The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander among two militants have been killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in Nehama area of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday.

A top police officer, quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll, said that two militants including LeT commander Riyaz Ahmad Dar along with his associate have been killed by security forces in Nehama village of Pulwama.

He said that an encounter broke out in the area after security forces — a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF — started a search operation on credible inputs in the area.

As the joint team of forces intensified searches towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight. He said that during the exchange of fire, two militants were killed.

SRINAGAR — An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Nehama area of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday morning.

As per the reports from the local news agency GNS, a joint team of police and army launched a cordon and search operation in Nehama village.

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

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

SRINAGAR — A policeman died after he was wounded while cleaning his weapon in Zewan area of central Kashmir's Srinagar district on Saturday.

A top police officer quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that a Head Constable namely Bashir Ahmad of Centre Armour Workshop, presently posted at Zewan, received firearm injuries while cleaning his weapon.

He said that the injured was shifted to 92 Base Hospital Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries.

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

SRINAGAR — A cop stationed at PCR Srinagar passed away after he suddenly fell unconscious on Thursday night.

An official quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that Head Constable Amrik Singh, son of Jaswant Singh and a resident of Jarda Nandpor Samba, who was posted at the Armed Police Control Room Kashmir, lost consciousness and was promptly taken to the Police Hospital Srinagar for treatment.

He was later referred to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for further medical care, where he was sadly pronounced dead by doctors.

He said that the deceased's body is currently at the mortuary of the Police Hospital Srinagar for medico-legal formalities and further disposal. He said that proceedings under section 174 CrPC have been initiated.

SRINAGAR — Kupwara Police has lodged an FIR against 16 army personnel including three lieutenant colonels for allegedly entering into a police station on Tuesday night and assaulting on-duty policemen. The incident left four policemen injured.

According to media reports, Kupwara Police have invoked IPC sections relating to rioting, robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder against the soldiers.

The FIR was filed in relation to the incident that took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday (28-29 May). According to reports, a Police versus Army battle broke out in the region following the questioning of a Territorial Army jawan by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with an alleged drug case.

Video evidence was provided showing a group of armed and uniformed personnel from the 160 Territorial Army storming the Kupwara police station. The Territorial Army is a military reserve force composed of part-time volunteers who provide support services to the Indian Army.

According to the FIR, the armed group led by lieutenant colonels Ankit Sood, Rajiv Chauhan and Nikhil forcibly entered the premises of the police station, a Mint newspaper report said. They proceeded to launch a brutal assault on police personnel present there, using rifle butts and sticks and kicking them without any provocation, it stated.

The situation escalated further as the army personnel brandished their weapons, seized mobile phones from the injured police officers and even abducted a police constable before fleeing the scene, the FIR stated.

The swift response of senior police officers helped rescue the targeted police personnel and initiate legal action against the perpetrators.

The FIR has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 307 (attempt to murder), 342 (wrongful confinement) and 147 (punishment for rioting).

The accused also face charges under sections 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 392 (punishment for robbery), 397 (robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) and 365 (kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person).

According to the FIR, they have also been booked under the Arms Act.

The Kupwara deputy superintendent of police is investigating the incident. Officials said that authorities aim to uncover the full extent of the crime and bring the accused individuals to justice.

Srinagar-based defence spokesperson sought to downplay the incident and said the reports of an altercation between police and army personnel and "beating up therein of police personnel are misfounded and incorrect".

SRINAGAR — After allegedly circulating obscene content besides indulging in harassment on social media, the Cyber Police Kashmir on Thursday said that four accused persons were arrested by them in two separate cases.

As per the local news agency CNS, the Cyber Police Kashmir in a post on X said, “Cyber Police Kashmir have arrested four accused in two separate cases involving the circulation of obscene content and harassment on social media.”

One of the accused persons has been identified as Sheikh Muqadas Rafiq, a resident of Gulab Bagh, Srinagar, police said.

“In the second case, Junaid Hussain of Sonwar, Iflah Mir of Bagh-e-Mehtab and Naveed Mir of Pampore were arrested. We are committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals and will continue to combat cybercrimes rigorously (sic),” added Cyber Police Kashmir in another post on X.

PULWAMA — Police has arrested the 45-year-old accused man Younis Sheikh from Puchal village of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district for assaulting and grievously injuring an 18-year-old youth during a cricket in Lajoora village.

Official sources said that police have filed an FIR No. 102 under sections 321 (wrongful restraint) and 323 IPC (causing hurt) against Younis Sheikh in Police Station Pulwama and put him behind bars.

On Tuesday, Younis Sheikh assaulted Faizan Qayoom of Ratnipora in Lajoora cricket stadium during a cricket match after players from two opposing teams had an argument over the inclusion of a player into the Ratnipora team.

Eyewitness said that Younis assaulted and smashed Faizan on his head with a wicket and grievously injured him. Faizan was rushed to SKIMS Soura by his teammates, where he is under treatment and doctors are monitoring his condition.

Local cricketers said that Younis Sheikh from Puchal is owning Haji 11 cricket team from Puchal and is known for his notorious and infamous reputation in the area.

Local teams have also demanded a complete ban on Younis and his team for participating in any tournament in the district. "His violent behaviour will jeopardise the life of young cricketers if he is allowed to participate in cricket tournaments. For the safety of young players, he must be banned by all tournament organisers henceforth," several cricketers in Pulwama said.

Sources said that Younis Sheikh is running a soil mining mafia in Puchal, Lajoora and Malangpora villages where this mafia has wreaked havoc on the local Karewas due to illegal mining.

They said that to put a social veil on his illegal soil mining in the area, Younis Sheikh is sponsoring the Haji 11 team to hide his illegal earning and gain social sanctity in the area.

SRINAGAR — Properties worth crores of rupees belonging to two notorious drug peddlers were seized in southern Kashmir’s Shopian district, police said on Wednesday.

In a statement issued to the local news agency CNS, police stated, “Continuing its unwavering efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police attached properties worth crores of two notorious drug peddlers acquired from illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Shopian.”

Police in Shopian under the supervision of SSP Shopian Tanushree attached illegally acquired properties of two notorious drug peddlers namely Mohammad Yaqoob Shah, son of Mohammad Sultan Shah and Aadil Hussain Shah, son of Mohammad Yaqoob Shah, both residents of Rawalpora Shopian, the statement said.

“The duo was involved in case FIR No. 69/2024 under section 8/21-29 NDPS Act of Police Station Shopian. The attached properties include land measuring two kanals under Survey No. 427 min at Palpora Shopian, land measuring one kanal 18 marlas under Survey No. 133 at village Chowdhrigund Shopian and shop constructed over Aabadi Deh land measuring (240 sq.ft) falling under Survey No. 532 min at village Hergam, district Shopian,” the police further said in the statement.

It went on to state that the action was taken under sections 68-E read with 68-F (1) of NDPS Act of 1985 and is linked with case FIR No. 69/2024 under section 8/21-29 NDPS Act of Police Station Shopian.

The property was identified as illegally acquired property during the course of investigation conducted by Shopian Police. The property was prima facie acquired from illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances by the drug peddler, police said.

“This operation reaffirms the commitment of police to combat the drug menace,” they added.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested a militant associate along with arms and ammunition in Reban Sopore area of northern Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

A top police officer quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that a joint team of police and army arrested an over-ground worker of militants during a cordon and search operation.

According to the police, a pistol, pistol magazine and seven pistol rounds were recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile, further investigation into the case has been taken up by the concerned police station.

PULWAMA — Pulwama Police on Wednesday organized awareness programs on preventing drug addiction at GHSS Drabgam and GHSS Achan as part of their ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse in the community.

The events aimed to empower students to reject drugs and raise awareness about substance abuse, encouraging them to engage in creative pursuits. Chairing officers at the programs emphasized the critical need to protect the younger generation from the dangers of drug abuse, calling it a serious societal challenge.

They urged participants to actively oppose the drug menace and advised parents to closely monitor their children and guide them towards diverse career paths.

The officers also highlighted the importance of public cooperation in eradicating drug abuse, encouraging attendees to report any information related to drug addicts and peddlers to the police for prompt action.

Participants expressed gratitude for the police's efforts in organizing these awareness programs.

SRINAGAR — Conflicting reports emerged on Wednesday regarding an alleged altercation between army personnel and police officers in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, with both forces denying any significant clash.

Four policemen were admitted to SKIMS Hospital in Soura late Tuesday night, reportedly after being beaten by army personnel, a report from the news agency PTI said. Special Police Officers Rayees Khan and Imtiyaz Malik, along with constables Saleem Mushtaq and Zahoor Ahmad from Police Station Kupwara, sustained injuries but are in stable condition, they added.

The incident purportedly began when an army team, led by an officer, allegedly barged into the police station and assaulted the officers. Sources claim the altercation was sparked by a police raid on the home of a local Territorial Army man in Batpora, Kupwara, as part of an ongoing investigation. This action reportedly angered the local army unit, leading to the alleged attack on the police station.

However, a Srinagar-based defence spokesman stated he was unaware of the incident and would comment after gathering more information.

Later, an army official was quoted by the news agency Kashmir Scroll as having said that the reports of a physical altercation and assault were baseless and incorrect. He described the event as a minor disagreement between a police officer and a Territorial Army unit over an operational matter, which has since been resolved amicably through dialogue.

Both police and army officials have refrained from commenting on the specifics of the altercation, maintaining a unified stance that the situation is under control and no significant conflict occurred.

SRINAGAR — Police in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday said they had deployed a GPS-enabled anklet on a bailed-out Lashkar-e-Taiba militant associate for better surveillance to track his movements.

An official quoted by the news agency Kashmir Scroll said that in compliance with an order received from the Hon’ble Court, police in Baramulla today affixed a GPS tracking device on an under-trial militant associate who was enlarged on bail in a UA(P) case of Police Station Uri.

The accused was arrested in case FIR No. 104/2023 under sections 13, 18, 18B, 20, 23, 40 UA(P) Act, 120-B IPC, 7/25 Arms Act of Police Station Uri and has been enlarged bail by the Hon'ble Court.

He said the GPS anklet will be used to monitor the movement of the said militant associate and ensure that he doesn't violate the bail conditions.

SRINAGAR — Properties of two Pakistan-based handlers were attached in northern Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Tuesday, police said.

The properties worth lakhs of rupees, which belonged to the two handlers based in Pakistan, were attached after obtaining an order from Sub Judge Uri, a police spokesman said.

He identified the two as Jalal Din, a resident of Zamboor Pattan, and Mohammad Saki, a resident of Kamalkote Uri.

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday claimed to have solved a five-year-old murder case of a temple priest with the arrest of the main accused from Haryana.

Baba Pragat Nath (65), a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was found dead with injuries to his head inside the temple in Toph Sherkhania on the intervening night of November 15 and 16, 2019.

Following the murder, a case was registered at Bakshi Nagar police station and an extensive investigation was launched, which pointed to the involvement of two notorious criminals — Tarlok Singh of Uttar Pradesh and Ashish Kumar alias Hansai Nath of southwest Delhi, a police official said.

He said both the accused fled after the murder. It was later learnt that Singh had died.

However, the police continued to make efforts to arrest Kumar, the official said and added he was finally apprehended from Haryana’s Jind district by a special team from Bakshi Nagar police station.

The official said investigations revealed that Singh and Kumar operated as part of a gang involved in multiple criminal activities, including theft, cheating and murder, across states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Following Kumar’s arrest, all necessary legal formalities were completed and the charge sheet in the case was filed, he said.

SRINAGAR — Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested two militant associates along with arms and ammunition in Mulsoo Seer area of southern Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Officials quoted by the local news agency GNS said that a joint team of police and army apprehended two persons at a security checkpoint in Mulsoo Seer area of Anantnag.

From their possession, a pistol, eight pistol rounds, a hand grenade and 120 AK-47 rounds were recovered. "Further investigation into the case is going on," he added.

Meanwhile, the arrested persons have been identified as Waseem Ahmad Shah, a resident of Pethnambal locality and Adnan Beigh, a resident of the locality near Bus Stand Anantnag.

KUPWARA — Security forces on Monday claimed to have busted a militant hideout in northern Kashmir's Kupwara district.

An unnamed official quoted by a local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that a large cache of arms, ammunition, equipment and other war-like stores were recovered in Awra area of Kupwara district as a militant hideout was busted during the search operation.

He said that based on specific inputs, a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the dense forest area of Awra, Kupwara, on Monday.

“During the search, a terrorist hideout was busted and a large cache of arms, ammunition, equipment and other war-like stores have been recovered," the official said.

SRINAGAR — A policeman was injured after he was assaulted by some persons during the execution of a court order in southern Kashmir's Shopian district on Monday, officials said.

An official told the news agency KNO that a police team went to the house of Manzoor Ahmad Khanday, a resident of Khurmpora village, to execute a court warrant. "However, they were attacked by some persons, resulting in injuries to a cop."

He said that the injured cop was shifted to District Hospital Shopian, where from he was referred to SKIMS Soura. The cop has been identified as Aijaz Ahmad.

Police have registered a case in this regard and assailants are being identified, the official said.

BANDIPORA — Security forces on Sunday claimed to have arrested a militant associate along with huge arms and ammunition from the forest area of northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

A top police officer quoted by a local news agency said that based on specific information about the presence of militants in the area of Pathooot Forest in Bandipora, a cordon and search operation was launched by a joint team of Army, Police and CRPF.

The officer said the successful operation led to the arrest of a militant associate besides the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition. He said a formal case has been registered in this regard.

JAMMU — After 14 days of hectic efforts to trace militants involved in the exchange of firing at Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested one suspect, who has allegedly provided logistic support to the militants.

The suspect has been identified as Javed, son of Muhammad Hussain of Loha Nathi area of Kathua.

Police have also released sketches of five militants involved in the militant activity.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, Police said that the force has gained some credible information on the movement of suspects and has zeroed in on some unscrupulous elements that have marked proclivities towards the act of crime.

"The police, in consequence, arrested Javed who has evidence stacked against him for providing logistic support to the terrorists," police claimed.

Since the encounter on April 27, the police of three districts including Udhampur, Kathua and Doda have laid cordon and search operations to track down militants and the operation is still going on.

During the encounter in Panara village, a VDG member Muhammad Shafi was killed.

SRINAGAR — Two militant associates were held by a joint team of security forces in southern Kashmir's Shopian district on Saturday.

A top police officer quoted by a local news agency said that during a joint Naka checking by Shopian Police along with 44 RR and 14th battalion CRPF at Malik Chak Crossing, two militant associates (overground workers) were arrested.

They have been identified as Suhaib Iqbal Malik son of Mohammad Iqbal Malik and Tufail Yousuf Malik son of Mohammad Yousuf Malik, both of whom are residents of Baba Mohalla in Shopian.

They were held with incriminating material and in this regard, a case FIR No. 14/2024 under relevant sections of UAPA has been registered in Police Station Heerpora and the investigation is underway, according to the officer.