KULGAM
Tragedy struck in Shimla as six labourers from Kulgam lost their lives, and an equal number sustained injuries in a road accident. The incident occurred when the pickup truck, en route from Sunni to Mandi, veered off course and plunged into a deep gorge at Kararghat. Three labourers perished on the spot, and three more succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The deceased, identified as Fareed Ahmad Deedar, Gulam Hussain Gorsi, Shabir Ahmad Deedar, Talib Hussain Tinda, Gulzar Ahmad Deedar, and Mushtaq Ahmad Dedar, were all residents of Kulgam. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital. Thousands of residents from Kashmir work as labourers in Shimla and some of them are almost locals now.
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has imposed fines of Rs 85.24 crore in 10 days across Kashmir.
PULWAMA
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) seized three residential houses in Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The double-storied house and single-storey home in Pulwama belong to six brothers, while the single-storey house in Kulgam belongs to Fayaz Ahmed Itoo.
MHA said 78 persons committed suicide in Jammu and Kashmir from 2020 to 2022 by youth due to unemployment. These included 46 cases in 2020, 15 in 2021 and 17 in 2022.
UDHAMPUR
The electric Kashmir train completed its first trial run between Banihal and Khari stations. This 15-kilometer journey marks a significant step towards the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a transformative initiative set to revolutionise transportation in the region. With the Sumber and Sangaldan stations soon to be linked, the prospect of trains operating on the Katra-Banihal section draws closer, promising a brighter future for connectivity in Kashmir.
In Srinagar, the government owes Rs 2,25,85,680 as rentals to a hotel to accommodate “protected persons”.
LADAKH
Representatives from Kargil and Leh united in their pursuit of statehood, met with the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs in New Delhi. They reiterated their four-point agenda, which included statehood, two Lok Sabha seats, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and employment for youth. The government representatives, while receptive to their demands, requested a written submission for further consideration. While no concrete promises were made, the assurance of further talks following the parliament session offers a glimmer of hope for a future where Ladakh’s unique identity and needs are recognised and addressed. Reports appearing in the media suggest the government intends to address the concerns without extending the Sixth Schedule.
Crimes against children are up in Jammu and Kashmir – 606 cases in 2020, 845 in 2021 and 920 in 2022.
SRINAGAR
Jammu and Kashmir Police Inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani finally lost his battle for life at AIIMS after 39 days. Critically injured by a militant while playing cricket on October 29, 2023, in Eidgah. He is survived by his wife, who is expecting their first child, his father and a brother. Police and politicians paid glowing tributes to the officer, who died at AIIMS Delhi, a day after he was flown to the capital for advanced treatment. Wani had been hit in the abdomen, neck and eye. The National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation, vowing to bring justice for Wani’s sacrifice.
As per the report last year, 316 cases have been registered under POCSO by the police in Jammu and Kashmir.
BHADERWAH
Meenakshi Devi, 39, facing financial hardship due to her husband, Pammi Sharma’s illness – he had renal failure, defies societal norms by becoming Chenab Valley’s first female e-rickshaw driver. Despite initial resistance, she perseveres, now a symbol of hope for village women. Mother of two, her journey from despair to drive showcases remarkable resilience, inspiring others to pursue their dreams. The family had collapsed their business and they had to sell the family car to manage debts. Now the wife is earning Rs 1200-1500, a day and the family hopes to see the good days again. She has been driving an e-rickshaw for four months now and it is women who are mostly travelling in her automobile. She is Bhaderewah’s only female auto-driver among 236 men.
Schools in the Jammu region will be on vacation from December 11 to February 29.
WASHINGTON
Krystle Kaul, a trailblazer with Kashmiri roots and national security background, enters the US Congressional race, aiming for the House of Representatives in Virginia. Fluent in eight languages and passionate about education, healthcare, and public safety, Kaul promises to be a strong advocate for her constituents. A daughter of immigrants, her journey reflects the triumphs and challenges of the Indian-American experience, shaped by firsthand experiences with the Kashmir conflict. With an impressive resume from the Pentagon and think tanks, Kaul is set to make history as the first Kashmiri-origin individual in the US Congress.
Jammu and Kashmir got two crore tourists in 2023, so far.
ZOJILA
On Zoji La, the pass on one of the world’s ten most dangerous roads, two serious accidents took place last week. In one accident, four friends from Kerala’s Chittoor area died along with the native driver and two survived injuries. The deceased were identified as S Sudheesh (32), R Anil (33), Rahul (28) and S Vignesh (24). They were part of a 13-member tourist group that left for Kashmir via train from the Nedungode area in Chittur on November 30. After reaching Kashmir, the group hired two vehicles and commenced their journey to Ladakh.
Tragedy struck when one of the vehicles fell into a deep gorge near snow-bound Zojila Pass. Later, five Kargil residents were killed after a Xylo vehicle, in which they were travelling, rolled down into a deep gorge near the same Zojila Pass. The deceased were identified as Abdul Hadi Balti, Mohammad Amin Balti, Shabir Hussain, Mohammad Hussain and Mohammad Akbar.
Kashmir got an investment of Rs 2079.76 crore in the first seven months of 2023-24.
DELHI
The Delhi High Court has listed for hearing on February 14 a plea by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking the death penalty for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik in a terror-funding case. Malik shall join the court proceedings virtually. A Delhi trial court had awarded a life sentence to Malik on May 24, 2022, after pronouncing him guilty of various offences under the UAPA and the IPC. Malik had pleaded guilty to the charges, including those under the UAPA. He is currently serving a life term in the case following the court verdict on May 24, 2022.
Kashmir has registered 371 UAPA cases in 2022, which is one-third of all cases recorded across the country.
NUBRA
In a novel move, the Indian Army announced the deployment of double-humped camels in eastern Ladakh to provide logistical support to troops. The Bactrian camels, indigenous to Ladakh’s cold desert, are recognised for carrying goods and are a popular choice for safaris in the Nubra valley. The Army’s Udhampur-based northern command highlighted the camels’ role in last-mile delivery and mounted patrolling across the sandy plateau terrain. This innovative approach not only serves military purposes but also creates employment opportunities for the local population, contributing to the conservation of the double-humped camel population in Ladakh. Last year, the Ladakh administration proposed measures for the welfare of these camels, emphasising fitness certification and designated grazing areas. The region has barely 300 such camels now.
53 fire incidents were reported in November 2023 in Srinagar.
SAMBA
Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain has identified the influx of drone-dropped items, including weapons and narcotics, as a significant new challenge. He emphasised that individuals retrieving these items are deemed the nation’s biggest enemies, subject to charges of treason and terrorism. He highlighted the need for a responsive system at police stations to counter drone intrusions effectively. Referring to Ministry of Home Affairs discussions, he stressed the importance of community cooperation, intelligence, and strategic planning to thwart emerging threats, including tunnels and drone activities. Swain also acknowledged active public participation in countering militant challenges in border districts.
SOPORE
In a chilling crime unravelling in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, a woman, Shaista, and her lover, Waseem Akram Lone, were arrested for the alleged murder of Shaista’s husband, Riyaz Ahmad Mir. The police, responding to a missing person complaint filed by Shaista, discovered Mir’s body concealed in a trench at his Bomai residence. Subsequent investigations led to Shaista’s confession during questioning, revealing that she and Lone had killed Mir during the night. Lone also admitted his involvement in the crime. The swift resolution by the Sopore police exposed the dark tale of betrayal and conspiracy within the confines of a family.
VESSU
On November 22, a devastating fire engulfed Manzoor Ahmad Dar’s plastic recycling unit in Vessu, south Kashmir, causing a loss of Rs 95 lakh. Dar established the unit in 2019, aiming to address the widespread issue of plastic pollution and create employment opportunities. The unit, employing over 25 individuals, played a crucial role in collecting plastic waste from communities. Unfortunately, the fire not only destroyed Dar’s initiative but also led to the unemployment of dozens. Despite seeking financial assistance and land allocation from the government, Dar remains in a precarious situation, hoping for support to revive his eco-friendly venture
