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.

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.

PULWAMA — An 18-year-old youth from Ratnipora village of Pulwama is battling for his life at SKIMS Soura after he was assaulted by a 45-year-old man with a wooden rod in Lajoora village during a cricket match.

Witnesses said that Faizaan Qayoom Bhat of Ratnipora was allegedly smashed by a wooden rod by Younis Sheikh of Puchal village after a scuffle during a cricket match.

They said that teams from Puchal and Ratnipora were playing a cricket match at Lajoora cricket ground, and when the match reached into the final overs, there was some argument between the players over some player's residence.

They said that while the argument was going on, Younis Sheikh smashed Faizan with the rod, leaving him grievously injured. They said that Younis' sons were playing for Puchal team due which he assaulted Faizan.

Fiazan was rushed to the District Hospital Pulwama, where doctors referred him to SKIMS Soura for tertiary treatment.

Doctors in SKIMS said that Faizan has been assaulted due to which he had suffered trauma on his head. His uncle said Faizan's teammates have informed the police in Pulwama. He said that the family is worried about the condition of their son and wants strict action against the culprit.

Police officials in Pulwama said that they have taken cognizance of the incident and are investigating it.

Meanwhile, Faizan's teammates and family are demanding legal action against Sheikh Younis. "This heinous act must be met with the full force of the law. Younis Sheikh should be arrested and held accountable for his actions without any delay," Mir Ubaid, Faizan's teammate, said.

PULWAMA — Continuing its "Gaon Chalo Abhiyan" initiative, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its efforts in Jammu and the Kashmir Valley, with a focus on engaging with rural communities and urban wards.

In Jammu, a significant number of prominent leaders and hundreds of party workers have mobilized to further the campaign, while in the Kashmir province, BJP cadre have been active in various villages and urban areas.

As part of this drive, District Youth President BJP Pulwama, Rayees Ahmad Dar, accompanied by District Office Secretary Javaid Ahmad and Youth General Secretary Pulwama Raza Rehmani, visited Lajoora village in Pulwama.

They engaged with residents from diverse backgrounds, discussing numerous developmental projects and welfare schemes initiated by the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Their interactions included seeking feedback on the impact of these schemes on beneficiaries' lives, aiming to assess their effectiveness and address any concerns raised by the local populace.

The intensified "Gaon Chalo Abhiyan" underscores the BJP's commitment to grassroots engagement and development initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — Unidentified gunmen on Monday afternoon shot at and injured two non-local labourers in Lajurah area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

An official told the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that militants fired upon two non-local labourers in Lajurah Pulwama, who have been shifted to a hospital for treatment.

He identified the duo as Patlashwar Kumar son of Joko Chowdary of Bihar, who has a right arm injury and Joko Chowdary son of Thaugh Chowdary of Bihar, who has injuries in his right arm and right leg.

He added that the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers.

It is pertinent to mention here that a non-local driver and conductor were shot at and injured in Nowpora Litter area of Pulwama district on Sunday evening.