SRINAGAR: A double-storey residential house was completely gutted on Monday late evening in a fire incident in Ahim-Sharif village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, leaving the family shelterless and causing loss of property, officials said.

The officials said that fire broke out in the two storey house belongs to Mohammad Akram Wani, son of Abdul Gani  Wani resident of Bilal Colony Ahim-Sharif Bandipora, resulting in the property worth laks reduced into ashes.

"However timely action of locals and fire tenders doused the flames and save the other nearby properties, “they said, adding that the cause of fire could not be confirmed immediately.(KNO).

SRINAGAR: A blaze has engulfed forest Compartment number 81 in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, an official said on Tuesday evening.

The official told GNS that different kinds of trees and dry bushes are caught in a massive fire in the compartment falling in Yali Pethkote forest area. 

A joint operation by Fire & Emergency Services Bandipora, Fire Services' NHPC Kralpora and Forest Department is underway to contain the blaze. No significant success has however been achieved as the flames continued to spread - when this report was being filed. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested four persons including a woman along with arms and ammunition in north Kashmir Bandipora district.

Taking on to the social media platform X, the Bandipora Police wrote, "Bandipora Police along with Army ,CRPF & Sopore Police arrested four persons including one woman.Huge quantity of arms and ammunition recovered.

The names of the arrested are Adil Tariq Wasil S/o Tariq Ahmad, Shafkat Nabi S/o Gh Nabi, Musaib khursheed S/o khursheed Ahmad Dar all residents of Ladoora Rafiabad Bla and Lady name withheld. Case FIR registered in Ps Bpr under relevant sec of law and investigation taken up, reads the Blog. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: In a proactive move to tackle the sale of Schedule HI and X drugs, District Magistrate Bandipora issued an order making installation of CCTV cameras mandatory at medical stores across the district.

The directive as per officials is aimed at curbing illicit drug trade and enhancing the monitoring efforts, with strict compliance measures outlined for the timely implementation of the crucial initiative.

 “Whereas, National Commission for protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in collaboration with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has prepared a Joint Action Plan on "Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and illicit Trafficking. Whereas. It is imperative to curb the menace and to issue necessary directions to the owners of medical stores functioning in district Bandipora with regard to selling of schedule "III" and "X" drugs and monitoring of their sale,” reads an order issued by Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed, a copy of which lies with GNS.

 “Therefore, I. Dr. Owais Ahmed (IAS), District Magistrate, Bandipora, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, in exercise of powers conferred upon me under Section 133(1) (6) Cr.PC, do hereby issue the following directions for strict compliance:- 1. All the Medical/Pharmacy shops of District Bandipora selling schedule "HI" & "X" drugs as per Rule 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. 1940, shall install CCTV Camera inside their shops. 2. The cameras should cover all significant areas, including the entrance, sales counter, storage areas, and any other locations deemed necessary for comprehensive surveillance,” the order further reads.

 “CCTV cameras installed should be of following technical specifications: a. High-resolution cameras capable of capturing clear images and videos. b. Recording capabilities with a Minimum retention period. c. Adequate lighting to ensure proper visibility during both day and night. d. The ability to provide remote access to the recorded footage for authorized personnel. 4. The installation of CCTV cameras must be completed within 30 days from the receipt of this order. A compliance report, along with photographic evidence of the installed cameras, should be submitted to this office within the stipulated timeframe. 5. The footage of CCTV Cameras be randomly checked by the District Drug Controller. Authority/Child Welfare Police Officer at any time.”

 “Failure to comply with this order may result in legal action, including penalties or other measures as deemed fit under the law. Executive Magistrates shall execute this order within their respective jurisdiction with the help of Police and Drugs Inspector and submit reports accordingly,” the order added. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday said it attached 14 marla residential land belonging to a terror associate's family in north Kashmir's Bandipora district 

"Bandipora Police has attached 14 Marla of residential land at Ashtengoo Bandipora in case FIR No.43/2022", said a police spokesperson. 

"The land had been identified as proceeds of terrorism and was attached under the UAPA."

"The land belongs to the family of a terror associate of LeT , Irfan Ahmad Bhat. His brother had also exfiltrated to Pakistan in 2000", the spokesperson said further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Authorities have allowed traffic along Mughal road in Shopian and also restored the Gurez-Bandipora road for vehicular traffic movement.

Officials in the knowhow of things told news agency Kashmir Scroll that the vehicular traffic movement along the two roads was suspended following recent snowfall.

"With the improvement in weather conditions and clearance of the roads, the traffic movement has been allowed along the two roads", the official said. (KS)

SRINAGAR : Assets worth Lakhs of notorious drug smuggler frozen by Bandipora Police under NDPS Act. "Bandipora Police has frozen 2 bank accounts having savings of Rs 3,97,603 & one Auto load carrier with market value of Rs 3,18,000 belonging to a notorious drug smuggler Irshad Ahmad S/o Ab.Samad Khan R/o Asham Hajin under NDPS Act.(Bandipora Police)", reads a statement issued to Kashmir Scroll.

Bandipora Police reiterated the appeal and urged the people to desist from indulging in such activities, contrary to which action as mandated by law would be taken.

People of Bandipora district give votes of thanks to Bandipora Police for taking strict action against drug peddlers. (KS)

SRINAGAR: Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested a militant hybrid along with arms and ammunition in North Kashmir's Bandipora.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that on 25th of August, based on a specific input generated by J&K police about the movement of a hybrid militant, a checkpoint was established by the joint party in Dardgund area, jurisdiction of PS Pethkoot. At the checkpoint, a suspicious person who on noticing the joint party tried to flee but he was apprehended tactfully. On search, 01 pistol, 01 pistol magazine, 8 rounds & other incriminating material were recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Shafayat Zubair Rishi of Nesbal Sumbal.

The police spokesman further stated that during questioning, the accused disclosed that he was on way to collect a cache of arms & ammunition from a lady identified as Munira Begum wife of killed terrorist & area commander Yousuf Choupan in Pazalpora area.

Pertinently, the accused was in touch with Pak based terror handler Mushtaq Ahmad Mir who exfiltrated to Pak in 1999 and was working on revival of terrorists in the district.  He was also involved in the year 2000 Kothibagh IED blast in which 14 people including 12 police personnel were killed & had remained associated with proscribed miitant outfit HM and later on with militant outfit Al-badr. Shafayat Zubair Rishi is also involved in burning an Army vehicle in Sumbal in 2009 and is out on bail in the said case, he said.

Furthermore, on the disclosure of Munira Begum, cache of arms & ammunition including 01 Krinkov AK-47 rifle, 03 magazines, 90 rounds and 01 pen pistol that was to be delivered to Shafait Reshi was recovered from the nearby forest area. During questioning, it also figured that Munira has also gone to Pak twice, he said.

Moreover, Shafayat Rishi also admitted that he was about to receive 47 lakhs for the revival of terrorists. Later, this money was to be handed over to someone as per the requirement & directions of his across handler Mushtaq Ah Mir, he said.

A case under relevant sections of law has been registered and further investigation is under process, reads the statement.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: A woman from Quilmpora area of North Kashmir Bandipora district has allegedly committed suicide at her rented room. 

An official told the news agency Kashmir Scroll that a 25 year old life has taken her life by hanging herself at their rented accommodation in Quilmuqam during the intervening night.

He said that police party reached to the spot and body has been taken to SDH Bandipora for medical formalities. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further investigation.(KS)

SRINAGAR: A 50-year-old man, who was attacked by a black bear in Balhama village of Arin in Bandipora district almost two weeks before, passed away on Friday.

An official told GNS that Ghulam Mohammad Wani, 50, son of late Ghulam Hassan Wani, had been under treatment at SKIMS Soura after being attacked by a black bear on July 29", the official said adding despite all possible efforts by the doctors, he couldn't be saved. 

Expressing condolences over Wani's passing, a Wildlife Department official said his death is an irreparable loss. He highlighted the department's role in providing relief and ex-gratia payments' in such cases. 

“In accordance with the department's procedures, a sum of up to 5 lakh INR is being provided to the family in the case of death, and up to 3 lakh INR for grievous injuries caused by wildlife encounters,” he said.

The incident sheds light on the challenges posed by human-animal conflicts in the region, as well as the need for adequate resources and manpower to manage such situations effectively.

It has been off and on highlighted that the Wildlife Department has been grappling with shortages in both equipment and personnel, hampering their ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to such incidents. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A Bandipora resident on way from Qatar has been arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police in New Delhi. “

"Bandipora Police arrested one Irshad Ahmad Khan S/o M Ayoub Khan R/o Panjigam Bandipora while coming back from Qatar to New Delhi”, Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a tweet, as per GNS.

"A look out notice had earlier been issued against him. He is involved in FIR No. 165/2022 U/s 420/IPC PS Bandipora”, concludes the tweet. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A Data Entry Operator working at the Zonal Education Office in Sumbal in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, Wednesday has been immediately attached following a report from field agencies about an offensive social media post allegedly made by the official, which could potentially impact communal harmony.

As per the news agency, Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the order for the Data Entry Operator's attachment was issued by Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sumbal, Aamir Choudhary, under reference no. SDM/S/2023-24/864-69. The report stated that the social media post was deemed harmful to the peaceful situation and brotherhood prevailing in the area, as it may lead to animosity between different sections of society

The post as per the order was found to be in violation of Article 19 (2) of the Constitution of India, which addresses Freedom of Speech but also imposes reasonable restrictions.

 "Also, it was found to be against the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules of 1971, which explicitly list activities not permitted for employees and can result in punishments under Rule 30 of the Jammu And Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules of 1956," the order said.

These penalties include censure, fines, withholding of increments or promotions, reduction to a lower post, recovery of pecuniary losses caused by negligence or breach of orders, premature retirement on proportionate pension, and other specified disciplinary actions," the order stated.

The GAD Circular No- JK (GAD) of 2023 dated 24-03-2023 further emphasizes that government servants should refrain from engaging in social media activities that contravene the established rules. It specifically warns against posting vulgar, obscene, threatening, intimidating content or comments about co-workers or individuals, and urges employees to avoid indulging in unwarranted debates or discussions that violate conduct rules. Any violation of these guidelines will be considered misconduct and may result in disciplinary action against the responsible official.

Given the sensitivity of the matter, Mohammad Saleem Bhat, the Data Entry Operator, as per the order has been attached to the office of Tehsildar Sumbal without delay. "To conduct a thorough inquiry, a committee consisting of three members has been formed, led by Tehsildar Sumbal. The committee includes the Zonal Education Officer Sumbal and Tehsil Social Welfare Officer Sumbal. The committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations within one week from the date of the order," it said. (KNO)