The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A minor among six suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) were arrested along with arms and ammunition in southern Kashmir's Qazigund area, police said on Wednesday.

The news agency CNS reported the police as having said that on a specific input, a joint team of 9 RR, J&K Police and 46 Bn CRPF arrested six suspected OGWs during Naka checking in Qazigund.

The arrested OGWs were identified as Suhaib Khursheed Bhat (aged 18 years) son of Khursheed Ahmad Bhat and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Zahid Ahmad Dar (aged 18 years) son of Abdul Hamid Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Naveed Ahmad Sofi (aged 21 years) son of Naseer Ahmad Sofi and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Bilal Ahmed Dar (aged 20 years) son of Ghulam Nabi Dar and a resident of Hawoorah Qaimoh, Kulgam; Fasil Ahmad Dar (aged 21 years) son of Fayaz Ahmad Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam and Mohid Ali Bhat (aged 16 years) son of Ali Mohammad Bhat and a resident of Qaimoh, Kulgam.

"They have been handed over to JIC Amnoo for further questioning," police said in its statement.

The arms and ammunition recovered from the arrested individuals included a pistol, two pistol magazines, 28 pistol rounds, three hand grenades and 35 AK-47 rounds.

In this regard, an FIR has been lodged at Police Station Qazigund vide FIR number 209/2024 under Sections 13, 18, 23 and 39 of ULAP and 7/25 of the Arms Act.

SRINAGAR — Kashmir is reeling from a record-breaking heatwave that has pushed temperatures to unprecedented levels, according to independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather.

On July 28, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2°C, marking the sixth-highest July temperature since records began in 1893. Historical data reveals that the previous records were 38.3°C on July 10, 1946; 37.7°C on July 5, 1953; 37.0°C on July 9, 1999; 36.6°C on July 19, 1997; and 36.4°C on July 24, 1967.

Qazigund shattered its all-time highest temperature record, reaching 35.6°C, surpassing the previous record of 34.5°C set on July 11, 1988. Similarly, Kokernag experienced its highest-ever temperature of 34.1°C, breaking its prior record of 33.5°C set just earlier this month on July 22, 2024.

The extreme heat wave brought more startling figures, with Srinagar's real feel temperature soaring to 39.5°C. Qazigund's record-breaking temperature was 1.1°C higher than its previous peak, and Kokernag's temperature exceeded its record by 0.6°C.

The temperature departures from normal were significant, with Qazigund at 7.7°C above average and Kokernag at an extraordinary 8.7°C above normal.

In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded 36.2°C, Qazigund 35.6°C, Pahalgam 30.1°C, Kupwara 35.8°C, Kokernag 34.1°C, Gulmarg 25.6°C, Anantnag 35.4°C, Bandipora 34.3°C, Baramulla 34.4°C, Sonamarg 29.8°C, Budgam 35.0°C, Pulwama 33.5°C, Shopian 34.4°C. Ganderbal and Kulgam had faulty readings.

In the Jammu region, Jammu recorded 32.0°C, Banihal 34.0°C, Batote 29.8°C, Bhaderwah 33.2°C, Katra 31.0°C, Udhampur 33.8°C, Kathua 38.4°C, Kishtwar 35.0°C, Samba 37.6°C, and Reasi 34.3°C. Ramban, Poonch, and Rajouri had faulty readings.

In Ladakh, Leh recorded 33.5°C, Kargil 37.5°C, and Drass 30.1°C.

SRINAGAR — A policeman, who was injured in a road accident and was battling for life in a Srinagar hospital, succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning.

Two days ago, the Head Constable of Jammu and Kashmir Police, was hit by a speeding vehicle in the Malapora Mir Bazar area of Qazigund.

The cop, named Abdul Rashid, had sustained critical injuries and was referred to SKIMS Srinagar from Government Medical College Anantnag.

Hospital sources said that the middle-aged cop succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

It is in place to mention here that the police had already registered a case in this regard.

KULGAM — In a continued crackdown on drug peddling, police in Kulgam have seized properties belonging to two notorious drug peddlers.

The properties include a double-storey residential house measuring 1,093.50 square feet and a cowshed measuring 437.25 square feet, both valued at approximately 70 lakhs, owned by Bashir Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Nassu Badragund, Qazigund. Ganie is currently lodged in Central Jail Kot Balwal Jammu under the PIT NDPS Act.

Additionally, a newly constructed two-storey residential house measuring 941.36 square feet, valued at approximately 73 lakhs, was seized from Ghulam Nabi Kuttay, a resident of Kaladrund, Frisal, who is currently in police custody.

The actions were taken under sections 68-E and 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act of 1985, linked to case FIR No. 40/2023 U/S 8/15 NDPS Act of Police Station Qazigund and FIR No. 26/2024 U/S 8/15 NDPS Act of Police Station Yaripora, respectively.

The properties were identified as illegally acquired through the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances during investigations conducted by Kulgam Police.

SRINAGAR — In a groundbreaking development, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has achieved unprecedented success in its recent auction of liquor shops, with revenues surging to an all-time high of Rs 2280 crore in the fiscal year 2024.

This substantial increase in revenue, as per the official reports, compared to previous years, underscores the efficacy of the state's revamped excise policy, which was implemented three years ago to streamline the auction process and enhance revenue generation.

As per the reports received by the news agency KNO, the auction witnessed fierce bidding wars, culminating in the sale of a liquor shop in Qazigund, Kashmir, for an astounding Rs 5.23 crore.

This historic bid not only marks the highest ever recorded in the erstwhile state but also highlights the growing investment interest in the region's liquor industry. Similarly, a shop in Ramnagar, Udhampur, fetched a commendable Rs 3.41 crore.

"The overwhelming response to the auction demonstrates the buoyancy of the market and the potential for further revenue generation," says an official, adding that we are committed to fostering a conducive business environment and ensuring transparency in the auction process."

The success story of the auction is further underscored by the steady growth in excise revenue over the past few years. In 2020, the department recorded earnings of Rs 1320 crore, followed by Rs 1353 crore in 2021, Rs 1777 crore in 2022, and Rs 1796 crore in 2023, culminating in the historic milestone of Rs 2280 crore in 2024.

Looking ahead, officials anticipate continued financial growth, with 38 liquor shops yet to be auctioned. "We remain optimistic about the prospects for revenue generation in the coming years. With prudent policies and effective management, we aim to maximize revenue streams and contribute to the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir," reports quoting government sources said.

Reports inform that the significant increase in excise revenue is poised to bolster the government's fiscal capabilities, enabling it to invest in critical infrastructure projects, social welfare programs, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As the auction process continues to unfold, stakeholders express optimism for sustained economic prosperity and stability in the region.

SRINAGAR — Residents of many areas in Kashmir on Saturday expressed resentment against the unscheduled outages in ‘metered and non-metered’ areas.

Consumers from different areas of Kashmir division expressed antipathy against the claims of the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL). The locals of several areas of Srinagar said that they were facing the worst electricity crisis.

One of the locals, Naseer Ahmad of Batamaloo, said, “Currently, we are facing more than 10 to 12 hours of curtailment in smart metered areas and more than 15-hour curtailment for non-metered areas.”

Ahmad said, “Besides the long curtailments, unscheduled power cuts are adding fuel to the fire.”

Similarly, the residents of Jawahar Nagar, Chattabal, Tengpora, Mominabad, and Karanagar expressed the same issues. “The pesky unscheduled power cuts are making our lives miserable.”

The residents of Pulwama, Qazigund, Ganderbal and subdivision Kangan areas informed that the concerned authorities have failed to implement their directives on the ground. “It seems that the KPDCL orders and directives pertaining to the supply of power and uninterrupted service remain confined to papers and offices only.”

A resident of Pulwama, Zahid Ahmad, said, “Irony is that the consumers even after paying the bills on time are being forced to reel under darkness. Frequent snapping of power against the scheduled power curtailment, especially in morning and evening hours, have jeopardized the living in rural areas.”

On Friday, the residents of Zafran Colony in Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar expressed their resentment against the DISCOM for resorting to unscheduled and irritating long power cuts in the area, stating that they pay electricity bills well in time.

KPDCL Chief Engineer (Distribution) Sandeep Seth and Managing Director Mussarat Islam were not available to comment on the issue.

SRINAGAR — Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) J&K, Raj Kumar on Thursday claimed to have busted an inter-state narco smuggling racket by arresting two Punjab residents along with 35 poppy straw packets.

“Acting on information, we seized an Innova vehicle bearing number PB-08 CP 0517 at Shampora, Qazigund. Two persons Amandeep Singh and Manohar Singh, both residents of Gurdaspur, Punjab were arrested along with 35 packets of poppy straw. The vehicle has been seized as well,” the SSP ANTF said as per the news agency KNO.

He said more forward and backward links of the case are being investigated and there are chances of more arrests. “He said that once the narco-smuggling links are established, we also seize the properties of the accused,” the SSP said.

He said in the last month, 5 kg of Charas, 200 bottles of Codeine, 900 tablets of Alprazolam besides other drugs were seized. “Heroine was also seized as well,” the SSP said.

He said ANTF is specialized in investigating narco-smuggling cases and people must come forward and provide leads about peddlers and smugglers.

As per the statement of ANTF, last month one person from West Bengal and another from Maharashtra were arrested as well along with two kilograms of Charas. A resident of Gujarat was also arrested along with 3.8 kilograms of Charas last month. “Further investigations are on,” he said.

QAZIGUND — Qazigund town on Srinagar-Jammu Highway in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district observed a complete shutdown against the opening of a liquor shop.

All the shops were seen shut in the town while locals have been demanding immediate closure of the said liquor shop.

“It will be a source of waywardness and give rise to moral corruption. The government is claiming that it has been acting tough against the drug peddlers but allowing wine shops to operate freely. This is duality,” one of the locals said while speaking to the news agency KNT.

Another local said that the opening of a liquor shop will prove counterproductive and disastrous for youth. “It’s time to keep youth away from drugs and liquor and not to encourage them to buy and consume liquor with government permission,” he said.

In the past as well, protests have been witnessed against the opening of liquor shops in different parts of Kashmir Valley.

Recently, Muslims, Sikhs, and Pandits jointly staged a protest against the same issue in north Kashmir’s Uri, forcing the administration to close down the liquor shop.

ANANTNAG — Congress leader and Member Parliament Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the Jammu and Kashmir administration of a big security lapse at Jawahar Tunnel, stating that police were missing to control the crowd that had come to his reception.

“When we crossed from Navyug Tunnel at Qazigund, there was a huge crowd for my reception. But there was not a single policeman to manage or control the crowd. My security guards advised me not to go ahead,” Rahul said while addressing a press conference at Khanabal, Anantnag, as per the news agency KNO. “It is very difficult for me to go against what my security guards advise me.”

He said that he was hopeful that security arrangements would be elaborate for his future programs that include his culmination rally at Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) office in Srinagar where he is supposed to unfurl the tricolour on January 30 and address a mega rally at Indoor Stadium Srinagar.

He said that the Bharat Jodo Yatra will continue and will conclude in Srinagar as per schedule.

Speaking on the occasion, senior Congress leader Jai Ram Ramesh said that Rahul was supposed to walk 16 km today but he could walk only 4 km due to a breach of security. He said that the administration must ensure proper security for the Bharat Jodo Yatra in the days ahead, especially when it reaches Srinagar.

He said due to the wrong policies of BJP and RSS, India as a nation is falling apart and the Yatra is an effort to bring the folks together. Ramesh said that BJY has nothing to do with electoral politics as of now. “We keep on stating that there are two ways: one that of BJP and RSS and another that of Congress which is the Gandhian way."

Meanwhile, several Congress leaders have also alleged security lapses in Banihal and Qazigund during Bharat Jodo Yatra on Friday.

"J&K UT administration failed to provide security to Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi. Security lapses indicate an unfair and unprepared attitude of UT administration," tweeted Rajani Patil, Congress in-charge of J&K and Ladakh.

"The sudden withdrawal of security personnel from the D-area has caused a serious security breach at the Bharat Jodo Yatra at Banihal, Kashmir. Who ordered this? The authorities responsible must answer for this lapse and take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents in future," tweeted another Congress leader K C Venugopal.

"J&K UT administration failed to provide security to Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Shri Rahul Gandhi. Security lapses indicate unfair and unprepared attitude of UT administration," J&K Congress tweeted.

Notably, the Yatra resumed after two days from Banihal, the hometown of the JKPCC president where hundreds of people were present to welcome Congress leaders. He was joined by former CM of J&K and NC Vice Omar Abdullah in Banihal.

Omar while reacting to the security lapse said that he witnessed the outer layer of security vanished suddenly.

"I’m witness to this. The outer ring of the cordon which was maintained by J&K Police simply vanished within minutes of Rahul Gandhi starting to walk. We had just crossed into Kashmir from Jammu and were looking forward to the 11 km walk but unfortunately, it had to be cancelled,” he tweeted.

Rahul was welcomed by several party leaders including former JKPCC president G A Mir at the entrance of the tunnel from Qazigund side along with hundreds of workers. He was joined by PDP leaders and workers led by PDP spokesperson Suhail Bhukhari as well.

J&K Police denies security lapse

Jammu and Kashmir Police said there was no security lapse at all in the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

In a statement issued on Friday, a police spokesman said the police were not consulted before taking any decision on discontinuing the Yatra after conducting a 1 km Yatra by the organizers. Police also said only authorized persons as identified by organizers and frisked crowd was allowed inside towards the route of the Yatra.

“Organisers and managers of Bharat Jodo Yatra did not intimate about large gathering from Banihal joining the Yatra, which thronged near the starting point,” it said. It further said full security arrangements were in place including 15 Coys of CAPFs and 10 Coys of JKP, comprising ROPs and QRTs, route domination, lateral deployment, and security forces were deployed for high-ridge and other deployments.

“J&K Police was not consulted before taking any decision on discontinuation of Yatra after conducting 1 km Yatra by organizers. The rest of the Yatra continued peacefully. There was no security lapse at all. We will provide fool-proof security,” the police said.

Bharat Jodo Yatra to resume from Chersoo Awantipora

The Bharat Jodo Yatra is set to resume from Chersoo Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district and conclude at Pantha chowk tomorrow (Saturday).

JKPCC President Waqar Rasool, while talking to reporters at Anantnag, said that on Saturday, Yatra will resume from Nimbal Chersoo near the Petrol Pump.

He said that tomorrow, a maximum number of womenfolk will join the Yatra and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti will also join the march. “Our leader Priyanka Gandhi is also expected to join the Yatra tomorrow from Awantipora to Pantha chowk,” he said.

He said that near Birla School Pampore, there will be a tea break and a night halt will be at Pantha Chowk truck yard from where Yatra will resume the next day. The Yatra will resume from Pantha Chowk on January 29 and will end at Nehru Park Srinagar.

Other leaders including former JKPCC President G A Mir, on the occasion, condemned the security lapse in Qazigund area. They said that despite assurances from government authorities over the last 20 days that they will facilitate everything, they changed everything and it was very disastrous in the last 24 hours.

“We have already lost Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and couldn't take risks and had to save our leader before everything and we are highly condemning the security lapse,” they said.

They added that till the last stage, Rahul wanted to continue his Yatra at Qazigund but when his security recommended against foot March, he decided to leave the spot.

QAZIGUND — A lady tourist from Uttar Pradesh died while seven other persons sustained injuries after the vehicle, they were traveling in, skidded off the road in the Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday.

The mishap occurred near Zig Post. The driver lost control over the vehicle after which it rolled down into a deep gorge.

Official sources said that the injured are being treated in the hospital. They identified the victim tourist lady as Sheeba Iraqi wife of Atiqullah Iqrai, a resident of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

The ill-fated vehicle carrying tourists was on way to Srinagar from Jammu.

SRINAGAR — As a mark of protest to press for smooth passage to fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Fruit Mandis across Kashmir remained shut for the second consecutive day.

Several fruit growers and buyers told the news agency KNO that they continue to face losses due to unnecessarily blocking of the highway at Qazigund. "Despite government directions, authorities have failed to ensure the hassle-free movement of apple-laden trucks on the national highway," they alleged.

"Fruit-laden trucks are being halted at Qazigund for around a week after that they get a turn to move towards Jammu despite clear directives to ensure the hassle-free movement of fruit-laden trucks," Mudasir Ahmed, a fruit buyer said.

He said it seems that the authorities are in no mood to put an end to the miseries being faced by the fruit industry.

"It was earlier taking seven days to reach fruit trucks from Sopore Fruit Mandi to Bangladesh but now it's taking at least 12-15 days and the same is happening with others and upon reaching the destiny, the items we supply get spoiled and are of no use," said Fazzul Rehman, a foreigner who is dealing with fruit trade at Fruit Mandi Sopore for decades. He added that they are now on the verge to wind up the business as they are facing huge losses.

President, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVFGCDU), Bashir Ahmad told KNO that they were hopeful that the government will take their issue seriously.

He said they expect the government to implement the directions for smooth passage to trucks. “We want our produce to reach its destination outside the Valley in time,” he said.

Bashir said that Mughal road, which the government has kept as an alternative for the trucks, is not feasible as the condition of the road is not good.

Mandis to resume functioning from tomorrow: KVFGDU

Amid protests against the ‘unnecessary’ halt of fruit-laden trucks along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the fruit growers on Monday met the Transport Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Traffic, seeking immediate redressal of their grievances.

The delegation of fruit growers under the banner of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVFGDU) met the officials today and apprised them about their sufferings and losses due to the halt of fruit-laden trucks along the highway.

The government has assured them that all the stranded fruit-laden trucks on the way to Jammu will be cleared tonight and more proactive steps will be taken to end the miseries of fruit growers and dealers.

President of KVFGDU, Bashir Ahmad told the news agency KNO that during the meeting with IGP Traffic and Transport Secretary, they were assured that all fruit-laden trucks halted in Qazigund will be cleared tonight and priority will be given to fruit-laden trucks.

He said that since Sunday, the movement of apple-laden trucks is continuously being allowed to move towards Jammu and they are hopeful that the government will prioritize the movement of apple-laden trucks.

He, on behalf of all fruit associations, thanked government officials who were part of the meeting, especially IGP Traffic for listening to their issues and assuring that additional steps will be taken to increase the flow of apple trucks.

Meanwhile, the top officials told KNO that since September 1, 45923 trucks (including 17631 apple trucks) have moved from Srinagar to Jammu via tunnel as per the details provided by NHAI. Trucks have been allowed to ply from Srinagar to Jammu on the last three consecutive days: September 24, 25 and 26.

On September 24, only 825 trucks (including 671 apple trucks) were allowed to ply after shooting stones started at Mehar and the traffic had to be suspended. On September 25, 4554 trucks (including 3995 apple trucks) were released, out of which 1500 trucks got stranded at Mehar on account of shooting stones and have passed down to Jammu today.

On September 26, trucks have again been released from Srinagar to Jammu and the backlog of all the approx 2500 trucks at Qazigund will get cleared today itself, as per the officials.

Further, apple trucks are given priority for release in traffic at Qazigund as shown by the large majority of apple trucks in the trucks released each day. “Hence in no case does any apple truck remain stranded at Qazigund for more than two days contrary to the false claims and propaganda that is being spread by vested interests. Traffic Police, J&K will initiate strict action against individuals who are spreading false and unverified information regarding the movement of apple trucks,” they added further.

Moreover, the Traffic Police has taken a number of additional steps to increase the flow of apple trucks, they said.

SRINAGAR — Two bodies were recovered in two separate incidents in the Qazigund and Pahalgam areas of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday, officials said here.

A man was found dead in Nussu Badragund area of Qazigund, while an unidentified body was also found in Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday.

An official, as per the news agency KNO, said that body of a man was spotted by some locals in Nussu village of Qazigund, who accordingly informed the police.

He said that soon after, police rushed to the spot and took the body into their possession. “The man was identified as Sajad Hussain Lone son of Altaf Hussain Lone of Sangran area of Qazigund. Further investigation has been taken up in this regard,” he said.

He further said that another unidentified body was found at Rafting Point near the Batakoot area of Pahalgam by locals who informed the police and later police took the body into their possession.

He added that identification of the body was being ascertained, while further investigation has been taken up.

QAZIGUND — At least 20 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were injured in a road accident at the Badragund area of Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam on Thursday, officials said here.

An official, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, said that a tipper dumper rammed into a bus, carrying Amarnath Yatris pilgrims at Badragund crossing on Jammu-Srinagar national highway, resulting in injuries to 20 Yatris.

He said that among the 20 injured pilgrims, 18 have sustained minor injuries while two with grievous injuries have been shifted to GMC Anantnag for treatment.

The official added that police have taken cognisance of the matter.

QAZIGUND — A 50-year-old woman was crushed to death after being hit by a train in Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday morning, an official said.

An official told the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the woman identified as Fameeda Banoo (50) wife of Bashir Ahmad Khanday, a resident of Wanpora Panzath was crossing the railway track at Drinan-Dawlat when the train came and hit her.

"The victim died on the spot," the official said, adding that the body was taken to emergency hospital Qazigund for postmortem and other medico-legal formalities.

VESSU (QAZIGUND) — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole on Tuesday visited the protesting Kashmiri Pandits at Vessu in the south Kashmir area of Qazigund and assured them that “all the service-related issues will be resolved within a week’s time” while as other demands will be taken up with top officials.

As per the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Pole, who IGP Kashmir Vijay accompanied, met protesting Kashmiri Pandits at Vessu camp. The protestors handed over the memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner.

A few Kashmiri Pandits were holding placards displaying the slogans “Relocate us to Jammu.” The Kashmiri Pandit community, especially those working in Kashmir under Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package (PMRP), are up in arms for the past one week in the wake of the killing of the employee Rahul Bhat at Tehsil office Chadoora.

Addressing the protestors, the Divisional Commissioner said that all the issues related to the services of Kashmiri Pandits would be resolved within a week as steps are already afoot.

“I assure you that your issues related to jobs, place of postings, districts of postings, promotions etc will be resolved within a week,” Pole told protesting Kashmiri Pandits and assured them all the possible help.

He said that militants have lost their strength in targeting big security installations which they used to do earlier and now they are attacking soft targets including unarmed policemen who visit homes on leave.

“These killings are meant to create fear psychosis among minorities. I can tell you that the security environment in Kashmir is not what it was some 10 years ago. There is a lot of improvement,” he said.

SRINAGAR — The Kashmir Pandits continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day in Vessu area of Qazigund against innocent killings in Kashmir.

Protestors on the occasion, while talking to the news agency— Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the government is issuing statements on their own without taking Kashmiri Pandits on board.

They must take Kashmir Pandits on board before taking any decision and issuing statements, they said, adding that they must be posted in Jammu till any concrete road map won't be formed by the government when all six lakh Pandits will return to Kashmir at a time.

“Posting us at DC offices is not a solution as we have to reach there and reaching there won't be safe for us,” they added.

Former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Gh Nabi Azad talked to protesters on phone and assured them that he is going to take up their issues with the Centre and their all genuine demands will be accepted.

PAGD spokesperson and CPIM leader M Y Tarigami, who visited Vessu Qazigund on Monday, requested protestors not to leave Kashmir as it is not the solution and it is the duty of everyone to protect everyone.

On the occasion, Tarigami said that it will be a festival for both Pandits and Muslims when both communities will live together here safely.

“Keep government assurances aside, the need of the hour at present is that Pandits need assurances from the Muslim community about their safety. All civil society members and common people must come forward to assure Pandits about their safety to keep enemies of brotherhood at bay,” he said.

QAZIGUND — An unidentified truck driver was charred to death after his truck caught fire as it came in contact with a high-voltage electric wire at Shampora area of Qazigund in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday night, an official said.

"A truck (PB29X-4153) on reaching Shampora area of Qazigund came in contact with a high-voltage wire near an electric transformer," a police officer told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said the driver was electrocuted eventually before the truck caught fire.

Later, the Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the scene on receiving the information and extinguished the fire.

However, the vehicle was gutted and the driver was charred to death. “We have not yet identified the truck driver. We will inform his family once we will identify him," said the police officer.

The truck driver’s body has been sent to Emergency Hospital Qazigund for postmortem by the police.