Srinagar, Jan 17: At least four civilians were injured on Saturday after a wild animal, suspected to be a wild boar, attacked pedestrians at Tral market area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, officials said.

The incident triggered panic among locals as the animal reportedly entered the busy market area and attacked people at random. Officials said four persons sustained injuries in the attack.

All injured individuals were promptly evacuated to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing medical treatment. Their condition was stated to be stable.

Authorities said the situation was swiftly brought under control with the intervention of concerned teams.

Officials urged locals to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary movement in the area until the situation is fully secured. [KNT]

Srinagar, Jan 17: Cold conditions tightened its grip in Kashmir with a drop in minimum temperatures as the meteorological department forecast spells of wet weather, especially in the higher reaches of the valley over the next few days.

Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius on Friday night, down from minus 1.5 degrees Celsius the previous night. Shopian in south Kashmir was the coldest recorded place in the valley, with the mercury settling at a low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, same as the previous night, while Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district registered a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, down from the previous night’s minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.

Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, which received moderate snowfall on Friday, recorded a low of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius, officials of the meteorological department said.

Qazigund, the gateway town to the valley, saw the mercury settle at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius. Kokernag recorded a low of minus 2 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, they added.

The Kashmir Valley is currently in the midst of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day harshest winter period, during which night temperatures frequently plunge several degrees below the freezing point, and chances of snowfall are the highest.

‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, which began on December 21 last year, will end on January 30, followed by ‘Chilla Khurd’ and ‘Chillai Bachha’.

The Meteorological Department has said back-to-back western disturbances would impact Kashmir, causing wet spells over the next few days.

Light snow at isolated higher reaches is possible on Saturday and Sunday, while light to moderate rain/snow is likely on January 19 and 20, it said.

The MeT office said there is a possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches on January 21, following which light to moderate rain or snow is likely till January 25. A few districts of the Chenab valley, Pir-Panjal range and south Kashmir districts might get heavy rain or snow from January 23 to 24.

Srinagar, Jan 17: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is open for two-way traffic on Saturday; however, heavy congestion was reported at several places along the vital arterial road, causing inconvenience to commuters.

Traffic officials said that despite the highway being operational for both sides, traffic jams were witnessed at multiple stretches due to high vehicle volume and frequent overtaking by motorists. Slow movement of traffic was reported, particularly at narrow and vulnerable points, leading to delays for passengers and goods carriers.

Traffic Police issued an advisory urging drivers to strictly follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking, warning that such practices are a major cause of traffic snarls on the highway. Officials said unnecessary overtaking not only disrupts smooth vehicular flow but also increases the risk of accidents on the mountainous stretch.

They appealed to drivers to maintain safe distances, adhere to traffic instructions, and cooperate with traffic personnel deployed along the route to ensure hassle-free movement. [KNT]

Srinagar, Jan 17: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, has unearthed a major employment fraud, registering a case against a former police employee for allegedly cheating innocent job seekers by falsely promising government jobs and issuing forged appointment orders, thereby siphoning off nearly ₹23 lakh from multiple victims.

In an official statement, The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, has registered a case against an individual for cheating and duping innocent people on the pretext of providing government jobs.

The case was registered following a written complaint received by the Economic Offences Wing, Srinagar. The complainants alleged that the accused, an ex-police employee, fraudulently collected an amount of approximately Rs. 23 lakhs by promising government employment. It was further alleged that the accused issued fake appointment orders and supplied forged documents, including fake identity cards, licenses, appointment letters, and fabricated police and CID verification reports, it reads.

Upon receipt of the complaint, a preliminary probe was initiated by the Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir. During the inquiry, the allegations were found to be prima facie substantiated. The investigation revealed that the accused had systematically cheated the complainants of their hard-earned money by issuing fake job orders under false assurances of government employment, it reads.

Consequently, cognizance of the matter was taken, and a case has been registered at Police Station Economic Offences Wing, Srinagar, under Sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). Further investigation into the matter is underway. (KNC)

Sonamarg, Jan 16: Higher reaches, including the Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and the Sonamarg tourist destination, received fresh snowfall on Friday afternoon.

The Zojila Pass received 6 to 7 inches of snow, which led to the closure of the highway for traffic movement.

Despite poor visibility and harsh weather conditions, a Police team at Police Post Minamarg coordinated efforts to facilitate the movement of an ambulance carrying a patient from Drass to Srinagar.

The intervention ensured that the patient received necessary medical attention without delay.

“The effort reflects the commitment and humanitarian approach of the Ladakh Police in serving the public even under extreme and challenging conditions,” a Police official said.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Police advised commuters to strictly follow official advisories and exercise caution while travelling through high-altitude passes during snowfall.

Sonamarg tourist destination also received a fresh snowfall.

Sonamarg witnessed fresh snowfall, leading to the accumulation of about 3 to 4 inches of snow.

Sonamarg has been receiving intermittent snowfall since last week, turning the meadow into a winter wonderland.

The fresh snowfall on Friday brought cheer to hundreds of tourists visiting Sonamarg.

They were seen enjoying the snowfall near Sonamarg, although the fresh snowfall brought a dip in temperature.