Want justice, not compensation: Family of J-K cop killed in case of 'mistaken identity'
Jagti camp (Jammu)(PTI): The family of slain policeman Ajay Dhar, who was apparently shot dead by a colleague in a case of mistaken identity in Kupwara, accused the police department of attempting a "cover-up", and demanded justice.
Dhar, a follower in the police department posted in Handwara, died in the early hours of Wednesday after being shot by a sentry guarding a temple who mistook him for a militant, officials said.
According to preliminary investigation, Dhar was going from the Handwara police station to sleep at the temple located in main Handwara town, they said.
"The victim was using headphones on his mobile phone. When he reached near the temple, the guard there observed suspicious movement and signalled him to stop. Dhar apparently could not hear the sentry, prompting him to open fire," one of the officials said on Wednesday.
As Dhar's mortal remains reached his residence at Jagti camp on the outskirts of Jammu city on Thursday, hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits gathered outside and held protests, demanding a probe into the killing.
"Please return my son alive. Who fires at the head of a person," Dhar's grief-stricken mother lashed out.
Speaking to reporters, the victim's younger sister, Neha, said, "We want justice for my brother Ajay, not compensation or money. The police are telling lies. We want a high level probe by the NIA."
She added that they don't trust the statements of the police, and the government must order a probe by either the NIA or the CBI.
"It is a cold-blooded murder," another family member alleged.
Lashing out at the administration and the police for their failure to safeguard Kashmiri Pandits in the valley, Ajay Dhar's grandmother said, "We want justice and punishment to those involved in it, not compensation."
Terming the incident a "cold-blooded murder", the BJP accused the police of a cover-up and demanded a high-level probe.
J-K BJP vice-president Ajay Bharti said the incident will have repercussions on the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley if a probe is not ordered.
Kashmiri Pandit leader Vikas Raina also demanded a probe by CBI into the circumstance of his death.
Several KP organisations, including the APMCC, HGT, ASKPC, KPC, AIKS, KPS and the Panun Kashmir, also demanded a high-level probe.
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KMES Institutions shine in SSLC result, continue four-decade legacy of education in rural Karkala
Karkala: KMES Institutions of Education at Kukkundooru in Karkala taluk has recorded outstanding results in the 2025-26 SSLC and PUC examinations, continuing a four-decade educational journey that began with just 22 kindergarten students and no building of its own.
The institution secured a 100 per cent result in the SSLC examinations, with all 43 students passing the examination this year.
Muhammad Arman Shahid emerged as the school topper by scoring 619 marks out of 625, securing 99 per cent and also ranking sixth at the state level. He scored full marks in Kannada, Hindi, Mathematics and Social Science.
Krithika V. Nayak secured the second position in the school with 607 marks and 97.12 per cent, while Arhan stood third with 605 marks and 96.8 per cent.
Out of the 43 students, 21 passed with distinction, 19 secured first class, two students obtained second class and one student passed in third class. Fourteen students scored above 90 per cent.
The institution also performed strongly in the PUC examinations. The Science stream recorded a 100 per cent result, with all 44 students passing, while Commerce secured a 98 per cent pass percentage.
Twelve students scored full marks in different subjects, including Mathematics.
In Commerce, Deeksha Acharya topped the college with 588 marks, while Harshitha H. Kini secured the second position with 581 marks.
In Science, Naveen B. Nayak emerged as topper with 586 marks, followed closely by Sameeksha Moily and Aifa Nidha, who both secured 585 marks.
Speaking about the achievement, High School head teacher Shrimati Patkar said the institution has always focused on supporting academically weak students through affordable education and free special classes.
“Our ambition is to provide quality education even to students who struggle in studies. The fees are very low, and free coaching classes are conducted. I have worked here for 28 years and have always found the atmosphere supportive of education,” she said.
Primary School head teacher Lolita Zeena D’Silva appreciated the dedication of the teaching staff and said the school encourages students not only to achieve high marks but also to become role models.
PU College Principal Balakrishna Rao said the institution focuses on value-based education and overall personality development.
“The aim is to help students succeed not only academically but also in cultural activities, sports and leadership. We encourage qualities such as patience, tolerance and discipline,” he said.
Rao also credited the institution’s growth to the support of founders K.S. Mohammed Masood and K.S. Nissar Ahmed, along with President K.S. Imtiaz Ahmed.
Speaking on the occasion, Imtiaz Ahmed said the institution was built on the dream of making quality education accessible to financially backward families in rural areas.
He said the guidance and encouragement of his elder brothers, Mohammed Masood and Nissar Ahmed, along with the contribution of teachers, students and parents, helped transform the institution into a model educational centre.
The KMES Institutions trace their roots back to 1984, when they were founded by senior social activists Haji P.M. Khan, K.S. Nazeer Ahmed and Haji A.S. Rashid Haider.
The institution initially functioned from the Government Urdu School premises as it did not have a building of its own. Classes began with only 22 students in lower kindergarten and two teachers.
Later, under the leadership of K.S. Mohammed Masood and with continuous financial and moral support from non-resident businessman K.S. Nissar Ahmed, the institution gradually expanded.
In 1993, the school shifted to its own building and began conducting classes from LKG to Class 5.
As student admissions increased, Nissar Ahmed personally funded the construction of three additional classrooms to address infrastructure shortages.
The institution’s new school building was completed in 1997, while the PU College building was constructed in 2001.
From humble beginnings in a borrowed building to producing state-level rank holders and consistent academic results, the KMES Institutions have grown into one of the prominent educational centres in the Karkala region.
