The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — A gunfight erupted between militants and security forces in Frassipora area of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday.

A top police officer quoted by a local news agency said that a joint team of local police and army launched a cordon and search operation in Frassipora Pulwama.

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

Meanwhile, a top police officer also confirmed the exchange of firing between militants and security forces.

SRINAGAR — The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Pulwama made a significant stride on Monday as it lodged a chargesheet against three militants and a militant associate.

According to reports, a spokesperson for the SIU Pulwama disclosed that the chargesheet was filed in connection with case FIR No. 260/2023 registered at Police Station Pulwama. The chargesheet, framed under sections 18, 20, 38, 39, and 40 of the UAPA Act, implicates three militants and one militant associate.

Identified as Ehsan Ul Haq Sheikh, Owais Feroz Mir, and Abrar-ul-Islam, the militants hail from various locations including Murran Pulwama, Frestabal Pampore (presently in PoK), and Pakistan respectively. Additionally, Ishtiyaq Nazir Dar, a militant associate from Ashmander Pulwama, currently in custody, has also been named in the chargesheet.

Furthermore, the SIU spokesperson highlighted that a chargesheet against another accused, Abbas Majeed Parray, had been previously submitted before the Hon’ble JJB Court Pulwama on 27/12/2023, indicating continued efforts in legal proceedings related to the case.

PULWAMA — A grim incident unfolded today in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district, as a 28-year-old man lost his life after ingesting poisonous substances.

According to reports obtained by a local news agency, the unnamed individual, a resident of Murran village, succumbed to poisoning at his residence. Prompt action followed, with the victim rushed to the district hospital in Pulwama.

However, due to the severity of his condition, he was subsequently referred to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where medical professionals, despite their efforts, pronounced him deceased.

A police official disclosed that the deceased's body has been transferred to the mortuary at District Hospital Pulwama. Following standard medical and legal procedures, the body will be entrusted to the family for final rites.

The official confirmed that a case pertaining to the incident has been lodged, with investigations underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

PULWAMA — A youngster from Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district is set to participate in WEKAF World Arnis Invitational Championship 2022 in Cebu City of Philippines.

Owais Yaqoob from Murran village of the south Kashmir district was selected for the WEKAF World Championship 2022 after he outperformed his opponents in various competitions held in this connection.

Before leaving for the Philippines to participate in the competition, which is scheduled to commence on July 18 and end on July 24, 2022, Owais spoke to The Kashmir Pulse and said that he has worked hard to make a mark in the championship.

"I have been training from 2018 to participate in a world championship like this one and it is a hard-earned opportunity for me. Earlier, I have MMA (mixed martial arts), Kickboxing and various other games at state and national level. Now, I want to give my level best in Arnis," Owais expressed.

He added, "This international championship will help me add one more international level art to my academy Lion's Den where I teach all related arts like MMA, Kickboxing etc to budding youth."

When asked about the impact that his academy has had on the enrolled youth, Owais said that there were a lot of young boys who would waste their energies in drugs and other harmful stuff and his academy has changed their perspective entirely. "The young boys now channellize their energy to stay fit and healthy by learning MMA, Kickboxing and various other skills," he stated.

WEKAF (World, Eskrima, Kali, Arnis Federation) is the first and largest Filippino martial arts organization, consisting of 40 countries amongst its members since its inception in 1989 while Arnis, also known as Kali or Eskrima/Escrima, is the national martial art of the Philippines.

Arnis, Kali or Eskrima/Escrima are roughly interchangeable umbrella terms for the traditional martial arts of the Philippines ("Filipino Martial Arts", or FMA), which emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed weapons, and various improvised weapons, as well as "open hand" techniques without weapons.

It is pertinent to mention here that Sayaw, Team Sayaw, Padded Point, Knife Point, Single Stick, Double Stick, Team Sparring and Bangkaw are the arts that will be competed over in the championship, which will be held in Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Before the main event, the World Arnis Championships, there will be a two-day pre-qualifying event on July 17-18.

PULWAMA — A 19-year-old youth from Deeri Murran area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district has been missing for the past four days with his family on Wednesday putting a virtual appeal for his return home.

Shahid Ahmad Sheikh, a local of Deeri Murran, went missing on Saturday and did not return home since.

The family made a fervent appeal in a video, appealing for his return home. "Bury me first, then leave if you want to. Please come home as I can't do without you," her mother is seen crying in the video.

His father said, "If Shahid is with anyone, I appeal him to leave Shahid so that he can return home."

"I also went to local police who have assured me help to trace him," he further added.

All efforts by the family to trace him proved futile, as per the family members, even as a missing report has been filed at Police Station Pulwama in this connection.

The family has apprehensions that Shahid might have joined militant ranks. However, there is no clarity concerning the same.