The Kashmir Pulse

BARAMULLA — Unknown burglars stole a 250kV power transformer from Tarzoo Sopore area in Baramulla district last night, according to eyewitnesses.

The witnesses said that the internal structure, wiring, and fuel of the transformer were removed, leaving only the outer shell.

The transformer supplied electricity to about 35 households in the area.

Tariq Ahmed, a lineman in the area, said that locals are experiencing issues due to the theft of the transformer, which supplied power to many houses.

Police have started an investigation, and efforts are underway to restore power to the affected households.

SRINAGAR — A day after the approval from the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the posting of four police officers as district police chiefs, the officers assumed the charges at designated places on Saturday.

According to the news agency KNO, customary handing over of charges took place between the outgoing SSPs and SP and incoming officers.

Soon after taking over charge as the district chiefs, the top officers chaired introductory meetings with the officers in their respective police districts at their office chambers.

In Baramulla, the incoming SSP Mohammad Zaid, who was accompanied by the outgoing officer SSP Gurinderpal Singh, was received by the SP Operations Feroz Yehya, SP Headquarters Syed Yasir Qadri besides others.

The event was followed by the handing over of the charges.

In Kupwara, the outgoing SSP, Shobhit Saxena, along with senior police officers of the district, extended a warm welcome to the incoming officer Ghulam Jeelani Wani at the District Police Headquarters. The officer was honoured with a ceremonial guard of honour.

Similarly, in Handwara, the outgoing SP Dawood Ayoub and incoming SP Mir Ifroz were received by SP Operations Handwara Zaffar Iqbal, SDPO Hamid Ali and others, which was followed by the handing over of the charges.

Earlier on Friday, the ECI approved the posting of Mohammad Zaid as SSP, Baramulla, Ghulam Jeelani Wani as SSP Kupwara, Ifroz Ahmad as SP Handwara and Imtiyaz Hussain Mir as SSP Srinagar.

SRINAGAR — The authorities have ordered a probe after a police officer allegedly misbehaved with a doctor in Kreeri area of Baramulla district of northern Kashmir on Sunday.

According to an order, the incident occurred on Sunday, when a body was brought to SDH Kreeri by locals and relatives, however, initial investigations were inconclusive regarding the cause of death, leading police teams to further investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, an official said that police later determined that the deceased had been under long-term care at Soura Institute, suggesting death was likely not suspicious, as reported by the news agency KNO.

He said that the situation escalated when the station house officer of Police Station Kreeri allegedly misbehaved with a doctor at Sub-district Hospital Kreeri.

He said that the incident was reported to senior authorities, following which a probe was ordered under the supervision of the Additional Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Syed Yasir Qadri.

“The enquiry will assess the facts of the case, recommend any necessary disciplinary action, and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” states the order. The probe team has been asked to file a report within three days.

SRINAGAR — A Tiranga rally was on Wednesday organized in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district during which a 2.5-kilometre-long national flag was hoisted, which is a first-of-its-kind event.

The 'Tiranga Rally', part of the government's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, is encouraging people to bring the flag home and hoist it as a symbol of India's independence.

Thousands of people took part in this massive rally, which created a record by waving a 2.5-kilometre-long flag in Rafiabad area of ​​Baramulla.

People from all walks of life, including students, enthusiastically participated in this massive Tiranga rally.

A local official said this new enthusiasm is especially evident among school-going students, who proudly sing the national anthem during these rallies. He said the change is amazing, as the national flag now adorns every market, rooftop, school, college and office in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a symbol of national pride and a collective embrace of unity.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Baramulla Minga Sherpa said that this change is a sign of coming out of the atmosphere of fear and hesitation in the past, as the people of Kashmir are now openly expressing their patriotism through national symbols. He said that hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem is now done with love and respect in Kashmir.

He said that though this was something that people were not accepting initially, now everyone is wholeheartedly accepting this change and appreciates the playing of the national anthem.

One of the locals said that hoisting flags or carrying the national flag and playing the national anthem has now become a common practice everywhere in the Union Territory, be it schools, colleges or private functions.

BARAMULLA — An 8-year-old boy tragically died this evening after falling from a swing at tourist resort Tangmarg's Gogaldara village.

The boy, identified as Farhan Shafi, son of Nazir Ahmad Dar from Nasarpora Khag in Budgam district, was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved.

The incident has cast a pall over the popular resort, known for its scenic beauty and recreational facilities.

Farhan's family and friends have been left devastated by the tragedy, as they remember him as a lively and cheerful child.

Meanwhile, the local police are investigating the circumstances leading to the accident, while the local residents mourn the untimely loss of the young boy.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a severe heatwave over the next four days, with temperatures hitting record highs and impacting both daily life and the region's delicate ecosystems.

Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded its second-highest July temperature in a decade at 35.6°C, matching Jammu City’s temperature. Qazigund registered its third all-time highest temperature at 34.2°C.

Other parts of Kashmir, including Pahalgam and Kupwara, also experienced significant temperature increases, with the mercury rising to 29.3°C and 35.0°C, respectively. This heatwave is expected to continue, with weather models forecasting dry conditions and potential record-breaking temperatures.

The ongoing heatwave has exacerbated water scarcity issues, leading to public protests in Baramulla district. Residents, particularly within Pattan jurisdiction, have voiced their concerns over severe water shortages, prompting police to urge people not to block highways.

A recent violent demonstration at Chainabal saw the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway blocked in protest. In response, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pattan, Dr Gulzar Ahmed, assured residents that their grievances would be addressed promptly, with water tankers deployed on a roaster basis to mitigate the crisis.

The rising temperatures are also threatening Kashmir’s aquatic life. Experts warn that the heat wave is disrupting the region’s aquatic ecosystems, leading to potential mass fish mortality.

Fish are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature, and the heatwave is causing water levels to drop and oxygen levels to decrease. This hostile environment has already led to incidents of mass fish deaths, with the most recent occurring in the Tsoont Koel stream near Barbar Shah, Srinagar.

Research highlights the deteriorating water quality in lakes such as Dal Lake, where dissolved oxygen levels have fallen drastically due to untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste. The increased biological oxygen demand from pollution, combined with rising temperatures, creates a deadly combination for aquatic life.

Dr. Mehraj Bashir, an ichthyologist, noted that while some fish species can tolerate higher temperatures and pollution levels, the native Schizothorax species is particularly vulnerable and has seen declining numbers.

Meanwhile, despite the severe heatwave, the Education Department in Doda and Kishtwar districts has yet to change school timings, unlike in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Education Officer (CEO) Doda, Prakash Lal Thapa, stated that no representations from parents or heads of institutions have been received to prompt a change in school hours, leaving students to endure the harsh conditions.

As the heatwave continues to grip the region, authorities and experts alike are calling for vigilance and immediate measures to mitigate its impact on both human and aquatic life. Relief is expected after July 28, with a forecasted decline in temperatures.

BARAMULLA — An 18-year-old boy, Moin Ahmad Lone, lost his life on Tuesday at the Namblan waterfall in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Moin, son of Ghulam Hassan Lone from Heevan Sheeri Baramulla, drowned while visiting the waterfall to escape the persistent heatwave affecting the Valley.

Kashmir has been experiencing a scorching heatwave, prompting residents, particularly youngsters and children, to seek relief in local water bodies such as waterfalls.

Details of the incident remain unclear, with authorities still investigating the exact circumstances that led to Moin's death.

BARAMULLA — The investigation into the case of trafficking and exploitation of minor girls from outside the Union Territory has revealed the involvement of Ghulam Mohammad Khan, son of Abdul Rehman, from Narbal, and Manzoor Ahmad Shah, son of Ghulam Mohammad, from Janbazpora.

A police team from Police Station Baramulla, led by the SHO and supervised by DySP Headquarters Baramulla, arrested the accused in the case FIR No. 173/2024.

Three minor girls from Rohingya, Burma, were also rescued during the operation.

Earlier, two other accused from Baramulla were arrested, and four minor females were rescued during the initial investigation.

BARAMULLA — Traders Union Pattan in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district has called for a complete shutdown tomorrow, July 23, 2024 (Tuesday), to protest against the transfer of the SHO of Police Station Pattan to southern Kashmir.

The Union stated, "All shops and business establishments will remain closed as a mark of protest against the sudden transfer of the people-friendly SHO, Inspector Khalid Fayaz."

In an audio announcement, the trade union president Nasir Shah appealed to traders and shopkeepers in the area to join in protesting the transfer of the police officer. "Except for medical shops, all other establishments are urged to remain closed tomorrow to register their protest against the transfer," he said.

Notably, the Kashmir Police Zone issued an order transferring the said officer from the North Kashmir range to South Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — J&K and Ladakh Union Territories were mildly jolted on Friday after two separate earthquakes hit the former’s Baramulla district and the latter’s Leh district, showed the data on the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) on its website.

As per the news agency CNS, the figures on the NCS showed that a tremor of magnitude 4.1 hit the Baramulla area at around 12:26:24 IST, having a depth of 10 km.

Later, at around 02:02:29 IST, another earthquake of magnitude 3.6 jolted the Ladakh’s Leh district as per the NCS, with a depth of tremor measured as 20 km.

However, there were no reports of any damage to the property or casualty due to the earthquakes.

NEW DELHI — After winning the Lok Sabha elections from northern Kashmir's Baramulla constituency, the incarcerated former Assembly Member Engineer Rashid has approached Delhi's Patiala House Court, seeking interim bail to take oath as a Member of Parliament.

Er Rashid is currently lodged at Delhi’s Tihar Jail and he is accused of militancy funding.

Additional Sessions Judge of Patiala House Court, Chander Jeet Singh, as per the news agency KNT, has sought a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Engineer Rashid's bail plea. The court will next hear the case on Friday.

Engineer Rashid emerged victorious from the Baramulla parliamentary seat, defeating his rivals including the former Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone and PDP’s Fayaz Mir.

SRINAGAR — In the early hours of vote counting for the Lok Sabha elections, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, an independent candidate who is popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has taken a significant lead in the Baramulla constituency, while the National Conference (JKNC) is ahead in both the Srinagar and Anantnag-Rajouri seats, according to the latest data of Election Commission available at 11:10 am.

In the Baramulla seat, Er Rashid is leading with 101,701 votes, outpacing JKNC vice-president Omar Abdullah, who trails with 53,820 votes, and Sajjad Gani Lone of the Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, who has 42,428 votes.

In the Srinagar constituency, JKNC's Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is leading with 105,994 votes. He holds a substantial margin over Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para of the JKPDP, who has garnered 46,069 votes, and Mohammad Ashraf Mir of the JKAP, who is trailing with 22,327 votes.

The Anantnag-Rajouri seat shows a strong lead for JKNC’s Mian Altaf Ahmad with 203,795 votes, far ahead of JKPDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who has received 90,508 votes. Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas of JKAP trails significantly with 43,522 votes.

These early trends indicate a strong performance for the National Conference in the Kashmir Division, while independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh's lead in Baramulla is a notable development in the ongoing elections.

SRINAGAR — A young driver from northern Kashmir's Baramulla district was found dead inside his truck in Samba district on Thursday morning.

Sources quoted by the news agency Kashmir Scroll said that the deceased driver was identified as Farooq Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Ahad Mir and a resident of Dangiwacha Baramulla.

He was found inside his truck bearing registration number JK05E 9615 in the Nud area of Samba this morning.

Although he was rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

The driver's family also confirmed this unfortunate incident and said that they are on their way to take the body home for last rites.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested a militant associate along with arms and ammunition in Reban Sopore area of northern Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

A top police officer quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that a joint team of police and army arrested an over-ground worker of militants during a cordon and search operation.

According to the police, a pistol, pistol magazine and seven pistol rounds were recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile, further investigation into the case has been taken up by the concerned police station.

SRINAGAR — Police in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday said they had deployed a GPS-enabled anklet on a bailed-out Lashkar-e-Taiba militant associate for better surveillance to track his movements.

An official quoted by the news agency Kashmir Scroll said that in compliance with an order received from the Hon’ble Court, police in Baramulla today affixed a GPS tracking device on an under-trial militant associate who was enlarged on bail in a UA(P) case of Police Station Uri.

The accused was arrested in case FIR No. 104/2023 under sections 13, 18, 18B, 20, 23, 40 UA(P) Act, 120-B IPC, 7/25 Arms Act of Police Station Uri and has been enlarged bail by the Hon'ble Court.

He said the GPS anklet will be used to monitor the movement of the said militant associate and ensure that he doesn't violate the bail conditions.

SRINAGAR — Properties of two Pakistan-based handlers were attached in northern Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Tuesday, police said.

The properties worth lakhs of rupees, which belonged to the two handlers based in Pakistan, were attached after obtaining an order from Sub Judge Uri, a police spokesman said.

He identified the two as Jalal Din, a resident of Zamboor Pattan, and Mohammad Saki, a resident of Kamalkote Uri.

SRINAGAR — Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is embroiled in a fierce contest in Baramulla, where sharp political slogans and clashes characterize the election atmosphere. With around 17 lakh voters in the constituency, including major areas like Uri, Kupwara, and Handwara, the seat is hotly contested.

In the last election, National Conference's (NC) Akbar Lone secured this seat. This time, leaving his traditional seat in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah himself is contesting from Baramulla. He faces stiff competition from Sajjad Lone of the People's Conference and Engineer Rashid. The PDP has also shown its strength, with workers raising slogans supporting their party symbol, the inkpot and pen.

As per the reports received by the news agency KNO, Baramulla is currently a hub of political activity despite the snowy peaks of Gulmarg and the tourist influx in Kashmir valley. The electoral heat is palpable in towns and villages. Omar's posters at Baramulla intersections prominently feature his party's plough symbol, reinforcing their presence. Meanwhile, PDP workers chant slogans such as "PDP is our Jamaat, remember the pen" along the route from Gulmarg to Baramulla.

Abrar Rashid, son of Engineer Rashid and a candidate himself, has mobilized support despite his father's imprisonment in Tihar Jail for 'terror funding'. Campaign slogans in Kashmiri emphasize their struggle, urging voters to press the button on their 'pressure cooker' symbol to aid Rashid.

Sajjad Gani Lone's People's Conference, symbolized by the apple, leverages Baramulla's renowned apple cultivation to appeal to local voters. His supporters claim this symbol resonates most with the local populace. Congress is aligned with Omar Abdullah, while the BJP is notably absent from the fray, though Omar continues to target them in his speeches.

Local experts suggest Omar Abdullah chose Baramulla to regain NC's diminishing base. However, Sajjad Lone's influence in Kupwara and Handwara, combined with youth support for Engineer Rashid, makes this a challenging contest. PDP's Fayaz Ahmad Mir also adds intrigue to the race.

Employment remains a key issue among youth voters. Locals need job opportunities beyond tourism. People highlight corruption and the importance of state government elections. Political Pundits meanwhile believe Sajjad Lone will provide tough competition, while others see Engineer Rashid as a strong choice.

In the previous election, NC's Akbar Lone won by 30,000 votes, with close competition between People's Conference's Raja Ejaz Ali and Engineer Rashid. This year, Omar Abdullah's candidacy as a prominent leader is expected to impact the vote difference. However, some locals express scepticism about big leaders' post-election engagement.

Despite the BJP's absence, Omar Abdullah continues to target them in his speeches, accusing them of indirectly supporting Sajjad Lone. This election, marked by intense political activity and strategic alignments, remains one of the most closely watched contests in Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Monday announced its support in to Sajjad Gani Lone-led Peoples Conference (PC) in the Baramulla Lok Sabha segment.

The announcement, as per a local news agency, was made by Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari during a press conference in Srinagar.

The extension of support by the Apni Party has come after Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Gani Lone sought support from the former 'to put an end to anti-NC vote fragmentation,' which, as per Lone, has historically helped the National Conference.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference has announced party Chairperson Sajjad Gani Lone as its candidate for the North Kashmir seat.

SRINAGAR — An elderly woman was allegedly killed by her son in Rafiabad area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

An official quoted by a local news agency said that a lady (name withheld), aged 48 years and a resident of Hadipora Sopore, was allegedly attacked by her son with a knife and injured critically.

However, she was immediately taken to Sub-district Hospital Sopore where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

The official further said that soon after the incident, police reached the spot and arrested the accused son involved in the crime. He identified the accused as Amir Farooq Wani.

The official further said a case in this regard bearing FIR number 28/2024 under relevant sections of law has been registered and further investigation has been set into motion. He said the weapons of offence has also been seized from the spot.

BARAMULLA — Security forces on Thursday claimed to have busted a militant module in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district and arrested three militant associates.

An official quoted by a local news agency said that police along with other security forces arrested three militant associates linked with the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and recovered incriminating materials and ammunition from their possession in Baramulla.

The official said that Baramula Police received credible intelligence indicating that some unidentified militants affiliated with the banned LeT organization are moving in Baramulla town with intentions to target security forces.

Three individuals from town area of Baramulla, identified as Owais Ahmad Waza, son of Ghulam Mohammad Waza, resident of Ganie Hamam Baramulla; Basit Fayaz Kaloo, son of Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, resident of Ganie Hamam Baramulla and Faheem Ahmad Mir, son of Tariq Ahmad Mir, resident of Mir Sahab, Old Town, Baramulla were assisting them.

These youth, according to the statement, were providing information about security forces' movements to the militants and their intention was to disturb the peace process in Baramulla in view of forthcoming Parliamentary elections, orchestrated by their handlers across the border.

As per the police official, the involvement of these three individuals posed a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

He said that upon receiving this information, a case FIR No. 79/2024 under sections of UAPA was registered in Police Station Baramulla and investigations were started.

"During the course of the investigation, the accused persons were apprehended in Old Town Baramulla and upon their disclosure, three hand grenades were recovered from their possession," the official said and further added that an investigation of the case is in process.