The Kashmir Pulse

BANDIPORA — The district administration of Bandipora on Friday ordered the closure of Bandipora-Gurez road due to the occurrence of fresh snowfall in the Razdhan Top of Gurez area.

An official order issued by the district administration of Bandipora stated, "In view of the prediction for rain/snow on 29-03-2024 and as a precautionary measure, movement on Gurez-Bandipora road shall remain suspended on 29-03-2024 until further orders."

Concerning the closure, passengers and drivers intending to traverse the affected route are advised to confirm the status of the road and traffic conditions beforehand. The contact numbers provided for inquiries are 7006526985, 7006328689, and 9596767430.

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SRINAGAR — Following heavy snowfall and concerns regarding avalanche threats, authorities have announced the closure of all schools in the Gurez sub-division for two days.

An official order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gurez stated that given heavy snowfall and avalanche threat, it is ordered that all government and private educational institutions in sub-division Gurez shall remain closed for two days with effect from February 21, 2024.

The order aims to ensure the safety of students and staff in the wake of adverse weather conditions. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to mitigate any potential risks posed by the recent snowfall and the possibility of avalanches in the region.

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BANDIPORA — With schools in the Kashmir valley preparing to resume classes following winter vacations, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Bandipora has issued a directive for all teachers and masters stationed in the picturesque region of Gurez to return before the conclusion of the winter break.

An official disclosed to a Srinagar-based news agency that the CEO of Bandipora has instructed teachers, noting that the road connectivity from Bandipora to Gurez is now accessible for traffic.

Consequently, teachers are advised to plan their return to the valley before February 17, considering the forecasted snowy conditions.

The official emphasized that this directive was issued in anticipation of the reopening of schools in the Kashmir valley after the winter vacation, aiming to ensure seamless schooling and examination schedules.

It is pertinent to mention that schools in the Kashmir valley are scheduled to reopen on February 20.

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SRINAGAR — Authorities have successfully restored one-sided traffic on the Bandipora-Gurez road, allowing the movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) in the Gurez to Bandipora direction. The reopening comes after the road was temporarily closed due to the accumulation of snow.

In a coordinated effort, authorities managed to clear the road, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic for LMVs. The decision to permit one-way traffic was made to address the challenges posed by the recent snowfall in the region.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued predictions for the upcoming weather in Jammu and Kashmir. According to an official from MeT, isolated to scattered precipitation is expected in the next 24 hours. This will be followed by fairly widespread light to moderate rain and snow across the region.

In the past 24 hours, there has been reported light rain and snow at a few higher reaches, with the weather expected to remain generally partly to cloudy on January 27. Towards late evening, there is a possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches.

From January 28 to 29, the weather is anticipated to be generally cloudy, with the likelihood of light to moderate rain and snow in many places. Further, from January 30 to 31, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many locations.

The MeT official emphasized that this weather system may lead to temporary road closures in higher reaches and significant passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila, especially from January 28 to 31. Travellers are strongly advised to plan accordingly.

In terms of temperatures, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.3°C, showing a decrease from the previous night's minus 0.5°C. Other areas like Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Kupwara, and Gulmarg also experienced varying degrees of temperature changes.

Jammu, on the other hand, recorded a milder night at 7.0°C. The MeT official urged residents and travellers to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions and take necessary precautions.

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BANDIPORA — Taking cognizance of a complaint from a female employee about sexual harassment, police have registered a case against a Principal of a Degree College in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

The Principal in question is from Degree College Gurez / Tulail. The female complainant has claimed that she earlier had approached the ‘Committee for Sexual Harassment at Work Place’ but that failed to take any action against the Principal.

Police after receiving the complaint have registered a case vide FIR number 13/2022 under section 354-A, 506 IPC in this regard.

The complainant has, in her written complaint, alleged that she was repeatedly being harassed by the College Principal, sometimes touching her inappropriately, and passing off lewd remarks.

After filing the case, police have started an investigation into the case.

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SRINAGAR — In a joint operation, Police and Army on Friday recovered huge arms and ammunition including seven AK-47 rifles in Nowshera Nard area of Gurez in north Kashmir's Bandipora district.

Police in a tweet said that seven AK-47 rifles, two pistols, 21 AK magazines, 1190 rounds, 132 pistol rounds, 13 grenades and other incriminating materials were recovered.

“Bandipora Police and Army recovered huge arms & ammunition including 7 AK-47 rifles, 2 Pistols, 21 AK Magazines, 1190 rounds, 132 pistol rounds, 13 grenades & other incriminating materials in Nowshehra Nard, Gurez area of Bandipora. Case registered,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued to the news agency KNO, Army said that in a major blow to the intentions of militant groups operating from across the Line of Control, the Army and J&K Police foiled their design to deliver a huge cache of weapons, ammunition, grenades and other war-like stores to cause militant activities and unrest in the Valley.

On September 27, 2022, based on intelligence from Police and human sources, the Indian Army under the aegis of 109 Infantry Brigade launched a search operation along Naushera Nard to the Line of Control in Gurez Sector of Bandipora district.

“After three days of search, a hideout was found along the Nala on 29 Sep 2022, very close to the Line of Control. On digging, a huge weapon cache of 07 AK Rifles, 02 Chinese Pistols, 13 Chinese Grenades, 21 AK magazines, 04 pistol magazines, 1190 AK ammunition and 132 Pistol ammunition were recovered,” it said.

The statement added that the recovery of this large size of war-like stores close to the Line of Control has given a major setback to the militant groups attempting to fuel violence in Kashmir Valley and has prevented unrest and loss of innocent lives.

According to police sources, these weapons and war-like stores were likely dropped at the Line of Control for being picked up by militants and anti-national elements on the Indian side and further transported to Bandipora and other areas in the hinterland.

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BANDIPORA — Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached a residential house in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district for 'wilfully sheltering and harbouring militants' after obtaining sanction from the competent authority.

In a statement issued to news agency KDC, a spokesperson said that police attached the residential house of Bashir Ahmad Mir of Wanpora Gurez, presently at Watrina, after obtaining legal sanction from the competent authorities.

The statement further said that the house was linked to case FIR No. 166/2021 of Police Station Bandipora under Section 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 39 UAPA, 307 IPC, 7/27 IA Act, dated 26-09-2021 in which two hardcore militants were neutralised, who were involved in different crimes in Bandipora.

“The investigation proved beyond doubt that the said house was used for the purpose of militancy, sheltering, harbouring militants and such act was voluntarily and knowingly given by the member of the family. Many attacks on civilians and protected persons were carried, conspired and planned by militants while using this house as a hideout,” it reads.

The statement further reads that Bandipora Police requests citizens once again not to harbour or give shelter to militants, failing which they will be liable to action under the law including property attachment (movable/immovable) proceedings. 

“In case of any forced and coercive entry by militants into any house or vehicle, the matter should be brought to the notice of police immediately, otherwise proceedings under the law will follow against such houses or other properties,” the statement added.

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SRINAGAR — A co-pilot was killed and pilot was critically  injured when an Army Cheetah helicopter crashed in Baraub area of Gurez area in Bandipora district of north Kashmir on Friday afternoon. The copter crashed while it was on a routine mission to evacuate an ailing (BSF) soldier from a forward post along the Line of Control, defence ministry spokesman here said in a statement to GNS. “The helicopter lost communication contact with the forward post at Gujran, Baraub. A search operation on foot was immediately launched by the Indian Army alongside search and rescue helicopters which were pressed into service,” he said, adding, “The wreckage of the crashed helicopter was found in a snow bound Gujran Nallah.” Pilot and the co-pilot of the helicopter were grievously injured in the crash and were immediately evacuated to Base Hospital, Srinagar, he said. “Maj Sankalp Yadav, the co-pilot succumbed to his injuries at 92 Base Hospital,” he said, adding, “The injured pilot was further evacuated to Command Hospital, Udhampur.” He is critical, but stable, the spokesman said. The injured pilot was identified by sources as Lt. Col BK Divedi. “Events leading to the crash of the helicopter are being ascertained,” the spokesman, meanwhile, said further. Regarding Maj Sankalp Yadav (29), the spokesman said that he was commissioned in Indian Army in 2015 and was a resident of Jaipur, Rajasthan. He is survived by his father. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in a tweet said: “I salute the courage and supreme sacrifice of our braveheart Army officer Maj Sankalp Yadav who laid down his life in the line of duty in Gurez sector. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I wish for speedy recovery of the injured.” This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse