The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — The unavailability of proper irrigation facilities at Pahoo area of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district have delayed the paddy sapling plantation season in the area.

The residents of Rakh-e-Pahoo area told the local news agency KNO that their land was dependent on Bulbul Nag in Hakripora area for irrigation purposes but that spring was tapped for drinking water supply.

They said that since spring was tapped for the drinking water supply scheme, farmers of around five villages have been suffering for the want of irrigation facilities.

Jamshed Ahmad, a local resident, said that they usually used to complete paddy plantation by May 15 in the area but this year due to the unavailability of proper irrigation facilities, they have yet to plant paddy saplings.

He said that locals have put in water pumps on their own and other facilities in service to irrigate their land so as to plant paddy.

Shabir Ahmad, another local, said that farmers of around five villages have been suffering in absence of proper irrigation facilities as authorities have used springs for providing drinking water facilities.

He said that before tapping the spring for the drinking water supply scheme, authorities should have made arrangements for irrigation facilities on the land on which hundreds of families are dependent.

Locals said that they have informed authorities several times to look into the matter and make arrangements for irrigation facilities but nothing has been done so far. They said that most people in the area are dependent on agricultural land for livelihood and this issue must be taken seriously.

They urged the higher-ups ups, especially Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, to look into the matter personally and direct the concerned authorities to take immediate steps in this regard.

PULWAMA — Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern transportation on the Pulwama-Srinagar road, Gulzar Ahmad, also known as Ghulam Mohammad, stands out with his horse-cart, offering passengers a nostalgic journey from Ratnipora village to Pahoo area.

Ahmad, a resident of Pahoo, has been ferrying passengers and various goods or commodities on his horse-cart daily, providing a traditional means of transport in an era dominated by motor vehicles. His route, particularly from Ratnipora to Pahoo, fills a void for passengers who struggle to find convenient transport options.

With a daily income ranging between 500 to 600 rupees, Ahmad remains steadfast in his traditional livelihood despite the challenges posed by modernity. Reflecting on the changing times, he reminisces about the days when there were 30 to 40 horse carts operating on the route, but now, modern vehicles have surpassed them.

"I hardly manage to run my household with the increasing inflation," Ahmad laments, highlighting the financial strain faced by traditional daily wagers like himself.

Yet, Ahmad finds solace in the reactions of passengers, especially children, who are fascinated by the sight of the horse-cart. Recounting an incident where a man, despite owning a luxury car, requested a ride for his family, Ahmad notes the yearning of Kashmiri adults to relive the past and introduce their children to traditional modes of transportation.

"Some people crave to ride a horse cart," Ahmad remarks, emphasizing the enduring appeal of the traditional experience.

While the march of modernity has seen many horse-cart owners transition to other occupations, Ahmad remains committed to preserving a piece of Kashmir's heritage on the roads of Pulwama. His horse-cart not only offers practical transportation but also serves as a reminder of simpler times in the midst of today's fast-paced world.

PULWAMA — An improvised explosive device (IED) was detected and subsequently destroyed by the Bomb Disposal Squad in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.

Sources said that the IED was found by the Road Opening Party on a road near Badibagh Pahoo.

They informed the police and accordingly, a Bomb Disposal Squad rushed to the spot and defused the explosive material.

Police in this regard registered a case and started an investigation.

SRINAGAR — Three Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants were killed in a gunfight in Pulwama district and one of them includes a 17-year-old Srinagar youth, who had gone missing from April 16, officials said.

The two other militants include Arif Hazar alias Rehan who, according to the officials, was deputy to the outfit’s top commander Basit while the third militant has been identified as ‘Haqqani’ of Pakistan.

Inspector-General of Police Vijay Kumar confirmed to GNS that the teenager Natish Shakeel Wani of Baba Demb (Khanyar) was among the killed militants. The teenager had left for afternoon (Zuhr) prayers on April 16 and had been missing since.

While his family had issued an appeal to him to return, police said he had joined militant ranks.

The IGP also identified another militant as Arif Hazar and said that he was involved in the killing of inspector Parvez, Sub Inspector Arshid and a mobile shop owner in Srinagar.

“Arif Hazar alias Rehan, deputy of LeT’s top cmdr (Basit) killed in PulwamaEncounter. (He was) involved in killings of Insp Parvez infront of mosque, SI Arshid & 1 mobile shop owner in downtown. Several FIRs against him in Sgr city,” IGP Kashmir said in a tweet.

Three militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba were killed in the gunfight at Pahoo area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday. “Three LeT militants have been killed in the gunfight,” police said.

The gunfight had ensued as a joint team of Police and the Army launched a cordon and search operation in the area amid reports about the presence of militants.

As the joint team of forces zeroed in on the suspected spot, the officials told GNS that the hiding militants fired on the joint team, which was retaliated, triggering off the gunfight.

SRINAGAR — Three militants of the Lashkar-i-Toiba outfit were killed in a gunfight in Pahoo area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday, an official said.

A senior police officer, while confirming to GNS, said that three militants of LeT have been killed.

Earlier, a joint team of police and the Army launched a cordon and search operation in the area.

As the joint team of the forces zeroed in on the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired on the joint team, which was retaliated, triggering off a gunfight.