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Mehbooba Mufti Condoles the demise of Mrs. Bilquis Bano Wife Late Farooq Nazki

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Bilquis Bano

Former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and President of the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has expressed her heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Mrs. Bilquis Bano, wife of veteran journalist and poet Late Farooq Nazki, and the aunt of senior PDP leader, Naeem Akhtar Andrabi.

In her message, Mehbooba Mufti conveyed deep sorrow at the loss, describing Mrs. Bano as a gentle soul who embodied grace, kindness, and dignity. “Her demise is a personal loss for all those who knew her, and her absence will be deeply felt within the family and beyond. I extend my sincerest sympathies to Mr. Farooq Nazki, Naeem Sahab, and the entire family during this difficult time. May Allah grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Mehbooba Mufti prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed her solidarity with the grieving family in their hour of pain.

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Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan Inspects the ongoing construction works at Drass, Kargil and Khaltsi

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In an endeavor to give impetus to Judicial Infrastructure in the UT of Ladakh, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan today inspected the ongoing construction works on various courts at Drass, Kargil and Khaltsi.

During his visit to Drass and Kargil, Justice Tashi was accompanied by M K Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

The acting Chief Justice was accorded ceremonial guard of honour and warm reception by the Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Shree Ram SSP, Fariqa Nazir CJM, Wangiyal Tsering Special Mobile Magistrate, Chemet Yourgyal Secretary DLSA and Deldan Angmo Munsiff Sankhoo, Skalzang Superintending Engineer, President along with members of Bar Association Kargil and officers from civil administration and police.

Sadiq Ali, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B), gave a detailed presentation about the ongoing projects, the progress made so far and the timeline fixed for completion of the projects.

Justice Tashi expressed satisfaction over the progress registered on various works, so far and impressed on the officers of the executing agency to optimally utilize the working season ensuring completion of construction works well in time.

Justice Tashi Rabstan was informed that the District Court complex Kargil is being constructed over 45 Kanal of land at Kurbuthang plateau at a cost of Rs 61.680 crore and 60% of the work has already been completed. The executing agency further informed that every endeavor is being made to complete the ongoing works within the timeline fixed.

Justice Tashi instructed all heads of the departments associated with the projects to work in tandem and ensure that the quality is maintained at all costs.

The Bar Association Kargil raised some issues regarding the Lawyer’s chambers which were addressed by the acting Chief Justice on the spot by issuing necessary directions to the concerned officers.

Enroute to Leh, the Chief Justice also inspected the under construction building of the Court of Munsiff and hoped that the same shall be completed within a couple of months.

Justice Tashi Rabstan interacted with the Judicial Officers and took stock of the pendency of the cases in their respective Courts and urged upon them to ensure speedy disposal of the cases specially those pertaining to senior citizens, women and the children. He also emphasized upon the Principal Magistrate JJB Kargil to fast track the pending enquiries of the Juveniles in conflict with law.

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Syed Salim Gilani Leader of Hurriyat Conference Joined PDP

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Syed Salim Gilani, a former leader of the Hurriyat Conference, has officially joined the J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The announcement was made today at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where he was welcomed by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti. This significant political development marks a noteworthy shift in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Gilani’s move to the PDP is seen as a pivotal moment, reflecting a possible realignment of political allegiances in the region. The Hurriyat Conference, known for its separatist stance, has faced various challenges over the years, and Gilani’s departure may indicate shifts within the group. By joining the PDP, Gilani aligns himself with a party that advocates for a political solution within the framework of the Indian Union, focusing on development and reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti’s welcome of Gilani underscores the PDP’s ongoing efforts to broaden its base and consolidate its position in the region. This move could potentially influence future political dynamics, as Gilani’s experience and connections within the political sphere might provide the PDP with additional leverage in navigating the complex issues facing Jammu and Kashmir.

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DGP and IGP Honour DSP Humayun Muzamil Bhat and His Family

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DGP J&K R.R.Swain alongwith Chairperson, J&K Police Wives Welfare Association (PWWA) Prof.Rasmita Das Swain and IGP Kashmir V.K.Birdhi visited Ms Fatima Humayun wife of Kirti Chakra awardee martyr DSP,Sh.Humayun Muzamil Bhat and their toddler son.Paying glowing tributes to the martyr DGP and his colleagues reminisced Humayun as a rare combination of fortitude and kindness and committed as much to his family as to the common people of Kashmir through his profession. Humayun, the mortal is no more, long live Humayun, the martyr and the martyrdom of all policemen he represents. All may know that time can erode many things but not the affection and respect that binds the ‘living’ with the ‘fallen’ in J&K Police. Long live ‘The family’.

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National Conference and Congress have finally entered into a pre-poll alliance

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Kharge and Rahul Gandhi

The National Conference and Congress have finally entered into a pre-poll alliance and decided to go for seat sharing on five seats only

“NC will field candidates from 51 seats while INC will contest on 32 seats,” the NC—Congress leaders said while addressing a news conference, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

However, they said that out of 32 seats, Congress will leave two seats, one each for CPI (M) and Panthers Party.As per KNO, J&K PCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra while sharing the details said that there will be a friendly contest on five seats in J&K, but in a very disciplined manner.

News / Politics

Finally Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir to Field Former Members as Independent Candidates in kashmir Assembly Elections

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The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir is set to field its former members as Independent candidates in several seats in the upcoming Assembly polls, The Indian Express has learnt.

Jamaat leaders had earlier said they are waiting for the Centre to lift the ban, in place under the UABASHAARAT MASOOPA since February 2019, with sources saying several rounds of talks had happened with the government. However, on Friday, the UAPA upheld the orders passed by the MHA declaring the Jamaat as an unlawful association under the Act.

Sources in the Jamaat said that following a meeting of its top body, it has been decided to field its former members as Independent candidates. “We have decided to field 10-12 members as Independents,” said a source from the organisation. “These will be in seats where we believe we have considerable support.”

In the first phase, the banned organisation is looking at around half a dozen seats, including Kulgam, Devsar, Bijbehara, Zainpora, Tral, Pulwama and Rajpora in south Kashmir.“We had a threadbare discussion on three options. The first was to form a front and fight under its banner; the second option was to be part of an alliance; and the third was to contest as Independents,” a source privy to the meeting said.

“While being part of any alliance was ruled out, the members were of the opinion that a front can’t be registered within a short time, and in any case such candidates will have to contest as Independents. So we went with the third option,” the source said, adding that those contesting will be former rukn or registered members of the Jamaat.

While the Jamaat has stayed away from the election since 1987, when they last participated under the banner of the Muslim United Front, it is eager to return to electoral politics to show its willingness to enter the mainstream.

“We are called a terror organisation, anti-democracy. We can’t contest elections as Jamaat members but we want to show that we believe in democracy, in the Constitution,” the source said.

“In the coming days, we will also take a decision on seats we will contest in the second and third phases.” A final call on candidates is awaited, sources said.

“We know we have very little time at hand, and by Sunday, we expect to come out with a list of candidates,” said the source. “We don’t know how state will react – whether they will accept the nomination or not.” (Indian Express)

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 Watergam Sopore Gunfight Ends one Militant Killed and a Soldier Injured

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A militant was killed and a soldier injured in a gunfight in Watergam Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla on Saturday.

A top police officer told  that the firefight had ensued in the area this afternoon and reinforcement were rushed to neutralise the militants.In the initial gunfight, a soldier sustained injuries and was immediately evacuated to the hospital.

” The militant has been killed and with it the operation stands concluded,” the officer said. Identity and the group affiliation of the militant is being ascertained, he said.

A pistol along with some rounds and a grenade has been recovered at the shootout site, the officer added.(GNS)

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Shadi Lal Pandita dies in road accident on way back from Rahul Gandhi’s function in Jammu

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Senior Congress leader Shadi Lal Pandita died in a road accident while returning from a function attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Jammu on Thursday evening.

The accident occurred near Sidhra as Pandita was returning to Jagti migrant township. He was fatally crushed by a truck, officials said.Pandita, the vice chairman of the Kashmiri Migrant Cell, was a dedicated Congress leader and a prominent advocate for the cause of Kashmiri migrants.

“He remained associated with the party from his days in the Youth Congress,” said JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma.The Congress party’s leadership expressed deep shock over his demise and extended heartfelt condolences to his family.

Congress national general secretary Gulam Ahmed Mir, AICC in-charge Bharat Sinh Solanki, J and K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra, party working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, former minister Yogesh Sawhney, and PCC Migrant Cell chairman H L Pandita, along with Kamal Fotedar, mourned the loss of the leader.–(PTI)

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19 Officers of Telecom Wing Honour With Ranks by Bhim Sen Tuti Inspector General of Police Telecom Services

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The Inspector General of Police Telecom Services, Jammu & Kashmir, Bhim Sen Tuti, IPS presided over a piping ceremony today at the Police Headquarters Auditorium, where he conferred the rank of Sub-Inspector upon 19 recently promoted officers of the Telecom Wing.

The officers from the Telecom Kashmir Zone and ACS Zone Kashmir who were honored during the ceremony include: Shri Bashir Ahmad Reshi, Shri Nazir Ahmad Mir, Shri Aushum Ahmad, Shri Gulzar Ahmad Naikoo, Shri Gh. Ahmad Peer, Shri Gh. Mohd Ganai, Shri Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Shri Nasir Ahmad, Shri Javid Iqbal Pir, Shri Bashir Ahmad Lone, Shri Manzoor Ahmad Zargar, Shri Mohd Shafi Ganie, Shri Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Shri Mohd Ashraf Wani, Shri Mehraj-ud-din Malla, Shri Ab. Rouf Shah, Shri Gh. Nabi Bhat and Shri Mohd Yousuf Tantray.

In his address, IGP Telecom Shri B.S. Tuti, IPS, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers and their families. He underscored the critical role of the Telecom Wing in the effective communication operations of the J&K Police and highlighted the ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize the telecom infrastructure. Shri Tuti expressed his confidence that the promoted officers would continue to demonstrate the same level of zeal and dedication in their new roles, furthering the mission of excellence within the wing.

The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Director of Police Telecommunication J&K, Shri Manoj Kumar Pandith, JKPS, SP Telecom Kashmir Zone, Shri Fayaz Yaseen, SP Telecom ACS Kashmir, Shri Akhtar Buch, ADO PHQ, Shri Siraj-u-Din, along with other officers from the Telecom Headquarters.

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I Re-Structured Party at District level again: Vikar Rasool

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Former J&K PCC President Vikar Rasool Thursday said that in the past two years, Congress faced a big storm as the party’s 70 percent structure was dismantled but he along with his team worked hard to restructure the party again and today PCC is a strong and vibrant force in the UT.

Addressing the Congress worker’s meet in Srinagar, Vikar,  said that Congress suffered back to back jolts in the past two years and the party’s 70 per cent structure was dismantled. “I as a disciplined soldier of the party along with my team worked hard to re-structure the party and today result is before you,” he said as All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Malikarjun Kharge and senior party leader and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi listened him patiently.

Vikar said that he was ready to shoulder any responsibility in the party. “If AICC leadership would assign me the charge of a chaprasi (peon), I would accept the post with a great honour and pride,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, former deputy chief minister of the erstwhile State, Tara Chand said in the past 10 years, J&K lost its identity, special status and what not. “Today, I want to say that Rahulji is playing Indhira Gandhji. Late Indhiraji would give a personal touch to the party and people of J&K whenever there were clouds of uncertainty. Rahulji has come with the same ideology and thinking,” Chand said.

Former J&KPCC chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir in his address said that it is a great pleasure to see AICC chief and leader of the opposition Rahul in J&K. “Your visit is a real morale booster for all the workers of PCC. You have come at a time when the poll bugle has already been blown. This will give a new impetus to the party indeed,” he said—(KNO)

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Statehood is the Most Important thing for People Of Jammu and Kashmir: Rahul Gandhi

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As the election commission of India announced the dates of the state assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge held a meeting with the party workers of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

While addressing the event, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their statehood is the most important thing.”You are not workers, you are family.

As soon as we got to know that elections were going to be conducted, we first decided to come here to Jammu and Kashmir because we wanted to give a message to the people of every state that for us the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their statehood is the most important thing,” said Rahul Gandhi.

“In the history of India, after independence, many union territories have been converted into states but there is only one example when statehood was taken away and a union territory was created.

This has never happened before and we want to give this message that the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is important, it is important for us and it is important for the country…” he added further.

Rajya Sabha LoP and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned that Rahul Gandhi is related to J&K by blood and appealed to voters saying that their votes are needed to save the country and the culture and rights of the citizens.

“If we win the elections in J&K, the whole of India will come under our control… As Rahul Gandhi said, his relationship with J&K is not limited to likes or dislikes. He is related to J&K by blood… We hope J&K will stand with us in the upcoming elections…

The BJP is always the one who decides where and when to begin elections. All their anger and frustration are targeted only at Congress because no other party gives a tough fight. The only person who dares to fight is Rahul Gandhi… We need your votes to save the country, to save your culture and rights…” said Kharge.

Notably, security has been heightened outside the hotel where Rahul Gandhi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge held the meeting.

The Congress is likely to fight the JK elections in alliance with the National Conference, although a formal announcement is awaited. The two parties which were part of the INDIA bloc fought the Lok Sabha elections in alliance. (ANI)

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We Want Peace with Respect and Dignity: Mehbooba Mufti

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mehboba mufti

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that while there is peace even in graveyards, true peace is where people can live and walk with their heads held high.

“There is peace even in the graveyard, but with respect. We want peace where people live, talk, and walk with their heads held high”, Mehbooba said while speaking to a gathering at Party Headquarters.

She called for unity to strengthen the voices of the people and advance the party’s agenda.“The situation is such that we cannot even talk to each other.There is fear, no one shows it, but everyone is scared from within,” she said.

She said that all the people who join PDP and make it strong, it strengthens the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.She further said that Mufti syed started a new door of progress in Jammu and Kashmir—a door of peace.

Welcoming the return of a senior leader, she expressed hope for the future. “I hope our PDP agenda and wishes move forward, and God willing, they succeed”, she added.(KNS)

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Apni Party Announces First List of Candidates for South Kashmir Assembly Polls

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altaf

Apni Party on Wednesday released the first list of its candidates for the upcoming assembly polls.According to a press release issued here, the party has announced the names of eight candidates for various assembly segments in South Kashmir.

The nominated candidates include Rafi Ahmad Mir from 47-Pahalgam, Hilal Ahmad Shah from 44-Anantnag, Tariq Shah Veeri from 45-Bijbehara, Abdul Majeed Padder from 38-DH-Pora, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat 40-Devsar, Adv. Gowher Hassan Wani from 36-Zainapora, Mir Altaf from 32-Pampore and Adv. Owais Khan 37-Shopian.

These nominations were recommended by Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC), and approved by the Party President, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari.

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Fire breaks out in Hotel Near Abdullah Bridge Srinagar

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A fire broke out in the attic portion of a hotel near Abdullah Bridge in Srinagar.

The fire has been controlled and no life was lost in the incident, an official said.

“The control room received information at 1:40 that a fire incident had occurred here. We have three nearby stations, we pressed all three into service. When we reached here, we saw that there is a five-story structure named Hotel Lucky Akbar, the attic portion here was involved in the fire. Instantly, we launched a firefighting operation and our firefighters contained the fire. Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident,” Assistant Director Fire Services Aqib Hussain Mir told ANI.
Further details are awaited.(ANI)

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Delhi Court Seeks NIA Response on Engineer Rashid’s Bail Plea

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Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid

On Wednesday, Delhi’s Patiala House Court requested a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) concerning the bail application of MP Sheikh Abdullah Rashid, better known as ‘Engineer Rashid.’

Rashid, who recently secured the Baramulla seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was arrested in relation to a 2017 terror funding case in Jammu and Kashmir.

Additional Sessions Judge Chanderjit Singh issued a notice to the NIA on Tuesday and scheduled a hearing for August 28 to discuss Rashid’s bail application.

This marks Rashid’s second regular bail application in Delhi’s Patiala House Court. Previously, on July 5, the court granted him a two-hour parole to allow him to take the oath as a Member of Parliament.

In 2005, Rashid was detained by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Srinagar for alleged support of militants and was held for over three months. He faced charges of anti-national activities but was later released when the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar dropped all charges on humanitarian grounds.

In August 2019, Rashid was again arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite being in custody, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections and won by a significant margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (ANI)

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Suhail Bukhari Resigned From PDP Ahead of the Assembly Polls

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Syed Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday resigned from the party ahead of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.Bukhari, while speaking with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), confirmed that he has resigned from the party.

A former media consultant for the Jammu and Kashmir government, Bukhari joined the PDP in 2019 and was appointed chief spokesperson in 2023.This development comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is all set to go polls in three phases, an election being held after a decade.

The first phase will be held on September 18, second on September 25 and third phase on October 1. The results will be declared on October 4.Earlier, DDC member from Tral, Dr Harbaksh Singh also resigned from the PDP and joined the Awami Itehad Party—(KNO)

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Drug Peddler Omer Fayaz Bhat Resident of Shaltang Srinagar Arrested

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Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police have arrested a drug peddler in Ganderbal and recovered contraband substance from his possession.

A Spokesperson said that Police in Ganderbal received information through reliable sources that one person namely Omer Fayaz Bhat son of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat resident of Shaltang Srinagar, who was working as Private Driver with SSB 03CC at Rakh Harran Forest Protection Unit Ganderbal has concealed Brown Sugar like substance in a forest Hut at Rakh Harran with an intention to sell it to the local youth.

“Acting swiftly, on the directions of SSP Ganderbal Shri Wasim Qadri-JKPS a special police team led by SHO PS Ganderbal raided the spot. During search of the aforementioned hut, Brown Sugar like substance was recovered and seized in presence of Executive Magistrate 1st class & the accused was arrested”, he said.

In this regard, a case vide FIR No. 210/2024 under relevant sections of law stands registered at PS Ganderbal & further investigation has been taken up.

We urge the common masses that if you witness drug peddling or any other crime anywhere near you, feel free to contact nearest police establishment or dial 112. People are requested to cooperate with police in curbing the menace of drugs from the society. We reassure the community members that police will act tough against the criminals as per law.

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7 Gamblers Arrested by Ganderbal Police, Money Seized

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Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace social crimes from the society, police have arrested seven (07) gamblers in Ganderbal and seized stake money from their possession.

A Police spokesperson said that acting on a reliable information regarding the gambling activities at Akhal, Kangan, a police party headed by SHO PS Kangan raided the said place. During raid, 05 gamblers were apprehended and stake money of Rs 5,600/- and playing cards were seized on the spot. Moreover, in the jurisdiction of PP Shadipora, a police party led by In-charge PP Shadipora apprehended two (02) gamblers during patrolling at Rabitar. Officers seized stake money of Rs 4500/-, 12 J&K Bank Cheques amounting Rs 1,81650/-, Blank Cheque and playing cards from their possession.

They have been identified as Showkat Ah Patlo son of Mohd Sultan Patlo resident of Khanyar Srinagar, Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Hameed Sheikh resident of Zampa Kadil Srinagar, Faizan Jon son of Fayaz Ah resident of Nawakadal Srinagar, Muzamil Ahmad Khan son of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan resident of SafakKadal Srinagar, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir son of Ab Rehman Mir resident of Nawa Bazar Srinagar, Ali Muhammad Dar son of Abdul Ahad Dar resident of Narayan Bagh and Abdul Hameed Parray son of Gh Hasan Parray resident of Boon Mohalla Hajan. They have been arrested and shifted to respective police stations where they remain in custody.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation has been initiated.

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Reasi car Accident: 2 Teachers Among 3 Died

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Truck Accident

An Alto car bearing registration number JK20B 1024 rolled down into a deep gorge near Chamelu Morh, Chassana area of Reasi, resulting in instant death of two occupants and critical injuries to two others.

Upon evacuation of the injured duo to a nearby hospital, a minor girl eventually succumbed, taking the toll to three.The official identified the deceased trio as Ghulam Din and Mohd Amin, both teachers by profession, and the minor girl as Sumera Ghulam – all residents of Hamusan area of Chassana tehsil in Reasi.

“The another injured, also a minor, identified as Sajad Ghulsm, has been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment,” added the official.Police that they have taken cognisance of the incident for further investigations. (GNS)