Escaping militant killed in blast, infiltration bid foiled in J&K
Srinagar/Jammu: A militant was killed and a policeman injured in a grenade attack at a police station, one civilian was injured in a clash with security forces, while an infiltration bid was foiled in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.
A Hizbul Mujahideen militant, in police custody, was killed when his fellow militants hurled a grenade at a police station in Pulwama district to help him escape."Terrorist Mushtaq Ahmad Chopan died in the grenade explosion while trying to escape from Tral police station," said Director General of Police S.P. Vaid.
A police constable sustained minor injuries in the blast.
Riyaz Ahmad was injured in the clash in Hajan area where militants and security forces had exchanged fire earlier in the day, a police officer said. Taking advantage of the clashes, the militants hiding in the area managed to escape, reports said.
In another incident, Border Security Force troopers foiled an infiltration bid across the International Border in Samba district.
Alert troopers noticed suspicious movement near one of the border outposts in Samba around 5 a.m. and opened fire and used illumination flares, leading to group of militants trying to infiltrate into Indian territory being forced to withdraw, an official said.
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Parents burn children with incense sticks to treat fever in Karnataka's Koppal instead of medicine
Koppal: In a disturbing case of superstition-driven child abuse, several families in Vithalapur village of Koppal district have been reportedly burning their children with incense sticks to treat common fevers instead of consuming medicines.
The practice, which has also allegedly resulted in death of seven-month-old baby, has drawn strong condemnation from health officials and social activists.
According to a report by The New Indian Express, at least 18 such cases have come to light, following the recent death of the infant whose mother allegedly used a burning incense stick as a home remedy for fever. Social activists investigating the incident revealed that many more cases likely remain unnoticed.
The villagers reportedly believe that burning the skin with incense sticks and applying agarbatti ash can cure fever and bring God’s blessings. This belief, deeply rooted in local superstition, has led to repeated cases of children being physically harmed in the name of healing.
The district administration took serious note of the issue after the infant’s death. Authorities will file cases against the parents involved in all 18 identified incidents, the report added.
Residents of Koppal expressed concern over the prevalence of such harmful beliefs. Some villagers acknowledged that certain families not only practice these rituals but actively spread their beliefs to others. They have urged the district administration and police to crack down on individuals, including self-styled godmen (‘babas’), who promote such dangerous treatments.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner has instructed local officials to increase surveillance and launch awareness about the issue among villagers.
