Overview
- Fisherman Nazir Ahmad Latoo reported finding the stone image while fishing in the Jhelum near Shaltang/Zogyar on December 25.
- Baramulla Police secured the artifact at Sheeri police station before a formal handover to the Archaeology Wing in Srinagar on December 26.
- Authorities have identified the sculpture as an image of Goddess Durga, with dating and stylistic analysis pending.
- Police urged residents to promptly report archaeological discoveries as part of efforts to protect cultural heritage.
- The recovery follows other riverbed finds in Kashmir, including an August discovery of a Shivling from the Jhelum now preserved and displayed at the SPS Museum.