The Kashmir Pulse

JAMMU — In a setback for the Congress party ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Vikar Rasool Wani, a former J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president and the party’s candidate for the Banihal Assembly constituency, has been sentenced to five months in jail by a court.

Wani, along with five others, was convicted for holding a public meeting without permission in 2012, violating the Model Code of Conduct.

The court in Jammu also imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on Wani and his co-accused, Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Sachin, Ikramuddin, and Nazim.

The case dates back to the 2012 Assembly elections when a public meeting was organized without authorization at a school in Mithepur village, Banihal, and was addressed by Wani, then a sitting MLA.

Wani’s conviction comes as the Banihal constituency prepares for a ‘friendly contest’ between the National Conference (NC) and Congress, who failed to reach a seat-sharing agreement. If Wani is disqualified, the NC candidate, Sajjad Shaheen, could face a direct contest against the BJP.

Reacting to the court's decision, Wani expressed respect for the verdict but maintained there was no evidence or witnesses against him. "The case dates back to a 2012 rally when people were seated in a school. For 12 years, no action was taken, but a notice was issued again in 2024," Wani told reporters in Banihal. He added that the case is now in a higher court, where he hopes for a favourable resolution.

The NC and Congress have entered into a seat-sharing arrangement for the J&K Assembly elections, with both parties fielding candidates in five constituencies, including Banihal, for a ‘friendly contest.’

Despite the legal troubles, Wani remains hopeful the case will be resolved soon, and the Congress party has yet to announce any alternative plans should he be disqualified.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are set to begin on September 18.

SRINAGAR — The J&K Traffic Police on Saturday said the traffic movement will remain suspended on the NH-44 tonight in light of the repair works to be carried out on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

As per the news agency CNS, the J&K Traffic Police in a post on X said, “As intimated by NHAI that urgent repair/maintenance has to be carried out on NH44 between Nashri and Banihal during today's intervening night of 15/16 of June 2024, all types of vehicular movement will remain suspended tonight.”

It said that no movement of any kind of vehicle including fresh perishable/livestock will be allowed on NH-44 today on 15-06-2024 (Saturday) after 6 pm from Qazigund towards Ramban.

Similarly, no vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) after 5 pm and from Udhampur at 6 pm, the J&K Traffic Police said.

“Commuters are advised to avoid journeys on NH-44 till the work is completed. Please ask TCU for the latest update at (9419993745, 1800-180-7043),” it added.

Earlier, the repair works were undertaken between Nashri and Banihal of NH-44 during the intervening night of the 6th and 7th of this month.

SRINAGAR — The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an official in Banihal area of Ramban district while accepting a bribe of Rs 18,000 from a complainant.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, a spokesperson said that a case was registered by CBI against the accused on allegations that the accused demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant for processing his application for land settlement.

The statement reads that after negotiation, the accused agreed to accept the bribe of Rs 18,000 from the complainant.

“CBI laid a trap yesterday and caught the accused red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 18,000 from the complainant,” it reads.

It added that searches were conducted at the residential and official premises of the accused which led to the recovery of cash of Rs 3,71,500 and other documents, while the investigation is going on.

RAMBAN — Vehicular movement along the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is set to face a temporary suspension for 14 hours over the weekend, affecting travel between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district.

According to an order, the halt in traffic flow is scheduled from 10 pm on March 9, 2024, until noon on March 10, 2024. The suspension aims to facilitate widening works for a two-lane carriageway at Dhalwas, with additional widening efforts at other locations along the highway from Nashri to Banihal.

The decision comes following a requisition received from the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Ramban, highlighting the necessity to ensure the safety and well-being of travellers and drivers.

"Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, National Highways, Ramban, are directed to enforce the orders meticulously," the order stated.

SRINAGAR — Persistent rainfall has led to multiple landslides along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, causing a complete blockade, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The landslides, occurring between the Banihal and Ramban sectors, have severely disrupted traffic flow along the vital transportation artery.

Compounding the situation, heavy rainfall persists along the entire length of the highway, heightening the dangers of travel in the region.

In response to the crisis, authorities have issued advisories advising the public to refrain from using NH-44 until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared of debris, emphasizing safety as a top priority amidst the ongoing inclement weather.

SRINAGAR — Dr Abdul Latif Alkindi Al-Madni has been elected as President of the Jamiat Ahle Hadith Jammu and Kashmir for the next three years.

As per the news agency CNS, a person privy to the developments said that the election was conducted through a secret ballot in which a total of 425 Majlis Shura members from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh were eligible to cast their votes.

"After the completion of the voting exercise, more votes were counted in favour of Dr Abdul Latif Alkindi, who emerged victorious and has been elected as Jamiat Ahle Hadith's next president," he said.

The other two candidates who were in the fray were Professor Ghulam Muhammad Bhat Al-Madni and Abdul Latif Bhat Al-Madni.

The election - which was held under the supervision of Mufti Muhammad Yaqoob Baba, Abdul Rehman Bhat, and Shaukat Ahmed Wani - took place on Sunday at Salfia Muslim Institute, Parraypora Srinagar.

Dr Abdul Latif Alkindi is a Saudi-trained preacher and has a PhD in Aqeeda from the Islamic University of Madinah. He originally hails from Banihal and is currently residing in Iqbal Abad Batamaloo, Srinagar.

Alkindi will steer the Jamiat Ahle Hadith for the next three years. After being elected as the President, people expressed their joy at his elevation to the given position.

SRINAGAR — After facing a complete blockage due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NHW-44) has been partially restored to single-way traffic, authorities confirmed.

An official quoted by a local news agency revealed that intensive efforts are underway to clear the affected stretch between Nashri and Banihal, focusing primarily on stranded vehicles.

Commuters are urged to exercise caution and adhere to lane discipline, especially in the critical area between Ramban and Banihal, where the risk of shooting stones persists.

Amid ongoing clearing operations, the J&K Traffic Police provided a update via their official X handle, indicating the partial restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) to single-way traffic at 1615 hours.

Efforts are concentrated on clearing stranded vehicles between Nashri and Banihal, with commuters advised to drive cautiously due to potential hazards, including shooting stones, along the route.

SRINAGAR — Last week when the valley received fresh snowfall, pictures of a train navigating through intense snowfall went viral on social media.

Amid immense response, social media was abuzz, with tourists keeping it on their wishlist to enjoy a train ride in snowclad Kashmir.

A train ride in Kashmir has emerged as a new addition to the region's tourism landscape.

Vistadome coach, which was recently introduced by the government, is fast becoming a hotspot for tourists, who get a 360-degree view of Kashmir from north to south.

Every day scores of tourists embark on the train to experience the view of snowclad Kashmir from Baramulla to Banihal.

“We have been getting scores of passengers who visit here to explore Kashmir. Since the trains here pass through beautiful landscapes, especially during the winter season when it is white everywhere, tourists love to experience this view. Every day we get hundreds of tourist passengers at our Srinagar and Banihal stations,” an official told the news agency KNO.

He said the occupancy of Vistadome has increased especially after snowfall. “The coach is running full. People love to experience Kashmir through this coach, which has every facility to make one's trip comfortable,” he said.

Pertinently, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister, recently posted a captivating video showcasing a train navigating through intense snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir.

The video went viral with many expressing their desire to visit Kashmir and experience a train journey from south to north Kashmir.

Tourists who took the train ride in Kashmir compared it with that of Switzerland. "This is no less than Switzerland. We enjoyed our ride from Banihal to Baramulla. The views are amazing with snow-capped mountains. I recommend every tourist visiting Kashmir should enjoy and experience a train ride from Banihal to Baramulla to get a 360-degree view of Kashmir," said Bushra Khan, a tourist from Maharashtra.

Pertinently, last year, a series of videos of the scow-covered train also featured on social media mesmerizing video that enchanted netizens, even leaving South African professional cricket commentator Jonty Rhodes longing to embark on a journey on the train.

On a normal day, at least 15 pairs of trains run regularly from Baramulla to Banihal and carry almost 30,000 passengers, including students and employees.

SRINAGAR — The vital Jammu-Srinagar highway, serving as the sole road link between Kashmir and the outside world, faced a severe disruption due to shooting stones at the T2 tunnel.

An official source quoted by a local news agency said that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NHW) has been obstructed due to shooting stones at T2, a consequence of heavy rainfall and snowfall between Ramsoo and Banihal.

Authorities caution the public against embarking on journeys along NHW until the road is successfully cleared. Travelers are advised to consult the traffic control unit for real-time updates before commencing their trips.

In addition to the Jammu-Srinagar highway blockage, the official noted that both the Mughal road and Srinagar-Sonamarg road are already inaccessible due to significant snow accumulation, intensifying the travel challenges for the region.

SRINAGAR — In a significant milestone for railway connectivity, the newly constructed line spanning 14.869 kilometres in the Banihal-Khari section of Firozpur Division is set to be inaugurated. The electrified train operation will commence shortly, marking a crucial step in enhancing the region's transportation infrastructure.

As part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, a high-speed trial of the Banihal-Khari section will be conducted on January 3, 2024. The Commissioner of Railway Safety will oversee the inspection, ensuring adherence to safety standards and operational efficiency. The trial will be conducted by a special train after a thorough trolley inspection.

Following the successful trial, regular train services will commence between Banihal and Khari stations as part of the ambitious USBRL Project. This new line is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate smoother transportation in the region.

While celebrating this achievement, railway authorities emphasize the importance of public safety. The general public is advised to refrain from accessing railway lines in the specified section. Crossing the tracks at any location is considered trespassing and is a punishable offence under the Railway Act. Authorities urge everyone to prioritize safety and abide by the regulations for a secure and efficient rail operation.

The opening of the Banihal-Khari section marks a significant stride towards modernizing railway infrastructure, aligning with India's vision for robust and efficient transportation networks. The Firozpur Division looks forward to the commencement of regular train services, providing improved connectivity for the benefit of the local community and beyond.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been closed for vehicular traffic due to shooting stones on the road stretch between Ramban and Banihal, officials said on Wednesday.

A Traffic official quoted by the news agency KDC said that mudslides and shooting stones have been reported from various stretches between Ramban and Banihal. "National Highway is closed till further clearance," he said.

The highway is the lifeline of the landlocked valley and the main road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.

RAMBAN — A tanker driver died in a road accident near Kawbagh in Ramban district on Monday early morning, officials said here.

An unnamed official, quoted by the news agency KNO, said that the tanker that was on its way from Jammu towards Srinagar met with an accident near Kawbagh this morning.

He said the driver was identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad son of Abdul Qayoum Wani, a resident of Wagan Banihal, who was seriously injured in the accident and later succumbed at a hospital.

The official said that the local police have taken cognizance of the incident.

RAMBAN — Over 80 sheep and goats perished after a cloudburst hit the Shiva post in Banihal area of Ramban district on Wednesday morning.

As per the news agency CNS, the cloudburst hit the makeshift tent and cattle belonging to Manzoor Ahmed son of Ab Rahim, resident of Dhani Bakhta Kathua at Shiva Post tunnel top Banihal, resulting in the death of more than 80 livestock including sheep and goats while as more than one dozen of cattle is injured. However, no loss of human life was reported in the incident.

Meanwhile, SDPO Banihal Nisar Ahmad Khawaja, SHO Banihal Munir Ahmad Khan and in-charge police post Harish Kumar Jawahar Tunnel are on the spot.

The nomads have urged the authorities to provide immediate relief to them so that they can restart their sheep rearing business.

SRINAGAR — A Hurriyat sympathizer from Ramban district, claimed by police of promoting enmity between two communities and being involved in anti-national activities, has been slapped with Public Safety Act (PSA).

Police sources told news agency Kashmir Dot Com that a person identified as Mohammad Ibrahim son of Nora Gujjar, a resident of village Krawa, tehsil Banihal, district Ramban has been arrested under Public Safety Act by the Order of District Magistrate, Ramban.

“The accused remained involved in anti-national and anti-social activities and was creating law and order problem in Banihal,” they said, adding that the accused tried to promote enmity between two religious groups which in turn could have spiralled a wave of violence and hatred between different religious groups.

“The accused was a notorious criminal and one of the sympathisers and a well-wisher of the outlawed J&K Hurriyat Conference and took part in anti-national activities within the jurisdiction of Police Station Banihal and the surrounding areas. The accused was instigating the people of Banihal area, especially the youth against the democratically established Government of J&K and the Government of India due to his activities and instigations,” they said.

They further added that the accused is a history-sheeter and is involved in a number of cases at Police Station Banihal. "The oblique motive of the subject was to keep the pot of insurgency boiling."

"He entered into a criminal conspiracy as part of a larger game plan to disturb the peaceful environment and create regional tension. His activities had the potential of igniting the cycle of violence in the UT of J&K and breaching the security and peaceful environment of Banihal area, as such was detained under J&K PSA vide Order No. 12-PSA of 2022 and has been lodged in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu," the further said.

SRINAGAR — Some employees at NHAI toll post at Banihal in Ramban district on Friday allegedly beat up a driver and cut his ear cartilage (pinna). Deputy Commissioner Ramban assured investigation into the matter.

Actually, a video of the incident is in circulation on social media groups in which cut on ear cartilage of driver, Nazakat Ali, son of Mohd Shafi from Bhallar Kanthi in Reasi, can be seen. Some people, apparently fellow drivers, can be heard saying that it's “hooliganism” and that the particular driver’s ear cartilage was cut using a knife.

In the video, the injured driver can be seen lying down on the road and he holds the injured ear with some cloth. When somebody lifts the cloth momentarily, the deep cut in ear cartilage is clearly visible.

SDM Banihal when contacted by GNS said that a police party rushed to the spot and after “medical”, necessary legal action is being taken.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mussarat Islam, told GNS two persons have been arrested. Sources said that arrested two employees including Rakesh and Sunil. They are employees of CPPL— Choudhary Power Projects Private Limited, the company which has got the present contractor for toll collection.

“A case (FIR 51 of 2022) has been filed and necessary action under law will be taken,” he said.