The Kashmir Pulse

JAMMU — The Special Crime Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch has filed chargesheets in eight cases involving the alleged unauthorised stay of Pakistani nationals in four districts of the Jammu division, bringing 65 people on record, including 15 who died before the chargesheets were filed.

According to officials, the cases concern Pakistani nationals, including residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, who entered India on valid travel documents from the late 1970s onwards but allegedly continued to reside in the country beyond their authorised period of stay.

The investigations covered Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri and Kathua districts.

The Crime Branch alleged that some individuals obtained Indian identity documents by concealing their foreign nationality, while others allegedly secured government employment using forged documents.

The investigation was conducted by a Special Investigation Team following the registration of FIR No. 16/2024 at the Special Crime Wing police station.

Indian spouses, family members and other individuals allegedly involved in the cases have also been named in the chargesheets, officials said.

Of the 65 people named in the proceedings, 50 are living accused who have been charge-sheeted, while the involvement of 15 deceased persons was recorded in the proceedings.

The cases are now before the competent courts.

KUPWARA — Postgraduate resident doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara staged a peaceful protest demanding an increase in their stipends, citing a disparity between their payments and those received by postgraduate residents in other states.

“If PG residents in other states are receiving more than ₹1 lakh, why are we being paid significantly less?” the protesting doctors asked, urging the government to address their concerns.

The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) extended its support to the protesting residents, calling for equitable stipends for postgraduate doctors across Jammu and Kashmir.

AIMSA president Dr Mohammad Momin Khan urged the government to address the doctors’ demands without further delay.

He warned that postgraduate residents from other government medical colleges in the Union Territory could join the agitation if the issue remained unresolved.

AIMSA said it would continue to support the residents’ demand for fair stipends, citing their responsibilities and contribution to the healthcare system.

BARAMULLA — Kashmiri Pandit activist Rakesh Handoo has been arrested in connection with an investigation into threat letters circulated in August that reportedly carried the names and contact details of Kashmiri Pandit employees in the Valley, triggering anxiety among government recruits and prompting hundreds to stay away from work for nearly three weeks.

Handoo was arrested by a Baramulla Police team in Faridabad, Haryana, on October 17 over his alleged involvement in the threats. Police have booked him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and cyber-related charges.

Inspector General of Police Sujit Kumar said police had gathered “substantial and serious clues” regarding Handoo’s alleged involvement. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.

The threat episode had caused concern among employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s special employment package for Kashmiri Pandits. Hundreds were placed on administrative leave and asked to stay away from their duties for almost three weeks amid security concerns.

The investigation is also taking place against the backdrop of security measures following threats and targeted attacks on migrant workers during July and August. Authorities had launched a major crackdown during which more than 3,000 people were arrested as suspected overground workers (OGWs), a term used for individuals alleged to provide covert support to militants.

According to the grounds of arrest served on Handoo’s wife on October 17, the case involves a non-bailable offence.

Police registered an FIR on September 21 and asked Handoo to appear before them in Baramulla on September 26. Sources cited in the account said he did not appear despite repeated summons.

Handoo has been active in Kashmiri Pandit affairs and unsuccessfully contested the 2008 Assembly election against National Conference president Farooq Abdullah from Hazratbal.

The circumstances surrounding the threats and the extent of Handoo’s alleged involvement remain under investigation.