Gulmarg, Sep 01: Gulmarg, famed for its winter slopes, is preparing to welcome a new chapter in adventure tourism as the inaugural Zabarvan Legends Series is scheduled to be held from October 9 to 12.

The event, billed as India’s premier international mountain sports initiative, will bring together 50 athletes, including 25 from overseas, for a series of mountain biking competitions. The races will cover alpine forests, meadows and steep descents, designed to push the limits of both skill and stamina.

Organisers told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the event seeks to project Gulmarg not just as a winter destination but as a year-round hub for outdoor adventure. “The Zabarvan Legends Series is not just a race, it’s a movement,” said Sehan Shetty, Founder and Owner of Zabarvan. “We want to celebrate the natural grandeur of Gulmarg, bring global attention to India’s mountain sports potential, and create new opportunities for tourism, sport, and local communities.”

Supported by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and backed by corporate partners, the Gulmarg leg highlights the synergy between adventure sport and sustainable tourism. The Zabarvan Legends Series will also expand beyond Kashmir, with upcoming editions planned for Shillong and Guwahati, linking diverse mountain landscapes under a single sporting banner.

The initiative is expected to provide fresh impetus to the Valley’s tourism sector, which has seen a steady rise in footfall this year. By showcasing Gulmarg’s potential for summer adventure sports, the organisers hope to diversify tourism opportunities and provide local communities with new avenues of livelihood. [KNT]

Baramulla, Sep 01: Police in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district arrested three persons on Sunday after recovering contraband substance from their possession during a checkpoint operation in Tangmarg.

A police party from Police Station Tangmarg, led by the Station House Officer, intercepted three individuals at Drung crossing. The accused were identified as Altaf Ahmad Hajam son of Mohammad Abdullah Hajam, Suhail Ahmad Lone son of Mohammad Maqbool Lone and Mudasir Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Nabi Lone, all residents of Waniloo Hajibal.

During their search, police recovered around 20 grams of a brown sugar-like substance, suspected to be narcotics. The trio was taken into custody and shifted to Police Station Tangmarg where they remain lodged.

Police said a case under FIR number 67/2025 has been registered under sections 8, 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway. [KNT]

Budgam, Sep 01: A farmer from Rawatpora village in Khag area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district sustained injuries on Monday morning after being attacked by a wild bear.

The injured has been identified as Abdul Qayoom Tokhar, son of Rasool Tokhar.

Eyewitnesses said the bear suddenly appeared and attacked him while he was on a routine visit to his orchard. Hearing his cries, villagers rushed to the spot and managed to rescue him.

Tokhar was initially taken to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Beerwah, where doctors provided first aid before referring him to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for advanced treatment. His condition is stated to be under observation.

The incident has sparked concern among locals, who said the movement of wild animals has increased in the area in recent months.

Locals have urged the Wildlife Department and District Administration to intensify patrolling and adopt preventive measures to ensure the safety of people living close to forest areas. [KNT]