The recruitment process, held after nearly a decade, involved a two-stage evaluation – a 100-mark written test followed by a 12-mark viva voce.
Minibuses, buses and many private cabs stayed off the roads as operators protested against the expansion of government-backed “smart city” bus services, which they say are threatening their livelihoods.
Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a union territory in 2019, with authorities indicating that full statehood would be restored at a later stage.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed sorrow and said the government stood firmly with the victims.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also conveyed his condolences, describing the incident as tragic and expressing sympathy with the families of the victims.
Army personnel from a Gorkha Rifles battalion, who were en route to a training exercise, spotted the vehicle as it rolled down the hillside and immediately moved in to secure the area and begin rescue operations, an army official said.
The accident occurred near Kaghote in the Ramnagar area of Udhampur district at around 10 am after the driver lost control while negotiating a sharp bend, they said.
The animal appeared in Batpora and Sheikhpora villages, attacking multiple individuals before moving through nearby habitations, locals said.
The child fell into a small canal near his home in the morning and was pulled out by locals, an official said.
Director Binod Kumar Kanaujia said the participation reflected the institute’s growing research capabilities and commitment to innovation and industry engagement.
