The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Police said that an accused in a narcotics case developed health issues while in custody and was subsequently brought dead to a local hospital in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

A top police officer, quoted by the local news agency KDC, said, “Imtiaz Ahmed Pala, son of Gul Mohammed Pala, a resident of Lidermund Bra- Vandana, who was facing charges under FIR 42/2024 for violations of Section 8, 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, was reported to have developed severe health complications during his detention at the Litter Police Station.”

The officer claimed that Pala’s condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting the police to shift him to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings have been initiated to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, the officer added.

However, Pala’s family vehemently disputes the police account, alleging that he was picked up and then ‘‘killed’’. They are demanding an impartial and thorough probe into the incident.

“We do not believe the police version of events. Imtiaz was healthy when he was taken Yesterday. We suspect foul play and demand a transparent investigation,” one of cousin brother of the slain said.

Imtiyaz, a mechanic by profession, leaves behind two daughters and a little boy, he said, adding that family members are waiting outside PCR Srinagar for the body.

Police officials have assured that an unbiased probe will be conducted. “We are committed to uncovering the truth. All necessary actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the officer added.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Indian Army thwarted the 'nefarious designs' of militants of targeting police and security forces by recovering a huge cache of arms and ammunition and arresting a suspected person in Pulwama, a police spokesman said on Monday.

Acting on specific information regarding the delivery of a consignment of weapons in the general area of Pulwama, a special team of Police and Army (55RR) was formed and deployed covertly at different suspicious locations, a police spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency KNO.

He said that at Naina Batpora near the petrol pump in the jurisdiction of Police Station Litter, one suspected person riding a Scooty, after noticing the joint party, tried to flee from the spot. Accordingly, the joint team swung into action and tactfully nabbed the suspected person and recovered the consignment of arms and ammunition. "He has been identified as Showkat Ahmed Digoo son of Abdul Wahab Digoo, a resident of Naina, Batpora," he said.

The police spokesman further said that the consignment of arms and ammunition recovered by the joint team includes a Pistol, 25 Chinese grenades, two Pistol Magazines, 230 Pistol Cartridges, 10 AK Magazines, 300 AK Cartridges and other incriminating materials.

"During questioning, Showkat Ahmed disclosed that he was in contact with jailed militant associate namely Firdous Ahmed Bhat, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat, resident of Naina, presently lodged at Central Jail Rajouri in a case under FIR number 118/2021 of Police Station Litter. He further disclosed that he was working for JeM militant outfit and this huge cache of arms and ammunition was meant for further distribution on the behest and coordination of the jailed militant associate in order to carry out militant attacks on police and security forces and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the valley," the police statement said.

In this regard, police said that a case under FIR number 10/2023 under relevant sections of law stands registered at Police Station Litter and further investigation is in progress.

PULWAMA — A mega lift irrigation scheme in Chakoora village of Litter Tehsil in south Kashmir's Pulwama district is awaiting completion even as land donors are waiting for compensation.

Locals told the news agency KNO that after repeated pleas, a scheme was approved for the area, and soon, work on said scheme was started. However, since then around a decade has passed but they are yet to witness any positive signs in this regard.

They said that around 80 percent of the work was completed but it has been suspended for the past three years due to unknown reasons. “We don't have any irrigation facilities available to our orchards due to which we are suffering in the summer season and have to rely on rainwater only,” said Zahoor Ahmad, a local resident.

He said that after work on the scheme was started, many growers cut down their almond orchards which require less water, and planted apple trees as they expected the scheme will provide them irrigation facilities but that did not happen. "Orchardists were earning their livelihood from almonds but after planting apple trees, they are suffering due to the shortfall of rains," he added.

Locals said that due to the unavailability of irrigation, trees are drying up and production remains very low besides being less delicious and small in size. “We provided land at a very low cost for the scheme but the compensation too was not paid so far,” they said, adding that they brought the issue to the notice of the concerned several times to no avail.

They requested concerned authorities to look into the matter and complete the scheme so that farmers won't suffer in the coming summer.

Meanwhile, an unnamed official was quoted by the news agency as having said that the scheme awaits completion because of some issues with land donors about compensation.

He said that around 80 percent of the work on the scheme is complete and the revised DPR for pending work and compensation component has been submitted to the higher-ups. "We are expecting that work on the project will be re-started soon," he said.

PULWAMA — In its continuous drive and action against illicit mining, extraction and transporting of minerals from government land, three JCB machines involved in illegal mining in Pulwama were seized by Geology and Mining Department along with the local police.

As per reports, a joint team of Police Station Litter and Geology and Mining Department raided different locations and seized three JCB machines, which were found involved in illicit/unauthorised extraction of minerals from Ranbir Nallah at Litter Pulwama.

To this effect, case FIR No. 6/2023 U/S 379/IPC 21 MMDR Act and FIR No. 7/2023 U/S 379, 353, 341/IPC 21 MMDR have been registered in Police Station Litter and investigation has been set into motion.

Meanwhile, the police has urged all the members of the public to adhere to the law and terms and conditions of their permits, wherever applicable, and to not destroy the ecology of their areas by engaging in illicit mining of minerals otherwise strict action under law will be taken against them in future also.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested three notorious drug peddlers in Pulwama and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

“A police party of Police Station Litter at a checkpoint established at Khelan area of Litter Pulwama intercepted three suspicious persons who tried to flee from the spot but were apprehended tactfully. During the search, 350 grams of Charas was recovered from their possession,” a police spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency KNO.

They have been identified as Kifayat Rashid Yatoo son of Ab Rashid, Nazir Ahmad Bhat son of Ab Aziz and Basit Ahmad Bhat son of Mohd Shafi, all residents of Khellan Pulwama. They have been arrested and shifted to a police station where they remain in custody.

Accordingly, police said that a case under FIR number 01/2023 under relevant sections of law stands registered in Police Station Litter and an investigation has been taken up.

Meanwhile, police urged people to come forward with any information regarding drug peddlers in their neighbourhood. “Persons found indulging in drug peddling will be dealt with strictly as per law. Our consistent actions against drug peddlers should reassure the community members that we are making efforts to keep our society free from the scourge of drug menace,” police said.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police in Pulwama organized an awareness programme cum rally against drug abuse under the banner of “Prevention of Drug Addiction”.

A police spokesman in a statement issued here said the awareness rally under the banner of “NASHA MUKHT BHARAT” was organized at Litter Pulwama under the supervision of SSP Pulwama Shri Gh Jeelani Wani which started from Government Higher Secondary School Achan and culminated at village Panjran.

The rally was attended by SDPO Litter, DySP Probation, SHO PS Litter, IC PP Lassipora, Principal along with the staff of the said school, employees of the Health Department, members of civil society, students, youth and respectable of the area.

On the occasion, a seminar was also conducted at Government Higher Secondary School Achan hosted by DySP Probation along with SHO PS Litter and IC PP Litter. At the very outset, DySP gave a motivational speech about competitive exams and stressed to the students to channel their potential and energy in a positive way.

He also urged parents to closely monitor their wards in choosing different career avenues. DySP Probation Pulwama sought the cooperation of people in eradicating the social evils prevailing in society, particularly the menace of drugs.

He highlighted the role of parents and said that parents have a greater responsibility in the social development of a child as they act as the first teachers and guides of their wards. He also spoke about preventive measures and the role of J&K Police in the prevention of drug addiction.

Speaking on the occasion, SHO PS Litter also highlighted the socio-economic factors contributing to drug addiction and preventive measures thereof. He also explained the ways to know the warning signs and symptoms of a drug addict.

He further said that public cooperation is necessary to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society as Police are always available to help those who are victims of this addiction and are ready to make all possible efforts to help and rehabilitate affected persons.

PULWAMA — A mega lift irrigation scheme in Chakoora village of Litter Tehsil in south Kashmir's Pulwama district is awaiting completion while the growers are being affected due to its non-completion.

Locals told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that after repeated pleas, a scheme was approved for the area and work on the said scheme was started. Since then, around a decade has passed but they are yet to witness any positive sign in this regard.

They said that around 80 per cent of work was completed but it has been suspended for the past two years due to unknown reasons. “We don't have any irrigation facilities available to our orchards due to which we are suffering in the summer season and have to rely on rainwater only,” said Sameer Ahmad, a local resident.

He said that after work on the scheme was started, many growers cut down their almond orchards which require less water and planted apple trees as they expected the scheme will provide them irrigation facilities but that did not happen.

"Orchardists were earning their livelihood from almonds but after planting apple trees, they are suffering due to the shortfall of rains," he added.

Locals said that due to the unavailability of irrigation, trees are drying up and production remains very low besides being less delicious and small in size. “We provided land at a very low cost for the scheme but the compensation too was not paid so far,” they said, adding that they brought the issue to the notice of the concerned officials several times but to no avail.

The concerned Executive Engineer Fareed Ahmad told KNO that the scheme awaits completion because of some issues with land donors over the compensation.

“Earlier, there were very few funds for compensation. But land donors are seeking full compensation due to which work on the scheme got delayed. Around 80 per cent of the work on the scheme is complete and revised DPR for compensation component has been submitted to the higher-ups,” he added.

SRINAGAR — Two non-locals were shot at and injured by suspected militants in Litter area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday.

A police official told GNS that the gunmen attacked the duo, both residents of Pathankote this evening. Immediately, he said, the duo—one of the driver and another conductor of poultry vehicle, was shifted to sub district hospital.

When contacted, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Pulwama Dr B S Tullah told GNS that one of the injured, Surinder, has bullet injury on left side of chest and he has been referred to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital for advanced treatment.

Another Dheraj Dutta has injuries in leg and under treatment.