Srinagar, May 21 : Director Horticulture Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, KAS today inspected R P Nowgam nursery in District Pulwama and directed Chief Horticulture Officer Pulwama to ensure proper irrigation facility on war footing basis so that entire plantation at the nursery is survived. He also advised to ensure the execution of quality work and also highlighted the importance of producing different kinds of fruit plants in the nursery as per the requirements/demand of growers.

Director Horticulture also visited various departmental nurseries and extension offices in District Shopian. While inspecting the departmental nursery at Haripora the work was found satisfactory and directions were given on spot for more improvement in the developmental activities in the said nursery. The Chief Horticulture Officer Shopian has requested for allotment of funds for construction of store cum office building in Haripora, besides uprooting of senile orchard, land leveling and plantation of more raising of high density as well as there. Instructions were given to the CHO Shopian submission of Detailed Project Report in respect of such works so that funds can be arranged accordingly.

Director Horticulture visited Advanced Centre for Horticulture Development Zainapora, the nursery established at the farm was inspected where 60000 Apple colonel rootstock (M9) was transplanted. The overall survival of rootstock was on expected lines of around 95% as observed at site. Farm Manager was directed to project the demand in respect of creation of more infrastructure required at the farm for production of quality plant material and instructions were given to submit the proposal so that the issue can be taken up with the Administrative department for arrangement of funds.

Director Horticulture also visited various Offices including Horticulture Development Office, Awantipora, where the concerned HDO was found absent from duty and was placed under suspension. Director Horticulture also instructed nursery staff and other officials to remain punctual, dedicated in performing the Government duties.

Srinagar, May 21 : Locals on Tuesday found skeleton of a man missing for nearly two years at forests of Hangnikote in Vilgam, Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Reports reaching GNS said some locals while collecting the Morel Mushroom Spores (Guesh) in the forests spotted the human skeleton along with an identity card.

As per the card, the identity of the deceased is Mohammad Akram Mir (70) son of Abdul Aziz Mir of Sharkoot Vilgam, they said.

According to locals Akram was a retired employee of Sheep Husbandary Department and had gone missing on 22/07/2017.

The family had also lodged a missing report in police station Vilgam on next day after Akram did not return home.

Meanwhile, a police team and army’s 15 RR rushed to the spot soon after the news about the lying of male skeleton spread in the area.

Confirming the incident, Station House Officer (SHO) Vilgam Mohammad Suleman told GNS that they have received the information about lying of the skeleton in the forests and a police team was immediately despatched to the spot.

“We are on the way to Hangnikote forests to ascertain the details. It will take about an hour to reach to the site,” SHO said.

A local who was part of the group which spotted the male skeleton told GNS that it seems that the man might have been mauled to death by wild animals. (GNS)

Shopian,  May 21 : A gunfight has started between government forces and militants in forests of keller area of Shopian.

An official told that on specific inputs about the presence of militants in forests of Yawran area of keller in South Kashmir’s Shopian joint team of forces including 23 paras launched search operation in the area.

On intensifying search operation towards suspected spot, hiding militants fired upon forces triggered encounter, he said

As per sources told that  two to three militants are believed to be trapped. (KNO)