The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — In a series of coordinated operations, Pulwama Police have achieved significant breakthroughs across multiple fronts, arresting thieves and drug peddlers as well as seizing tippers for illegal mining.

In the first operation, Pulwama Police arrested three individuals involved in a theft case reported by Irshad Ahmad Dar, a resident of Lajoora Pulwama.

The theft, which occurred at an under-construction Sheep Building in Dangerpora Pulwama, led to the registration of FIR No. 163/2024. Following intensive questioning, the suspects—Sheraz Ahmad Bhat of Keller, Mehrooz Mushtaq and Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir of Dangerpora—confessed to the crime.

The stolen water pump was recovered, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In a separate anti-drug operation, Pulwama Police set up a checkpoint at Gangoo Pulwama, resulting in the arrest of two notorious drug peddlers.

The police intercepted a truck driven by Sukhdev Singh of Punjab, recovering 15 kg of poppy straw. Further investigation led to the arrest of Mohammad Yousuf Gadda of Gangoo, who was also found in possession of a substantial quantity of poppy straw.

FIR No. 166/2024 has been registered, and police anticipate further arrests as part of their intensified crackdown on drug trafficking in the area.

Adding to these successful operations, Pulwama Police continued their ongoing drive against illegal mining, seizing two tippers used in the illicit extraction of materials.

The vehicles, bearing registration numbers JK01R-9135 and JK05C-5844, were seized by the Police Post Rahmoo, though the drivers managed to flee the scene. FIR No. 66/2024 has been registered, and efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits.

Meanwhile, the police have urged the people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

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 — Scores of tractor drivers on Saturday held a peaceful protest in Ashmuji area of southern Kashmir's Kulgam district and demanded work from the government and resolution of their genuine issues.

As per the news agency CNS, the protesting tractor drivers said that they have been badly suffering in the absence of work in the district and demanded an immediate step from the concerned administration to resolve their matters.

“We want to work by abiding by law and rules and are requesting the government to initiate steps for providing us with work so that our plight will be addressed,” said the tractor drivers.

They also alleged that their counterparts from other districts have been given work in Kulgam instead of them. “It is sheer injustice to us as tractor drivers from other districts are given space here to work when we should have been the priority,” they said.

Later, the protesting tractor drivers appealed to the administration to alleviate their issues at the earliest so that they could earn their livelihood.

SRINAGAR — Srinagar is gearing up to welcome a fleet of 25 new smart city buses, introduced by the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). An inspection and trial run of the freshly arrived buses were carried out in the city on Thursday.

Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of Planning & Urban Development at Smart City Srinagar, shared details with the news agency KNO, saying that the city is all set to receive 25 state-of-the-art smart city buses, which will commence operations in the coming days.

He elaborated on the features of the new buses, saying these have lengths of over 12 metres. “These buses are a significant upgrade from the previously acquired 9-metre buses, with a seating capacity of 35 passengers along with additional standing room,” he said, adding that the new buses offer enhanced comfort, including more spacious seating and highback seats.

Speaking about the total number of buses, Malhotra said they have made an addition of 25 new buses to the existing fleet, bringing the total count to 100 smart city buses, including the previous 75.

The inspection and trial run of the smart city buses were overseen by key figures such as RTO Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari and Anuj Malhotra, alongside other officials.

SRINAGAR — A driver lost his life after a vehicle he was driving skidded off the road in Mazmoo area of Dooru in southern Kashmir's Anantnag district on Friday.

An official quoted by a local news agency said that a Tata Mobile bearing registration number JK19/5773 skidded off the road at Mazmoo, Dooru.

He said that the driver identified as Ghulam Nabi Shergojri got injured and was shifted to SKIMS Srinagar for treatment. However, he succumbed to injuries.

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

SRINAGAR — In a tragic turn of events late Monday night, an auto-rickshaw driver lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in the Sonawar area of Srinagar. The incident, reported by a local news agency, occurred near Sonwar Bagh, where the driver was hit by an unidentified vehicle.

The victim, identified as Mohammad Ashraf Sheikh, hailing from Pampore in southern Kashmir, was immediately rushed to the SMHS hospital for urgent medical attention. However, upon arrival, medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival, depicting the severity of the injuries sustained in the collision.

The hit-and-run incident has prompted a swift response from local authorities, with the police initiating an investigation into the matter.

The identity of the vehicle and its driver remains unknown as efforts to ascertain further details continue.

SRINAGAR — In a heartbreaking incident late Monday night, tragedy struck in the Khonmoh area of central Kashmir's Srinagar district as a JCB driver lost his life after being buried under a landslide. The victim has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad.

According to reports received here, the incident occurred between the TCI and Khyber factory in Khonmoh, where the JCB, along with its operator, was engulfed by a sudden landslide.

Rescue operations commenced promptly following the catastrophe. Despite strenuous efforts, it took considerable time to retrieve the body of Mushtaq Ahmad from beneath the debris.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, with the police taking cognizance of the incident.

RAMBAN — In a fatal road accident in Jammu Kashmir’s Ramban district, four passengers died while three others sustained grievous injuries after a Tata Sumo went out of control of the driver and plunged into a deep gorge.

Official sources said that the ill-fated Tata Sumo met with an accident in the Maligam area of Pogal in Tehsil Ukhral of district Ramban.

Shortly after the accident, locals retrieved 4 dead bodies and shifted the three injured passengers to PHC Ukhral.

The deceased have been identified as Abdul Wahid Bali, Aanayatullah, Muhammad Ayoub Bali and driver Sajjad Ahmad, all residents of Pogal.

The accident, as per the reports, occurred due to the slippery conditions of the road.

DODA — A driver sustained injuries when a landslide struck a vehicle in the Pul Doda area of Jammu division on Sunday morning.

An official, while speaking to a local news agency, said that the landslide impacted an Eeco passenger van, registered as JK06-2930, and a motorcycle with registration number RJ18M-1498 at Pul Doda.

The driver and owner of the Eeco van, identified as Khursheed Ahmed, son of Ghulam Mohammad Naik and resident of Hamirpura Shiva Doda, was injured in the incident. He has been subsequently transported to GMC Doda for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the local police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

NEW DELHI — The Government of India announced on Saturday its decision to postpone the enforcement of Sub Section (2) of Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to 'causing death through reckless and negligent driving of a vehicle.'

The move comes in response to widespread protests staged by truckers against this specific provision in various states across India.

According to a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, cited in a LiveLaw report, the Central government has designated July 1, 2024, as the commencement date for the provisions of the Sanhita, excluding sub-section (2) of section 106. This decision is made under the authority granted by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023).

Although passed by Parliament on December 21, 2023, and receiving the President’s assent on December 25, 2023, these laws were awaiting enforcement, subject to a date determined by the Indian government.

Transporters and auto-driver associations across India have been protesting against the new law on hit-and-run incidents since last month. Under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code, drivers who cause serious road accidents by negligent driving and flee without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs. 7 lakh. This is a significant increase from the earlier punishment of two years under the Indian Penal Code.

Private transport operators argue that the law discourages drivers and could lead to unjust punishments. They express concerns that drivers may face mob violence when attempting to transport the injured to hospitals and demand the repeal of the law.

While opposing the new law, All India Motor & Goods Transport Association President, Rajendra Kapoor, last month stated that their only demand from the government is that the decision should have been taken after having consultations with all stakeholders. "There was no discussion with anyone on this, and no one was asked about this. There should have been prior meetings and consultations."

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 — A tragic incident unfolded in central Kashmir's Srinagar district early on Thursday morning as a fast-moving tipper veered off the road and plunged into Dal Lake, resulting in the untimely death of the driver.

The accident occurred near Makai Point when the tipper, identified by its registration number JK062692, lost control and careened into the waters of Dal Lake.

Sources indicate that the driver, Tariq Ahmad Khatana from Kangan Ganderbal, tragically perished at the scene.

Confirmation of the fatal mishap was provided by a police officer. The incident underscores the dangers posed by high-speed vehicles, particularly in areas with water bodies or steep terrain.

Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, aiming to determine the cause contributing to this tragic loss of life.

PULWAMA — A truck caught fire in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday evening, sources said.

Sources said that a truck bearing registration number HP65A-4872 caught fire at Prichoo Mandi in Pulwama due to a short circuit in its wiring.

Prompt action was taken by the Fire and Emergency Services department, who arrived at the scene to control the fire, sources said. Despite their efforts, the fire resulted in partial damage to the truck.

The driver, identified as Naresh Kumar, son of Kheva Ram and a resident of Gharan Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, sustained minor injuries, as per sources familiar with the incident.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.

POONCH — A truck drowned in river Tawi along Jammu-Poonch national highway following which a rescue operation has been launched.

An official said that during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, a truck rolled down and drowned in Manawar Tawi River on the Jammu-Poonch highway in Dhallian area of Nowshera sector.

He said that the whereabouts of the driver and conductor could not be ascertained while the Police, CRPF and Army started a rescue operation.

SRINAGAR — Over ten thousand vehicles including 8820 fruit-laden trucks have crossed the Jawahar Tunnel and are heading towards Jammu region during the past 24 hours, officials said here on Monday.

Information & PR Department J&K, while confirming the development, tweeted: "Over 10000 HMVs including 8820 fruit laden trucks released through Navyug and Jawahar Tunnels during the past 24 hours."

It further said that Chief Secretary compliments all functionaries and asks them to keep up the momentum.

Notably, in a marathon meeting held on Sunday to take stock of traffic movement on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta impressed upon the concerned traffic authorities to clear the stranded traffic within 24 hours and certify the same at the earliest.

The Chief Secretary had directed the Traffic Department to formulate a viable plan for the smooth movement of traffic on the highway in association with fruit growers. He asked them to ensure that the fruit-laden trucks leaving from the Valley should reach their destinations by taking appropriate time without any undue delay.

Dr Mehta urged them to submit daily reports to his office about the travel time and the number of vehicles reaching Jammu or Srinagar, leaving from opposite directions.

He enjoined upon them to publish daily the number of vehicles stranded including place and reasons thereof. He asked them to simultaneously give the time required for the restoration of the normal traffic on this road.

The traffic management authorities were asked to augment manpower from all sources to regulate traffic efficiently. He stressed enforcing lane discipline on this highway, especially on critical stretches between Banihal and Ramban. He underscored the need of ensuring that no roadside parking is allowed except at designated parking spaces only.

SRINAGAR — The halting of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway persists with about 6000 trucks waiting, some since October 2, to reach Jammu.

President Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGCDU) Bashir Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that for a few days apple laden trucks were allowed to move towards Jammu while halting for just one or two days.

He said since October 02 the situation has again reached to square one with 6000 trucks waiting for their turn to move towards Jammu.

He said that the among the apple-laden trucks which are waiting for their turn, there are few hundred trucks which are waiting for their turn since October 2.

He said that on every alternate day around 3000 trucks are getting loaded here in Kashmir but just a few hundreds are allowed to move towards Jammu and others get time after three, five or even seven days to move towards Jammu.

He said that the government claims are confined to press notes only and situation is worse on the ground.

“I have never witnessed such things in last four years,” he said, adding, “even meeting with Home Minister Amit and others have beared no fruits as their assurances have proved hoax on the ground.”

He said that market is also getting down each passing day as fruits are reaching markets late.

Notably, around 70 percent of population in Kashmir are directly or indirectly dependent on apple industry.

SRINAGAR — Kashmir Welfare Transporters Welfare Association, an amalgam of various transporters associations, on Wednesday deferred ‘Chaka Jam’ (stop wheels) strike scheduled today after midnight negotiations with the government.

“There were two rounds of meeting with officers at Jammu during the day on Tuesday and both ended without any headway. However late last night, we were called for a meeting which started at midnight and lasted till around 3 AM,” General Secretary of the Association, Sheikh Mohammad Yousuf, told GNS.

He said that the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Jammu and was attended among others by Transport Commissioner J&K, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, SSP Jammu besides other officers.

“They accepted most of our demands in principles following which we decided to defer the strike,” he said, adding, “We have been assured that a committee will be constituted with regard to our demands regarding the age of the vehicles while the other four demands were agreed on the spot.”

He said that Association along with other transport bodies from Jammu decided to defer the strike. “We have not called off the strike but only deferred it,” he added.

Among others, the Association demands rollback of the order dated February 7 by virtue of which age limit has been prescribed for the commercial vehicles. They demand “25 years age for the commercial vehicle be retained.”

With regard to the installation of vehicle tracking devices in passenger vehicles, Sheikh Mohammad Yousuf said that the government has agreed that the device can be procured from the open market and not from a few dealers designated by the Transport department earlier.

He said that the government also accepted the demand of not allowing SRTC to run its fleet in a manner that was against directions by the J-K High Court and other laws. The government, he said, also agreed that there would driving license test for auto rickshaws and that passenger tax arrears would be paid in instalments.

SRINAGAR — Transporters have called for “Chakka Jam” on Wednesday in Kashmir to press for their demands including the rollback of reducing the age limit for commercial vehicles.

Talking to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Chairman J&K Transport Association Shabir Matta said they want the age limit for commercial vehicles should be retained at 25 years.

The new vehicle scrap policy, which was unveiled by the Centre in August last year, has fixed 15 years age for commercial vehicles and 20 years for non-commercial vehicles to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in a bid to contain rising air pollution in the country.

“We demand revocation of the order calling for the installation of vehicle tracking devices in the passenger vehicles. Order regarding the collection of passenger tax which has been linked to the renewal of route permit of the vehicles should also be withdrawn,” he said.

According to Matta, the Road Transport Corporation should define routes for their buses and similarly the licence for the auto-drivers be issued.

“Many passenger/commercial vehicles have remained stranded for long and still some of them are not on the roads due to the financial losses they have suffered during COVID. Some transporters are unable to bear the financial burden and the government must come out with a financial package for them,” he added.

SRINAGAR — Police in Srinagar on Monday directed auto-rickshaw owners to remove "hidden cavities", claiming that some crimes have been noticed using these 3-wheeler vehicles.

“All Auto-rickshaw owners/drivers are requested to remove the hidden cavities by concealing the rear seat wherein nothing is visible from outside,” tweeted Srinagar Police.

“Some crimes have come to notice where such autos were used to commit crime,” it added.

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.