The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Two militants were seen at the Reasi militant attack scene by eyewitnesses on Sunday while a search operation is underway in the area.

As per the local news agency Kashmir Scroll, SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said that the militants fired upon the bus yesterday. Nine people reportedly died and 33 were injured and are being treated in different hospitals.

As per eyewitnesses, two (militants) were there who carried out the attack while a combing operation was underway in the area and five teams have been formed to search the area, officials said.

They said that the eyewitness disclosed, “Terrorists fired on the bus and shot the driver first, while firing lasted for approximately 20 minutes." They saw a militant in front of the bus.

Officials said that a cordon and search operation by the Army with Police is going on while NIA is likely to take over the investigation of the Reasi attack.

SRINAGAR — Militants opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Sunday evening, killing nine people and injuring 33, police said.

The 53-seater bus, en route from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, veered off the road following the gunfire and fell into a deep gorge. The incident took place around 6:15 pm near Teryath village in Poni area.

SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said, "Initial reports suggest that terrorists fired upon the passenger bus going from Shiv Khori to Katra. Due to the firing, the bus driver lost the balance of the bus and it fell into the gorge. 33 people were injured in the incident."

"Rescue operation has been completed. The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, they are not locals. Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done," she said.

The attack marks a significant escalation in violence in the region as Reasi district has been relatively untouched by militant activities compared to neighbouring areas such as Rajouri and Poonch.

JAMMU — Amid the support of thousands of Congress workers, Congress candidate Raman Bhalla, filed his nomination for Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha seat.

Accompanied by scores of jubilant supporters, Bhalla reached the office of Returning Officer, Sachin Kumar Vaishya and filed his papers in presence of National Conference patron and member of INDI Bloc, Dr Farooq Abdullah, All India Congress Committee In-charge J&K Affairs Bharat Singh Solanki, J&K Congress President Vikar Rasool Wani along with several senior leaders of JKPCC.

As per the news agency KNO, Congress supporters started assembling near Maharaja Hari Singh Park in the morning and then took the shape of a procession towards Shaheedi Chowk to the DC office.

Later, on the way back, while addressing a large gathering at Shaheedi Chowk, Solanki appealed to the people to vote for change and uproot the dictatorial regime of BJP.

He said the people’s participation in large numbers shows the mood of the people and claimed that both Lok Sabha seats of Jammu and Udhampur will be pocketed by the Congress party with a thumping majority.

"The people have made up their mind to bring about change at the Centre and the Modi government will go after the elections and the INDIA block will form the government," he added.

Congress candidate Raman Bhalla thanked the people for the huge participation in the rally today from all parts and appealed to throw the 'arrogant' regime out of power for the large interest of the poor and common man.

“People of Jammu have suffered a lot and will teach BJP MP and its leaders a lesson through ballot, in this election. He said that Congress would come back to solve the problems of the common man who is under huge economic distress and facing a lot of hardships due to 'tax terrorism' and price rise, record unemployment and lopsided development” he said.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma filed his nomination papers. Sharma is seeking re-election from this constituency for the third consecutive term. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from this constituency in 2014 and 2019. The constituency goes to vote on April 26 in the second phase.

Jugal is in the fray to reclaim this seat, straight for the third time. In 2019, he had defeated the Congress candidate Raman Bhalla with a margin of 3,02,875 votes as NC and PDP had not fielded their candidates. In 2014, Jugal had won this seat again, defeating Congress candidate Madan Lal Sharma, with a victory margin of 2.57 lakh votes.

Congress has also repeated its nominee i.e., former minister Raman Bhalla, who is a common candidate of I.N.D.I. Alliance of which both the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are constituents. He will file his nomination paper on April 2.

Following delimitation, the Jammu parliamentary constituency comprises 18 assembly constituencies which include 11 from Jammu; three each from Samba and Reasi district and one from Rajouri’s Kalakote assembly constituency. The total electors are 17.66 lakh.

As per the notification, nomination papers can be filed by candidates or their proposers no later than April 4, 2024. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on April 6, 2024 at 11 am at Deputy Commissioner’s Office Jammu.

The candidates have the option to withdraw their candidature on April 8, 2024 until 3 pm. The polling on April 26 will be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm.

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Police have kept a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on one of the most wanted 'terrorists' of Jammu region, Muhammad Qasim Gujjar alias Suleman of district Reasi. He is presently staying in Sialkote area of Pakistan.

According to the news agency KNO, Jammu and Kashmir Police has released a poster with two pictures of Muhammad Qasim Gujjar and has asked people to provide information about him. “The identity of the person will be kept secret and Rs 10 lakh will be given to the one who provides the information,” the poster reads.

Police have said that the militant is involved in many militant activities including attacks, radicalization, recruitment, 'terror financing' and weapon dropping through drones.

“The terrorist Muhammad Qasim Gujjar (41), son of Late Muhammad Shafi, is a native of village Angralla, tehsil Mahore of district Reasi. He has a wheatish complexion, his body is medium-sized, his height is five feet 10 inches, hair style is black and straight and he usually wears a Pathani suit and combat dress,” police said.

A case bearing FIR number 02/2024 of Police Station CID counter-insurgency Jammu stands registered against the accused.

Police further said that Gujjar is a designated terrorist under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. “Whoever provides any information leading to the arrest of Qasim will be rewarded Rs 10 lakh,” the police poster reads.

Police have shared a mobile number 9596101798 and an email ID shareinfo.cid@jkpolice.gov.in for sharing the information.

REASI — The Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Reasi district has taken swift action, suspending a teacher following the emergence of a viral video allegedly implicating the educator in misconduct.

According to an order cited by a local news agency, Mr Vishesh Kumar, a Grade-III Teacher at GMS Kakra Gala in Zone Chinkah, District Reasi, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect pending an inquiry into the matter.

The decision was made following a report submitted by the Zonal Education Officer Chinkah, citing the viral video as grounds for the suspension. The suspension order, dated March 16, 2024, directs Mr Vishesh Kumar to report to CEO Reasi's office for further duties with immediate effect.

While the specifics of the alleged misconduct depicted in the viral video were not detailed in the suspension order, the swift action establishes the seriousness with which education authorities are treating the matter.

REASI — A Jammu and Kashmir Bank assistant manager has been apprehended for allegedly orchestrating fraudulent debits amounting to Rs 126.34 lakhs, according to a senior police officer quoted by a local news agency.

The accused, identified as Ishwinder Singh, an Assistant Manager at J&K Bank Pouni, faces charges under section 409 IPC. The case, registered under FIR number 10/2024 at Police Station Pouni, accuses Singh of making unauthorized withdrawals from inactive and deceased accounts over the past three years.

Authorities claim Singh's modus operandi involved surreptitiously activating dormant accounts and unlawfully siphoning off deposited funds. The fraudulent activity came to light when Singh allegedly withdrew funds from an already active account, prompting the account holder to file a complaint.

Following a month-long evasion, a police team led by Dy. SP Headquarters Reasi, Neeraj Padyar (JKPS), conducted raids across various locations in Jammu, ultimately leading to Singh's arrest. Mohita Sharma, SSP Reasi, confirmed the arrest, highlighting Singh's alleged wrongful gain at the expense of public funds.

REASI — Reasi Police have successfully identified and booked three individuals involved in fabricating a fake militant threat and impersonating a militant commander in the Chassana area of Mahore sub-division.

According to an official statement quoted by a local news agency, a case has been registered at the Police Station Chassana following an investigation into the matter.

The investigation was initiated after a complaint was filed by Jahangir Ahmed, alleging receipt of a militant threat over a domestic issue. However, suspicions arose during the investigation, leading authorities to uncover a conspiracy involving the complainant and two others, aimed at targeting two individuals by orchestrating a false militant threat.

The official elaborated that the accused went to considerable lengths to create a convincing militant threat message, circulating it among themselves to lend credibility to their scheme.

Swift action was taken by the police, resulting in the registration of a case against the three accused under relevant sections of the law, including 419, 177, 182, 506, 507, and 109. The operation was led by SHO Police Station Chassana, Ranjeet Rao, the official confirmed.

Meanwhile, SSP Reasi, Ms Mohita Sharma, IPS, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stressing that such acts of rumor-mongering and impersonation would not be tolerated. She reassured the public that individuals involved in spreading false threats or causing panic would face strict legal consequences.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir is set to conduct an auction for the country's largest lithium reserves located in Reasi within the next few weeks.

This groundbreaking discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium has garnered international attention and is a significant milestone for India.

The Geological Survey of India, on February 9th this year, confirmed the presence of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi, marking the first such discovery in the country.

This development aligns with the Indian government's efforts to secure a stable supply of lithium, a crucial raw material for electric vehicle batteries.

It's reported that overseas miners have expressed interest in participating in the upcoming auction. Additionally, KABIL, a state-owned joint venture specializing in mineral exploration abroad, is nearing the acquisition of lithium blocks in Argentina. Preliminary discussions are also underway with the Chilean government regarding lithium block acquisition.

India, a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, has been actively pursuing international agreements to secure essential minerals from resource-rich nations like Australia, Argentina, and Chile.

Officials in Jammu and Kashmir anticipate that the discovery of lithium could significantly boost the local economy and provide employment opportunities for the region's unemployed youth.

Experts highlight that this discovery holds great potential for the socioeconomic development of Jammu and Kashmir and the scientific advancement of the country.

SRINAGAR — The Geological Survey of India (GSI) on Thursday said it has found lithium deposits for the first time in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a statement, GSI said that it has found 5.9 million tonnes of lithium-inferred resources in the Reasi district. It said lithium-inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes have been found in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi.

The lithium deposits are very critical for India as the government has been focussing on electric cars.

District Mineral Officer Reasi, Shafiq Ahmad, while talking to the news agency KNO, said there was the presence of bauxite in composite form and during its further processing, lithium was also discovered.

“GSI has now approved it and it will be taken for auction after lithium reserves were found. We had explored it earlier also but now this time it has been approved by GSI,” he said.

He added that it will now be taken up for auction at the country and UT level as it is a major mineral and has been found for the first time in the country.

Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Babila Rakwal told KNO that they are further working on it and she will soon get the exact input from the concerned officials.

SRINAGAR — The Geological Survey of India (GSI) on Thursday said it has found lithium deposits for the first time in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a statement, GSI said that it has found 5.9 million tonnes of lithium-inferred resources in the Reasi district. It said lithium-inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes have been found in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi.

The lithium deposits are very critical for India as the government has been focussing on electric cars.

District Mineral Officer Reasi, Shafiq Ahmad, while talking to the news agency KNO, said there was the presence of bauxite in composite form and during its further processing, lithium was also discovered.

“GSI has now approved it and it will be taken for auction after lithium reserves were found. We had explored it earlier also but now this time it has been approved by GSI,” he said.

He added that it will now be taken up for auction at the country and UT level as it is a major mineral and has been found for the first time in the country.

Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Babila Rakwal told KNO that they are further working on it and she will soon get the exact input from the concerned officials.

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir's State Investigation Agency (SIA) Jammu has filed a charge sheet against four militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, who were involved in carrying out a number of militant attacks in J&K.

As per the news agency KNO, the case was initially registered in Police Station Mahore of district Reasi but later on transferred to SIA Jammu by the orders of police headquarters.

The investigation has established that the Pakistan-based terrorist Mohd Qasim and Zia-Ul-Rehman, who actually are residents of Jammu & Kashmir and after joining terrorist ranks ex-filtrated to Pakistan and used drones for supplying arms, ammunition, and explosives in Jammu and Kashmir and the same were collected by the accused Talib Hussain Shah and his associates.

The investigation has further established that on the directions of Pakistan-based handlers Talib Hussain Shah had recruited many youths of Jammu and Kashmir and had revived the terror ecosystem in Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal area.

The investigation also proved that the accused persons are also involved in minority killings and are involved in creating fear psychosis among the general masses. The investigation revealed they had been directed to carry out attacks on security forces, and vital installations to meet the objective of secession of J&K from the Union of India.

The case has been minutely supervised by Director of SIA J&K to reach its logical conclusion.

JAMMU — Three people were killed in two separate accidents in Reasi and Ramban districts on Thursday, officials said.

A police official told the news agency GNS that at around 7 AM, an Alto Car (JK11D-5950) on its way from Chassana towards Sanglikote met with an accident near Hamosan Reasi, leading to the on-the-spot death of two people.

They have been identified as Manjeet Singh (35) son of Navratan Singh and Gurbashk Singh (25) son of Isher Singh, both residents of Malikote Chassana Reasi. The official said that a case has been registered and further investigations were taken up.

Meanwhile, a vehicle—Innova—skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge at Kelamorh, Ramban along the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Soon after the accident, a police officer told GNS that Police, SDRF and the civil Quick Response Team reached the spot and started a rescue operation. Subsequently, he said, the body of the driver was recovered.

He identified the deceased as Mudasir Ahmed son of Noor Mohammad of Dalgate Srinagar. “The body has been shifted to District Hospital Ramban,” he added.

JAMMU — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday denied any link with the arrested Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, Talib Hussain Shah, who, the opposition parties alleged is a member of the party’s minority cell.

According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer, the party’s state unit spokesperson, Advocate Abhinav Sharma today clarified that Talib Hussain Shah was never officially appointed by the party after surfacing of photographs of the arrested militant with senior BJP leaders including Jammu and Kashmir unit President Ravinder Raina.

“There is no record of appointment of Talib Hussain Shah in our office. Someone may have given him responsibility on his own, but the party did never own him,” said Abhinav Sharma, while addressing the media.

The photographs of the arrested militants with senior BJP leaders have gone viral on social media since Sunday morning when he was apprehended by Reasi villagers along with another militant.

Meanwhile, coming down heavily on BJP, Jammu Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) demanded the interrogation of BJP leaders for appointing a 'terrorist' as a party member.

“BJP used to issue certificates of nationalism to others, now this so-called nationalist party is appointing terrorists,” said Ravinder Sharma, JKPCC chief spokesman.