The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — In an important political development, former separatist leader Syed Saleem Geelani joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, as the party faced internal dissent with the resignation of its Zonal President for Bandipora, Peerzada Shareef-ud-Din Shah, over a ticket distribution issue.

At a ceremony attended by PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, Geelani announced his decision to join the PDP, stating that the party aligns with his views on resolving the Kashmir issue and addressing the plight of people in jails.

“I found no better platform than the PDP. I was inspired by the late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s focus on these issues,” Geelani said, adding that he takes pride in his past with Hurriyat and now with the PDP.

Mehbooba Mufti welcomed Geelani, highlighting that she had once proposed he run for office, but he declined, suggesting others be given the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Peerzada Shareef-ud-Din Shah, the PDP’s Zonal President for Bandipora, announced his resignation from the party’s basic membership, expressing dissatisfaction over the recent decision to grant a party ticket to Syed Tajamul in the Bandipora constituency.

Shah accused the PDP of sidelining dedicated party workers and failing to consider their input in the selection process.

“The party has not done justice to its workers and cannot be expected to do justice to the people,” Shah said.

He further claimed that the chosen candidate, Syed Tajamul, was not even a long-standing member of the party, “He has recently joined and was suddenly chosen as a candidate for the Bandipora constituency.”

SRINAGAR — A man died and a girl was injured after a vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident in Panar village of northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Monday, officials said.

Quoting an official, the news agency KNO reported that the accident took place in Panar when the vehicle rolled down into a gorge, resulting in severe injuries to the driver and a girl.

The man identified as Showkat Ahmad Khan of Turkpora, was declared dead on arrival at District Hospital Bandipora, while the girl identified as Umiya Shahnaz of Quilmuqam, sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and started an investigation in this connection.

SRINAGAR — Former Minister and Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Usman Majid, has indicated his departure from the party led by Altaf Bukhari.

According to the Srinagar-based news gathering agency KDC, this development is evident due to changes made in his social media profiles, where references to the Apni Party have been conspicuously removed.

Moreover, a press release issued on Monday by Majid's office, titled "Political workers from different political parties join forces with former minister Usman Majid in Bandipora," notably omitted any mention of the Apni Party, further hinting at his imminent exit.

Majid, a two-time MLA from the Bandipora assembly segment and former Minister of Planning & Development in J&K, has a long-standing political history, previously aligned with the Congress before joining the Apni Party.

Sources close to the matter revealed ongoing discussions between Majid and the Congress high command over the past weeks, indicating a probable reunion with his former party.

The potential return to Congress, along with associates like Imtiyaz Parray from the Sonawari assembly segment, is a huge setback for the Apni Party, founded by Altaf Bukhari, a former minister in the PDP-BJP government.

Majid's exit comes at a critical juncture as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for upcoming assembly elections, the first since its transition to a Union Territory and the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Political analysts view Majid’s departure as part of a larger trend where leaders disillusioned with recent electoral performances are reassessing their political affiliations. Earlier instances include Khursheed Alam’s exit from Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference to rejoin PDP, pointing to a broader realignment within the region’s political turf. Also, former J&K minister Syed Basharat Bukhari rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) this month.

BANDIPORA — Roads and Buildings Department Sumbal in northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district has invited tenders to axe scores of walnut and mulberry trees to pave the way for the construction of two public parks—a move that has anguished the locals.

Office of the Executive Engineer R&B, Division Sumbal recently invited tenders from approved contractors for the cutting down of trees. The trees are located on the land of under-construction public parks in Hilalabad Nesbal and Markundal areas.

Locals have expressed concern, asking the administration to re-look at their decision to cut down scores of walnut and mulberry trees.

As per locals, there are over 70 walnut trees at Hilalabad Nesbal and it won’t be productive to cut them down. They appealed to the LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to look into the matter.

Attempts to contact District Magistrate Bandipora didn’t materialize, however, SDM Sumbal told the news agency KNT that the step has been taken in the larger public interest.

Executive Engineer Mushtaq Ahmed in response to a question said that tenders have been invited on the directions of Deputy Commission Bandipora. “Trees will be axed for the construction of public parks,” he added.

BANDIPORA — Sahiba Shakeel, a 15-year-old girl from Ajas village here, has scripted a heartwarming story of resilience and academic excellence. Despite being 90% visually impaired, Sahiba has secured an impressive 409 out of 500 marks in her Class 10th exams.

Sahiba's path to success was marked by challenges. Born into a humble background, her father, Shakeel Ahmad Rather, is an auto-rickshaw driver, and her mother is a homemaker. Yet, financial constraints and visual impairment couldn't dampen Sahiba's spirit.

"Sahiba didn't have access to coaching institutes or conventional study materials. But with unwavering support from an NGO run by Naziya Hurra, she excelled," said Shakeel Ahmad. "Since she was six, the NGO provided her with specialized help, including recorded lectures on microchips," he added.

"Despite her limitations, Sahiba displayed remarkable determination," he said. "During exams, a dedicated helper transcribed her dictation. This teamwork, combined with Sahiba's grit, led to her achievement," he further elaborated.

"Being visually impaired, you need help for everything. I'm happy with the results and my performance. I'm grateful for the support from my family, teachers, Naziya Ji, and especially my exam helper Tafia Tariq," Sahiba said, according to the Srinagar-based news agency KDC.

"I want to work hard and empower specially-abled people. I understand their struggles," she expressed.

SRINAGAR — A minor girl died after a tree fell on her in northern Kashmir's Bandipora district on Tuesday evening.

Reports from the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that due to a heavy windstorm, a tree fell on a girl aged four years old and injured her critically in Shiekhpora locality of Tulibal area in Bandipora district.

However, she was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

A police officer said that the deceased girl has been identified as Madhiya Nazir, daughter of Imran Nazir, a resident of Tulial Gurez.

SRINAGAR — Two individuals drowned in separate incidents in the Jhelum River on Monday afternoon, authorities said.

In the first incident, Mohammad Ashraf Wani, 20, of Inderkote Sumbal, drowned while bathing in the river at Rakhi Asham in the Sumbal area of northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Rescue efforts were initiated immediately but were unsuccessful until his body was later recovered, an unnamed official was quoted as having said by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll.

In a separate incident, Nasir Ahmad Sheikh slipped and fell into the Jhelum River in the Batwara area of Srinagar.

As per the local news agency KNO, Nasir Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh and a resident of Batwara area, died from the fall.

Meanwhile, the local police have launched an investigation into both incidents.

BANDIPORA — Security forces on Sunday claimed to have arrested a militant associate along with huge arms and ammunition from the forest area of northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

A top police officer quoted by a local news agency said that based on specific information about the presence of militants in the area of Pathooot Forest in Bandipora, a cordon and search operation was launched by a joint team of Army, Police and CRPF.

The officer said the successful operation led to the arrest of a militant associate besides the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition. He said a formal case has been registered in this regard.

BANDIPORA — Amidst the holy month of Ramadan, approximately 1000 devout Muslims are participating in Itikaf at the renowned seminary, Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, Bandipora, dedicating themselves to spiritual reflection and worship.

Itikaf is a spiritual practice observed by Muslims during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Participants withdraw from worldly activities and distractions, focusing on worship, recitation of the Quran, and acts of remembrance and supplication to seek closeness to Allah.

The management at the seminary informed the news agency KNO that around 1000 individuals, including both youth and elderly from various parts of the valley, are observing Itikaf this Ramadan. Approximately 250 food plates (Traamis) are being served daily, covering both Sehri (pre-dawn meals) and Iftaar (breaking of fast).

In addition to those performing Itikaf, a large number of locals join for prayers and a grand Iftaar on a daily basis.

It is worth mentioning that during the last Ramadan, over 600 men observed Itikaf at this Islamic seminary. Over the years, the seminary has become a popular destination for people from both the valley and outsiders.

BANDIPORA — The district administration of Bandipora on Friday ordered the closure of Bandipora-Gurez road due to the occurrence of fresh snowfall in the Razdhan Top of Gurez area.

An official order issued by the district administration of Bandipora stated, "In view of the prediction for rain/snow on 29-03-2024 and as a precautionary measure, movement on Gurez-Bandipora road shall remain suspended on 29-03-2024 until further orders."

Concerning the closure, passengers and drivers intending to traverse the affected route are advised to confirm the status of the road and traffic conditions beforehand. The contact numbers provided for inquiries are 7006526985, 7006328689, and 9596767430.

SRINAGAR — Pulwama district court on Tuesday handed down a stringent punishment to a notorious drug smuggler, Abdul Hamid Bhat, a resident of Lelhar Kakapora. Bhat has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh for his involvement in drug trafficking.

The verdict was delivered by the Principal Sessions Judge of Pulwama, Naseer Ahmed Dar. Bhat was apprehended with a substantial quantity of narcotics, including 104 kg of ganja and 1.2 kg of hashish, seized from his residence.

According to the court's order, the failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three-month imprisonment for the convict. However, the period of custody already served by Bhat will be taken into account.

In justifying the severity of the sentence, the court highlighted the detrimental impact of drug abuse on society, particularly among the youth. It emphasized that while a murderer may be responsible for the loss of a few lives, drug abuse poses a continuous threat, claiming numerous lives daily.

The case against Bhat stemmed from an incident on October 7, 2018, when the Police Station Kakapora received intelligence regarding the storage of a substantial quantity of narcotics at Bhat's residence in Lelhar Kakapora. Subsequently, a police team raided the premises and arrested Bhat, confiscating the significant haul of drugs.

Two booked under PSA over anti-national activities in Bandipora

Two persons have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) over anti-national activities in Bandipora district, police said on Tuesday.

An official said that two persons were booked under PSA and lodged in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal.

The duo has been identified as Danish Parvaiz, son of Parvaiz Ahmad Malla and Abrar Ahmad Wani, son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani—both residents of Sumlar.

SRINAGAR — With the Lok Sabha elections scheduled from April 19 to June 1, 2024, district administrations in Kashmir are taking proactive measures to ensure a smooth electoral process. Bandipora and Rajouri districts have issued directives concerning the deposit of weapons and the use of official vehicles during the election period.

In Bandipora, the District Administration has mandated that all civilians and serving or retired forces personnel possessing arms and ammunition on valid licenses must deposit them at the respective police stations within seven days. The move aims to enhance security and prevent potential misuse of weapons during the electoral process.

Additionally, printing presses in the district are required to clearly indicate the names and addresses of the printer and publisher on all election-related material, as directed by District Election Officer Shakeel-ul-Rehman.

Meanwhile, Rajouri District Magistrate Om Parkash Bhagat has issued a similar directive, urging civilians with licensed weapons to deposit them at the nearest police station within a week. This measure is aligned with efforts to maintain law and order and ensure transparent elections.

Additionally, printing presses in Rajouri have been instructed to comply with guidelines set forth by the Election Commission of India, ensuring transparency in election-related communications.

Furthermore, in Bandipora, the District Magistrate has imposed a total ban on the use of official vehicles by political parties, candidates, or any individuals associated with election campaigns. This prohibition, effective immediately, aims to prevent the misuse of government resources for electoral purposes and promote fairness in the electoral process.

Authorities in both districts have emphasized strict adherence to these directives to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Senior officials have been tasked with overseeing the implementation of these measures to ensure compliance.

BANDIPORA — Tragedy struck in the Gulshan Chowk area of northern Kashmir's Bandipora district on Saturday as an elderly man lost his life following a collision with a security forces' vehicle, officials said.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the incident occurred this morning near Gulshan Chowk, where the man was struck by the vehicle, leading to his immediate demise.

The victim, identified as Habibullah Shergojri, son of Rajab Gojri, hails from the Quil Muqam village in Bandipora.

Following the collision, authorities swiftly moved the deceased's body to the district hospital in Bandipora for necessary medico-legal procedures.

Details regarding the circumstances of the collision and any potential repercussions were not immediately provided.

SRINAGAR — A heartbreaking incident unfolded in a village in Bandipora district as a 3-year-old girl lost her life after drowning in a water pond on Friday afternoon.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, authorities were alerted to the tragic incident involving the minor, identified as Dua Zehra (3), daughter of Kifayat Hussain, residing in Peth Mohalla Harinara.

"The authorities swiftly initiated a rescue operation upon receiving the information regarding the drowning. Despite efforts, the minor was retrieved from the water and rushed to Trauma Hospital. Regrettably, medical professionals pronounced her as dead upon arrival," the official disclosed.

Following the devastating outcome, the minor girl's remains were entrusted to her family for the necessary last rites, the official further confirmed.

SRINAGAR — The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered the release of a 27-year-old youth from northern Kashmir’s Bandipora, presently lodged at Barely Jail of Uttar Pradesh under the Public Safety Act.

The detenue Umar Aijaz Mir of Banipora, against whom police had registered six FIRs in 2016 on charges of stone-pelting, was arrested by police in 2022. Police had claimed that a grenade had been recovered from the possession of the accused and accordingly, Public Safety Act was slapped on him.

Advocate Bashir Ahmed Tak, the Counselor of the accused prayed that the cases registered against the accused were all frivolous and a youth who was co-accused when Umar Aijaz Mir was arrested in 2022 has already been released by the Court.

The Court of judge Rahul Bharti, as per the news agency KNT, after hearing the arguments held the preventive detention order number 14/DMB/PSA of 2022; dated May 19, 2022, of the District Magistrate Bandipora illegal.

It also directed the release of the person of the petitioner from detention and detainment from the Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu or any other jail wherever the petitioner may be lodged pursuant to the detention order hereby quashed.

The detenue is currently lodged at Central Jail Bareilly of Uttar Pradesh.

SRINAGAR — In coordinated operations, security forces in northern Kashmir's Bandipora and Baramulla districts achieved significant breakthroughs on Tuesday, uncovering a militant hideout and apprehending a militant associate.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation comprising J&K Police, 14RR of the Indian Army, and 3rd Bn CRPF successfully dismantled an old hideout nestled in the orchards of Ayathmullah Bandipora. Sources revealed that the hideout yielded a cache of arms and ammunition.

According to a police official quoted by a local news agency, the recovered items included a UBGL/grenade launcher, seven UBGL grenades, 95 rounds of ammunition, and various other old and rusted items. A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway.

Simultaneously, in Baramulla district, police, along with 2nd Bn SSB and Army's 29 RR, thwarted a potential threat by apprehending a militant associate. Acting on intelligence regarding the militants' movement in Pattan area, a joint checkpoint was established at Chinar Crossing Pattan.

During routine checking, security personnel noticed a suspicious individual approaching the checkpoint on foot. Upon seeing the security forces, the suspect attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended.

Identified as Mehraj-ud-din Bhat, son of Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Mundyari Pattan, the individual was found in possession of a live hand grenade.

Authorities have initiated legal proceedings under sections UA(P) and Arms Act, registering a case at Police Station Pattan and launching a thorough investigation into the matter.

BANDIPORA — Three individuals from northern Kashmir's Bandipora district have been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and incarcerated in the central jail in Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, police officials stated on Saturday.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the detained individuals are identified as Shiekh Danish Mushtaq, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Shiekh of Aloosa; Ghulam Mohammad Waza, son of Ghulam Qadir Waza of Bagh Bandipora; and Maqsood Amin Rather, son of Mohammad Maqsood Rather of Rather Mohalla Ajas.

The arrests were made in connection with their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, stated the official. "These individuals were booked under PSA due to their engagement in activities detrimental to national security," the officer remarked.

The trio has been transferred to the central jail in Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, as authorities cited their persistent involvement in anti-national actions.

The move comes amid ongoing efforts by security forces to curb militant activities in the region.

SRINAGAR — Authorities have identified the woman whose body was found along the banks of the Jhelum River in Sumbal area of Bandipora.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the body was spotted by local residents on Saturday afternoon.

"The body was retrieved for identification and necessary medico-legal procedures," the official stated. After completing the due process, it was determined that the deceased woman was Khatija Begum, the wife of Abdul Rehman Bhat from Kanidewar Nowhatta in Srinagar.

Subsequently, the body was handed over to the family for funeral rites.

SRINAGAR — The body of a woman was found on Saturday afternoon along the banks of the Jhelum River in the Sumbal area of Bandipora district.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the body was found near Ansari Motors in Shilvat Sumbal.

"A police team is currently on-site to recover the body for identification and necessary medico-legal formalities," the official stated.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death and identify any potential suspects or causes.

BANDIPORA — A heartbreaking incident unfolded in north Kashmir's Bandipora district as two young brothers lost their lives due to suffocation inside a Madrasa on Wednesday.

According to sources cited by a local news agency, the tragic incident occurred in Ashtangoo village of Bandipora, where the twins, identified as Maneer Ahmad Cheche and Tanveer Ahmad Cheche, were found lifeless. They had been sleeping in a room with heating arrangements made of firewood, which tragically led to their untimely demise.

The room, reportedly completely closed, became a chamber of suffocation as the fire burned, depriving the children of oxygen.

Authorities confirmed that a police case has been registered, and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.