Bandipora, Oct 26: A suspected object was found at Chimpazpora, Ajas near Ziyarat in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Sunday morning, officials said.

According to reports, the Srinagar–Bandipora road has been blocked as a precautionary measure following the recovery of the suspicious object. “Police and security forces are on the job,” an official said, adding that a bomb disposal squad has been called to the spot.

Further details are awaited.—(KNC)

Baramulla, Oct 26: Army recovered two old shells during a search operation in the forest area of Dogripora in Rafiabad, north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Officials said the shells were later destroyed safely by the Bomb Disposal Squad.

According to defense sources, troops of the 32 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) detected two suspicious metallic objects while conducting a routine search in the Dogripora forest area. The site was immediately cordoned off, and the bomb disposal team was summoned to examine and neutralize the explosives.

After proper technical assessment and adherence to safety protocols, both shells were destroyed in a controlled explosion by the BDS squad. “The operation was conducted smoothly without any damage or injury. The recovered shells appeared to be old and rusted.” [KNT]

Shopian, Oct 25: In an inspiring example of innovation and dedication, a progressive farmer from South Kashmir’s Shopian district has successfully cultivated both indoor and outdoor saffron, breaking traditional barriers and setting a new benchmark for sustainable farming practices in the region.

Haroon Rashid, 57, a resident of Vehil village in Shopian, has transformed his passion for farming into a model of agricultural innovation. From growing vegetables and fruits on the rooftop of his house to cultivating the world’s most precious spice indoors, Haroon’s efforts are earning him recognition as a trendsetter among local growers.

Haroon said he began experimenting with rooftop farming a few years ago. “Initially, I started growing different kinds of vegetables, fruits and even medicinal plants on the slab of my two-storey house. The results were encouraging,” he said.

“I have been now growing saffron both indoor and outdoor from last several last few years and with each passing year, the quality of crop and results are getting better,” he said

He credited the horticulture and agriculture departments for their consistent guidance and technical support. “Whenever I faced any challenge, officials from these departments were always ready to help. Their motivation kept me going,” he added.

He learned about indoor saffron farming a few years ago from experts at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Balpora, Shopian and the India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) Dusoo, Pampore. With their guidance, he decided to give it a try and the results exceeded expectations and he is further progressing with each year.

Haroon took a step further later and began cultivating outdoor saffron using hydroponic techniques, a method that allows plants to grow without soil by using nutrient-rich water. “Both indoor and outdoor saffron have shown excellent results. This year, the yield and quality have improved even more compared to last year as every year gives you new experience,” he said.

“Outdoor saffron, though grown on a smaller scale, has started flowering this year, while the indoor crop is already in full bloom. We are getting better yields with each passing season,” Haroon added.

He believes indoor saffron cultivation could revolutionize the sector, especially in the wake of changing climatic conditions that have been affecting traditional saffron fields. “Indoor saffron eliminates all weather-related risks. Even people without land can now grow saffron in their homes. It’s a big opportunity for young entrepreneurs and small farmers,” he said.

Haroon’s success story, he says, is built on hard work, guidance and innovation. “Where there is a will, there is a way. Farmers should take full advantage of government schemes, seek advice from experts, and adopt new technologies. This is how we can become self-reliant and successful,” he emphasized.

Agriculture officials also see immense potential in Haroon’s approach. “Climate change has started impacting traditional saffron cultivation. Earlier, saffron didn’t need irrigation, but now it does. Under such circumstances, indoor saffron can play a vital role in maintaining production and meeting market demand,” said an official from the agriculture department.

With every passing year, Haroon’s indoor and outdoor saffron fields are yielding better results—demonstrating that innovation, when combined with determination and proper guidance, can truly redefine Kashmir’s farming landscape—(KNO)

Srinagar, Oct 26: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam’s live concert in Srinagar would give a major fillip to the Union Territory’s tourism sector and provide a valuable platform for local artistes to showcase their talent before a wider audience.

The Lieutenant Governor’s remarks came as the city geared up for the high-profile concert, expected to draw large crowds and highlight Kashmir’s growing appeal as a cultural and tourist hub, with less than 20 hours left for the event to begin.

Sinha praised NDTV Good Times for hosting a star-studded concert in Srinagar featuring Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam, calling it a major boost for local artistes and the Union Territory’s thriving tourism sector.

Speaking to NDTV in Srinagar, the LG Sinha said, “I would like to thank NDTV that Sonu Nigam jaisey kalakaar Srinagar aa rahe hain. Sthanik kalakaaron ko NDTV ne avsar diya hai. Inki charcha poori valley mein hai, aur mujhe lagta hai bohot saare log is karyakram ko dekhne aur sunne aayenge.”

Highlighting the rise in tourist inflow, Sinha said, “A lot of tourists, both domestic and international, have been visiting Jammu and Kashmir since 2019. The number of tourists coming from abroad increased after the G20 Summit.”

He added that more than two crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir annually over the past three to four years, describing it as a reflection of growing confidence and a message to the world that “Kashmir is a safe place for tourists.”

Commenting on the Amarnath Yatra and recent challenges, the LG said, “Despite the terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent natural issues like landslides, the tourism sector revived strongly later. I hope your concert will further boost tourism.”

Sinha also acknowledged the contribution of Bollywood and local talent in promoting Kashmir’s cultural identity. “The local artistes are very talented. I hope they get opportunities and platforms to showcase their skills to the world,” he said.

While the Lieutenant Governor mentioned he would be unable to attend the Sonu Nigam concert due to Chhath Puja, he confirmed his participation in another NDTV Good Times event ‘Harmony by the Ganga’ featuring A.R. Rahman scheduled in Varanasi on November 14. (KNC)

Srinagar, Oct 25: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Saturday produced a chargesheet in a terror recruitment case before the Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar.

A statement of CIK issued here said that chargesheet was presented in case FIR No 07/2023 under Section 153-A, 505, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 13, 18, 18-B, 39 of the UAPA of Police Station CIK Srinagar against terrorist associate Aadil Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Muhammad Khan of Drien Qazigund, Anantnag.

It said that the case pertains to a terror recruitment module being clandestinely operated through social media platforms, with the objective of radicalising and recruiting impressionable youth of J&K into the ranks of proscribed terrorist organisations, particularly those sponsored and controlled from across the border.

The statement said that the investigation was initiated on the basis of credible information that unscrupulous individuals and entities based in Pakistan, in connivance with terrorist handlers of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other banned outfits, were using social media to lure Kashmiri youth and instigate them to wage war against the sovereignty and integrity of India.

It said that during the investigation, three accused persons were earlier found involved and charge sheeted before the court and were identified as Waseem Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh of Kandoora Budgam; Junaid Ahmad Mir, son of late Abdul Jabbar Mir of Tikkipora Lolab; and Shabir Ahmad Gojri, son of Abdul Salam of Darbagh Harwan, Srinagar.

The statement also reads that further investigation uncovered the active role of accused Aadil Ahmad Khan, who had been operating a dedicated online recruitment network through Facebook and Twitter, disseminating secessionist, anti-national, and pro-terror content.

It said that his online activities were aimed at glorifying terrorism, promoting violent extremism, and motivating youth to join proscribed terrorist organisations.

The statement said that the investigation established that Aadil was actively aiding and abetting terrorist propaganda by sharing and amplifying digital content aligned with the agenda of Pakistan-based terror groups and their offshoots and front organisations.

It said that his online radicalisation efforts were coupled with ground-level facilitation of terror recruitment.

The statement said that the case was being investigated by CIK with a focus on identifying and dismantling the wider online terror ecosystem, including handlers, sympathisers, and digital facilitators operating from within and outside J&K.

The CIK officials said that more arrests and disclosures were expected as the investigation progresses.