The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written a letter to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Railways Minister, addressing a crucial matter concerning land acquisition for a railway project in the Reshi Pora, Zainpora area of Shopian district in Jammu & Kashmir.

In her letter, Mufti highlighted the significant impact of the proposed land acquisition on the livelihoods of individuals in the affected area. The land in question is primarily used for apple cultivation, which serves as the main source of income and survival for the residents.

Mufti expressed concern over the potential adverse effects of the land acquisition, emphasizing that displacement from their ancestral lands would cause immense hardship to the affected families, who rely on horticulture, agriculture, and allied activities for their livelihoods.

She urged the Indian Railways to consider altering the alignment of the railway line to minimize the impact on the affected communities. Mufti suggested that a slight change in the route could mitigate the adverse effects on the livelihoods of these individuals significantly.

In the event that altering the alignment is not feasible, Mufti stressed the importance of providing suitable and adequate compensation to those affected by the land acquisition. She emphasized the need for fair compensation packages to ensure that the affected families can sustain themselves and rebuild their lives elsewhere.

Acknowledging the significance of infrastructure development projects like railways in enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth, Mufti underscored the importance of prioritizing the welfare and rights of the communities directly impacted by such projects.

She requested urgent attention and intervention from Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to address the concerns raised by the affected people, seeking a mutually beneficial solution.

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.

SHOPIAN — An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Pandoshan area of Zainapora hamlet in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Monday, officials said.

A top police officer told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot, militants fired upon them which was retaliated, triggering an encounter.

As per the sources, one to two militants are believed to be hiding in the area.

SHOPIAN — An encounter broke out between militants and joint forces at Badigam Zainapora village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday, officials said.

An official told news agency Kashmir News Trust that a joint team of forces including J-K Police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot, militants fired upon them which was retaliated, triggering an encounter.

A senior police officer also confirmed the exchange of fire between forces and militants.

As per the sources, one to two militants are believed to be trapped in the area.

SHOPIAN — A three-year-old boy drowned to death on Friday in a stream at Reban area of Zainapora in south Kashmir's Shopian district.

An official told the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a minor boy slipped and subsequently drowned in the stream at Khargund Chak-e-Reban in Zainapora area.

Locals launched the rescue operation and evacuated him to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, he added.

The deceased boy has been identified as Azaan Imtiyaz, son of Imtiyaz Ahmad Ganaie, of Khargund Chak-e-Reban.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.