The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — The death of a young woman from Arihal village of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district due to alleged medical negligence on Saturday has sent shockwaves through the area and also prompted the local administration to launch an immediate investigation.

Saboora Arshid, daughter of Arshid Ahmad, died after she was admitted to Mohammadia Nursing Home in Gangoo area of Pulwama district. According to the family, Saboora’s condition unexpectedly worsened after she was taken to the operation theatre for surgery on her nose.

"She was taken to SMHS Hospital Srinagar without informing the family as the surgery by ENT specialist Dr Showkat Tak started at around 3 pm and there was no update for hours together. This surgery was supposed to take about 15 minutes to an hour as the maximum time. They used a backdoor to take her to SMHS Hospital Srinagar while the family was waiting outside the operation theatre," Furkan Hamid, the cousin of Saboora said while speaking to The Kashmir Pulse.

He added that the body of the deceased was denied even when the family reached SMHS Hospital Srinagar and it was only after chasing their vehicle that the family managed to get the body at around 11 pm.

Saboora’s family, devastated by the loss, is calling for a time-bound and thorough probe into the incident. "We know this is a case of medical negligence and a similar incident happened earlier at District Hospital Pulwama but no strict action followed. However, we hope that the district administration and the local police will thoroughly investigate the case and deliver justice in a timebound manner," Furkan Hamid said.

He lamented, “Saboora went to the hospital seeking a cure for her nose bleeding problem as she was recommended to undergo the surgery but we did not expect that the minor surgery would lead her to death. At least, the doctors should have informed the family if her condition deteriorated. We deserve to know what happened and we expect an investigation based on facts.”

The untimely death of the young woman stirred sharp reactions from the netizens and prompted the local administration to order an enquiry. Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom (IAS) ordered an inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

Dr Qayoom also directed the Tehsildar, along with the Chief Medical Officer and the Station House Officer (SHO) to seal the operation theatre where Saboora had undergone surgery, ensuring all documentation remains intact.

The district administration also ensured that the sealing process would be videographed to maintain transparency. “This was done to preserve evidence and ensure the investigation is conducted fairly,” an official said.

The district administration has assured the public that the inquiry will be conducted with the highest level of scrutiny to address the family's concerns and restore public confidence.

PULWAMA — Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader and candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections in the Pulwama constituency, drew thousands of supporters to a campaign rally in Arihal village on Thursday.

The event saw a lively display of support, with chants of encouragement and women singing traditional folk songs, showering Waheed Para with candies as a token of their affection.

In his address, Para positioned himself as the "lone voice" advocating for the real issues faced by the people of Pulwama. He pledged to highlight the plight of political prisoners, particularly the youth, and to address the rampant unemployment and other challenges hindering a better quality of life for the current generation.

“If elected as an MLA, I will continue to listen to the people's issues by visiting village after village," Para said, pointing to his commitment to remaining accessible and responsive to the public's concerns.

The overwhelming turnout and spirited atmosphere at the rally signalled significant local support for Para, as he vowed to prioritize speaking of the people's issues and needs in his campaign.

PULWAMA — Concerned residents of Gouricheck Mohalla in Arihal, Pulwama, are intensifying their calls for the macadamization of a crucial inner link road connecting their area to the Arihal market. This thoroughfare serves as a lifeline for both local communities and businesses, facilitating the transportation of goods and produce.

The unpaved state of the road poses significant challenges, particularly during harsh winter conditions, making travel arduous for residents and hindering economic activities. This sentiment was echoed by Showkat Ahmad Dar, a resident of Gouricheck Mohalla, who highlighted the road's dilapidated condition and its adverse impact on daily life.

Despite previous appeals to authorities, including assurances from the Deputy Commissioner's office in Pulwama, action has been limited. Last year, only preliminary non-macadam work was initiated, leaving the main issue unresolved.

According to Dar, students and elderly individuals are among the most affected, facing difficulties commuting to school and hospitals, respectively. Their plea to the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama is to intervene and expedite the macadamization process.

Irshad Farooq, Lumbardar of Arihal, emphasized the community's urgent need for a properly constructed road, citing its vital role in ensuring smooth connectivity to neighbouring areas, particularly the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora.

As residents persist in their demand for action, the spotlight remains on local authorities to address the pressing infrastructure needs of Gouricheck Mohalla and its surrounding areas.

PULWAMA — Mohammad Yaqoob Bhat, an orchard owner in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district, expressed dismay on Wednesday as thieves ravaged his high-density apple orchard in a daring overnight raid.

Situated in Pirpora area of Arihal village, Bhat reported that approximately 30 to 35 high-density apple trees, planted two years ago and already yielding produce, were forcibly uprooted with shovels during the dark hours between Monday and Tuesday.

The financial blow is severe for Bhat and his family, who invested heavily in the orchard using proceeds from his wife's jewellery. He estimated the loss to exceed one lakh rupees, undermining their hopes for a better quality of life.

Expressing suspicion, Bhat suggested the involvement of local drug addicts, citing the audacity required for such a brazen act under the cover of night.

In a plea for assistance, Bhat called upon district authorities and law enforcement to take swift action, urging the police to apprehend the perpetrators and seek justice for the theft.

The incident resonates beyond Bhat's personal loss, signalling a broader concern in southern Kashmir, where many farmers have transitioned to high-density apple cultivation.

Following the introduction of high-density plantations in 2015-2016, the region has witnessed a shift away from traditional apple varieties to more modern cultivars from around the world.

PULWAMA — In the Arampora vicinity of Arihal village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, a Primary Health Centre (PHC) building completed in 2016 by the Jammu & Kashmir Housing Board stands abandoned, stirring frustration among residents.

Despite its construction, the PHC remains idle, forcing the local community to rely on a makeshift three-room Panchayat facility. The lack of adequate space has rendered much of the medical equipment defunct, compelling residents to seek even minor healthcare services at the District Hospital Pulwama.

Repeated appeals to authorities have fallen on deaf ears, prompting Arihal's Lambardar, Irshad Farooq, to take decisive action. Witnessing illicit activities plaguing the unused building, including drug abuse and gambling, Irshad locked its gates to deter further degradation.

Irshad's efforts, along with advocacy from The Kashmir Pulse news portal, spurred action from local officials. Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, pledged to address the grievances promptly upon being approached.

Subsequently, on February 15, Block Medical Officer Rajpora, Dr Jawahira Akhter, and concerned officials visited the PHC building, vowing to expedite its functionalization within a week or two. In response, residents, including the Lambardar, initiated a cleanliness drive within the premises on February 16, buoyed by the authorities' assurance.

However, residents are urging officials to honour their commitment and avoid further delays in making the PHC Arihal operational, emphasizing the need for tangible progress over promises.

SRINAGAR — An unidentified militant has been killed in an ongoing gunfight at Arihal area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, an official said.

A senior police officer, while confirming the same to the news agency GNS, said that a militant has been killed, whose identity is yet to be ascertained.

Earlier, a joint team of police and the army launched a cordon and search operation in the area.

As the joint team of forces zeroed in towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired on the joint team, which was retaliated, therefore triggering a gunfight.

SRINAGAR — An encounter has started between militants and security forces in Arihal in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.

A senior police officer told GNS that a team of Police and security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Arihal on a very specific input.

As the joint team approached towards the suspected area, the hiding militants fired upon the joint party, leading to an encounter, officer added.

Till this report was being filed intermittent exchange of fire was going on.

PULWAMA — A Primary Health Centre (PHC) is functioning from a three-room Panchayat in Arihal village of Pulwama district.

Locals from the village said that several years ago, the foundation stone for a new building was laid but it has not been completed. They said that the PHC is currently functioning in the Panchayat building with just three rooms, due to which most equipment of the hospital is defunct.

They said that there is no facility available other than first aid and locals are forced to visit District Hospital Pulwama for even minor ailments. They added that 95 per cent of work in the new building has been completed but due to unknown reasons no work has been done in the last two years.

Locals said that they have brought the issue to the notice of higher-ups several times but nothing has happened on the ground. They requested higher-ups to look into the matter at the earliest and complete the under-construction building as soon as possible.

An official working in the PHC said that due to lack of space, many machines at the hospital are defunct. He said they were asked to shift to the new building but the building is incomplete.

He said that the concerned agency has been directed to complete the new building at the earliest which is around 95 per cent complete, after which the hospital will start functioning there.

PULWAMA — A man from south Kashmir's Pulwama district has started a unique poultry farm where he is rearing and selling the world's most expensive chicken.

Aadil Abbas Mir (aged 34 years) son of Mohammad Abbas Mir, a resident of New Colony Arihal in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, started this farm two years ago and six youth of the locality are working on his farm presently.

Asif Ahmad Badroo, who is among those employed on the farm, said that he was dealing with poultry for the last several years but along with that, he was rearing some desi-chicken as well.

“With the passage of time, there has been a huge demand for desi chicken that attracted us to start a full-fledged farm,” he said. “I had land along National Highway-444. I started this farm on this land and people from different areas are now coming here to purchase desi chicken.”

He said that they bring small as well as big chicks too. “Some people are purchasing chicks for rearing them at home. However, usually, it takes around six months for a chick to become a hen and after that hen gives eggs,” Aasif said. “The egg laying bird is being sold for Rs 1200 per piece and the same bird gives eggs for around three years.”

Aasif said he, along with workers, is raising the world’s most expensive chicken breed, ‘Kadaknath’ or Kali Masi besides other breeds. “Presently, six youths are working here and we all are earning our livelihood easily without any government support,” he said.

He said that people who are taking care of themselves prefer to eat these desi birds as they are rich in proteins and fat-free. “These birds grow up on grass mostly while the boilers are full of fats as they are being raised in just one month,” he said.

“We are selling each egg at Rs 12 per piece. Same eggs are being sold at Rs 25 in departmental stores as their size is big as compared to local eggs,” he added.

He said that unemployed youth should not focus on only government jobs, rather they must start their own units in any sector and they can earn for themselves as well and provide jobs to others.

SRINAGAR — Unknown militants shot and injured a local in Arihal area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday evening, officials said.

They said that the gunmen fired upon a non-local identified as Mohammad Akram son of Abdul Salam this evening, leaving him injured at Arihal.

A resident of Bijnor UP, the injured was shifted to hospital, they said. However, details about his condition was awaited when this report was filed.

Meanwhile, a police officer confirmed to GNS that militants fired upon the non-local. He said that a case has been registered and the area cordoned off.