The Kashmir Pulse

BUDGAM — In a surprising turn of events, Sugra Barkati, daughter of independent candidate Sarjan Barkati, has emerged as a game-changer in the Beerwah Assembly segment elections.

Sugra, a dynamic and passionate campaigner, has been tirelessly rallying support for her father, snatching the night's sleep of mainstream politicians. Her relentless efforts have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, making her a household name in the constituency.

With her articulate speeches, Sugra has connected with voters, especially the youth and women. Her message of change, development, and accountability resonates deeply with the people.

Mainstream politicians, including those from the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Awami Ittehad Party, are taking notice of Sugra's impact. Her campaign has forced them to re-strategize and intensify their efforts.

"Sugra Barkati has brought a fresh energy to the campaign," said a local resident. "Her dedication and passion are inspiring, and she's making a real difference."

As the election draws near, Sugra's influence will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome. Will her efforts propel her father to victory, or will the mainstream parties regain ground? The people of Beerwah will decide.

In the meantime, Sugra Barkati remains a force to be reckoned with, shaking up the political landscape and redefining the dynamics of the election.

SRINAGAR — J&K Peoples Conference (PC) President Sajjad Lone on Saturday hit out at Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah during a rally at Beerwah in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Lone, according to a statement, emphasised the urgent need for positive change, urging voters to cast their ballots in favour of the "Apple" symbol, representing growth, prosperity, and the collective identity of Kashmiris.

"I assure you that every vote cast in my favour will fill you with pride, contrasting with the regret many feel for supporting Omar Abdullah. His inward-looking approach stands in stark contrast to the aspirations of Kashmiris, who share an unfortunate history of oppression and suffering under NC's rule," he affirmed.

Expressing disappointment in the NC's track record, Lone lamented their consistent “failure” to deliver significant developmental projects for public welfare.

"This level of apathy and shamelessness is astounding. Despite repeated failures to fulfil the public mandate, Omar has the audacity to seek votes. He has lost credibility among the very people he once oppressed so cunningly. His propaganda against me and my party is as feeble as a cobweb, destined to be shattered by the votes of my beloved constituents," he asserted.

Addressing the gathering, DDC Chairman Budgam Nazir Ahmad Khan implored his supporters to wholeheartedly and fervently support the PC, delivering a resounding response to those stained with the blood of innocent Kashmiris.

"Let us stand united and resolute in our support for the PC and Sajad Sahib, sending a clear message to those responsible for the suffering of our people. Together, we will pave the way for dignity and progress in our beloved Kashmir," he said.

Notable leaders, including PC Senior General Secretary Imran Reza Ansari, senior leader Abid Ansari, Provincial President Kashmir Khurshid Alam, Political Secretary Tasaduq Yaseen, Vice President Central Kashmir and Incharge Khansahib Constituency Manzoor Wani, District President Mushtaq Lone, District Vice President Showkat Wani, District Secretary Budgam Ghulam Mohiudin Dar, and Coordinator North Kashmir Hilal Parvez, graced the occasion, symbolizing the unified front of the party, reads the statement.

PC decries EC's notice over song shared by JKPC President

The Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference on Saturday expressed its deep concern and disappointment over the recent notice, served by the Election Commission, “targeting” a song shared by PC President Sajjad Gani Lone on Twitter.

As per the news agency CNS, the JKPC in a statement said, "The video in question is not an official song of the party but rather a creation by Kashmiri youth. It embodies the heartfelt sentiments of the Kashmiri people, vividly portraying the enduring pain and suffering experienced in the region over decades. We firmly believe that sharing such a song, which reflects the painful history of the region, should not be seen as a violation of electoral norms.”

The party further urged the Election Commission to apply the rules uniformly and desist from selective scrutiny. “The fairness and equality are indispensable in preserving the integrity of the electoral process,” the JKPC said, adding, “It is disconcerting to observe a pattern where the Election Commission singles out our party for scrutiny while displaying leniency towards others. We firmly assert that mistakes of the past, such as those in 1987, characterized by biased approaches of the administration, should not be repeated.”

The JKPC further said that a level playing field must be extended to all political entities without prejudice.

“The Election Commission must avoid disparate treatment of political parties. Rules applied to JKPC should be uniformly applied to all political entities, including the NC,” the statement concluded.

SRINAGAR — A fraudster was arrested in Budgam for cheating on the pretext of providing jobs to job-seekers in Saudi Arabia.

An official said that a fraudster namely Sameer Hassan Dar son of Ghulam Hassan, resident of Beerwah Budgam has been arrested. "He cheated many aspirants on the pretext of employment in Saudi Arabia," he said.

He further said that some female aspirants also accused him of using inappropriate words for them.

Meanwhile, an FIR No. 40/23 u/s 420, 354, 294 and 506 of IPC has been registered in Police Station Sadar and further investigation has been taken up by the police.

BUDGAM — Doctors at Sub-District Hospital Beerwah here in central Kashmir’s Budgam district have claimed that they extracted the world’s longest tooth from a patient measuring 37.5 millimetres.

The Guinness Book of Records has recognized a dentist from Offenbach Germany for pulling a 37-millimetre tooth out of the mouth of a patient who had complained about severe pain.

Block Medical Officer Dr Javaid Ahmed who provided all logistic support for performing the surgery told the news agency KNT that the world’s largest tooth was extracted by a team of doctors at SDH Beerwah measuring 37.5 mm.

The patient, according to him, hails from Sonpah village of Budgam, identified as Nazir Ahmed.

Nazir Ahmed said that he was suffering from severe pain and approached a doctor at SDH Beerwah. He said the tooth was pulled out after an hour-long operation.

The team comprised Dr Tahir Syed, Dr Rouf Ahmad, Muzzafar-u-Zaman DT, Abdul Ahad DT, Haseena Akther DT and Dr Imtiaz Banday.

Pertinently, the previously extracted longest tooth was extracted in the German city of Offenbach by Dr Max Luks and it was measuring 37.2 mm in 2018.

Today's tooth, which was extracted at SDH Beerwah, was 37.5 mm. The tooth extracted was a Maxillary canine.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed to have busted a gang of extortionists by arresting five extortionists involved in the commission of a crime in Budgam.

The extorted cash, cellphone and other materials used in the commission of crime have also been recovered from their possession, a police spokesman said in a statement as per the news agency KNO.

“Police in Budgam received several complaints regarding a gang of extortionists operating in Beerwah area of Budgam. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 98/2022 under relevant sections of law was registered in PS Beerwah and investigation was initiated,” police said, adding that preliminary investigations revealed that the modus operandi of the gang was to call some person(s) to their home and then put him under threat by pointing knives etc. towards him and rob him of his belongings.

“Also, the gang used to capture a video of the victim with a lady in compromising position etc. who happens to be the wife of one of the gang members and then start demanding money in lieu of threat of releasing the said video,” it said.

After strenuous efforts, the police arrested all the accused persons involved in the commission of the crime and have been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat (house owner) son of Gh Nabi, resident of Hanjiguru; Rouf Ahmad Dar alias Kantroo son of Ab Rashid; Mushtaq Ahmad Khan alias Jamal son of Gh Hassan, both residents of Arizal; Farooq Ahmad Ganai son of Ramzan Ganai, resident of Kralnewa and a lady (name withheld).

"On their disclosure, cellphone, cash and other materials snatched from the complainant and knives used to threaten the complainant have been recovered at the instance of the accused. Moreover, some cellphones of the accused with objectionable videos/photos and other material have also been seized in the instant case," police said, adding that further investigation into the case is going on.

SRINAGAR — Six policemen were injured while a cow shed was also burnt after clashes broke out in Beerwah area of Budgam district on Sunday, police said here.

According a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), today morning villagers of Arwah village of Beerwah attacked house of one Mohammad Maqbool Dar s/o Ghulam Mohammad Dar and set ablaze his cow shed which the villagers claim has been built on graveyard land of the village.

The statement reads that Police party from police station Beerwah upon receiving the information rushed to the spot and tried to disperse the mob, however, the mob resorted to stone pelting upon the police party as well as the house of the Mohammad Maqbool Dar.

It reads that while controlling the situation six cops got injured due to stone pelting. “The situation was brought under control and fire service was called to douse off the fire.”

It reads that a case FIR No 40/2022 under relevant sections of law stands registered in Police Station Beerwah and investigation had been taken up.

It further reads that there is a long-standing dispute between Mohammad Maqbool Dar and the villagers over the piece of land and the issue is currently sub-judice.

“Situation is under control, police is deployed in the village to prevent any further clashes. Some of the persons who resorted to clashes have been identified on video analysis and strict action under law shall be taken against them,” it reads.

SRINAGAR — J-K Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested two militant associates of the Lashkar-i-Toiba outfit in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

In a statement issued, the police said that Police in Budgam along with 2RR and 179Bn CRPF have arrested two militant helpers of the outfit LeT from the orchard area of Rathsun Beerwah, Budgam. They have been identified as Wajid Yousuf Akhoon, resident of Rathsun Beerwah and Mohammad Ashraf Sheikh, resident of Kawoosa Khalisa.

Incriminating materials of LeT, arms and ammunition including a Chinese Pistol, two pistol magazines, and 12 pistol rounds have been recovered from their possession, they said.

"Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 35/2022 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Beerwah and an investigation has been initiated," reads the statement.