive season and beyond. Passengers can now plan their trips to Bhuj and Okha with greater flexibility and enjoy a smoother holiday travel experience.

Kutch : The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Executive Board meeting commenced on Sunday, November 5, at the Shri Kachhi Leva Patel Samaj, Sardar Patel Vidya Sankul in Bhuj, Gujarat. The meeting, which will conclude on November 7, will focus on reviewing the organization's expansion plans in view of its centenary and discussing topics such as environmental issues, climate change, security, and self-reliance.

During the inaugural session, tributes were paid to those who lost their lives in the recent earthquake in Nepal and to prominent social figures who passed away recently. These included senior RSS campaigners Rangahari, Madandas Devi, Jayant Sahasrabuddhe, and Haribhau Baje, as well as renowned journalist Vedpratap Vaidik, thinker-writer Tariq Fateh, Sulabh International founder Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, National Organization Minister and founding member of Ex-Servicemen Service Council Commander Balakrishna Jaiswal, Uttarakhand agitator and Chairperson of Women's Commission Sushila Baluni, and Padma Bhushan N. Vitthal (IAS).

The meeting was inaugurated by RSS Sarsanghchalak (chief) Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah (general secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale, who offered floral tributes in front of a picture of Bharat Mata (Mother India). Around 382 representatives from across the country, including Sanghchalaks (branch heads), Karyavahs (organizing secretaries), Pracharaks (propagators), All India Executive members, and All India Organization ministers of various affiliated organizations, are participating in the meeting.

The meeting will also discuss the implementation of the Sangh's training exercises and social outreach initiatives, including those focused on social harmony, family enlightenment, cow service, and village development.

Bhuj, Sep 1 (IANS)  The Mundra Marine police have cracked a murder case of a woman found half-buried near a Kutch seashore last month with the arrest of her 17-year-old daughter and the her lover.

It came to the fore that both the woman identified as Laxmi Bhatt and her daughter had been romantically involved with 37-year-old Yogesh Jotiyana.

The daughter's intent to do away with her mother stemmed from her staunch objection to her involvement with Jotiyana.

In the crime Naran Jogi, 35, a close acquaintance of Jotiyana, was also involved. All three, residents of Madhapar village near Bhuj, have since been arrested by the authorities.

The initial discovery of Bhatt's body on July 13 had thrown up more questions than answers for the police. The secluded location near Hamirmora village, 55 km from Madhapar, and the advanced state of decomposition posed significant challenges in establishing her identity or even the exact cause of death.

No corresponding missing person report further added to the police's quandary.

In a bid to extract leads, law enforcement resorted to disseminating detailed descriptions of the deceased, appealing to the general public for information.

The breakthrough came when locals recalled the presence of four individuals in Hamirmora around the same time. This clue, paired with call record details, placed Jotiyana in close proximity to the crime scene. Upon interrogation, he eventually confessed to the crime.

Laxmi had married Jitendra Bhatt seven years ago, with her daughter from a previous marriage also residing with them in Madhapar. Half a year ago, a romantic relationship blossomed between Laxmi and Jotiyana, a painter by profession.

As this relationship came under strain due to familial discoveries and confrontations, Jotiyana found a new romantic interest in Laxmi's daughter.

Bhuj (Gujarat), July 6 (IANS) A second-year female MBBS student was found hanging in her hostel room at the Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences (GAIMS) in Bhuj. The deceased, identified as Devangi Patel, a native of Ahmedabad, is suspected to have committed suicide.

The reason behind Patel taking the extreme step remains unknown, and the police have launched a probe to ascertain the cause. She reportedly committed suicide on Wednesday. 

Post the completion of her final rites, the police will interrogate Patel's family members in connection with the case. As a part of their preliminary investigation, the police have also begun recording the statements of Patel's classmates, friends, and faculty members of the institute.

The police suspect that Patel ended her life sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. She was admitted to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead at 1:09 p.m.

According to the B-division police, Patel stayed on the first floor of the girls' hostel. A faculty member, who was on a routine check, found it unusual that Patel's room was locked from inside during class hours. Upon receiving no response after knocking the door, the faculty member broke the window only to find Patel hanging from the ceiling fan.

Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences is a self-financed medical college-cum multi-specialty hospital established by the Gujarat government and Adani Foundation in Bhuj.