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Pulwama terror attack mastermind killed in PoK by unknown gunmen

Muzaffarabad (PoK), May 21: A terrorist Burhan Hamza, one of the masterminds of the Pulwama attack of 2019, was today shot dead here in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by some unknown gunmen, marking elimination of yet another anti-India terrorist operating from across the border.

Several bullets were pumped into Hamza while he was travelling and he died on the spot, according to sources and eye witnesses.

A large number of people gathered at the site after the shooting but the attackers managed to flee.

Hamza, who is said to have been involved in several anti-India terror activities, was one of the masterminds of the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama in south Kashmir on February 14, 2019 on a CRPF convoy, in which 40 security personnel were killed.

Originally hailing from Ratnipora area of Pulwama district, Hamza reportedly went to Pakistan around seven years back on valid documents.

Subsequently, he joined the Al-Badr terror outfit and became its operational commander.

He was involved in recruitment of terrorists and supply of weapons in Jammu and Kashmir.

In 2022, he was designated as a terrorist by the Government of India.

Pulwama attack

On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber drove his vehicle laden with explosives into a convoy of CRPF which was moving from Jammu to Srinagar.

One of the CRPF buses was hit by the explosives-laden car in Lethpora area of Pulwama district, causing a massive explosion and killings.

The terror attack resulted in a massive outrage in the country and military air strikes by India on a major terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan on February 26.

Pakistan tried to retaliate militarily but failed. (NVI)

Fresh Snowfall Blankets Tulail Valley, Drass; Temperatures Dip Sharply in Higher Reaches

Srinagar, May 21 (NVI): An unexpected spell of snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir and Ladakh led to a sharp drop in temperatures on Thursday, with several areas of Tulail Valley in north Kashmir and Drass region in Ladakh receiving a fresh layer of snow, officials said.

The sudden change in weather conditions brought chilly winds and cold temperatures across the mountainous areas, even as plains continued to witness intermittent rain and cloud cover.

Locals said the snowfall covered upper reaches, meadows and mountain passes, creating wintry conditions in the region. Weather officials attributed the snowfall to a western disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas. (NVI)

Army Recovers Suspected Narcotics, Chinese Pistol Near LoC in Poonch

Poonch, May 21 (NVI): Army troops recovered suspected narcotic substances and a Chinese-origin pistol during a domination operation near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Thursday.

Official said that the recovery was made by troops of the Hamirpur Battalion in the forward area of Balakote in Mendhar subdivision.

They said that during the search operation, security forces noticed a concealed bag and recovered a Chinese-origin pistol along with two yellow polyethylene-wrapped packets suspected to contain narcotic substances.

The seized material has been taken into custody for further examination and investigation, officials said.

They added that security agencies have launched a probe to ascertain the source and intended destination of the recovered consignment.(NVI)

Man Held With Grenades, Posters in Kulgam; UAPA Case Registered

terror module busted in Kashmir
Representative picture

Srinagar, May 21 (NVI): Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday claimed to have apprehended a person and recovered two hand grenades along with some posters from his possession.

Official sources that the accused has been identified as Adil Hussain Lone, son of Mohammad Sadiq Lone, a resident of Mohammadpora in Kulgam.

They said the suspect was apprehended near his native village during an operation carried out on Thursday.

Two hand grenades and some posters were allegedly recovered from his possession, they said.

In this connection, an FIR under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act has been registered at Police Station Kulgam.

Further investigation into the matter is underway, he added.(NVI)

Rain, Thunder Showers Likely Across J&K Till Saturday: Weather Advisory

File photo

Srinagar, May 21 (NVI): Multiple spells of rain and thundershowers are likely to continue across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir till Saturday, with the Kashmir region expected to witness relatively higher activity, according to a weather advisory.

Officials said intermittent showers accompanied by gusty winds, lightning and possible hailstorm activity may occur at a few places during the period. However, no continuous rainfall is expected across the Union Territory.

The advisory has urged residents, especially those in vulnerable and hilly areas, to remain cautious during periods of intense weather activity.—(NVI)

Pakistan: TTP killed 30 soldiers, injured many others in 3 days

TTP
Cadres of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - File Pic

Peshawar, May 20: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed to have killed more than 30 personnel of Pakistani security forces and injured several others in multiple attacks during three days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

The biggest attack was carried out in South Waziristan district, where a bomb was detonated, targeting a military vehicle in Shawal Lawarah on May 18.

At least 7 soldiers, including a Major, were killed and three were critically injured in this attack, TTP spokesman Muhammad Khorasani said.

One military vehicle was completely destroyed, he said.

In the same district, a soldier of Pakistan Army and another of the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) were killed in two separate attacks in Azam Warsak and Toi on the same day, according to the spokesman.

In Lakki Marwat district, the TTP carried out an explosion, targeting a Pakistani military vehicle in Ghazni Khel on the same day.

At least 4 soldiers, including a Major, were killed and 3 others seriously injured, he said.

Meanwhile, in Tajori in Lakki Marwat district on the same day, the TTP cadres ambushed a contingent of Pakistan Army when it was returning after demolishing some houses, Khorasani said.

At least one soldier was killed and another injured in this attack, he said.

In North Waziristan district’s Shiwa area, an ambush was carried out on soldiers in which one of them was killed and one vehicle was partially destroyed.

On the same day, two military personnel were killed in attacks in Tank district and one each in Khyber district and Peshawar district.

On May 17, two soldiers were killed and several injured in a defensive operation by TTP in North Waziristan district’s Mir Ali, according to the spokesman.

In a separate ambush in Mir Ali, 3 soldiers were killed and one injured in Sheratalah area.

Another soldier was killed in a sniper attack in Shewa in Mir Ali of North Waziristan district, he said.

In South Waziristan district, one soldier was killed in a sniper attack in Shaktoi on the same day.

Earlier on May 16, two Pakistani soldiers were killed and two injured in an ambush in Tank district.

In Khurram district, a soldier was killed in a sniper attack in Dogar, the spokesman said.

Another soldier was killed in a laser gun attack in Tirah Maidan in Khyber district on the same day.

Arms, Ammunition Recovered in Joint Search Operation in Bandipora Forest

File Photo

Srinagar, May 20 (NVI): Security forces on Wednesday recovered arms and ammunition during a joint search operation in a forest area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, officials said.

Official sources that a joint team Security forces launched a search-and-destroy operation (SADO) in the Sahgund forest compartment area.

During the operation, the forces recovered one Chinese grenade, two UBGL rounds, 60 rounds of AKM ammunition and two AKM magazines, he said.

The operation concluded in the evening and further investigation is underway, he added.—(NVI)

Labour Dept Issues Heatwave Advisory to Protect Workers Across J&K
Employers asked to reschedule work, ensure water, shade and health safeguards

Jammu, May 20 (NVI): The Labour Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday issued an advisory directing employers and field officers to take preventive measures to protect workers from prevailing and anticipated heatwave conditions across the Union Territory.

The advisory, aimed at safeguarding labourers engaged in factories, construction sites, brick kilns, transport, agriculture and other heat-exposed occupations, calls for strict implementation of safety measures to minimise heat-related illnesses.

According to officials, Inspectors of Factories and Assistant Labour Commissioners have been directed to ensure wide dissemination and effective enforcement of the advisory in establishments under their jurisdiction.

Employers and managements have been advised to reschedule working hours, wherever feasible, to reduce workers’ exposure during peak heat hours. The advisory also stresses the need for adequate safe drinking water, shaded rest areas, proper ventilation and cooling arrangements at workplaces.

The Labour Commissioner emphasised provision of first-aid facilities, oral rehydration salts (ORS) and electrolyte supplements, along with periodic health monitoring of workers.

Managements of factories, construction units and other heat-prone sectors have also been advised to undertake strenuous work during comparatively cooler parts of the day and provide shaded shelters near workplaces.

The advisory further underlined the need to create awareness among workers regarding symptoms of heat stress, preventive measures and emergency response mechanisms.

Special attention has been sought for vulnerable groups, including construction workers, brick-kiln labourers, migrant workers, casual labourers and daily wagers. Field officers and employers have been asked to sensitise workers about hydration, use of protective clothing and coping mechanisms during extreme heat.

The Labour Commissioner also directed concerned officers to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance and warned that any laxity in implementing the directions would be viewed seriously.(NVI)

J&K Govt Approves Naming of Schools After Martyrs, Eminent Personalities: Official

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, May 20 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the naming of several government schools after eminent personalities and martyrs in recognition of their contributions, legacy and sacrifices, officials said on Wednesday.

The decision was taken during the seventh meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

According to officials, Government Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, has been renamed after late principal Kuldeep Kumar Badyal, while Government High School, Hapatnard in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has been named after late Adil Hussain Shah.

Adil Hussain Shah had drawn widespread appreciation for his bravery and selfless conduct during the Baisaran attack, where he reportedly helped tourists reach safety and sacrificed his life in the process.

The government said the initiative aims to honour the memory and legacy of distinguished personalities and martyrs who rendered notable service and made supreme sacrifices for society.(NVI)

3 Kg Heroin Dropped via Drone Recovered Near IB in Jammu’s Bishnah Sector: Police
Consignment seized following week-long surveillance based on specific intelligence inputs; probe underway to trace cross-border narco network

Jammu, May 20 (NVI): Jammu Police on Wednesday recovered approximately three kilograms of heroin near the International Border in Bishnah sector of Jammu district, officials said.

According to police, the narcotics consignment was suspected to have been dropped through a drone from across the border.

Officials said specific intelligence inputs had been developed over the past week regarding possible drone-dropping activity in the area. Acting on the inputs, police teams maintained continuous surveillance in the suspected zone, leading to the successful recovery of the heroin consignment before it could reach its intended handlers.

A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was called to the spot for examination of the seized material, officials said.

Police said investigation has been initiated to trace both backward and forward linkages connected to the cross-border narco smuggling network.(NVI)

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