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Srinagar: The J&K High Court on Thursday acquitted a man and a woman from south Kashmir for charges of murder and also set aside a trial court order that had convicted the duo and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

A division bench comprising justices Sanjeev Kumar and Sanjay Parihar while allowing the appeals against the trial court conviction and sentence, acquitted Shamim Ahmad Parray alias Koka Parray, son of Ismail Parray of Jablipora, and Mst Gulshana, daughter of Lassi Bhat, widow of Late Farooq Ahmad Parray (deceased), resident of Babapora, Badigam Qazigund District Anantnag.

The division bench recorded “in absence of any such material on record it would be quite hazardous to hold both the appellants guilty of offence U/S 302/34 RPC with aid of Sec.106 Evidence Act on strength of available material and evidence”.

The judges “regretted” their “inability to uphold the 2014 judgment of the trial court”. Accordingly, while allowing both these appeals, the judgment of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court was set aside.

“The appellants are acquitted of all the charges, since they are on bail, shall stand discharged of bail bonds”, they ordered and the reference for confirmation of the sentence was declined and Cr. Ref. No. 05/2014 by the government was rejected.

During the intervening night of 1st and 2nd April 2002 when prosecution witness (PW1) Gull Parray, who being brother-in law of appellant Mst Gulshana, while moving across her courtyard, found its main door locked from outside and also saw a pit having been dug in that courtyard.

On enquiring from her as to where is Farooq Ahmad (hereinafter referred to as deceased) she told him that he has been taken by Army people.

When he entered in her house, he found body of his deceased brother in a corner and on seeing that, (appellant) Mst. Gulshana started crying.

He immediately called the Police party who seized the body. This led to the registration of case FIR No. 79/2002 by Police Station Bijbehara.

It is alleged that during investigation appellants were apprehended on suspicion as there was a buzz in the area that Mst. Gulshana was having illicit relations with Shamim Ahmad Parray @ Kuka Parray.

“In order to eliminate the deceased from their discourse, she facilitated entry of co-appellant in her house without the knowledge of the deceased and when the later, entered in his house, the co-appellant (Shamim Ahmad @ Koka Parray) who had already hid himself in the eastern corner, he hit the deceased on head by pestle (Chhota) and later on throttled him to death”, the prosecution said.

It alleged that the pestle was recovered at the disclosure of Shamim Ahmad Parray and both the appellants narrated the sequence of events leading to the demise of the deceased.

During investigation an Identity Card of Shamim Ahmad Parray too was recovered from a pit that had been dug in the house of the deceased for alleged burying, but before it could happen PW-Gull Parray had informed the police, it added.

Both the appellants were therefore, accused of having killed deceased with common intention to eliminate him and were formally charged and convicted for offences under section 302/34 RPC.

They however all along pleaded not guilty.

The division bench judgment also mentioned of statements “by defence witnesses (DW) Mohammad Ibrahim Bhat, DW Mohammad Amin Parray and DW Nisar Ahmed Parray. They stated certain relatives of deceased were involved in militant activities and prior to the incident Army had raided the deceased’s house so as to search for weapons and there the two pits were dug, however, nothing could be recovered’.

The judges noted “once the evidence regarding complicity of accused No. 1 is found lacking then merely because the accused No. 2 was present in the house when the body of the deceased was first noticed by PW-1 would not lead to the presumption that she killed the deceased”.

It added “this is because the foundational facts linking her to the commission of offence stood not proved and suspicion howsoever grave cannot take place of proof in absence of legal evidence”.

The judgment read, ”it was urged that when PW-1 enquired from her as to where the deceased is, she is stated to have told him that the deceased was taken by Army personnel”.

It said “whereas, the fact remained that the body of the deceased; was inside the room. Assuming that accused-Gulshana Bano lied to the PW-1 regarding presence of deceased, the question would arise that whether on the strength of evidence available on record could she be lie before PW-1 regarding presence of deceased. To this answer has to be in negative, because if she chose not to tender any explanation in her statement under section 342 Cr.PC. Since, any explanation rendered by her is not a substantive piece of evidence rather it can be used only for appreciating the evidence led by prosecution to accept or reject it”.

Jammu: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday dismissed three government employees for their involvement with proscribed terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, officials said.

A police constable, a school teacher and a junior assistant in a government medical college were terminated under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, which allows dismissal without an inquiry “in the interest of national security”. All three are currently lodged in jail, they said.

Over 75 government employees with terror links have been dismissed so far by the LG administration.

Officials said the action is part of the administration’s continued crackdown on terror infrastructure, including overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers embedded within government institutions.

The dismissed employees were identified as Malik Ishfaq Naseer, a police constable; Ajaz Ahmed, a teacher in the School Education department; and Waseem Ahmad Khan, a junior assistant in Government Medical College, Srinagar.

The sacked employees were “active terror collaborators,” involved in logistics, arms smuggling, and aiding terror operations against security forces and civilians, a senior security official said.

“Constable Malik Ishfaq Naseer, recruited in 2007, came under suspicion during an investigation into arms smuggling in 2021. His brother Malik Asif was a Pakistan-trained LeT militant and was killed in 2018, but he allegedly continued to support the outfit while serving in the police,” he said.

“He used his position to identify safe drop locations for arms, explosives, and narcotics, and shared GPS coordinates with Pakistani handlers,” the official said.

Malik also allegedly distributed these consignments to active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. “His LeT link was exposed in September, 2021 when J&K police were investigating a case related to smuggling of arms and explosives in the Jammu region.”

“He was not only identifying the safe location, sharing the coordinates with LeT handlers in Pakistan but he was also collecting and distributing arms and ammunition to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir region enabling them to carry out terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians,” a senior security official.

He said that instead of helping the police department in fighting the terror which he was mandated for, he chose to be a mole and a collaborator and betrayed his oath and uniform.

“His betrayal of the oath and uniform has caused grave damage to the department, society and the nation,” the official added.

Ajaz Ahmed, who joined the Education Department in 2011, “was found smuggling arms, ammunition, and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen propaganda material”. He was arrested during a routine police check in November 2023.

According to the probe, “the arms were meant for militants operating in Kashmir, sent by his handler Abid Ramzan Sheikh, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen operative based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”

Ajaz Ahmed was allegedly involved in such activities for several years and he became a trusted terror associate of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in the Poonch region. “He was actively helping the terror outfit in smuggling arms, ammunition and narcotics,” the officer said.

The terror link with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen was exposed in November 2023 when police arrested Ajaz Ahmed and his friend during a routine check. Both were carrying arms, ammunition and posters of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in his car.

Waseem Ahmad Khan, a junior assistant at Government Medical College, Srinagar, appointed in 2007, was allegedly found to be part of a terror plot that led to the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his security personnel in June 2018, the officer said.

The officer said Khan was associated with both LeT and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and provided logistical support for the attack on the journalist. He allegedly accompanied the terrorists and helped them escape after the shooting.

He was arrested in August 2018 during investigations into a terror attack in Srinagar’s Batamaloo area.

Since assuming office in August 2020, LG Sinha has led a focused effort to dismantle the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. Over 75 government employees with terror links have been dismissed so far, they said.

Officials said the administration has tightened the vetting of government recruits, making police verification mandatory. “This has reduced internal sabotage risks and instilled fear among potential sympathizers,” said a senior official.

“The LG’s multi-pronged strategy — targeting terrorists, disruptors, and their enablers in government — has significantly weakened terror networks in the Union territory,” the official added.

 

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited Lal Chowk here and interacted with traders and shopkeepers.

“Interacted with the traders at Lal Chowk earlier today and reaffirmed the GoI commitment to ensure a conducive business environment,” Sinha posted on his official X handle.

The shopkeepers gave a warm welcome to the LG and conveyed their grievances to him.

He later visited Balidan Stambh, the memorial at Pratap Park in Lal Chowk for those who laid down their lives for the nation.

In a handout later, an official spokesman said the Lieutenant Governor directed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr Owais Ahmed to take immediate measures to address the issues of the traders, shopkeepers and business community.

He also gave specific instructions for improving the civic amenities at Lal Chowk.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Saleem Bhat, General Secretary Lal Chowk Traders Association, said a 14-member delegation from the traders’ body welcomed LG Sinha.

He revealed that the trade body had met LG yesterday and invited him to visit Lal Chowk.

“We raised key issues related to parking, the court complex and encroachment. The LG patiently listened and assured us that necessary solutions will be taken up promptly,” he said.

The Lt Governor, who has been on the invitation of the Lal Chowk Traders Association, had tea at a local fabric shop.

Bhat said officials, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar and other officers, accompanied LG Sinha during the visit. They also took note of the concerns raised by the traders.

Meanwhile, as part of the visit, the Lieutenant Governor stepped into a fabric shop, ‘NK Mehra Fabrics’, located near the popular “Mummy Please” outlet in Lal Chowk. He sipped tea there and assured them of a timely solution to their issues.

Srinagar: Observing that mere registration of FIR cannot make ground for refusal to issue, renew or impound passport, the J&K High Court has directed the authorities to release or issue a fresh passport to former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Sajad Ahmad Khan, whose passport had been impounded for being allegedly involved in illegal arms license case.

Khan retired from service in 2018 and aspired to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca and Madina. He was aggrieved of the decision by the government of India to seize and impound his passport.

He in 2021 had also approached the CBI-designated Anti-Corruption Court for release of his travel document but his plea was rejected.

An FIR was lodged against Khan and many other deputy commissioners of J&K besides some top police officers for being involved in issuance of illegal arms licences.

The Regional Passport Officer, Srinagar had sent an e-mail to Khan informing him that his passport has been suspended due to Section 10(3) (c) i.e. security threat to India.

The case was today heard by Justice Sindhu Sharma who recorded that mere pendency of the investigation would not give power to the authorities to impound the passport under Section 10(3)(e).

“Since mere registration of the FIR by the investigation agency is also no ground for refusal to issue, renew or impound the passport. It is only upon the filing of a charge sheet and the court taking cognizance of the offence that it may be said that a criminal case is actually pending,” he said.

The bench set aside the communication dated 03.02.2023, directing impounding of the passport of the petitioner. It directed the Regional Passport Officer to pass an appropriate order either to release the passport of the petitioner or issue a fresh passport to him after completion of all formalities.

The bench also set aside the 2021 order by the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, CBI Cases, Jammu, to the extent of refusal to release passport to Khan.

The bench said, since the passport of the petitioner was impounded under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, the petitioner has a right to be heard to oppose the ground on which his passport sought to be impounded.

The email/notice by passport officer at asking the petitioner to contact him is issued as a meaningless formality, it said.

Justice Sharma noted “the power to impound the passport under Section 10 of the Passports Act is a serious restriction on the fundamental rights of the citizen and order of impounding/suspending passport without sufficient cause or without following principles of natural justice is liable to be set aside”.

He cited the apex court judgment titled Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, saying it is a well settled law that principles of natural justice are to be read in any action under Section 10(3) (c) of the Act. “For this reason, the action of impounding of passport is liable to be set aside”.

The court said that if the passport of the petitioner is impounded under this Section, the authority must record in writing a brief statement of reasons for passing such an order as per the mandate of Section 10 sub section (5) of the Act.

Admittedly, this requirement has not been complied with by the respondents. This apart, the impugned order has been passed not following the principles of natural justice, it noted.

The court said “the respondents have not provided opportunity of hearing to the petitioner. The respondents have failed to place any material on record to indicate that the impounding of the passport of the petitioner was with regard to the security concerns of the Union Territory of J&K and the fact that impounding of passport was necessary in the interest of security of India”.

Thus, the order of impounding the passport of the petitioner under Section 10(3)(c) has not been validly exercised, the court said.

The court made it clear that mere pendency of the investigation would not give power to the authorities to impound the passport under Section 10(3)(e).

“Since mere registration of the FIR by the investigation agency is also no ground for refusal to issue, renew or impound the passport. It is only upon the filing of a charge sheet and the court taking cognizance of the offence that it may be said that a criminal case is actually pending”, it said further.

It added “mere registration of a criminal case against a person does not amount to proceedings being pending against him before a criminal court. Clause (e) of Section 10(3) applies only if the proceedings in respect to the offence alleged to have been committed are pending before the criminal court where the passport is impounded. The proceedings are pending only if a chargesheet has been filed, which is not the case. As no chargesheet has been filed, therefore, the passport could not have been impounded”.

 

 

Jammu: The fruit growers of Kashmir are excited as a parcel train containing 24 tonnes of cherry left Katra station for Mumbai on Saturday, marking the first such initiative which was described by the Jammu division of the Northern Railway as “historic”.

The parcel train, which will reach Mumbai’s Bandra station within 30 hours, was earlier scheduled for June 3 but was advanced to facilitate two more indents for loading of cherries, one from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station and another from Jammu station, in the coming days, a railway official said.

The fruit growers in Kashmir welcomed the initiative and hoped that the much-awaited Kashmir rail link will be connected to the railway network soon to facilitate transportation of the perishable fruits directly from the valley to various destinations across the country.

“Today will be counted as a historic day in the recently created Jammu division of Northern Railway as railways took a unique initiative to transport 24 tonnes of cherry from Katra to Bandra Terminus,” Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Northern Railway, Jammu, Uchit Singhal said.

He said it has been possible after a lot of discussion among the Railway authorities, fruit growers’ associations and horticulture department of Jammu Kashmir.

“After this success, Jammu division has two more indents for loading of cherries, one from Katra and one from Jammu, in the coming days to transport the produce to different destination stations,” Singhal said.

He said this is a good beginning and the initiative would be a win-win situation for both railways and fruit growers and in turn the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ali Mohammad, a member of New Kashmir Fruit Association Srinagar, who reached Katra to oversee the loading of cherry said this is a very good initiative by the Northern Railways as it will not only reduce the time taken by the perishable produce to reach its destination but will also bring down the transportation charges.

“We brought cherries in trucks from Kashmir and loaded it in the parcel train before it left for its destination in Mumbai at 10 am,” he said.

However, he said they are eagerly waiting for the start of the direct rail service between Kashmir and the rest of the country so that the produce is loaded at the train in different stations in the valley, bringing more respite to the fruit producers.

“We request the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the rail service to Kashmir as soon as possible since the track is ready for a long time now. Earlier, we used to book the parcel train from Amritsar and this is for the first time we have booked the cargo from Katra and hope that the day is not far when we book it from stations in the valley itself,” he said.

The Prime Minister was supposed to inaugurate the direct train service from Katra in Jammu to Srinagar early this month but the function was put on hold due to inclement weather. No new dates were announced for the inauguration so far. (With PTI Inputs)

Srinagar: Wintery-chill has returned to Kashmir as several areas in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday while rains lashed the plains.

Snowfall was recorded in Tulail and Razdan Top areas of Gurez valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Peer Ki Gali in south Kashmir’s Shopian, Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh highway and some other areas in the higher reaches, officials said.

They said the authorities have closed the Bandipora-Gurez road as a precautionary measure in the wake of snowfall.

The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain.

The inclement weather caused temperatures to drop across Kashmir.

While the minimum temperature went down by up to 3 degrees, the maximum temperature on Friday was 3-5 degrees below normal, the meteorological department said.

It said there is a possibility of widespread light to moderate rain or thundershowers with light snow over the higher reaches over the next 24 hours.

 

SRINAGAR: As a part of ‘Operation Shield’, a Civil Defence Mock Drill was conducted here on Saturday across all the districts of Kashmir, aimed at bolstering readiness and addressing critical gaps to handle emergencies, and ensure the safety of critical installations and residents.

This drill was a part of nationwide efforts organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs for emergency preparedness.

In Srinagar, a Civil Defence Mock Drill was conducted at Amar Niwas Complex today to assess ground preparedness regarding Civil Defence, Emergency Response in Srinagar District.

The exercise took place in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority.

Personnel from multiple Civil Defence services participated in the Mock Drill as part of the nationwide exercise to test and strengthen their preparedness.

The ‘Operation Shield’ has been designed to simulate hostile situations, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and various emergency response actions, to evaluate the preparedness of civil authorities, emergency services, and local populations.

The Drill was also aimed at replicating real-time scenarios that may arise from potential external threats, any troublesome circumstances, besides measures being taken to further strengthen the Civil Defence mechanisms, ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and citizen safety.

The Drill is expected to significantly improve inter-agency coordination, public awareness, and the ability of the administration to respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of any hostile act or natural disaster and test the effectiveness of safety protocols.

Poonch: Union Home Minister Amit Shah Friday distributed government job appointment letters among the families affected by the cross-border attacks in Poonch district and said the Centre would introduce a relief package for them in the days to come.

The Poonch sector witnessed heightened artillery and mortar shelling after India carried out strikes under Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam massacre.

A wave of artillery shelling, missile, and drone attack by Pakistan killed 28 people — 14 in Poonch district alone — and injured more than 70 across Jammu and Kashmir between May 7 and 10.

A programme to provide government jobs to the families of those killed in the condemnable attack by Pakistan was organised here today.

“The compensation and jobs cannot fully make up for the loss of life, but they are a symbol of the sentiments of the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Government of India, and the people of the entire nation,” Shah told the affected families in his address here.

He emphasized that the whole country stands with them like a rock.

The Union Home Minister expressed his condolences to the families affected by Pakistan’s aggression on residential areas, temples, gurdwaras, and mosques in Poonch.

“The spirit of patriotism that has emerged among the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir — from the Valley to Poonch and Kathua — following the Pahalgam terrorist attack has strengthened the resolve of the entire nation,” he said.

Shah said Indian forces demolished the headquarters of terrorist organizations located inside Pakistan’s borders.

“Due to the determination of Prime Minister Modi, the precise intelligence provided by our agencies, and the remarkable courage and pinpoint accuracy of the military, hundreds of terrorists were eliminated.”

He remarked that while India attacked terrorists, Pakistan perceived it as an attack on itself, revealing to the world that it shelters and sponsors terrorism.

The Union Home Minister clarified that India did not target any military or civilian facility in Pakistan. “With utmost precision and restraint, Indian forces completely destroyed Pakistan-sponsored terrorist bases,” he said.

He added that following India’s strikes, a “rattled” Pakistan resorted to firing on residential areas in Jammu and Kashmir, with Poonch suffering the most damage. “Pakistan fired on all residential areas, temples, gurdwaras, and madrassas in Poonch,” he said, adding the world is now strongly condemning Pakistan’s attacks on civilians.

He further said that when Pakistan attacked residential areas and unarmed civilians, the Indian Army responded robustly by damaging nine of their airbases and military capabilities.

Shah asserted that under PM Modi’s leadership, India has a clear security policy. “Our army will not tolerate any kind of interference with our civilians or along our borders.”

“For the damage caused to people’s homes and commercial establishments in Poonch, the Government of India will bring a relief package in the coming days,” he announced.

Shah also commended the Jammu and Kashmir administration for standing by the people throughout the crisis. “The administration promptly evacuated thousands of people to safe locations, which reduced casualties significantly,” he added.

Home Minister Shah also asserted that the development of Jammu and Kashmir, which he said began in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will not stop or slow down despite recent provocations, and warned that those attempting to harm India will face a “strong and decisive” response.

Delivering a message of reassurance and resolve from the border district of Poonch, Shah said the pause in development caused by recent disturbances is only momentary, and the Union Territory’s progress will soon regain its momentum.

The home minister lauded the bravery and readiness of the armed forces and the civil administration, acknowledging the sacrifice of a senior official during the recent India-Pakistan military conflict.

“The development of Jammu and Kashmir will neither stop nor slow down. The pace that began in 2014 will continue. Anyone who tries to harm us will receive a strong and befitting reply,” Shah said, addressing people here.

Shah said that immediately after Prime Minister Modi assumed office in 2014, a decision was taken to construct bunkers along the border to protect civilians. “More than 9,500 bunkers have been built so far, which played a crucial role in saving lives in the last three days,” he said.

He added that the Government of India, in coordination with the UT administration, will build more bunkers in the coming days to further enhance civilian protection in border areas.

Standing firmly with the residents of the border region, Shah said, “The entire nation and the governments of India and Jammu and Kashmir stand with you like a rock. The acts committed by terrorists and Pakistan will only make India’s defence policy stronger.”

Reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s firm stance on terrorism, Shah asserted, “Terror and talks cannot go together. Terror and trade cannot go together. Blood and water cannot flow together.”

Stressing on peace and progress, Shah said, “I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the development that began in 2014 will resume with full force. Anyone who tries to disrupt it will be given a powerful and befitting reply.”

He said more than 118 Pakistani forward posts and their surveillance system were completely destroyed by the BSF during Operation Sindoor, dealing a major blow to the neighbouring country.

Concluding his two-day tour of the Jammu region to review the security situation, preparation for the Amarnath Yatra and to interact with victims of shelling, Shah commended the Border Security Force (BSF) for its resolute response to Pakistani aggression during the four days of conflict earlier this month.

Damaging and destroying so many posts in such a short period is a remarkable achievement, he said, adding that dismantling the enemy’s surveillance network is a significant blow and it would take Pakistan years to rebuild the system.

“During Operation Sindoor, the BSF destroyed more than 118 Pakistani posts,” he said.

“When Pakistan responded to our anti-terror operations by attacking our borders and civilian areas, it was the BSF jawans of the Jammu Frontier who retaliated by destroying and damaging over 118 posts.

“They dismantled the enemy’s entire surveillance system piece by piece — a system that will take them four to five years to rebuild.”

Shah said that according to information he received from the BSF director general, Pakistan had suffered the biggest blow to its communication systems and surveillance equipment, rendering them “incapable of waging a full-fledged information-based war for quite some time”.

Praising the BSF’s readiness even during times of relative peace, Shah said their intelligence enabled precise pre-emptive action.

“This proves that even during peacetime, you kept a vigilant eye… Based on your accurate intelligence, a precise counter-strategy was prepared well in advance. When the opportunity arose, you implemented it with success.” (With PTI Inputs).

Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here on Friday evening on a two-day visit to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and reach out to shelling-hit affected people in Poonch, officials said.

Upon arrival, Shah was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials at the technical airport in Jammu and proceeded to Raj Bhawan, Jammu, where he chaired a high-level security review meeting.

“Top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and civil administration participated in the meeting,” official sources said.

They said that the main focus of the meeting was the security of Amarnath Yatra, counter terrorism measures, Operation Sindoor and strengthening of the anti-infiltration grid.

This is Shah’s first visit to the Union Territory post Operation Sindoor.

Shah, during his stay in the Jammu region, will meet shelling-hit people and the BSF personnel in the region, sources said.

After a night stay in Jammu, Shah will fly to Poonch and interact with shelling-hit families during his visit to Poonch on Friday.

He will also visit damaged religious places, including the Singh Sabha Gurdwara and hold a meeting with officers to assess the damage in the worst-hit district, officials said.

The minister will also visit the Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Poonch and interact with the jawans.

He will address the civilians affected by Pakistani shelling at Dak Bungalow in Poonch and the BSF soldiers at their Unit Headquarters at Khanetar.

Shah is likely to distribute appointment letters among the next of kin of civilians killed in the shelling, they said.

This will be the Home minister’s third visit to Jammu and Kashmir since April 6 and first after the Indian armed forces struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.

After conducting a three-day tour on April 6, Shah again visited Kashmir on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack.