The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A man succumbed to injuries after he was attacked by militants in Rajouri district of Jammu division on Monday evening.

Reliable sources, quoted by a local news agency, said that the militants fired upon a man, identified as Mohammad Razaq, son of Mohammad Akbar and a resident of Kunda Tope, Shahdhara Sharief, in Rajouri district.

They said that the man was shifted to a local hospital in injured condition where he succumbed to his injuries.

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

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 — In a display of unity and resilience, hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds took to the streets of Kashmir on Thursday to condemn the killing of two young workers from Punjab.

According to reports received here, candlelight vigils were held across various districts of Kashmir, spanning north, south, and central regions, as a poignant protest against the recent killings. Demonstrators passionately voiced their plea for an end to violence, advocating for a future characterized by peace and fairness.

During these gatherings, participants resounded with chants denouncing the senseless loss of innocent lives and stood in solidarity with the bereaved families of the victims. They lamented these tragic events as sombre chapters in Kashmir's history, evoking widespread sorrow and anguish among the populace.

Echoing a collective desire for tranquillity, the demonstrators underscored the imperative of moving beyond the spectre of violence and embracing a life of harmony alongside their loved ones. They emphasized the inherent value and sanctity of human existence, urging against its wanton squandering.

Furthermore, the protesters vehemently condemned these acts of aggression as deliberate endeavours to disrupt peace and impede the region's developmental progress.

The recent violence unfolded on Wednesday evening when Amritpal Singh, a 31-year-old hailing from Amritsar, Punjab, fell victim to a fatal shooting by militants in the Shaheed Gunj area of Srinagar. His companion, Rohit, aged 25, sustained grave injuries and tragically succumbed to them at a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar on Thursday morning.

SRINAGAR — One of the victims critically injured in yesterday's militant attack in Srinagar's Shalkadal area has passed away at the hospital this morning.

According to a senior official, Rohit Mashi, who was rushed to SMHS Hospital Srinagar along with another victim, Amritpal, following the attack, couldn't survive his injuries.

Suspected militants opened fire on Amritpal and Rohit yesterday, resulting in Amritpal's immediate demise at the scene, while Rohit succumbed to his injuries today. "Both deceased hailed from Punjab," the official added.

SRINAGAR — Suspected militants shot dead one person and injured another in Karfali Mohalla ShalKadal area of Srinagar district on Wednesday evening.

A top police officer told the news agency GNS that this evening militants fired upon two persons from a close range.

One of the injured succumbed on the spot while another has been in shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

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

As per intial reports, the deceased has been identified as Amritpal Singh, resident of Amritsar and the injured has been identified as Rohit, who is admitted in SMHS Hospital Srinagar.

SRINAGAR — Expressing concern over the turmoil in Poonch, the Jammu Muslim Front stressed the need for the army to establish rapport with vulnerable communities affected by violence.

Shuja Zaffar, Chairman of the Jammu Muslim Front, conveyed distress over the tragic loss of both army personnel and civilians in Poonch. In a statement to The Kashmir Pulse, Zaffar emphasized the imperative for the army to cultivate a community-oriented environment and take action against those targeting innocent civilians.

"We appeal to the army top brace to create a public-friendly environment and initiate action against those who target innocent civilians. People living in far-flung areas of Poonch and Rajouri are peace-loving and trust the integrity and discipline of the army," he said.

He further added, "The unfortunate killing of civilians is bound to create a trust deficit. We appeal to people at the helm of affairs to initiate action against those who try to malign the image of the army."

Highlighting the vulnerability of innocent civilians, Zaffar demanded stern action against those responsible for attacks on the army and civilians in the guise of combating militancy.

He expressed hope that the army would extend support to families affected by the recent incidents following militant attacks.

SRINAGAR — A wave of disquiet and demands for justice swept through Jammu and Kashmir following the mysterious deaths of three civilians in the aftermath of an ambush on army vehicles in the Poonch district. The incident, which claimed the lives of five soldiers and left two injured, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the circumstances leading to the civilian fatalities.

The deceased—Safeer Hussain (43), Mohammad Showket (27), and Shabir Ahmad (32)—all residents of Topa Peer village in Bufliaz, were among the eight individuals reportedly detained by the army for questioning after the attack at Dhatyar Morh, situated between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz. The cause of their deaths remains shrouded in mystery, intensifying calls for a comprehensive investigation into the sequence of events.

Government authorities swiftly responded to the unfolding situation. Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Choudhary Mohammad Yasin and Senior Superintendent of Police Vinay Kumar arrived at Bufliaz upon receiving reports of the civilian deaths. Also, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar is en route to Surankote, as the incident garners significant attention and outcry.

Various political entities, including the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Apni Party, took centre stage in denouncing the civilian killings. NC, led by General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, staged a peaceful protest, demanding a time-bound judicial inquiry into the incident. The police, however, restricted the movement of protesters at the party headquarters, heightening tensions during the demonstration.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also raised concerns, urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's intervention for a thorough investigation. She highlighted the alleged brutality suffered by the civilians before their bodies were found, emphasizing the need for swift justice and immediate compensation for the affected families.

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari echoed similar sentiments, expressing shock over the civilian deaths and urging Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure a comprehensive probe. Bukhari emphasized the necessity of holding any responsible parties accountable and addressing human rights violations promptly.

Amid mounting pressure and public outrage, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced legal proceedings into the deaths, alongside compensation for the families of the deceased. The Indian Army, acknowledging the ongoing investigations, pledged full cooperation and support to facilitate the inquiry process.

As Kashmir grapples with the aftermath of the Poonch tragedy, the call for justice reverberates across the region, amplifying demands for transparency and accountability for the grieving families affected by the unfortunate sequence of events. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work towards unravelling the circumstances surrounding these unsettling civilian deaths.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir is currently carrying out raids at nine different locations in three districts of south Kashmir, an official said on Thursday.

An official quoted by the news agency KNO said that the SIA personnel accompanied by police and the paramilitary CRPF are carrying out raids at nine locations in three districts.

“The searches are underway in Litter area of Pulwama, Shirmal and Kachwa area of Shopian and Chittergul, Semthan and Shangus Utrosoo area of Anantnag districts of south Kashmir,” he said.

He said these searches are being carried out in connection with an investigation into the killing of Sanjay Sharma (Bank ATM guard) who was killed by militants in Achan Pulwama in February this year.

SRINAGAR — In a tragic incident, a resident of Udhampur was shot dead by suspected militants on Monday evening near Janglat Mandi, located in the southern region of Anantnag district in Kashmir.

The victim, identified as Deepu, was working at a private circus mela in an amusement park near Janglat Mandi when militants opened fire, inflicting fatal injuries upon him. Swift action was taken to rush him to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his wounds.

The Kashmir Zone Police took to Twitter to provide the initial details of the incident, stating that a case has been registered, and investigations are currently underway.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the persistent security challenges faced by the authorities.

SRINAGAR — A bank security guard was killed by suspected militants in Achan area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday morning.

A senior police officer told the news agency KNS that militants fired upon a Kashmiri Pandit identified as Sanjay Pandith, a resident of Achan, this morning. "The injured was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries," he said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Kashmir, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, said the police are acting swiftly to investigate the matter of the killing of the minority community member and promised to bring justice.

He said that the incident took place around 10:30 AM. "Terrorists fired upon a member of a minority community when he was going towards a market along with his wife. We are searching for the terrorists and we will neutralize them as early as possible," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the dastardly attack and said that the administration has given free hand to the security forces to deal with the militants.

LG said the administration is standing strong with the bereaved family. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," he said and added that the administration has given a free hand to the security forces to deal with the militants. "We will continue to combat such acts of militancy firmly and decisively."

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed his condolences over the death of the Kashmiri Pandit in Pulwama. “I'm deeply pained. This bloodshed must end. Unfortunately, Kashmiri Pandits continue to be targeted. I will appeal to Muslims in the valley to protect Kashmiri Pandits. We have to face Allah one day. What will we say to Allah if we fail to protect our Pandit brethren,” said Abdullah.

Farooq Abdullah added, “I urge the government not to force Kashmiri Pandit government employees to return to the valley. Sadly, the situation is not conducive to the survival of the Pandits in the valley. Pandit employees must be adjusted in Jammu and their salaries should be released.”

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti blamed the BJP-led Centre for failing to protect Kashmiri Pandits. The former chief minister also hit out at the perpetrators of the attack.

Talking to reporters here, she said, "A few days ago, right-wing terrorists killed two Muslims in Rajasthan. Today, you have killed a Hindu. What is the difference between you and them?"

Mufti accused the BJP government of endangering the lives of minorities in Kashmir while projecting a picture of normalcy in the valley.

Meanwhile, a pall of gloom descended on the victim's village. "The gunman martyred our brother. Whosoever killed him, we condemn this brutal killing. This attack is not on individuals but on our brotherhood and attack on Ganga-Jamni Tehzeeb. The entire village condemned the killing of our brother," locals of the area said.

JAMMU — A 9-year-old boy, who was injured in mysterious firing in Surankote area of Poonch district yesterday, died at Government Medical College Jammu on Thursday.

Sources, as per the news agency GNS, said that the boy identified as Afran Ahmed son of Mohammad Sharief of Sangla Tehsil was shifted to GMC Jammu from GMC Rajouri for advanced treatment. However, he succumbed to the grievous wounds.

SHO Surankote Rajveer Singh confirmed the death of the minor. He said the police have already registered a case (FIR No. 10/2023) under the relevant section of the law and further investigations are underway.

The boy was injured near his residence while two other persons, heading to pay obeisance at a shrine had a miraculous escape in the incident.

PULWAMA — Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said infiltration to a large extent has been stopped and almost all cases of target killings have been solved.

The DGP visited District Police Lines Pulwama and inaugurated multiple facilities including a Gym Centre, Conference Hall, Equipment Centre, and a Women's Police Station.

Among key officers who were also present on the occasion include ADGP Vijay Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary and SSP Pulwama, Ghulam Jeelani among others.

After inaugurating these projects, the DGP said that the Women's Police Station would prove better for society as most of the domestic cases against women go unreported.

Talking to reporters, the DGP said security arrangements are in place on the border so as to foil any attempt of infiltration very effectively, and to a large extent, infiltration has been checked and some attempts were made but infiltrators were killed.

He also said that almost all cases of target killings have been solved and just one or two cases are pending in which involved persons have been identified and very soon the pending cases will be closed too.

The DGP also said a large number of cases have been registered against drug peddlers and more than 2000 persons have been arrested. He said among them, many were slapped with PSA, and strict action is being taken so as to curb this menace.

He said earlier people were killed with bullets but now people are being killed with drugs here as whosoever uses it once, searches for it again and again. “Attempts are being made to drop drugs through drones, especially in Jammu region, however, every effort is being made to curb this menace,” the DGP said.

Earlier, while talking to reporters in Tral area, he said that he would like to congratulate the people and youth in particular for not opting for the path of 'terror' and choosing peace and prosperity.

He said that Tral is almost militancy free now and has become an abode of peace. “Youth must continue this path as those who chose the wrong path never came back,” he said.

RAJOURI — In order to probe the killings of two civilians in Rajouri outside the Army camp, Jammu Kashmir Police has constituted a Special Investigating Team (SIT).

The team will investigate the incident of firing that took place at the Alfa gate of the Army camp in the Phalyana area of Rajouri town in which two local men Surinder Kumar and Kamal Kumar, both residents of Ward 15 Phalyana, got killed, while Anil Kumar from Uttrakhand was injured and is under treatment in Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri.

The victims were working in the Army camp. Army said that there was firing from the militants, a claim contested by locals who said that sentry at the Army gate fired upon the trio, killing two individuals on the spot and injuring the third one.

Sources told the news agency KNT that the SIT was constituted by Deputy Inspector General Rajouri-Poonch Range Dr. Haseeb Mughal and it will be headed by a gazette-rank police officer.

The SIT will work under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, Mohammad Aslam, and will be headed by Deputy SP (headquarters), Rajouri, Chanchal Singh. Its members will be Inspector Danish Maqbool, Probationary Sub-Inspector (PSI) Jatinder Sharma, and two head constables, the sources said.

The SIT has been asked to update day to day progress of the investigation with the range police headquarters.

The SIT will record the statements of eyewitnesses, locals, and the family members of the victims and will file a time-bound report to authorities.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday said that three militants including a wanted Lashkar-e-Toiba militant were killed in an encounter at Munjh Marg area of southern district of Shopian. Police said that one of the slain was a new recruit from Old Town Baramulla.

Kashmir Zone Police in a tweet, while quoting ADGP Kashmir as per the news agency KNO, said that among three killed militants, two are local including Lateef Lone from Shopian and Umer Nazir from Anantnag.

He said that Lateef was involved in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit Purana Krishan Bhat of Chowdrigund while Umer Nazir was involved in the killing of Nepali labourer Till Bahadur Thapa at Bon Dialgam Anantnag. He added that one AK-47 rifle and two pistols were recovered from the encounter spot.

"Among 03 neutralised local terrorists, 02 identified as Lateef Lone of Shopian, involved in killing of a Kashmiri Pandit Shri Purana Krishna Bhat & Umer Nazir of Anantnag, involved in killing of Till Bahadur Thapa of Nepal. 01 AK 47 rifle & 2 pistols recovered: ADGP Kashmir," Kashmir Police Zone tweeted.

Talking to reporters at Ganderbal, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, as per KNO, said that the third slain is a new recruit from Old Town Baramulla. “All the militants involved in the killing of minorities have been neutralized and only one is surviving whose name is Adil Wani, who is being tracked down,” he said.

Present on the occasion, DGP Dilbagh Singh said that the security situation was most peaceful in Kashmir at present. “Dal Lake is looking more beautiful and tourists are coming despite the fall in the temperatures. Some militant modules are active to sustain militancy while outfits have been, by and large, wiped out,” he said.

The DGP said that the security situation was improving with each passing day. “In the next three to four months, the situation will be more peaceful,” he said.

To a query about threats being issued by TRF, the DGP said that these are tactics to keep the fear of militancy alive and this all is being done by the ISI. “These people are targeting non-locals, minorities, and innocents. Pakistan can’t decide who will live in Kashmir. It is the J&K Government that will decide who has to stay in Kashmir to work here,” he said.

The DGP said that militant figures are in double digits vis-à-vis, locals and foreigners. “Anti-militancy operations are going on every week. Remaining elements of militancy will be cleaned very soon,” he said, adding that people need not fear.

He said that there is a possibility that some remaining hiding militants may change their base and shift to residential areas given the fall in temperatures. “We are ready to face militants in orchards as well as in forests,” he said.

PULWAMA — A civilian was killed after he sustained ‘critical’ injuries when a bullet hit him in Hawal village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. A police officer said that it was an accidental fire.

Reports said that the bullet hit a civilian after the service rifle of a cop went off accidentally. The injured was shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim has been identified as Asif Ahmed Padroo (25) son of Muhammad Ayoub Padroo, a resident of Potarwal village of Shopian.

Policeman arrested, FIR registered

The cop, whose service rifle had gone off accidentally, has been arrested and a formal case has been registered against him.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the accused cop has been arrested and an FIR registered against him at Police Station Rajpora.

Confirming the development, a police official told the news agency KNT that the cop has been disarmed and arrested and an FIR vide number 79/2022 under Section 304 has been registered against him.

SRINAGAR — Suspected militants shot dead a minority community member while his brother was injured in Chotigam area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday, officials said.

Official sources, as per news agency GNS, said that militants shot dead a minority community member identified as Sunil Kumar son of Arjun Nath while as his brother identified as Pintu Kumar was injured.

Pintu has been immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

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

SRINAGAR — Unknown gunmen suspected to be militants shot dead a Non- local labourer in Sadunara area of Ajas in North Kashmir's Bandipora district on Friday.

A top police officer while confirming to GNS said that militants shot at a Non- local labourer from a very close range approximately at 12:30 am in wee hours.

He was shifted to nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, the officer said.

He has been identified as Mohammad Amrez Son of Mohammad Jaleel Resident of Bihar, the officer added.

SRINAGAR — Family members of a civilian, killed during the Kulgam gunfight on Friday, have sought compensation as the slain was the sole source of income for the family.

Manzoor Lone of Redwani Bala was killed during an encounter between militants and security forces in Kulgam yesterday.

As per news agency KNO, Gowhara, sister of Manzoor, said that his brother was returning home when he was hit by a bullet. She said that Manzoor was married last year and he has left behind her wife and around a 2-month-old baby.

“Administration should provide some compensation to my brother’s family,” she said.

Meanwhile, former MLA Ali Mohammad Dar also sought compensation for the family, stating that the family is poor and is hardly able to make both ends meet.

“We are thankful to the administration for returning the body of the slain. Now, some relief should be provided to the widow and her child,” he said.

SRINAGAR — A civilian was killed and a soldier injured amid a gunfight between militants and a joint team of J&K Police and the Indian Army in Redwani area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday, officials said.

The police in a statement said that the “operation has concluded” but there is no mention of the militants, suggesting they escaped by giving slip to the joint team during the course of the gunfight which had started this afternoon.

The police said that a civilian and soldier were injured during the gunfight which according to it ensued after contact was established with the militants following a cordon-and-search operation in the area amid the presence of the militants there.

“Injured civilian namely Manzoor Lone son of Abdullah Lone of Redwani Bala Kulgam succumbed to his injuries,” the police said in a tweet as per news agency GNS.

The injured Army soldier, Kiran Singh of 1RR, a resident of Ramban, is hospitalised at 92 Base Hospital Srinagar. “The search operation concluded,” the police added.

SRINAGAR — A non-local labourer was killed while as two others were injured after militants hurled a grenade toward them in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday evening, police said here.

Kashmir Zone Police, as per news agency KNO, informed that militants hurled a grenade toward non-local labourers at Gudoora village this evening. Police said that in the incident, a labourer died while two others were injured.

“Terrorists hurled a grenade on outside labourers at Gadoora area of Pulwama. In this terror incident, one labourer died and two others were injured. The area has been cordoned off. Further details shall follow,” a police spokesman tweeted.