The Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered an SLR rifle, magazines and live rounds during a coordinated search operation in Doda district, marking an important step in tightening the region’s security grid.

Arms recovered in Bhalara Forest during SOG operation

Acting on precise intelligence inputs, the SOG team launched a targeted search in the Bhalara Forest area under Police Station Thathri. The operation, conducted under the supervision of SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta, led to the recovery of one SLR rifle, two magazines and 22 live bullets.

According to the police release, this recovery is significant as it prevents the possible misuse of the weapon and ammunition by anti-social or anti-national elements. Officials said the operation once again underscores the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s commitment to maintaining peace and public safety in Doda district.

Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the weapon and identify those responsible for concealing it.

Recent security actions in the region

Earlier in November, police in Shopian carried out extensive searches across multiple locations targeting individuals linked to the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), proscribed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir, which has been banned multiple times, last faced a renewed five-year ban in 2024 for alleged separatist-linked activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today launch a special discussion in the Lok Sabha, marking 150 years of the iconic patriotic composition ‘Vande Mataram’. The debate, spread over 10 hours, is designed to revisit the song’s historical journey, its role in the freedom struggle, and the contrasting political interpretations that surround it.

PM Modi expected to highlight the song’s legacy

The Prime Minister is likely to underscore how Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s work—first published on November 7, 1875 in Bangadarshan—became a rallying force during India’s struggle for independence.

Opposition benches are keenly observing the Prime Minister’s remarks as his recent comments on the song stirred a political argument. At an event marking the anniversary last month, he alleged that the Congress “removed important stanzas” in 1937, claiming the move weakened the essence of national unity. According to him, the decision “sowed the seeds of Partition” and divided the song.

The Congress, meanwhile, has maintained that the decision followed the advice of Rabindranath Tagore and was intended to respect the sentiments of people of different faiths.

Debate likely to get louder amid ongoing political friction

The Rajya Sabha version of the discussion will be opened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday. Members of the ruling alliance have been allotted three hours in the Lok Sabha session dedicated to the debate.

The matter has already seen flashpoints ahead of the Winter Session. A reminder issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat advising MPs not to use expressions like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ during proceedings to “maintain decorum” triggered opposition backlash, with critics alleging that the government is uncomfortable with symbols of national identity.

The Winter Session runs until December 19, and early signs indicate that discussions around ‘Vande Mataram’ may remain contentious in the days ahead.

A newly surfaced video from a North Goa nightclub has revealed the horrifying moments leading up to a massive fire that claimed 25 lives, including five tourists, turning a night of music and dance into a fatal disaster.

Video shows flames erupting during performance

The visuals, recorded at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, show flames suddenly appearing on the ceiling just moments after fireworks were used during a musical act. What began as a regular Saturday night event — advertised on social media as a Bollywood Banger Night — quickly escalated into chaos as smoke and fire spread across the packed venue.

The clip captures the crowd enjoying the performance to the popular Sholay track ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ when the first sparks are seen overhead. Seconds later, the fire intensifies, triggering panic among those inside.

Fire safety clearance under suspicion

Although the exact cause of the blaze is yet to be confirmed, officials suspect the incident began after fireworks were set off indoors during the show. Authorities also believe the nightclub may not have had the mandatory fire department clearance, raising concerns over violations that could have worsened the tragedy.

Located around 25 km from Panaji, the nightclub quickly turned into a death trap as the blaze spread before many could escape.