The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Veteran CPI(M) leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, in a candid interview with The Kashmir Pulse, shared a personal and political revelation that he was the first person in Jammu and Kashmir to be detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

The interview, conducted by journalist Showkat Dar at Tarigami’s official residence, sheds light on his early years, his arrest under Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's government, and the origins of his widely recognized surname, "Tarigami."

Recalling his arrest in 1979, Tarigami said, “I was arrested during Sheikh Abdullah’s tenure as Chief Minister. During a press conference, a PTI journalist, P.N. Jalali, asked Sheikh Abdullah about my arrest. Abdullah responded, 'Woh Jo Tarigam Wala,' referring to my native place. From then on, I became known as Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami in the media.”

Tarigami, who has remained a committed member of the CPI(M), spoke about his unshakable faith to the party's ideology. “I see the CPI(M) as a mission, not just a political party. I've never considered leaving, and no one has had the courage or audacity to ask me to switch sides,” he says.

Since 1996, Tarigami has been a consistent winner in his constituency, securing four consecutive terms as an MLA. However, he now faces a formidable challenge from Jamaat-i-Islami-backed independent candidate Sayyar Ahmad Reshi in the ongoing 2024 Assembly elections, with voting held on September 18.

Tarigami also opened up about his personal life. He revealed that he only has a daughter, Arunima, as his immediate family. His wife tragically passed away during childbirth, leaving him to raise their daughter alone. He spoke fondly of his nephew, Fayaz Ahmad, who lives with him and manages the family's ancestral property, land, and orchards. "Fayaz is like a son to me, perhaps even more," he added.

Reflecting on his early days, Tarigami shared anecdotes about his youth, including the time when he would run behind buses for a lift. “I loved walking, sometimes for miles, rather than relying on vehicles. Those were simpler times,” he said.

He also reminisced about walking on foot to Jammu during the militancy in Kashmir and expressed his confusion over why he was forced to leave the Valley at that time.

The interview also touched on Tarigami’s views on the changing politics of Kashmir, the concentration of wealth in a few hands despite India’s growing GDP, and his experiences during Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s era.

As the 2024 Assembly elections continue, Tarigami’s legacy and commitment to the CPI(M) remain steadfast, even as he faces new political challenges. He is, however, confident to emerge victorious to continue his fifth term as an MLA.

SRINAGAR — A minor among six suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) were arrested along with arms and ammunition in southern Kashmir's Qazigund area, police said on Wednesday.

The news agency CNS reported the police as having said that on a specific input, a joint team of 9 RR, J&K Police and 46 Bn CRPF arrested six suspected OGWs during Naka checking in Qazigund.

The arrested OGWs were identified as Suhaib Khursheed Bhat (aged 18 years) son of Khursheed Ahmad Bhat and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Zahid Ahmad Dar (aged 18 years) son of Abdul Hamid Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Naveed Ahmad Sofi (aged 21 years) son of Naseer Ahmad Sofi and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Bilal Ahmed Dar (aged 20 years) son of Ghulam Nabi Dar and a resident of Hawoorah Qaimoh, Kulgam; Fasil Ahmad Dar (aged 21 years) son of Fayaz Ahmad Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam and Mohid Ali Bhat (aged 16 years) son of Ali Mohammad Bhat and a resident of Qaimoh, Kulgam.

"They have been handed over to JIC Amnoo for further questioning," police said in its statement.

The arms and ammunition recovered from the arrested individuals included a pistol, two pistol magazines, 28 pistol rounds, three hand grenades and 35 AK-47 rounds.

In this regard, an FIR has been lodged at Police Station Qazigund vide FIR number 209/2024 under Sections 13, 18, 23 and 39 of ULAP and 7/25 of the Arms Act.

KULGAM — Senior National Conference leader Sakina Itoo on Friday filed her nomination papers for Damhal Hanjipora Assembly seat of southern Kashmir's Kulgam district.

According to the news agency KNO, she was accompanied by former chief minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah. Sakina Itoo is being seen as one of the strongest candidates for the Damhal Hanjipora Assembly seat.

A total of 99,037 eligible voters are registered in the Assembly constituency, which was changed from Noorabad to Damhal Hanjipora after the delimitation exercise. The seat will go to polls in the first phase of the J&K Assembly elections on September 18.

In the 2014 Assembly election, Sakina Itoo lost to PDP candidate Abdul Majeed Padder, who is now with the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party. Besides Abdul Majid Padder, Gulzar Ahmad Dar of PDP and Mohammad Arif Dar of Awami Ittehad Party are also in the fray.

NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday attached the property of an overground worker (OGW) of Hizbul Mujahideen in the case of the targeted killing of a Sarpanch in Kulgam district.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, a spokesperson said that the residential house of Nasir Rashid Bhat located in Tengpora village of Shopian has been attached under Section 33 (1) of UA(P) Act, 1947, on orders of the NIA Special Judge, Jammu.

The statement reads that the accused, along with other members of the banned HM organisation, was involved in the killing of a Sarpanch on March 11, 2022 with the aim of spreading fear among the people.

“Investigations by NIA, which took over the case from Kulgam Police, revealed that the targeted killing was part of a larger HM conspiracy to disturb India’s integrity, sovereignty and security through violent attacks and killings,” it reads.

It added the NIA further found that Bhat had provided his Alto car to the militants and was also involved in conducting a recce of the Sarpanch’s house and in informing the Hizb militants about the target’s presence.

“He used his car to take the assailants to the area around the Sarpanch’s house on the day of the attack. NIA has chargesheeted six accused in the case and the trial against them is continuing,” it added.

KULGAM — The education sector in southern Kashmir's Kulgam district is struggling due to numerous vacant key positions, including the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO, and 16 Principals, among 170 posts, thereby impacting the quality of education in the district severely.

Figures accessed by the news agency KNO reveal that a position each of Chief Education Officer, Deputy CEO, 16 Principals, 124 Lecturers, 3 ZEOs, 4 ZPEOs, and 21 Headmasters are lying vacant in Kulgam district.

"The Chief Education Officer retired in May this year, and the CEO of Anantnag has been assigned the additional charge of CEO Kulgam. The position of Dy CEO Kulgam has been vacant for many years, with the DDO powers of Dy CEO Kulgam currently assigned to a senior HSS Principal," officials said.

They said that out of 321 sanctioned lecturer posts in the 26 higher secondary schools, only 197 are currently filled, leaving 124 lecturer posts vacant.

"In Kulgam district, there are 26 higher secondary schools (HSSs), but only 10 have Principals, leaving 16 HSSs, including GHSS Kulgam, GHSS Yaripora, and HSS Qaimoh, without heads," officials said.

To address the crisis, the School Education Department has begun the process of hiring 58 allocated ‘Cluster Resource Coordinators’ to provide temporary teaching support in high and higher secondary schools, but these positions have not yet been filled.

Officials further said that there are around six education zones in Kulgam, three of which are vacant: DH Pora, Qaimoh, and Kulgam.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Amir Khan, said that in-charge principals are in place in all these educational institutions. "The matter has also been taken up with the Education Department," he said.

KULGAM — In a continued crackdown on drug peddling, police in Kulgam have seized properties belonging to two notorious drug peddlers.

The properties include a double-storey residential house measuring 1,093.50 square feet and a cowshed measuring 437.25 square feet, both valued at approximately 70 lakhs, owned by Bashir Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Nassu Badragund, Qazigund. Ganie is currently lodged in Central Jail Kot Balwal Jammu under the PIT NDPS Act.

Additionally, a newly constructed two-storey residential house measuring 941.36 square feet, valued at approximately 73 lakhs, was seized from Ghulam Nabi Kuttay, a resident of Kaladrund, Frisal, who is currently in police custody.

The actions were taken under sections 68-E and 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act of 1985, linked to case FIR No. 40/2023 U/S 8/15 NDPS Act of Police Station Qazigund and FIR No. 26/2024 U/S 8/15 NDPS Act of Police Station Yaripora, respectively.

The properties were identified as illegally acquired through the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances during investigations conducted by Kulgam Police.

SRINAGAR — Mela Kheer Bhawani was celebrated amid religious fervour and gaiety across the valley on Friday and a large number of devotees were seen thronging to respective temples in central, southern and northern Kashmir.

As per the news agency CNS, a huge gathering of devotees made their presence at Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal; Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tikker Kupwara and Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Devsar, Kulgam to offer their prayers on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

The aura of the event was filled with positive vibes after a mammoth number of Kashmiri Pandits visited sacred temples in Kashmir.

“We feel happy after being present here and to offer our prayers on this revered occasion. Arrangements by the administration have been top-notch and the conduct of Kashmiri people along the way to here (Mata Kheer Bhawani temple Tullamulla) has been friendly,” said a group of Kashmiri Pandits.

After a fragile situation arose in Jammu’s parts, the devotees reached shrines amid tight security measures, with further arrangements made by the respective district administrations for the convenience of devotees.

Meanwhile, local political leaders also felicitated the people on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

SRINAGAR — Senior People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Sartaj Madni’s son, Aroot Madni, passed away on Sunday after suffering a heart attack at his residence in southern Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti shared the tragic news on social media platform X.

“Pains me to write this. We lost Aroot Madni – Sartaj sahab’s son who passed away due to a heart attack earlier today. No words can suffice for how we all feel. We raised him like a son and will miss him terribly. This aching void can never be filled,” she wrote.

SRINAGAR — A Wildlife official was injured after being attacked by a bear in Parigam area of southern Kashmir's Kulgam district on Sunday.

An official quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that a Wildlife official namely Bashir Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Ahmad Bhat and a resident of Devsar area, was attacked by a bear in Parigam area.

He said that Bhat received injuries and was shifted to a local hospital in injured condition.

SRINAGAR — A gunfight broke out between security forces and militants in Redwani area of Kulgam on Monday evening.

According to the news agency KNO, police said that the joint operation is underway at Redwani Kulgam.

"Encounter has started in Redwani Payeen area of Kulgam district. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow," a police spokesman said.

SRINAGAR — Two brothers from DH Pora were killed after being hit by an unknown vehicle in Khudwani area along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in southern Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday.

An official quoted by a local news agency said that two brothers riding on a Scooty died after being hit by a truck bearing registration number JK05B 2629.

They have been identified as Shabir Ahmad Dar (30) and Adil Ahmad Dar (26), sons of Manzoor Ahmad and residents of Reshipora Ahmedabad DH Pora in Kulgam.

After legal medico formalities, bodies are being handed over to family while further investigation has been taken up, the official said.

KULGAM — The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Kulgam has filed a chargesheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Kulgam, against four accused militants, including three deceased militants and one active militant.

According to a statement issued by the police, the chargesheet pertains to case FIR number 65/2022 lodged at Police Station Kulgam. The accused militants have been identified as Jan Mohammad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Sameer Ahmad Sheikh alias Kamran Bhai, and Abid Ramzan Sheikh.

The chargesheet alleges that on June 2, 2022, the aforementioned militants, affiliated with proscribed organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), The Resistance Front (TRF), and Al-Badr, conspired to fatally shoot Vijay Kumar, the Branch Manager of Ellaqhai Dehati Bank in Arreh Kulgam. Kumar, a resident of Bagwa Rajasthan, fell victim to their illegal weapons.

Following due legal procedures, the SIU Kulgam submitted the chargesheet before the NIA-designated court under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The document seeks cognizance against the deceased militants, Jan Mohammad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, and Sameer Ahmad Sheikh, for their alleged roles in abetting the crime. Additionally, the chargesheet invokes Section 299 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) against the active militant, Abid Ramzan Sheikh.

The police further informed that investigations are ongoing regarding the involvement of another accused, Arjumand Gulzar alias Hamza Burhan, an active militant associated with the proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr.

Gulzar, a resident of Kharbatpora Ratnipora Pulwama, remains at large. Authorities plan to submit a supplementary report concerning his involvement as per the provisions of Section 173(8) of the CrPC.

Further updates on the investigation are awaited as the legal proceedings progress.

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 — In a noteworthy decision, the National Conference (NC) under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah has declared Mian Altaf Ahmad as its candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, covering Anantnag, Kulgam, Rajouri and other areas.

This declaration marks the initiation of the electoral battle in the region, with Mian Altaf Ahmad becoming the first official candidate named by any political party for this pivotal constituency.

Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of the National Conference (NC), asserted that Mian Altaf is the ideal candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, emphasizing his commitment to a campaign devoid of religious or other divisive lines.

Abdullah highlighted Mian Altaf's extensive popularity across various societal segments, expressing confidence in his ability to garner substantial support from the electorate.

The announcement took place in the presence of several key party figures including Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, State Secretary Chowdhary Ramzan, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.

Mian Altaf Ahmad, a stalwart Gujjar leader and former Minister, brings with him a legacy deeply rooted in Kashmiri politics.

Hailing from the influential Mian family, Ahmad has served as a Minister and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Kangan, Kashmir, since 1987, initially contesting under the banner of the Indian National Congress (INC) before joining the NC.

The political lineage of the Mian family traces back to Mian Nizamuddin, followed by his son Mian Bashir Ahmad, both of whom held vital positions as MLAs and Ministers.

The family's stronghold over Kangan is evident from their consecutive victories in nine Assembly elections since 1962. Mian Nizamuddin secured the seat in 1962, succeeded by his son Mian Bashir Ahmad, who won three subsequent elections. Mian Altaf Ahmad continued this legacy by triumphing in the Assembly elections of 1987, 1996, 2002, 2008, and 2014 from the same constituency.

The NC's decision to nominate Mian Altaf Ahmad for the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary seat reflects a unified stance within the party.

A spokesperson for the NC expressed confidence in Ahmad's candidacy, emphasizing the party's anticipation of a significant voter turnout and a resounding mandate. The spokesperson further underscored the importance of reclaiming Jammu and Kashmir's identity, “urging voters to thwart any attempts aimed at undermining the region's integrity.”

The Mian family's widespread influence extends beyond Kangan, resonating strongly in Jammu's Rajouri and Poonch districts, now integral parts of the south Kashmir Lok Sabha constituency. Their enduring political legacy and grassroots support position Mian Altaf Ahmad as a formidable contender in the upcoming elections, poised to navigate the complex socio-political landscape of south Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kulgam have attached the residential house of a drug peddler on Tuesday, a spokesman said.

“Continuing its action against drug peddlers, Police in Kulgam attached property (single-storey residential house) worth approx. Rs 1,014,894, measuring 976.76 sq. ft belonging to a notorious drug peddler namely Ghulam Mohammad Mir @ Gull Kasai son of Mohd Abdullah Mir, resident of Bugam,” a police statement issued to the news agency KNO reads.

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. 166/2015 U/S 8/15 of NDPS Act and 77/2022 U/S 8/15 of NDPS Act of Police Station Kulgam, it said.

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

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday dismissed an employee namely, Manzoor Ahmed Laway, son of Mohammad Yaqoob Laway and resident of Manzgam, DH Pora, District Kulgam, a teacher in the Education department, under Article 311 of the Constitution of India for his involvement in 'anti-national' activities.

Article 311 of the Constitution of India provides for the dismissal of a person employed in civil capacities under the Union or a State.

The activities of the employee had come to the adverse notice of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as they found him involved in activities prejudicial to the interests of the State, such as involvement in 'terror-related' activities.

"Manzoor Ahmed Laway is involved in two FIRs registered at Police Station DH Pora, Kulgam and was one of the instigators who along with his associates instigated a mob on 09.07.2016 to cause damage and destruction to government property and in the process, the mob marched towards Police Station DH Pora and looted arms, ammunition and other government property from Police Station and later set the Police Station on fire," the dismissal order stated.

The order further said, "In another incident on 10.09.2016, the subject along with his associates led an unruly mob which resorted to stone pelting on a joint party of police and security forces in which armed gunmen from amongst the mob fired indiscriminately upon the police party."

Manzoor Ahmed Laway as a teacher had the responsibility to guide the students and not to indulge in activities directed against the security of the state and when the subject is himself instrumental in fomenting secessionism among the student fraternity, then his role as a teacher does not serve the purpose for which he has been appointed to government service, the government said in the order.

It went on to reiterate that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-national elements who have been taking advantage of being in government service. Prior to this, 56 government officials have been dismissed by invoking the provisions of Article 311 of the Constitution of India.

SRINAGAR — A series of road accidents in southern Kashmir's Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam districts resulted in the loss of lives on Friday, adding to the region's sombre toll of road mishaps.

In Shopian's Keegam area, tragedy struck as an unknown Tata Mobile collided with a motorcycle bearing registration number JK22B-5234.

The collision claimed the life of the motorcyclist, identified as Peerzada Feroz Ahmad, son of Ghulam Mustafa Shah, a resident of Babnad Tukroo in Shopian. The impact proved fatal, leading to Ahmad's immediate demise at the scene of the accident.

Meanwhile, in Pahalgam, a youth met a tragic end while two others sustained injuries following an Alto car's veering off the road near Ganeshpora bridge in Yanner Pahalgam.

The deceased was identified as Mudasir Ahmad Malik, son of Abdul Aziz Malik, a resident of Batkoot. The injured, Tariq Ahmad Malik and Mudasir Ahmad Rather, both residents of Batkoot, received medical attention for their injuries.

Adding to the grim tally, a young girl lost her life in a separate incident in Qazigund area of Kulgam district.

Struck by an unknown vehicle, the girl, identified as Mehak Jan, daughter of Abdul Rashid Khan, a resident of Kelam Devsar, tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Authorities have initiated investigations into each incident, seeking to unravel the circumstances leading to these tragic accidents.

SRINAGAR — A Special Investigation Unit (SIU) in Srinagar on Thursday said that it has produced a chargesheet against two accused militants in the National Investigation Agency’s Court here.

As per the news agency CNS, the probing agency’s spokesperson in a statement said, “Today, the charge sheet bearing No. 03/2024 of case FIR No. 39/2022 under section 7/27 A Act, 302 IPC, 13, 16, 18, 20 & 38 UA(P) Act of Police Station Soura, Srinagar stands presented before the Hon’ble Court of NIA Srinagar.”

The case has been presented against the two accused militants namely Adil Ahmad Parray son of Habibullah Parray, a resident of Badragund Ganderbal and Basit Ahmad Dar son of Late Abdul Rashid Dar, a resident of Redwani Payeen Qaimoh Kulgam, the spokesperson said.

“Among these two accused militants, the former one stands killed and the latter one is absconding regarding whom the Hon’ble Court is prayed to take cognizance as abated and under section 299 CrPC respectively. The next date of hearing is fixed on 28-03-2024,” the SIU added in the statement.

SRINAGAR — Mohammad Rafiq Pandit, a retired inspector renowned for his social activism, has joined People's Democratic Party (PDP) and was welcomed into the partyfold by party president Mehbooba Mufti.

The occasion was marked by a ceremonial event attended by District President Pulwama Bari Andrabi, Ghulam Mohiuddin Wachi, Youth President PDP Waheed ur Rehman Para, and former MLA Anjum Fazli.

Rafiq Pandit, hailed as a prominant activist in Karimabad Pulwama, emphasised the strategic significance of his decision, stating, "My allegiance to the PDP stems from a deeply rooted dedication to the welfare and progress of Pulwama's populace.”

Mehbooba Mufti, in her welcoming address, underscored the importance of Rafiq Pandit's entry into the PDP fold.

She said addition of Mohammad Rafiq Pandit to the party exemplifies commitment to inclusivity and grassroots representation.

In a separate programme, DDC member Behibagh in Kulgam, Ruby Jan, also joined the PDP in the presence of party's Vice President A R Veeri.

KULGAM — A 14-year-old teenager has emerged as the youngest player to be signed by the Bangalore Strikers in the inaugural Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) as the under-19 cricketer secured Rs 3.20 lakhs in the auction.

The inaugural season of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is set to kick off from March 6-15, 2024.

With a T10 format and matches played using tennis balls, the league aims to unearth emerging cricketing talent through its six competing teams.

Sharik Yasir, a 14-year-old 9th-grade student from Gopalpora village in Kulgam, is a wicketkeeper-batsman. During auction, he secured Rs 3.20 lakhs from the 'Bangalore Strikers,' owned by Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan.

While speaking to the news agency KNO, he said, "My father submitted my form for the ISPL. After that, I went for trials at different places where I performed well, earning myself a green ticket."

"In the auction, I was picked up by the Bangalore Strikers team for Rs 3.20 lakh, making me the youngest ever in the league," he said.

He said that he plays as a batsman-cum-wicketkeeper, and his batting prowess stood out more than his wicketkeeping during the trials. "I will strive to perform my best during matches," he added.

"Both studies and sports are crucial in today's era," he said and added that due to the lack of a playground in his village, he played more in lanes than on the ground. He urged the government to develop a playground in his village to nurture more talent from the area.