The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — Twenty sheep belonging to a shepherd from south Kashmir's Tral area died under suspected toxic conditions late Thursday night, dealing a major financial blow to the livestock owner and raising fresh concerns over the safety of grazing areas.

The sheep belonged to Bilal Ahmad, a resident of Seer Tral, and were reportedly being moved towards higher grazing grounds when the incident occurred in the Kehlil area of Tral.

Local sources told the news agency KNT that the animals had grazed on grass suspected to have been contaminated with pesticides shortly before they began collapsing. All 20 sheep later died, though the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

The incident has caused concern among shepherds and livestock owners, many of whom depend on seasonal grazing routes for their livelihood.

The latest episode comes less than two months after a similar incident was reported in the Yarigund area of Kawoosa in Budgam district, where eight sheep died under suspected toxic conditions on April 26. Police had registered a case and initiated an investigation into that incident.

The recurrence of such incidents has prompted calls from livestock owners for a thorough investigation into the use of chemicals in areas frequented by grazing animals and for measures to prevent similar losses in the future.

Locals urged the concerned departments to ascertain the cause of the deaths and provide appropriate assistance to the affected shepherd.

SRINAGAR — National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called for international attention to reported killings in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, urging the United Nations human rights bodies to intervene and prevent further loss of life in the region.

Addressing reporters, Abdullah alleged that several people had been killed and that repression was continuing in the area. He appealed to the United Nations to take cognisance of the situation and intervene to stop what he described as ongoing rights violations.

The veteran politician also spoke extensively on Jammu and Kashmir's political future, reiterating his party's demand for restoration of statehood and greater powers for the elected government.

Referring to the proposed National Conference protest seeking restoration of statehood, Abdullah said his party would not invite any political party to participate and that those who wished to support the cause were free to join on their own.

On the issue of governance, Abdullah criticised the existing administrative arrangement in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that excessive powers remain vested with the Lieutenant Governor while the elected government operates under significant constraints.

"The Lieutenant Governor is not an elected representative but a nominee of the Government of India," Abdullah said, adding that greater authority should rest with the elected government rather than unelected institutions.

He maintained that the present system has created difficulties for the elected administration and said governance would be more effective if powers were transferred to representatives chosen by the people.

The National Conference leader also blamed the Centre's policies for what he termed continuing political instability in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the circumstances under which the erstwhile state acceded to India should be revisited and the commitments made at that time reviewed.

SRINAGAR — A young man from Rajouri district was found unconscious inside an industrial unit in the Khonmoh area of Srinagar and was later declared dead at a nearby health facility, officials said on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Syed Ali, son of Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Rajouri.

According to police sources, the man was found in an unconscious condition inside Top Mind Industries in Khonmoh. He was shifted to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Khonmoh, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The body was subsequently taken for medico-legal formalities and examination.

Police personnel from Police Post Khonmoh reached the hospital and initiated proceedings to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death.

The exact cause of death was not immediately known, and further investigation is underway.