The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Addressing several rallies across South Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti delivered a scathing critique of the escalating turbulence and fear gripping Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the current atmosphere of uncertainty far surpasses the tumult of past gun culture.

On this occasion, senior party leader Mohammad Sartaj Madni, Aijaz Ahmad Mir Ex-MLA, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat Ex-MLA, District President Manzoor Ahmad Zargar, Additional Spokesperson Mohammad Amin Dar, Zafrullah Wani, Muzaffar Ahmad Wagay, Nissar Ahmad, Sheikh Ghulam Mohiuddin, Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Mohammad Yaseen besides many others were also present and spoke to the gatherings.

Mehbooba said that since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured suffocation and widespread fear, likening the prevailing silence to that of a graveyard.

Despite the imposed silence, the PDP President declared her unwavering defiance, highlighting the consequences her family has faced at the hands of government agencies. “Post abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir when every single person was silenced, I preferred to speak truth to power as soon as I came out of the jail. Even though my family had to bear the consequences, my aged mother, my brother were hounded. But I didn’t surrender my voice and my stand,” Mehbooba said.

Warning against the consequences of silence, Mufti emphasized the importance of voting as a means to combat oppression. She denounced violence, affirming that guns and stones only lead to graves filled with lost lives and shattered families.

“If we remain silent today, we will have nothing left for our future generations. Voting not guns or stones is the answer to the prevalent oppression. Guns and stones only filled our graveyards, orphaned our children and widowed our women. I want to reiterate that we will not allow those immense sacrifices to go to waste but at the same time, we will have to understand that vote and voice are our weapons to fight for our rights and against this highhandedness,” she said.

The PDP President further underscored the continuous erosion of Kashmiri rights and resources, citing the issuance of new decrees akin to August 5, 2019. Expressing concern over the proliferation of drugs among the youth, she called for reflection on the origins of such substances.

She added, “August 5, 2019 should not be viewed in isolation. Every single day is August 5 for us. Everyday, new Shahi Farmans are being issued and they are eyeing our resources, our jobs, our forests, our hydroelectricity and our lithium reserves. They are throwing our youth into the menace of drugs. One must ponder where these drugs come from.”

Emphasizing unity beyond party lines, Mehbooba termed her struggle as one for the rights and identity of Jammu and Kashmir. She also highlighted the significance of the Congress party's manifesto, praising its focus on marginalized communities. “It is not the fight between PDP and NC but the fight for Jammu and Kashmir's rights and identity. We must fear that day when everything will be taken away from us if we do not act today.

She said that Congress's poll manifesto is the best one given out by any political party in the country since independence. "It talks about the poor and downtrodden, about women, youth and farmers. INDIA alliance is doing better in these polls and this is the reason for BJP's frustration and its polarising rants," Mehbooba said.

SRINAGAR — A series of road accidents in southern Kashmir's Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam districts resulted in the loss of lives on Friday, adding to the region's sombre toll of road mishaps.

In Shopian's Keegam area, tragedy struck as an unknown Tata Mobile collided with a motorcycle bearing registration number JK22B-5234.

The collision claimed the life of the motorcyclist, identified as Peerzada Feroz Ahmad, son of Ghulam Mustafa Shah, a resident of Babnad Tukroo in Shopian. The impact proved fatal, leading to Ahmad's immediate demise at the scene of the accident.

Meanwhile, in Pahalgam, a youth met a tragic end while two others sustained injuries following an Alto car's veering off the road near Ganeshpora bridge in Yanner Pahalgam.

The deceased was identified as Mudasir Ahmad Malik, son of Abdul Aziz Malik, a resident of Batkoot. The injured, Tariq Ahmad Malik and Mudasir Ahmad Rather, both residents of Batkoot, received medical attention for their injuries.

Adding to the grim tally, a young girl lost her life in a separate incident in Qazigund area of Kulgam district.

Struck by an unknown vehicle, the girl, identified as Mehak Jan, daughter of Abdul Rashid Khan, a resident of Kelam Devsar, tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Authorities have initiated investigations into each incident, seeking to unravel the circumstances leading to these tragic accidents.

NEW DELHI — Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced a significant allocation of Rs. 224.44 crore for the construction of the Shopian bypass in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a social media post, Gadkari revealed that the sanctioned funds will be utilized to transform National Highway-444 into a two-lane configuration with a paved shoulder, covering a stretch of 8.925 kilometres in the Shopian district.

The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the bypass, Gadkari emphasized its role in linking Shopian district with Pulwama and Kulgam within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

He underscored that the development will notably benefit apple growers in South Kashmir, particularly in Shopian district, renowned as the "Apple bowl of the valley," by facilitating efficient transportation of produce to markets.

The project's broader impact is expected to include enhanced connectivity and heightened road safety measures, contributing to the overall development of the region.

SRINAGAR — Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC), rebuked the People's Democratic Party (PDP) today, firmly rejecting any potential alliance with them for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Abdullah criticized the PDP's credibility, citing their past alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state and accused them of betraying the people's trust.

Abdullah affirmed that the NC would independently contest all three Lok Sabha constituencies in the Kashmir valley, expressing confidence in securing a significant victory. His statement came amidst growing tensions between the two parties, with Abdullah questioning the PDP's relevance and involvement in South Kashmir despite their diminished standing in previous elections.

In another development, former MLA Javid Hussain Baig, nephew of ex-deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, joined the National Conference. Baig, formerly associated with the People's Democratic Party, was recently expelled from the Apni Party. His expulsion followed engagement with foreign envoys during their visit to Kashmir, organized by the Central government after the abrogation of Article 370.

Baig's decision to join the NC was announced in the presence of party vice president Omar Abdullah and other senior leaders. Despite facing defeat in the 2020 district development council elections, Baig's move signals a significant shift in the political landscape of the region.

The Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir are slated to be held in April-May 2024, coinciding with the rest of the country.

SHOPIAN — The residents of several areas in South Kashmir have demanded the widening of the Shopian-Aglar route that connects dozens of villages.

The residents of Aglar, Nikloora, Shirmal, Heff, Chillipora, Sugan, Turkwangam, Molu, Dangerpora, Trenz, Pahnoo and several other villages told the news agency KNO that this is one of the most important routes of the district connecting Shopian with Pulwama and Anantnag but it is very congested at many places.

They said that the narrowness of the road at most of the places often leads to traffic jams due to which locals suffer.

Aabid Ahmad, a resident of Heff, said that the government has done a great job by maintaining this vital road but the road is not wide enough to cater for the heavy rush of vehicles. He said that this route is used by people coming from Kulgam and Shopian to reach Industrial Estate SIDCO Lassipora.

“As this road connects hundreds of villages and witnesses a heavy rush of traffic round the clock, the road needs immediate widening for all 22 kilometres from Aglar to Shopian as the narrowness of this road often leads to accidents and traffic jams,” he said.

Basharat Ahmad, a resident of Turkwangam, said this road connects dozens of areas with SIDCO Lassipora near Turkwangam but people often suffer due to the narrowness of the road.

Locals said that they have repeatedly requested authorities to take steps for the widening of the road but no steps have been taken as of now.

They requested higher-ups to look into the matter and take immediate steps for the widening of this road so that the public won't suffer anymore.

SRINAGAR — Around 300 houses were damaged partially or completely during the gusty winds accompanied by heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday while several higher reaches including the famous ski resort, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and other places continued to receive fresh snowfall for the second straight day.

The top officials in Ramban, Kulgam and Anantnag districts informed the news agency KNO that as many as 300 houses were damaged in the gusty winds accompanied by the heavy rainfall today.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Baseer-ul-Haq said that 100 houses were damaged due to windstorms and heavy rainfall in Ramban Gool and Banihal areas.

The officials in Kulgam district also stated that 119 houses were damaged in four Tehsils of the districts including 95 in Tehsil DH Pora, six in Devsar, and nine each in Kulgam and Pahaloo Tehsils.

In the Verinag area, 42 structures were damaged due to gusty winds while 47 were damaged in Dooru Tehsil and around 15 in Qazigund Tehsil.

Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, when contacted, said that the affected families have been shifted to safer places and measures like relief have been disbursed among them. “The field functionaries are on the job to assess the complete damage,” he said.

Moreover, the three-day wet spell predicted by the local Meteorological department here has brought more snowfall at several places in Kashmir, which include Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Pass, Doodhpathri and others.

However, moderate rainfall continued to lash the plains including the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar.

Director of Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that there is a possibility of gradual improvement in prevalent weather conditions from late tonight. “There is no forecast of any significant weather activity thereafter till March 10 with the possibility of light rain, snow at scattered places during the night of March 6 to March 7,” he said.

This evening, the MeT has stated that moderate rain with intense showers accompanied by gusty winds is expected over Srinagar, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag and Kulgam during the next 2-3 hours from now.

It also stated that moderate rain with intense showers accompanied by gusty winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are expected over Jammu, RS Pura, Nagrota, Reasi, Samba, Akhnoor and parts of Udhampur district during the next 2-3 hours.

It is pertinent to mention here that both the forecasts were issued by the MeT at 07:30 PM.

Given heavy to very heavy snowfall over a few middle and higher reaches, travellers and tourists are advised to plan accordingly and follow administration as well as traffic police advisory, the MeT said.

“General public over hilly areas are advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas & slopy areas. Follow avalanche warnings & advisories,” it said, adding that there are chances of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at a few places.

Farmers are advised to suspend farm operations till March 3, the advisory reads.

Moreover, all the major roads including the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Bandipora-Gurez Road, Srinagar-Leh Highway and others are closed for vehicular movement due to precautionary measures.

SRINAGAR — The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has invalidated the detention orders under the Public Safety Act (PSA) against four individuals, directing their immediate release unless wanted in other cases.

In a ruling on separately filed petitions, a bench presided over by Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul annulled the detention orders against Ghowhar Ahmad Bhat of Cheermarg Zainapora Shopian, Irshad Ahmad Bhat of Nildong Batapora Shopian, Nadeem Ayoub Itoo of Mohammadpora Kulgam, and Arshid Ahmad Mir of Brakpora Anantnag.

Ghowhar Ahmad Bhat and Irshad Ahmad Bhat were detained under orders dated June 28, 2022, and June 20, 2022, respectively, issued by the District Magistrate of Shopian. Nadeem Ayoub Itoo's detention stemmed from an order dated June 11, 2022, by the District Magistrate of Kulgam, while Arshid Ahmad Mir was held based on a directive dated September 1, 2022, from the District Magistrate of Anantnag.

The court's directive mandated the immediate release of these individuals, provided they were not implicated in other legal proceedings.

Authorities have been instructed to ensure the expeditious liberty of the detainees unless their involvement is required in alternative cases.

SRINAGAR — Concluding his eventful sojourn through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir Valley, cricket icon and former Indian team captain Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, accompanied by his wife and daughter, concluded a memorable visit to Kashmir on Thursday.

Captivating the internet with his visit to a bat factory in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district, the legendary cricketer explored various other locales, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Kaman Post in Uri, immersing himself in the serene ambience of the Valley.

While the landscapes provided a refreshing change, the unwavering warmth and hospitality of the people of Kashmir remained a constant feature. Renowned for his cricketing prowess, Tendulkar indulged in a casual game of "Gully Cricket" near Kaman Post in Uri, momentarily wielding a bat to delight in the popular version of the sport.

Fans, both young and old, eagerly engaged with the "Master Blaster," expressing their admiration for the game and their idol. Many were spotted taking selfies with Sachin 'Sir,' capturing cherished moments of their encounter with the cricketing legend.

On the final day of his itinerary, Tendulkar paid a visit to the iconic Dal Lake, further immersing himself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

Reflecting on his experience in Kashmir, the cricketing maestro succinctly summed up his sentiments, expressing, "Bohat Enjoy Kar Raha Hu… Thank You Very Much," encapsulating the joy and gratitude of his visit.

SRINAGAR — In connection with a militancy funding case, sleuths of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday early morning carried out raids at 15 locations in J&K.

NIA spokesperson in a statement said that its teams swooped down on the premises of various suspects at five locations in Srinagar, three in Budgam, two in Kulgam, one in Anantnag and four in Jammu.

“Incriminating documents and digital devices connected with the activities of JeI (Jamaat-e-Islami) and its related Trusts in J&K were seized during the extensive searches, which also led to the recovery of over 20 lakh rupees in case,” said the spokesperson in the statement.

The probing agency said that its investigations in the case, registered on February 5, 2021, have so far revealed that JeI and its members have continued to promote militant and secessionist activities in J&K even after the outfit was proscribed under the UA(P) Act in February 2019. “Operatives of the banned organisation had been collecting funds through donations from within India and abroad.”

“The funds were collected mainly in the form of Zakat, Mowda and Bait-ul-Maal, purported to promote charity and other welfare activities, such as health and education, but were instead being used for carrying out violent and secessionist activities,” reads the statement.

It was further found that the funds raised by JeI were also being channelled to other proscribed militant organisations, such as Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) etc, through well-organised networks of JeI cadres, the NIA said, adding that JeI was also engaged in motivating impressionable youth and recruiting new members (Rukuns) in J&K to further its nefarious and secessionist activities.

NIA had earlier charge-sheeted four accused persons in the case in which investigations are continuing, it added.

SHOPIAN — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) launched a series of raids across South Kashmir and Shopian district in particular on Wednesday, targeting locations linked to cases related to the 2016 unrest in the region.

According to the sources, the SIA, supported by local police and CRPF personnel, conducted searches across South Kashmir, including the residence of separatist leader Sarjan Barkati.

As of the filing of this report, the raids were ongoing, with authorities yet to disclose further details regarding the scope or outcomes of the operation.

PULWAMA — Residents of several areas in south Kashmir are up against the Power Development Department (PDD) for hiking their power tariffs every month and have demanded reconsideration of the decision.

Ab Rashid, a resident of the Litter area, told the news agency KNO that the authorities have inflated bills after enhancing consumption load without carrying out any survey.

According to him, some consumers have experienced a substantial increase of Rs 1050 to 1300 per month.

“Unscheduled power cuts are taking a heavy toll on us and on the other hand, the PDD is increasing our electricity bills,” said Subzar Ahmad, a resident of Shopian.

He said that the residents of the area were shocked after receiving their bill wherein both the load agreement and bill amount had been increased without obtaining consent from the consumers.

He said people living in villages are financially weak and this will put more burden on them.

Ab Hamid, another consumer from Anantnag, said that in the last year or two, the government has increased tariffs at least 4-5 times and the government must think of poor people before making such a decision.

He said that there must be separate rates for APL and BPL ration card holders and separate schemes must be devised for the same.

The residents appealed to PDD that they should revisit their decision so that people won't have to suffer.

PULWAMA — The prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir valley has resulted in the depletion of renowned water bodies in south Kashmir, triggering a water shortage in numerous villages.

According to the news agency KNO, several water supply schemes, which rely on springs, wells and other water sources, have either dried up or experienced a significant decrease in water levels.

Mukhtar Ahmad, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department Division in Awantipora, informed KNO that nearly all the schemes in the division have been adversely affected, which has caused widespread water scarcity.

He said the reduced water level in the Jhelum – a crucial water source for many schemes – has impacted their functionality. "However, efforts are underway, with machines deployed to redirect water to the affected areas where schemes are installed," he added.

To address the challenges, water is now being supplied to different villages at staggered intervals, a departure from the previous practice of simultaneous supply, the engineer said, adding that the diminishing water levels in springs and wells have further intensified the impact on schemes reliant on these sources.

AEE PHE Tral, Rafiq Ahmad, said over 30 villages in the sub-division, which rely on Aripal and Putuna springs, as well as local springs, are grappling with the consequences of the dry spell. He said tanker services are being deployed in areas with heightened demand, and an awareness campaign is being carried out through vehicles equipped with loudspeakers, wherein locals are urged to use drinking water responsibly.

AEE advised the residents to store water and contact Jal Shakti Tral for tanker services if needed.

Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Anantnag, Sareer Ahmad said around 20 water supply schemes in the district were affected due to the prolonged dry period.

Nisar Ahmad, Executive Engineer PHE Pulwama, said that approximately 15 water supply schemes serving around 30 villages have been impacted by the extended dryness.

Er Rasheed and Shahnawaz Ahmad – the Executive Engineers from Shopian and Kulgam divisions, respectively, said efforts were underway to maintain water availability in all areas.

Officials said the situation could worsen without rain in the coming weeks. They said tanker services have been mobilized to ensure water supply, and urged the public to use water responsibly.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, directed the PHE department to explore alternate means of water availability, augment existing sources and tap into new sources to alleviate the ongoing water crisis.

SRINAGAR — A comprehensive joint security review meeting convened on Tuesday at Awantipora in Pulwama district, spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Victor Force and V K Birdi, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Kashmir Zone, accompanied by key military and Jammu and Kashmir Police officials.

According to an official source cited by a local news agency, the purpose of the meeting centred on evaluating the existing security scenario prevalent in south Kashmir.

The collaborative gathering brought together the expertise and insights of high-ranking military and police personnel to deliberate and assess the ongoing security dynamics in the region. The meeting aimed to examine strategies, challenges, and potential measures to ensure and enhance security measures across south Kashmir.

While specific details regarding the discussions held in the meeting were not disclosed, the significance of the presence of senior officials from both the armed forces and the police underscores the gravity of the security review.

The meeting likely addressed pertinent security concerns, recent developments, and potential strategies to bolster the security apparatus in the region, aimed at maintaining peace and stability.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Tuesday raided multiple locations in south Kashmir in connection with investigations into the killing of bank guard Sanjay Sharma in February this year.

A top official told the Srinagar-based news agency KDC that raids are underway at dozens of places in south Kashmir’s Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag, in case FIR No. 14/2023 of killing ATM guard Sanjay Sharma of Pulwama.

The searches are being carried out at Qaimoh Kulgam, Heff Shopian, Anantnag town, Bijbehara and many other locations in south Kashmir.

"These searches are being carried out in pursuance of search warrants issued by the Special Court," the official said, adding that the case of killing of Sharma was initially investigated by Pulwama Police and subsequently, it was transferred to the SIA Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted raids at five locations in south Kashmir in a conspiracy case.

According to a statement issued to the news agency KNO, the raids were carried out in Shopian, Awantipora and Pulwama on the premises of "hybrid terrorists and OGWs of the outfits and affiliates of Pakistan-backed banned terrorist organizations".

The statement reads that the NIA also raided the premises of sympathizers and cadres of the newly floated outfits, namely The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULF J&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF and others.

“These outfits are affiliated to various banned Pak-backed organizations like Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda, etc. Several digital devices containing large volumes of incriminating data were recovered by NIA during today’s searches, which have once again put the spotlight on OGWs as an important part of the terror ecosystem in the Valley, which is being dismantled on a continuous basis. Also known as hybrid terrorists, they provide support to militants and terrorists based in Pakistan,” the statement added.

It added that the NIA had registered a suo moto case (RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU) on June 21, 2022 to investigate the "involvement of the cadres and OGWs of the various outfits in spreading activities relating to terror, violence and subversion in J&K."

“These cadres and workers have been involved in the collection and distribution of sticky bombs/magnetic bombs, IEDs, funds, narcotic substances and arms/ammunitions,” it said.

It further reads that the NIA investigations have revealed that Pak-based operatives were using social media platforms to promote terror.

“Drones were being used by them to deliver arms/ammunition, explosives, narcotics etc. to their operatives and cadres in the Kashmir valley. The terror conspiracy relates to plotting by the banned outfits in both physical and cyberspace to unleash violent terrorist attacks in J&K with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms etc.,” it stated.

As per the statement, "the organizations, supported by their masters in Pakistan, have been conspiring to commit acts of terror and violence, by radicalizing local youth and mobilizing overground workers, to disturb the peace and communal harmony in J&K".

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir is currently carrying out raids at nine different locations in three districts of south Kashmir, an official said on Thursday.

An official quoted by the news agency KNO said that the SIA personnel accompanied by police and the paramilitary CRPF are carrying out raids at nine locations in three districts.

“The searches are underway in Litter area of Pulwama, Shirmal and Kachwa area of Shopian and Chittergul, Semthan and Shangus Utrosoo area of Anantnag districts of south Kashmir,” he said.

He said these searches are being carried out in connection with an investigation into the killing of Sanjay Sharma (Bank ATM guard) who was killed by militants in Achan Pulwama in February this year.

SRINAGAR — In a major crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday raided multiple locations with the assistance of J&K Police and CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a case of banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI).

Reliable sources informed Srinagar-based news agency KDC that the sleuths of NIA with the assistance of police and CRPF raided the house of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat (85) son of Mohammad Jabbar Bhat at HIG Colony Bemina in Srinagar. The raid carried out by the agency is related to the JeI.

In south Kashmir’s Anantnag, the NIA team raided the house of Mudasir Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Hassan Dar, a resident of KV-pora Marhama.

The other team headed by Inspector Patail searched the house of Ghulam Quadi Wani son of Abdul Salam Wani, a resident of Goosu Pulwama as he was affiliated with JeI. The NIA team also raided Thokerpora Rajpora in the house of Shameem Ahmad Thoker son of Ghulam Nabi Thoker, who is a government teacher.

Another NIA team searched the house of Mansoor Ahmad Dar son of Late Mohd Maqbool Dar, a resident of Wanbal Nehama in Kakapora. At Nehama, the houses of Mushtaq Ah Rather son of Assadullah Rather and Abdul Rashid Malik son of Ghulam Ahmad Malik are being searched by another team of NIA.

The agency also raided the house of Abdul Rashid Malik son of Ghulam Ahmad Malik at Daferpora Newa. He is said to be the close relative of Advocate Zahid (JeI), a resident of Nehama Kakapora who is presently under Public Safety Act (PSA).

In north Kashmir, the house of Ubaid Khazir Malik son of Khazir Mohd Malik at Warpora Zachaldara, Handwara is being searched by the nation probing agency.

The raids are being carried out at other locations in Jammu and Kashmir, of which details will be shared later.

An official confirmed the raids and said that further details will be shared after the conclusion of the raids.

The Centre had banned the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 for five years under an anti-terror law on grounds that it was "in close touch" with militant outfits and is expected to "escalate secessionist movement" in the state.

SRINAGAR — Rayees Mohammad Bhat (IPS) on Wednesday assumed charge as Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir.

Recipient of police medal for gallantry in 2016 and 2018 besides JKPMG in 2019, Bhat was transferred last weekend and posted as the in-charge DIG South Kashmir range, Anantnag, against an available vacancy, relieving Sujit Kumar of the additional charge of the post.

While speaking to the news agency GNS, the former SSP Baramulla said that he looks forward to public cooperation to get rid of the various evils plaguing our society. “People should come forward and together, we should be able to salvage the society and get rid of the various evils including drugs.”

Rayees Mohammad Bhat said that the safety and security of the people remain the prime objective of the police and he will continue to discharge duties in this endeavor.

ANANTNAG — Three militants including a foreigner and a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander were killed in an encounter at Khandipora area of Awantipora area of Pulwama district while an unidentified militant was killed in an ongoing encounter at Semthan village of Bijbhehara in Anantnag district of south Kashmir, police said on Tuesday.

Police said that the slain LeT commander identified as Mukhtar Bhat along with a foreign militant was planning a Fidayeen strike on the security forces’ camps.

“One terrorist killed in Bijbehara encounter. Operation going on,” a J&K Police spokesman tweeted as per the news agency KNO. A police official said that the identity and affiliation of the slain were being ascertained.

Earlier, an official had said that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF after receiving information about the presence of militants launched a search operation in the area. He said that as the joint team of forces intensified searches towards the suspected spot, hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated to, triggering an encounter.

Also, police said that another encounter broke out in Khandipora village of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday evening.

ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar tweeted that three 'terrorists' were killed in the Awantipora encounter. "Identification being ascertained. As per our source, one is a foreign terrorist and another is a local terrorist of LeT namely Mukhtiyar Bhat, involved in several terror crimes including the killing of one ASI of CRPF and two RPF personnel. A big success for us.”

In another tweet, the ADGP said, “LeT Commander Mukhar Bhat among the three terrorists killed. As per the source, he along with a foreigner was going for a Fidayeen attack on the security forces camp. One AK-47 rifle, one AK-56 rifle, and one pistol were recovered. Awantipore Police and Army averted a major terror incident.”

Jammu and Kashmir Police said that Semthan, Bijbhehara encounter was going on.

Official statement of Jammu & Kashmir Police

A police spokesman in a statement said that police along with security forces neutralized four militants in twin anti-terrorist operations in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Awantipora districts. “Police along with Army (3rd RR) launched a cordon and search operation at Semthan Bijbehara area of Anantnag following input regarding the presence of terrorists in the area,” the spokesman said.

He said that as the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated effectively by the joint party, leading to an encounter.

“In the ensuing encounter, one local terrorist identified as Shakir Ahmad son of Habibullah, resident of Ladermud was killed,” the statement said. “As per police records, the killed terrorist was linked with proscribed terror outfit HM and was involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on police/SFs and civilian atrocities.”

Police said that similarly, on a specific input generated by police regarding the presence of terrorists in Khandipora area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police and Army (55RR) in the area.

“As the joint party approached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party which was retaliated effectively, leading to an encounter,” the statement said. “In the ensuing encounter, three terrorists were killed. Among the killed terrorists, one is a foreign terrorist and another one is a LeT terrorist commander identified as Mukhtar Bhat while the identification of the third killed terrorist is being ascertained.”

The police said that as per police records, all the killed terrorists were involved in several terror crimes including the killing of one ASI of CRPF and two RPF personnel. “As per the source, Mukhtar Bhat along with a foreign militant was going for a Fidayeen attack on a security force camp,” it said.

SRINAGAR — State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday carried out multiple raids in south Kashmir in connection with a militancy-related case, officials said.

Official sources told the news agency GNS that SIA is carrying raids at three districts of south Kashmir, including Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam. The raids are being carried out in these districts related to the militancy case, they said.

Till this story was filed, no arrest or any recovery of incriminating material or documents was reported.