The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — In a major setback to the Apni Party, the recently appointed constituency in-charge for Bijbehara-Srigufwara constituency, Tariq Ahmad Veeri rejoined the National Conference in the presence of his brother and senior NC leader Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri.

As per the news agency KNO, Tariq Ahmad Veeri, who had joined the Apni party a few years before rejoined NC at the office of Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri in Anantnag.

The joining of Tariq Ahmad Veeri will further boost NC's winning chances where there is a direct contest between Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, Iltija Mufti.

SRINAGAR — A 23-year-old youth hanged himself to death in a mosque in Shamsabad Bemina area of central Kashmir's Srinagar district on Monday.

An official quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that a youth from Bijbehara town made an attempt to hang himself in a Masjid in Batamaloo Srinagar. However, soon after the incident, he was shifted to a hospital where doctors declared him dead.

The reason behind taking this extreme step in a religious place like a mosque wasn't immediately known.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and started an investigation in this connection.

SRINAGAR — A civilian was shot dead by the suspected militants in Bijbehara area of southern Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday evening, officials said.

An official told the news agency KNO that a civilian hailing from Bihar, identified as Raja Shah, son of Shankar Shah, presently living at Jablipora, Bilal Colony, was fired upon by the militants in Bijbehara.

The official said that the civilian received bullet injuries in neck and abdomen, leaving him in a pool of blood. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.

Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers.

SRINAGAR — A minor boy drowned to death in the river Jhelum in Bijbehara area of southern Kashmir's Anantnag district on Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

According to the reports of a Srinagar-based news agency, a six-year-old boy identified as Salil Ahmad Dar, son of Latif Ahmad Dar, a resident of Gadhanjipora Bijbehara, drowned in the river in his native area.

They said that the boy was evacuated and shifted to Sub-District Hospital Bijbehara where doctors declared him dead.

Meanwhile, the local police have taken cognizance of the incident and started an investigation.

SRINAGAR — A minor girl was mauled to death by stray dogs in Waghama area of Bijbehara in southern Kashmir's Anantnag district on Thursday.

An official informed the news agency KNO that a minor girl identified as Arshima (06), daughter of Ghulam Nabi Wani was attacked by stray dogs in her native village.

He said the girl sustained grievous injuries in the incident and was shifted to the hospital, where she was declared dead.

Meanwhile, the police have taken cognisance of the incident.

Following the incident, locals staged protests and demanded action from the government. They expressed frustration over the frequent presence of packs of dogs on roads.

"The increasing numbers of these stray dogs pose a grave threat to the lives of people. Movement, especially during morning and evening hours, has become difficult for children, elders, and women," said a local woman.

Residents alleged that the mysterious rise in the dog population was due to their transportation from urban areas during night hours.

“This has made life difficult for us. There is a fear among our children who are unable to move freely due to the presence of these dogs,” Shakeel Ahmad, a resident, said.

Locals appealed to the concerned authorities to tackle the menace promptly for the convenience of the people. "It has become difficult during morning and evening hours to move around freely. Due to the large number of dogs, people, especially the elderly and children, feel unsafe venturing out of their homes," said another local.

Despite several attempts to bring the issue to the attention of higher authorities, no action has been taken, residents lamented. They once again urged authorities to address the problem immediately.

SRINAGAR — A tragic incident in Bijbehara, Anantnag, claimed the life of a 55-year-old man who was struck by a falling tree while engaged in tree-cutting activities.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the victim has been identified as Mohammad Jabbar Dar, the son of Ghulam Nabi Dar.

Reports indicate that Mohammad Jabbar Dar was in the process of cutting trees in his native village of Subhanpora in Bijbehara when tragedy struck.

Emergency responders were quickly summoned to the scene, and the injured man was swiftly transported to a nearby health centre. However, despite efforts to save him, Mohammad Jabbar Dar was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the cause of the tree falling and any safety measures in place, remain under investigation.

SRINAGAR — A grim news shook residents of Hamzapora area of Bijbehara in southern Kashmir's Anantnag district, as the lifeless body of a woman was found at her rented accommodation.

According to officials quoted by the news agency, the deceased has been identified as Shakeela Akhtar, wife of Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Parimpora in Srinagar.

Reports indicate that Shakeela Akhtar was found deceased at her rented residence in Hamzapura Semthan in Bijbehara.

Authorities swiftly intervened, with police relocating the deceased's body to GMC Anantnag for necessary medico-legal formalities.

In response to the incident, law enforcement agencies have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shakeela Akhtar's untimely demise.

ANANTNAG — Amir Hussain Lone, an armless cricketer from south Kashmir's Anantnag district, has not only made a mark on the cricket field but has also gained attention from several influential figures in India.

With legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar wishing to meet young Amir, hopes for this specially-abled cricketer have started to run high. Amir, hailing from Waghama village in Bijbehara, lost his arms at the age of eight while working at his father’s mill.

He has mastered the unique skill of bowling with leg and batting by holding the bat between the neck and shoulder.

"During my childhood, I aspired to be a cricketer like Sachin Tendulkar, dreaming of representing my country,” said Amir. “I couldn’t control my emotions after seeing Sachil sir’s wish to meet me. It’s really a dream come true.”

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has showered huge praise on the J&K Para captain, stating that Amir has made the impossible possible. The iconic cricketer was so much in awe of Amir that he hoped to meet him and get a jersey with his name.

"And Amir has made the impossible possible. I am so touched watching this! Shows how much love and dedication he has for the game. Hope I get to meet him one day and get a jersey with his name. Well done for inspiring millions who are passionate about playing the sport," Sachin wrote on his social media account X.

The praise didn’t end with Sachin’s message on X. Adani Foundation also announced that it will contact cricketer Amir Hussain Lone and provide him with every possible support in his journey.

Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group saluted the courage and dedication of Amir Hussain towards the game and the spirit of never giving up in adverse circumstances. “This emotional story of Aamir is amazing! We salute your courage, dedication to the game and spirit of never giving up even in adverse circumstances. @AdaniFoundation will contact you soon and provide you with every possible support in this unique journey. Your struggle is an inspiration for all of us,” Adani said in a post on X.

Talking to KNO, a visibly happy Amir said: “I am so glad! Sachin shared and liked my life story. I hope to meet him soon. Legend cricketer has been my favourite since childhood, and he still inspires me. It is a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir and my hometown, Anantnag. Words can't capture my joy. I never expected this to happen.”

SRINAGAR — A scooty driver was killed while a pillion rider was injured in a road accident in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Sunday.

An official said that an accident took place at Pazalpora Bijbehara in Anantnag district between scooty bearing registration number JK01L-5188 and Wagon-R bearing registration number JK03D-7114.

"In the incident, scooty driver Ali Mohd Bhat (55) son of Gh Hassan Bhat, resident of Pangzam Kokernag died on the spot while pillion rider Rouf Ahmad Malik (32) son of Mohd Maqbool Malik, resident of Panzgam received critical injuries, who has been referred to GMC Anantnag for further treatment," he said.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 128/2023 u/s 279, 337 IPC has been registered and an investigation has been taken up by the concerned police station.

BIJBEHARA — Unidentified persons chopped scores of apple trees in two different places at Kandipora area of Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, locals said on Monday.

The inhabitants of Kandipora, Bijbehara told the news agency KNO that during the intervening night of Sunday-Monday (March 26 and 27), miscreants damaged apple orchards belonging to some nine families in Kandipora area of Bijbehara.

They said miscreants chopped down more than a hundred fruit-bearing apple trees by using axes and saws.

The locals said that the apple orchards are their only source of livelihood. “Dozens of families are dependent on these trees and the chopping down of the trees has created tremendous panic among the locals,” they added.

The locals have appealed to the authorities to find the culprits and compensate for the losses they have suffered.

A police official said that the locals have registered a complaint in this matter and an FIR vide number 72/2023 under relevant sections of law has been registered while further investigation has been taken up.

ANANTNAG — Three militants including a foreigner and a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander were killed in an encounter at Khandipora area of Awantipora area of Pulwama district while an unidentified militant was killed in an ongoing encounter at Semthan village of Bijbhehara in Anantnag district of south Kashmir, police said on Tuesday.

Police said that the slain LeT commander identified as Mukhtar Bhat along with a foreign militant was planning a Fidayeen strike on the security forces’ camps.

“One terrorist killed in Bijbehara encounter. Operation going on,” a J&K Police spokesman tweeted as per the news agency KNO. A police official said that the identity and affiliation of the slain were being ascertained.

Earlier, an official had said that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF after receiving information about the presence of militants launched a search operation in the area. He said that as the joint team of forces intensified searches towards the suspected spot, hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated to, triggering an encounter.

Also, police said that another encounter broke out in Khandipora village of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday evening.

ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar tweeted that three 'terrorists' were killed in the Awantipora encounter. "Identification being ascertained. As per our source, one is a foreign terrorist and another is a local terrorist of LeT namely Mukhtiyar Bhat, involved in several terror crimes including the killing of one ASI of CRPF and two RPF personnel. A big success for us.”

In another tweet, the ADGP said, “LeT Commander Mukhar Bhat among the three terrorists killed. As per the source, he along with a foreigner was going for a Fidayeen attack on the security forces camp. One AK-47 rifle, one AK-56 rifle, and one pistol were recovered. Awantipore Police and Army averted a major terror incident.”

Jammu and Kashmir Police said that Semthan, Bijbhehara encounter was going on.

Official statement of Jammu & Kashmir Police

A police spokesman in a statement said that police along with security forces neutralized four militants in twin anti-terrorist operations in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Awantipora districts. “Police along with Army (3rd RR) launched a cordon and search operation at Semthan Bijbehara area of Anantnag following input regarding the presence of terrorists in the area,” the spokesman said.

He said that as the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated effectively by the joint party, leading to an encounter.

“In the ensuing encounter, one local terrorist identified as Shakir Ahmad son of Habibullah, resident of Ladermud was killed,” the statement said. “As per police records, the killed terrorist was linked with proscribed terror outfit HM and was involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on police/SFs and civilian atrocities.”

Police said that similarly, on a specific input generated by police regarding the presence of terrorists in Khandipora area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police and Army (55RR) in the area.

“As the joint party approached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party which was retaliated effectively, leading to an encounter,” the statement said. “In the ensuing encounter, three terrorists were killed. Among the killed terrorists, one is a foreign terrorist and another one is a LeT terrorist commander identified as Mukhtar Bhat while the identification of the third killed terrorist is being ascertained.”

The police said that as per police records, all the killed terrorists were involved in several terror crimes including the killing of one ASI of CRPF and two RPF personnel. “As per the source, Mukhtar Bhat along with a foreign militant was going for a Fidayeen attack on a security force camp,” it said.

ANANTNAG — Two militants were killed in a chance encounter in Thajiwara village of Bijbehara in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said here on Wednesday.

Kashmir Zone Police, as per the news agency KNO, in a tweet as informed that two militants were killed by Anantnag Police in a chance encounter at Thajiwara.

Police said that further details will be shared accordingly. "Two militants neutralised in a chance encounter by Anantnag Police in Thajiwara, Bijbehara area of Anantnag. Further details shall follow,” police tweeted.

A police spokesman in a statement to KNO said that Anantnag Police neutralized two AGuH militants in a brief chance encounter at Thajiwara Bijbehara area of Anantnag.

“The killed militants have been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Kumar alias Faheem Kumar son of Mohammad Ramzan Kumar and Owais Ahmad Khan son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan, both residents of Waghama Bijbehara and were affiliated with AGuH,” the police spokesman said.

He said that both the killed militants were involved in several terror crime cases and civilian atrocities including an attack on police personnel at Cheeniwooder Srigufwara on July 3, 2022, in which one police personnel Firdous Ahmad Dar got seriously injured.

“They were also involved in an attack on Police personnel Ghulam Qadir at Darashikon Park Bijbehara on 12/08/2022 in which he received grievous gunshot injuries. Besides, they were also involved in grenade lobbing incidents at Padshahibagh on 15/06/2022 and Sangam Chowk on 22/08/2022,” the police spokesman said.

He said that arms, ammunition and other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of the encounter. “All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation,” the police spokesman said, adding that ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated Anantnag Police for carrying out a successful and swift encounter without any collateral damage.

Meanwhile, Shopian Police arrested two hybrid militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). They have been identified as Faizan Fayaz Bhat son of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, resident of Budden Rafiabad Sopore and Yawar Nizam Mir son of Nizamuddin Mir, resident of Konsoo, Shopian.

He said that incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including two pistols, two Pistol Magazines, two grenades, 20 Pistol rounds, one AK-47 magazine and 50-AK live rounds were recovered from their possession.

SRINAGAR — A Kashmiri girl student from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district died in Bangladesh where she was pursuing MBBS. Her family has appealed to authorities to help get her body back home.

The girl, identified as Khushboo Manzoor daughter of Manzoor Ahmad of Katoo area of Bijbehara, was pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at a medical college in Bangladesh.

Family sources confirmed that Khushboo fell off her hostel building of the college on Tuesday, following which she was in ICU, however, succumbed to her injuries today.

Meanwhile, the family appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs and LG administration to help them to bring the student's body back for the last rites.

"The family was unable to reach Bangladesh as the family members do not have adequate documents to travel to Bangladesh," a relative of the deceased told CNS.

PULWAMA — A 22-year-old youth from Naina village of Pulwama district died of a heart attack while playing cricket in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district on Friday.

One of the deceased’s friends told the news agency KNO that Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan of Naina village collapsed on the ground during the match proceedings.

He said that Imtiyaz bowled two overs in the game and during fielding, he collapsed on the ground and vomited.

“He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment where he was declared dead on arrival,” he added.

ANANTNAG — A policeman was critically injured on Friday in a militant attack in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said here.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that militants fired upon a special police officer (SPO) in Kir Kadal area of Bijbehara, resulting in critical injuries to him.

He said that soon after the incident the injured SPO was immediately rushed to SDh Bijbehara fro treatment, where his condition is said to be critical.

He has been identified as Ghulam Qadir and was posted at PS Bijbehara.

The official added that the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers.

ANANTNAG — Jammu and Kashmir Police have booked three youth including two students under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for possessing ammunition and having links with militants here in the south Kashmir’s Bijbehara town of Anantnag.

Police have recovered 20 rounds of AK-47 from the possession of these three persons.

Police sources said that an FIR vide number 104/22 under section 7/25 IA Act 18, 39 UAPA Act was filed against three youth of Bijbehara at Police Station Bijbehara.

They identified the trio as Tafazul Ahmed Dar (19) of Tulkan Bijbehara, Ufaid Peerzada (19) of Baba Mohalla Bijbehara, both students and 26-year old Suhail Ahmed Dar of Tulkhan Bijbehara, who is a plumber by profession.

SRINAGAR — A cop was injured after militants hurled a grenade towards a police party in Padshahi Bagh area of Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday evening.

A top police officer told GNS that militants lobbed a grenade at a police party, which resulted in splinter injuries to a policeman.

"He has been shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, where his condition is stated to be stable,' the officer added.

Meanwhile, the whole area has been cordoned off to nab fleeing militants.

SRINAGAR — Two militants affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit were killed in a brief gunfight between militants and government forces in Sheetipora village of Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday evening.

A senior police official told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that acting on a specific input, a joint team of Police, Army's 3 RR and CRPF, after receiving information about the presence of militants, launched a search operation in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces intensified searches towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the party, which was retaliated, thus triggering an encounter.

He said that during the exchange of fire, two local militants affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen were killed and both were involved in several militancy-related cases.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that the slain duo were identified as Ishfaq Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Chakwangund, Anantnag and Yawar Ayub Dar of Dogripora Awantipora.

Pertinently, 12 militants including six locals and six non-locals were killed in Kashmir valley in the last four days.

On May 25, three non-local militants affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and a cop were killed in a 'chance' encounter in Kreeri area of Baramulla. On May 26, three non-local Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants and an Army porter was killed in an encounter in Kupwara district.

Two newly-recruited local militants affiliated with LeT namely Shahid Mushtaq Bhat from Hafroo Chadoora and Farhan Habib from Hakripora Pulwama who, according to police, killed TV artist Amreen Bhat were killed in an encounter in Aganhanzipora Awantipora on May 27. On the same day, two newly-recruited LeT militants namely Shakir Ahmed Waza and Afreen Aftab Bhat, both residents of Trenz Shopian, were killed in an encounter in Soura, Srinagar.

BIJBEHARA — A youth from south Kashmir's Bijbehara area became an overnight millionaire by winning Rs 2 crore on the online fantasy cricket platform Dream11.

Waseem Raja from Shalgam Bijbehara, while talking to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that he was deep asleep on Saturday late night when some friends called him and informed him that he is placed at the first number in Dream11 following which he realised that he has won around Rs 2 crore.

As the news broke out, people started congratulating him and his family. "I have been trying my luck for last two years by creating fantasy teams in IPL," he said.

"Becoming a millionaire overnight is like a dream. This will help us to overcome poverty as we belong to a financially weak section," he said.

"My mother is ailing. Now, I will be able to treat her," he added.

Videos went viral on social media in which people can be seen congratulating Waseem Raja. There is a wave of happiness in Raja's village with the news of him becoming the winner in Dream11.

Dream11 is an Indian fantasy sports platform that allows users to play fantasy cricket, hockey, football, kabaddi, and basketball. In April 2019, Dream11 became the first Indian gaming company to become a unicorn.

SRINAGAR — An encounter rages between militants and government forces in Marhama Bijbehara of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Wednesday.

Reports reaching GNS said that a joint team of Police and the Army launched a cordon and search operation in Marhama.

As the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

A senior police officer also confirmed to GNS about the exchange of firing between the militants and security forces.

Pertinently, two Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants were killed yesterday in Dooru Anantnag in a gunfight.