The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A 20-year-old youth was killed in a road accident in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday evening.

An official quoted by a local news agency said that a youth, identified as Waseem Ahmad, son of Nazir Ahmad Gojri, riding a motorcycle bearing number JK-13B 4230, collided with a wall at Malwari Newa area in Pulwama.

"The youth sustained critical injuries in the incident, after which he was taken to District Hospital Pulwama, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival," the official said.

PULWAMA — The persistent dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has led to the drying up of renowned water springs in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, causing a water shortage in several villages.

As per the news agency KNO, Aripal Spring in Tral and Bulbul Spring in Newa Pulwama are among the affected water sources.

Officials from Public Health Engineering (PHE) Tral said that the water level of the famous Aripal Spring had been decreasing for weeks and has now completely dried up.

The spring served as a vital drinking water source for multiple water supply schemes, and its depletion has resulted in water scarcity in various areas.

The Fisheries Department's fish farm, located near Aripal Spring, had to relocate its fish due to the drying up of the spring. They have now shifted the fishes to Dobiwan and other places.

Officials warn that if there is no snow or rain in the coming weeks, the entire spring could dry up, which would worsen the water shortage problem.

Local residents said they have been grappling with water scarcity for several days due to the reduced water level at Aripal Spring. This marks the first time in recent history that the water level at this prominent spring has dropped significantly.

Similarly, Bulbul Spring in Newa, which has been supporting a water supply scheme for four decades, has also dried up, leading to water shortages in numerous villages.

Locals said there is an immediate need for a well until rain or snowfall replenishes the springs. While the groundwater department identified suitable land for the well, no action has been taken, they said.

Residents of Tral and Newa have urged authorities to address the issue and initiate necessary measures before the crisis escalates further.

Officials said they are exploring alternate arrangements and have deployed tankers to supply water to affected villages so that the people don’t suffer. "Further steps are being taken to alleviate the water crisis," they said.

PULWAMA — Career Care Institute of Education (CCIE) Newa played host to a spectacular showcase of young scientific talent during its Science Exhibition Day event. The event, which took place on Tuesday, brought together students from CCIE Newa, Syed Sultan Fakhruddin Model School Newa and Merryland Educational Institute Newa who wowed attendees with their innovative projects.

The Science Exhibition Day was a testament to the dedication of the students and the commitment of the organizers at CCIE Newa. The event aimed to provide a platform for young minds to exhibit their scientific prowess and encourage a spirit of curiosity and exploration.

The students' projects covered a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology and chemistry to physics and engineering. They demonstrated their creativity, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of scientific concepts through their presentations.

The event garnered attention not only from fellow students and teachers but also from esteemed guests who attended to support and appreciate the young scientists. Among the distinguished guests were Akhter Hussain (D.O. of Police Post Newa); Tawseef Ahmad Mir (Naib Tehsildar Newa); Ghulam Hassan Talib (Retired KAS Officer); Abdul Ahad (Principal of Syed Fakhruddin Model School Newa); Tariq Ahmad Wani (Principal of Merryland Educational Institute); Syed Masrat Hussain from the Sports Department and Mir Farooq Ahmad (Principal of Candid Higher Secondary School Nowgam).

Each guest took the time to interact with the budding scientists, providing valuable insights and encouragement. Their presence added prestige to the event and inspired the students to continue their pursuit of scientific excellence.

Mr. Javid Ahmad Qadri, the Principal of CCIE Newa, expressed his delight at the success of the Science Exhibition Day, saying, "It's heartening to witness the enthusiasm and innovative spirit of our students. They have demonstrated exceptional creativity and talent, and we are proud to have provided them with a platform to showcase their work."

The Science Exhibition Day not only celebrated the achievements of these young scientists but also highlighted the importance of fostering a scientific mindset from an early age. The event served as a reminder that investment in science education is vital for the progress of society.

The organizers at CCIE Newa are committed to making Science Exhibition Day an annual tradition, providing a continuous platform for students to explore, experiment, and excel in the world of science. The event has left an indelible mark on the minds of all who attended and is sure to inspire many more young minds to embark on their journey of scientific discovery.

PULWAMA — In south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, where apples and other fruits are cultivated on a large scale, there are thousands of canals in the district where only almonds are cultivated. The people of these areas are associated with almond cultivation for centuries. But due to the lack of attention by the Horticulture department, almond cultivation is on the verge of decline.

Locals from the district said that nobody from the authorities is willing to accept the contribution of this industry. As a result, the almond industry is vanishing from the map of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Wild animals have created havoc, damaged all these almond trees, but nobody cares and comes forward,” said a local from Trichal village of the south Kashmir district. "Instead of focusing on this industry, different types of plants are introduced."

The local residents from Newa, Parigam, Zadoora and Rahmoo said that wild animals have completely damaged their almond trees. “This land is good for almond cultivation and a little bit of attention from the government can flourish this industry,” said Abdul Gagar.

The locals accused the Horticulture department of negligence, saying not a single officer visited these villages where the almond industry can flourish.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police in Pulwama have arrested 10 'absconders' who were evading their arrest for the last two decades.

“Police in Pulwama constituted a special team to nab the absconders who were evading their arrest. After strenuous efforts, the special team was able to arrest 10 absconders who were evading their arrest for the last two decades,” police said in a statement issued here on Wednesday.

These absconders, police said, are involved in “heinous cases” registered at the police stations of Rajpora and Pulwama.

The accused have been identified as Manzoor Ganai son of Abdullah Ganai, Bashir Ganai son of Abdul Ahad, Aziz Bakshi son of Nabir Bakshi, Gulzar Sheikh son of Mohda Sheikh, Mushtaq Ah Lone son of Abdullah Lone, all residents of Drabgam Rajpora; Javied Ahmad Shah son of Gh Mohammad Shah, resident of Bagat Barzullah at present Dangerpora Nowgam; Abdul Hamid Parray son of Gh Ahmad Parray, resident of Pandit Pora Ballah Tangmarg; Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat son of Gh Mohammad Bhat, resident of Jagir Parigam; Ab Hamid Bhat son of Wali Mohammad Bhat, resident of Tenpuna Pulwama and Mohd Afzal Malik son of Abdul Rahim Malik, resident of Ugergund Newa.

“All the arrested absconders have been produced before Court for further disposal,” he said, adding, “Our consistent actions against anti-social elements should reassure the community members that we are making every effort to keep our society free of crime. Police have resolved to act as per law against those who indulge in criminal activities,” the statement added.

SRINAGAR — A non-local labourer was shot at and injured in Ugargund village of Newa in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday morning.

Kashmir Zone Police, as per the news agency KNO, informed that militants fired upon a non-local labourer in Pulwama village.

Police said that he was injured in the incident and has been shifted to a hospital, where his condition is stated to be stable. He has been identified as Muneer-ul-Islam from West Bengal.

“Terrorists fired upon one outside labourer Muneerul Islam son of Abdul Karim, resident of West Bengal at Ugergund Newa in Pulwama. He has been shifted to District Hospital Pulwama where his condition is stated to be stable. The area was cordoned off. Further details shall follow,” a police spokesperson tweeted.

PULWAMA — A 'Naat competition' (poetry in praise of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad - PBUH) was held on Saturday by Soch Kral Memorial College of Education in association with Career Care Secondary School in Newa area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Participants from various areas of the district took part in the programme while a galley of learned scholars also graced the occasion.

Among the notable people who attended the programme were retired KAS officer, Ghulam Hassan Talib and a local Imam, Mohammad Amin.

It is in place to mention here that the student participants were appreciated by the religious scholars for their performances and were also given prizes.

PULWAMA — The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Saturday organized a free medical camp under its civic action program in Newa area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

RD. Jeany Anal, the 183 battalion's Commanding Officer, inaugurated the medical camp, wherein doctors gave free medicines to the patients apart from the consultation.

While speaking to The Kashmir Pulse, Commanding Officer RD. Jeany Anal said that the CRPF is always ready to provide assistance to the local population in the possible means.

"We have been conducting such programs and it feels good to see people coming in and benefitting from such initiatives," Mr Anal said, adding that the people while lining up in large numbers in such camps, boost our morale to do more for them.

To a question about whether such camps were increasing the burden of the forces given their policing duties, the officer said that CRPF has been performing a varied set of duties apart from its primary job of maintaining law and order.

It is in place to mention here that a similar program was held by the 18 Battalion of CRPF in Qaimoh area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district.

The medical camp was inaugurated by B A K Charusya, Commanding Officer, 18th Battalion, CRPF. In the camp, people were given health checkups, administered medicines, and provided medical guidance and medical kits free of cost.