The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A sledge operator went missing while two tourists were rescued after they fell into Thajwas glacier in Sonamarg area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

An official quoted by the news agency Kashmir Scroll said that two tourists, who were on a Sonamarg trip, along with a sledge operator while reaching Thajwas glacier fell into it.

He said that soon after the incident, their colleagues and people present there rescued tourists identified as Sakishi Agarwal and her husband Aasaqat from Uttar Pradesh.

He said that the sledge operator is still missing and the rescue operation of the police, army, SDRF along with locals is going on.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha cast his vote on Saturday in Mohanpura village, Mohammadabad Assembly Constituency, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh Parliamentary Constituency. Sinha emphasized the importance of a high voter turnout to strengthen the democratic process.

Arriving at the polling station early in the morning, Sinha, accompanied by local officials and security personnel, participated in the electoral process with enthusiasm. After casting his vote, Sinha urged all eligible voters to come out in record numbers and exercise their franchise, reported the Srinagar-based news agency KDC.

"Voting is not just a right but a responsibility for every citizen. I urge everyone voting today to turn out in record numbers and strengthen our democracy by exercising their franchise," Sinha stated.

He added, "A high voter turnout is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. It reflects the people's commitment to shaping their future through democratic means."

The Election Commission of India has made extensive arrangements in the last phase to ensure a smooth and secure voting process across the state. Special measures have been implemented to facilitate voting for the elderly and differently-abled, ensuring inclusivity in the democratic process.

SRINAGAR — In a devastating accident on Thursday, a bus carrying passengers from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, plunged into a deep gorge near Tanda in the Akhnoor area of Jammu, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 passengers and injuries to 57 others. The tragic incident has prompted a significant response from local authorities and top political leaders.

The accident occurred when the driver of the overcrowded bus reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to hurtle down into the gorge. Rescue operations were promptly launched by the District Administration, Police, Army, and other emergency teams to retrieve the bodies and assist the injured. By 6 pm, officials confirmed that the casualty count had risen to 22, with 57 individuals receiving treatment at a local health facility.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing financial assistance for the victims' families. "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in Akhnoor. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon," he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The PMO further stated that Rs. 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences, stating, "Pained beyond words to learn about the loss of lives in a bus accident in Akhnoor near Jammu. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery of the injured," she added in a post on X.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed his grief and announced additional financial support. "The bus accident in Akhnoor, Jammu is heart-rending. I condole the loss of lives and pray to the almighty to give the bereaved families the strength to bear the irreparable loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," he stated.

The LG announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. He assured that the administration is providing all possible assistance and medical facilities to the affected families.

In response to the accident, District Magistrate Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause. The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jammu is expected to submit a report within seven days. "Other officers have also been tasked to provide necessary assistance," DM Vaishya noted in a statement.

Political leaders from various parties have expressed their sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

SRINAGAR — A tragic accident occurred in Pampore town on the old National Highway (NHW) early this morning when a passenger bus overturned, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to 15 others.

An official quoted by the local news agency KNO said that Pampore Police and local residents were quick to respond and are currently managing the situation.

According to a police statement, the vehicle, which was travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, overturned near Drangbal, Pampore. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Thirteen of the injured passengers were shifted from the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Pampore to the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar for further treatment. Their conditions vary, with most reported as stable, though one passenger remains in critical condition.

The identities and conditions of the injured are as follows: Waseem Ahmad, son of Mohammad Afzal Malik, resident of Banihal with multiple injuries but stable condition; Ranjeet Ram, son of Hari Ram, resident of Bihar's Matheri district with multiple injuries but stable condition; Vinod Ram, son of Mohan Ram, resident of Bihar's Mathri district with multiple injuries but stable condition; Abno Mishra, son of Sosil Mishra, resident of Gorokhpur, UP with multiple injuries but stable condition.

Among those injured also include Shariq Ahmad Dar, son of Mohammad Dar, resident of Darpora Dugle Banihal with multiple injuries and critical condition; Gasia, son of Mugrisa, resident of Beihar Bitya Zillaha with multiple injuries but stable condition; Bangeli Puswha, son of Maniger Puswha, resident of Bihir Bitya Zillaha with multiple injuries but stable condition; Chater Bad Kotwal, son of Jeet Bahadder, resident of Nepal with multiple injuries but stable condition.

Prince Kumar Patle, son of Umash Patle, resident of Ajowa Bihar with multiple injuries but stable condition; Ram Kant Shah, son of Banda Shah, resident of Ajowa Bihar with multiple injuries but stable condition; Mohammad Ali, son of Abdul Kareem, resident of Kargil with multiple injuries but stable condition; Bacho Patel, son of Maqsoodan Patal, resident of Mathri Bihar with multiple injuries but stable condition; Tee Mohan Sharma, son of Chander Goe, resident of Bihar with multiple injuries but stable condition are also among the injured persons.

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday claimed to have solved a five-year-old murder case of a temple priest with the arrest of the main accused from Haryana.

Baba Pragat Nath (65), a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was found dead with injuries to his head inside the temple in Toph Sherkhania on the intervening night of November 15 and 16, 2019.

Following the murder, a case was registered at Bakshi Nagar police station and an extensive investigation was launched, which pointed to the involvement of two notorious criminals — Tarlok Singh of Uttar Pradesh and Ashish Kumar alias Hansai Nath of southwest Delhi, a police official said.

He said both the accused fled after the murder. It was later learnt that Singh had died.

However, the police continued to make efforts to arrest Kumar, the official said and added he was finally apprehended from Haryana’s Jind district by a special team from Bakshi Nagar police station.

The official said investigations revealed that Singh and Kumar operated as part of a gang involved in multiple criminal activities, including theft, cheating and murder, across states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Following Kumar’s arrest, all necessary legal formalities were completed and the charge sheet in the case was filed, he said.

SRINAGAR — A non-local person was charred to death as a massive overnight blaze ravaged through a shopping complex and a hotel at Batergam in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Reliable sources told the news agency GNS that a shopping complex comprising several shops and a hotel were caught in a massive blaze during the intervening Monday and Tuesday night.

"In the incident, a tailor from Uttar Pradesh, identified as Firoz Ahmed, was stuck inside and by the time the fire was controlled, the person was tragically charred to death," the sources said.

Confirming the death of the non-local in the incident, a police official said that a team has already been on the spot to collect necessary details regarding the incident.

SRINAGAR — The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered the release of a 27-year-old youth from northern Kashmir’s Bandipora, presently lodged at Barely Jail of Uttar Pradesh under the Public Safety Act.

The detenue Umar Aijaz Mir of Banipora, against whom police had registered six FIRs in 2016 on charges of stone-pelting, was arrested by police in 2022. Police had claimed that a grenade had been recovered from the possession of the accused and accordingly, Public Safety Act was slapped on him.

Advocate Bashir Ahmed Tak, the Counselor of the accused prayed that the cases registered against the accused were all frivolous and a youth who was co-accused when Umar Aijaz Mir was arrested in 2022 has already been released by the Court.

The Court of judge Rahul Bharti, as per the news agency KNT, after hearing the arguments held the preventive detention order number 14/DMB/PSA of 2022; dated May 19, 2022, of the District Magistrate Bandipora illegal.

It also directed the release of the person of the petitioner from detention and detainment from the Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu or any other jail wherever the petitioner may be lodged pursuant to the detention order hereby quashed.

The detenue is currently lodged at Central Jail Bareilly of Uttar Pradesh.

RAMBAN — Tragedy struck in Ramban district as a man hailing from Uttar Pradesh lost his life after being trapped under debris during a landslide on Thursday morning.

An official confirmed to a local news agency that the individual succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. The victim, identified as Desh Pal, a resident of Uttar Pradesh and employed as a labourer with CPPL company, tragically lost his life in the landslide incident at Seeri Ramban.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, with local police taking cognizance of the matter.

SRINAGAR — Post the construction of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh is set to witness the establishment of India's largest mosque.

Sources privy to the Development told the news agency KNS that the forthcoming state-of-the-art mosque namely Mohammad Bin Abdullah is set to occupy an expansive area which will surpass the footprint of the recently constructed Ram Temple.

Insiders privy to the matter have divulged that the auspicious laying of the foundation stone for the mosque is slated for May 2024.

Notably, the event will witness the presence of the Imam of Kaaba, adding a global touch to the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to join the momentous occasion, and there are indications that Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and UAE Absolute ruler and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum may also grace the event, they added.

Sources also said that although initial plans aimed for the foundation stone to be laid in April 2024, it has been rescheduled to May due to the sacred month of Ramadhan and Eid-ul-Fitr.

Within the precincts of the Mohammad Bin Abdullah Mosque, plans are underway to establish a cancer hospital and science laboratory which will enhance the offerings of this significant religious and architectural project, sources added.

SRINAGAR — In anticipation of the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared a half-day public holiday on Monday.

According to an official order, in continuation of Government Order No. 1582-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 11-12-2023, and Government Order No. 1583-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 11-12-2023, a half-day public holiday will be observed on January 22, 2024, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The holiday will be in effect until 2:30 pm.

The announcement aligns with the decision of the Department of Personnel and Training, which declared that all Central government offices across India will be closed for half a day on January 22. This closure is in honour of the Pran Pratishta ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, marking a significant moment in the ongoing construction and consecration of the temple.

The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony is scheduled to be celebrated on January 22, 2024, and the half-day public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir reflects the significance of this momentous occasion.

SHOPIAN — A labourer from Uttar Pradesh died after he fell from a rented house in Gagren area of south Kashmir's Shopian district, officials said on Saturday.

An official told the news agency KNO that a migrant labourer fell from a rented house at Gagren near the main town of Shopian.

He said that the labourer identified as Auss Mohd from Uttar Pradesh died on the spot.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.

SRINAGAR — A non-local man was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Sherbagh area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Sunday.

An official said that a non-local man identified as Imran Faridi of Uttar Pradesh, who was working as a Biryani chef in Anantnag, has been found dead at his rented accommodation in Sherbagh area in mysterious condition.

He said that police rushed to the spot and took the body into their custody for medico-legal formalities. "Further proceedings along with the investigation have been taken up," he said.

UTTAR PRADESH — Students from Jammu and Kashmir have come under sharp criticism for offering ‘Namaz’ at the University campus in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh.

Right-wing organization All India Hindu Mahasabha has demanded action against the students and even threatened to perform Shuddhikaran (purification process) on the campus with Gangajal and recite Hanuman Chalisa if the university fails to take any action against the Kashmiri students.

Sanskriti University, however, has clarified that the matter is being exaggerated and the video circulated on social media is a month old. The University has asked Kashmiri students to offer prayers in their hostel and not in the open.

All India Hindu Mahasabha submitted a memorandum to the district administration seeking action against the students as well as the university authorities.

“Eighty-two Muslim students are studying under government scholarship. Many of them hail from Jammu and Kashmir. It has been noted that for many days, these students are offering Namaz on the university campus,” the memorandum claimed.

SRINAGAR — A non-local and a resident from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district were found dead in mysterious circumstances in Bemina and Batamaloo area of summer capital Srinagar on Tuesday morning.

An unnamed official was quoted by the news agency KDC as having said that a non-local labourer identified as Babu Ali (65) son of Hussain, a resident of Jalalpur area of Uttar Pradesh state, was found dead in a rented accommodation at SD Colony here. Ali’s body was shifted to SMHS Hospital for further medico-legal formalities.

In another incident, the body of local resident identified as Naseer Ahmad Lone, son of Habibullah, a resident of Baramulla, was found in a vehicle (Tata Mobile) bearing registration number JK13G-0150 near Tengpora area of Batamaloo by CRPF jawans of 73 Battalion this morning.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of both incidents and further investigations are going on.

SRINAGAR — A man drove on a tractor all the way from Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi city and reached Srinagar on Sunday to participate in Bharat Jodo Yatra and support Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi.

The man, while speaking to The Kashmir Pulse, identified himself as Suraj Matey and said that he is an ordinary farmer. "I support Congress and have come here to take part in Bharat Jodo Yatra."

He hailed the hospitality of Kashmiris and said that he was offered tea and breakfast minutes after he parked his tractor at a local taxi stand in Srinagar.

While speaking of the impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Suraj said that the businessman Gautam Adani's shares were continuing the bloodbath. "This is just a hint of the huge impact that Bharat Jodo Yatra has achieved," he said and went on to give reference to Hindenburg Research, an investment research firm.

"There were many attempts to break the country on the basis of religion, caste, and creed before as well. However, the sacrifices of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi kept the country united and the government in the Centre won't also be able to achieve its designs," he said while accusing Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading hatred.

Another Yatri, Tufail Ahmad Khan, identified himself as the Vice-Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee and said that he had come with his associates from Kanpur.

Tufail Ahmad said that the message of Rahul Gandhi through the Bharat Jodo Yatra was very important for the progress of the country at par with the rest of the world. "The BJP has been bringing disrepute to the nation through its policies and people throughout the country are now realizing the same and siding with the Congress leader."

Referring to the policies of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, the UP Congress vice-president said that BJP has been sowing the seeds of hatred in the Valley of Kashmir as well and in contrast, Rahul Gandhi's march brought the message of love and brotherhood.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) President and Member of the Parliament Dr. Farooq Abdullah joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra near Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

The NC party president joined the second leg of the Yatra which resumed today. Led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Yatra has covered 3122 kilometers so far from Kanyakumari to New Delhi.

The NC patron appreciated the Congress MP for promoting the cause of national integrity and strengthening democratic values through the Yatra. “The Yarta celebrates the country's incredible diversity, pluralism, and democratic values which were bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of our nation. The Yatra has brought forth the real issues concerning the people and blunted the weapons of communalism by sharpening the message of unity in diversity," he said.

He added, "I pass on my best wishes to Rahul Ji and his associates who are on the march to spread awareness among fellow countrymen on issues that should concern us all.”

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 — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday said that a notorious criminal was arrested with the assistance of UP Police from Uttar Pradesh, who was operating a fake Twitter account in the name of IPS officer Tanushree Datta.

Tanushree is serving as senior superintendent of police (SSP) in south Kashmir's Shopian district.

"Notorious criminal involved in operating fake Twitter handle in the name of Tanu Shree IPS SSP Shopian and demanding money and sharing objectionable updates on Twitter has been arrested from District Pratapgarh UP with the assistance of UP Police," a spokesperson of Shopian Police said in a tweet.

PULWAMA — Three labourers were killed after a wall collapsed at a brick kiln in Kakapora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Police sources, according to news agency KNT, said that the incident occurred in Ukhoo village.

Police sources said that a wall of a brick kiln collapsed suddenly and three non-local workers came under it. They said that all three workers died on the spot.

The deceased have been identified as Lukman Khan son of Muhammad Suleman Khan, Raj Dev son of Devinder Kumar and Kalbe Khan son of Nawab Ali, all natives of Uttar Pradesh state.

After the incident, police rushed to the spot and registered a case under relevant sections of law.

SRINAGAR — Three labourers were dead after a cloudburst hit a brick kiln in Chandpora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Sources told news agency Kashmir Dot Com that a cloudburst fell on Star BDB brick kiln at Chandpora, resulting in the on-spot death of three labourers from Uttar Pradesh.

After the incident, all three labourers were shifted to District Hospital Budgam where necessary medico-legal formalities are being done.

They identified the dead as Saleem (45), Kaiser (20) and Mohammad Rayees, all residents of Bareilly Uttar-Pradesh.

A police officer confirmed the incident to KDC and said police have taken cognizance of the incident.