SRINAGAR: A leopard, believed to be responsible for the deaths of two young girls and injuring a boy, was fatally shot this morning in Khan Sahib, Budgam, officials said.

The suspected leopard was neutralized by police in the Khan Sahib area. It attacked two minor girls in Samsun and Hariwani in March, as well as injuring a boy.

In response to the recent incident, Deputy Commissioner Akhsay Labroo authorized shoot-on-sight orders for the leopard.

After extensive efforts over several days, authorities successfully eliminated the suspected leopard today, bringing relief to the local community.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife department confirmed that that man eater leopard has been naturalised in Harivan Nallah in budgam.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said to have busted an over-the-ground-worker module in Beerwah of central Kashmir's Budgam district. 

"The Budgam Police has dismantled a module comprising seven individuals from the Beerwah area. These individuals were involved in the dissemination of anti-national terrorist propaganda by affixing posters in and around the Beerwah area", said a police spokesman in a statement issued to GNS. 

The arrested persons, as per the statement, have been identified as  Romain Rasool Sheikh Irfan Nazir Sheikh, Rizwan Nazir Sheikh, Sahil Javid Sheikh all resident of Bonet Beerwah, Jahangir Bashir Mir, Tariq Ashraf Sheikh, both residents of Utligam Beerwah and Shakir Lateef Pathan, resident of Gandhipora, Beerwah.

"The module was led by Romain Rasool Sheikh and Irfan Nazir Sheikh, who during investigation were found manipulated by a LeT’s Pakistani handler", the statement reads. 

"It further emerged that the duo, acting as local motivators, instructed the other five individuals to carry out the assigned tasks", reads the statement adding incriminating evidence has been recovered from the apprehended persons. 

"Investigation in the case is in progress", the statement read. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Members of Bar Association Budgam on Wednesday abstained from work as part of the indefinite strike  Budgam in the affairs of Judiciary and UT administration as regards setting up of the new court complex in the central Kashmir district.

“District Bar Association Budgam observed abstention from courts and this abstention call by DBAB (shall) continue indefinitely,” reads a statement issued by the lawyers’ body here to GNS.

The High Court of J&K and Ladakh, it said, had decided to shift the district court complex at Budgam to Ichgam, Budgam where an area of 117 Kanals and 18 Marlas of land were asked to be transferred to the judiciary.

In this regard an order was passed by the Registrar General High Court of J&K and Ladakh, asking the commissioner Secretary Revenue to transfer the land to Judiciary, it said. “Commissioner Secretary Revenue passed an order, in turn, directing DC Budgam to transfer stated land to the Judiciary. The DC Budgam is creating bottlenecks in implementation of the order of Commissioner Secretary Revenue,” the lawyers body said, adding, “The members of DBAB would continue to remain on strike in the court premises and demand transfer of DC Budgam immediately and take all steps necessary to transfer stated land to judiciary.”

The lawyers body said that it wants to bring it to the notice of the Authorities and General public that the court Complex Budgam is housed in a small place wherein even the accommodation for the courts is not sufficient.

“The court is not sufficient to accommodate seating of Advocates and litigants appearing in the courts”.  

Meanwhile, the lawyers body has written a protest petition Principal District & Sessions Judge,

Budgam, contending therein among others that “proposing the same land which already been proposed and approved by the Hon'ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for the construction of the new District Court Complex at Itchgam, Budgam for an alternative purpose, such as the construction of

Maharastra Bhavan, is not only a blatant disregard of established legal processes and approvals but also a breach of trust and an affront to the sanctity of the judiciary's decisions.” (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to inaugurate Kashmir's first Vistadome coach service today, which will operate from Budgam to Banihal.

An official told News Agency Kashmir Scroll, all the necessary arrangements for the launch have been completed. The Vistadome coach is a modern and advanced coach manufactured by the Indian Railways. The official said that It is specifically designed to offer passengers both comfort during travel and an enhanced viewing experience of the beautiful surroundings. The coaches, known as 'Vistadome,' will be deployed on the scenic route connecting Budgam and Banihal stations.

The officer said that passengers will have the opportunity to embark on a breathtaking journey through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir while enjoying the comfortable and visually immersive facilities provided by the Vistadome coach. (KS)

SRINAGAR: The Railway Authority has given its nod to a proposal for a special train between Budgam-Banihal and back.

The Railway Authority in a communication, as per GNS, has conveyed to Northern Railway that it may plan the train service with train number 04688/04687 at any convenient date and start the train service. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Two persons were injured in a bear attack in Central Kashmir's Budgam district on Tuesday evening. An official told news agency Kashmir Scroll that two persons were injured after attacked by wild bear in Ringzabal forest.

He said both the injured were immediately taken to PHC Hardapunzoo where from they were referred to JVC Srinagar for advanced treatment.

Meanwhile, a local doctor at PHC Hardapunzoo confirmed this news to Kashmir scroll and identified both injured as Ishaq Ahmad Sood son of Mohd Aslam Sood (18 years) and Mushtaq Ahmad Poswal son of Ghulam Hassan Poswal (24 years) both residents of Khansahib tehsil. (KS)

SRINAGAR: The Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved the transfer of land measuring 500 Kanal 11 Marla at Sallar Anantnag in favour of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir for establishment of Research Station and additional Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The Research Station shall provide scientific technologies to improve productivity in agriculture farming and enhance the economic well-being of farmers. The establishment of the Research Station and additional Krishi Vigyan Kendra shall have a major impact for creating awareness about improved agricultural technologies through a large number of extension programmes and produce quality inputs like seeds, planting materials, organic products, bio-fertilizers, livestock and poultry strains of the farmers.

In another significant development, approval has also been accorded for transfer of 47 Kanals 13 Marlas of land at Chadoora, Budgam in favor of Animal and Sheep Husbandry department for establishment of milk processing infrastructure.

The establishment of milk processing infrastructure shall bring multifaceted benefits that encompass economic development, job creation, improved nutrition, food security, and the enhancement of agricultural practices. It will upgrade the dairy industry by promoting the overall well-being of communities and economies.

The dairy industry on J&K holds immense potential for UTs economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local population’s wellbeing. With increasing demand for the dairy products and per capita availability of milk being lower than many milk potential states, the dairy sector is poised for significant growth in the UT in coming years. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Administrative Council (AC) which met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, accorded Administrative Approval to the construction of a 125-bed hospital at Reshipora, Budgam. Upon completion of the hospital at an estimated cost of Rs. 49.32 Crore, it is expected to improve access to quality healthcare for the people of the area.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The upcoming hospital besides enhancing healthcare for the public will also provide for employment opportunities to skilled/unskilled professionals, medics/ paramedics etc.

The hospital will also help address increased patient rush and is expected to benefit a large chunk of population living in and around district Budgam. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Security forces arrested a “hybrid” militant and his associate in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district, police said on Friday.

They said Police alongwith Army’s 53 Rashtriya Rifles apprehended the two in Pakharpora area of Budgam district.

Police identified the arrested duo as Tanveer Ahmad Bhat, a hybrid militant and his associate Yawer Maqbool Ganai- both residents of Karapora Charar-Sharief.
The two, police said, were working with “The Resistance Front” which is believed to be a shadow group of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested duo were operating under the banner of proscribed terror outfit LeT/ TRF) in Pakherpora area,” a police spokesman said.

From their possession, arms & ammunition, including a Pistol, a Pistol magazine, nine rounds and other incriminating material were recovered, he said.

A case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Chrar-i-Sharief and further investigation has been taken up, police spokesman added. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various developmental projects of Budgam District and launched the “Beautification of Budgam Town” initiative.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the District Administration, public representatives and the people of Budgam.

“I am hopeful that planned infrastructure development projects & amenities for sustainable living by Budgam District Administration will create healthy competition amongst cities of Jammu Kashmir and encourage public and ULBs to improve infrastructure and make the urban spaces beautiful and inclusive,” the Lt Governor said.

The initiative for beautification of Budgam town will boost rapid development of economy, strengthen its ecology and ensure ease of living. These projects are reflective of vibrancy and resolve of the district, he added.

 Addressing the gathering at Raj Bhawan, the Lt Governor called upon the public representatives, civil society members and the youth to discharge their collective responsibility in realizing the developmental goals for a glorious future.

“India is moving ahead with new thinking and new resolve. We have touched the moon. Now, we should set big goals. Now, we should work with new speed and scale and dedicate ourselves in building a progressive society and realize the vision of Smart Cities, Smart Towns and Smart Villages,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor said the UT Administration is sensitive to the developmental needs of the people and is making every possible effort for inclusive and sustainable development of Jammu Kashmir.

“Our efforts are focused on inclusive growth as reflected in Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas to provide better quality of life to the citizens, remove disparities and fulfill the aspirations of all sections,” he said.

The Lt Governor commended the endeavour of District Administration for honouring Acharya Abhinav Gupt Ji by creating infrastructure, facilities and beautification works of the Bairam Cave at Beerwah.

It is a wonderful example of 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' and multi-dimensional approach will help developing Beerwah as a major tourist destination, he said.

Sh Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chairman, District Development Council, Budgam expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor led UT Administration for taking development to the grassroots level. 

The projects inaugurated by Lt Governor today include Public and Children Parks around Charar-e-Sharief Shrine; Renovation/Beautification Works for Bairam Hill Cave at Beerwah, Budgam; Jogger’s Park at MC Chadoora; Water Supply Scheme, Harinoo and New Type Primary Health Centre, Choon.

The projects worth Rs 41 crore for which the foundation stones were laid are Transit Accommodation at Kakanmaran, Budgam; New Bus Adda Chadoora; Modernization of DC Office Complex; Water Supply Scheme, Gundipora, Beerwah and Construction of 19  new Panchayat Ghars across Budgam.

The Lt Governor also distributed Sports kits to youth of Budgam and smartphones and smart kits to specially-abled children.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, PRI members, youth and large number of people from Budgam attended the ceremony at Raj Bhawan Auditorium.  

SRINAGAR: The locals from Budgam Thursday staged a massive protest against the installation of Smart Meters.

The protesters particularly women blocked the traffic and stopped Power Development Department from installing the meters.

While reacting over the installation of Smart Meters, former Cabinet Minister and three-times legislator from Central Kashmir’s Budgam Ruhullah Mehdi said that this administration believes in ‘coercion and intimidation’ and has been imposed on the people of Valley.

Ruhullah Mehdi was reacting after the locals from Haknipora village of Budgam blocked the road and staged a protest against the installation of Smart Meters.

“These things (installation of Smart Meters) can’t be imposed. These are peoples’ decisions and their involvement is inevitable. The current administration believes in force,” he said.

Ruhullah Mehdi as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said that the installation of Smart Meters is a welcome step but the economic condition of the people should be improved. “Since the 2014 floods, the economy collapsed in Kashmir. Let the administration improve the economic condition of the people and then install the Smart Meters,” he said.

He added that the administration is hell-bent to get the Meters installed as it is not the peoples’ administration but the one that has been imposed on the masses and believes in force. “This village (Haknipora) is a poverty-ridden village. The basic aim of the state was the social welfare and if you really want people to grow then it is important to make them socially and economically vibrant,” he said.

In response to a question, Ruhullah Mehdi said that it is a futile exercise to talk to the local administration and still he wants to convey to them not to force mothers and sisters to hit to roads. “Improve their economic conditions and then install the Smart Meters,” Ruhullah Mehdi said. [KNT] 

SRINAGAR: At least two residential houses and an Imam bargah were damaged in a fire incident that broke out at Woolina Ichgam area of Central Kashmir's Budgam district.

Local residents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the fire broke out from Imam bargah and quickly spread to the other two nearby houses, resulting in damage to all three structures.

He said that the the houses were damaged in the incident, adding that the fire has been put under control.

An official said that Fire tenders along with the help of locals doused the flames and stopped fire from spreading to other structures in the congested locality. 

However, locals alleged that the fire tenders didn't reach on time, thus causing huge damage in the incident.

The property worth lakhs of rupees was destroyed in the incident, adding that the cause of fire is said to be probably due to electric short-circuit. (KNO)