News Analysis India

Tag: Jammu and Kashmir

  • ‘Will Get Back What Was Snatched From Us After 2019…’: Mehbooba Mufti In Pahalgam |

    Pahalgam: The ongoing electoral battle transcends mere developmental issues; the priority is safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s core identity and interests, stated Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during a series of roadshows across various hamlets of South Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Saturday. Mehbooba rallied supporters, emphasizing that the ongoing electoral battle focuses on safeguarding the core identity and interests of Jammu and Kashmir, rather than just developmental issues. She expressed the intention to reclaim the plundered rights of Jammu and Kashmir since 5th August 2019.

    Mehbooba underscored the significance of unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to rise above partisan politics and prioritize the greater cause. She stated that the PDP is the protector of people’s interests and, if voted into power, will take the people’s voices to parliament.

    Addressing the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba remarked, “The current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a systematic assault on our rights and resources.” She highlighted issues such as skyrocketing electricity bills and the denial of employment opportunities for educated youth, asserting that the people are bearing the brunt of these injustices.

    Mehbooba alleged, “Our lands are being taken away from us, our resources and jobs are being bartered to outsiders. Our people are being turned into bonded laborers with no identity and no say,” while addressing a public rally.

    She further pledged to fight to reverse the losses incurred since 5th August 2019, promising a resurgence of rights and dignity for the people of Kashmir.

    Mehbooba assured, “I promise you that we will get back whatever was snatched away from us post 5th August 2019,” and asked people to remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity. “We must not lose hope, for history has shown that change is possible even in the darkest of times,” concluded Mufti.

  • ‘This Would Be The Last Election In The Country If…’: PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti Attacks BJP |

    SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has said that if BJP wins the upcoming parliamentary elections, it might be the last election that the country would witness. The PDP leader said that neither she is interested in becoming the Chief Minister or a Member of Parliament. Mehbooba Mufti kickstarted her election campaign from South Kashmir’s Shopian district earlier today.

    “I am compelled to stand with you all who want me to become their voice. I want to raise the voice of the oppressed,  the voice of all the youth locked in jails. Because I do not know whether there will be any elections after this or not. These elections are necessary today to raise the voice of the oppressed,” Mufti said.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) launched its election campaign from South Kashmir for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir with a vibrant road show stretching from Tahab Crossing, Circular Road in Pulwama to Sangam in Anantnag on Tuesday. 

    Mehbooba Mufti and party’s youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who is the party’s candidate from the seat, led the rally, which drew hundreds of enthusiastic participants, predominantly of youth and PDP supporters.

    Addressing the media after the event, Mehbooba Mufti extended condolences to the families affected by the recent Batwara Srinagar boat capsizing incident. Criticizing the current administration, she lamented the alleged transformation of the Union Territory into an “open jail” under the BJP-led Lt Governor’s regime.

    The PDP’s election strategy was outlined, with Mufti contesting from the remodelled Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, Para entering the fray from Srinagar-Pulwama, and Fayaz Ahmad Mir standing as the candidate from the north Kashmir constituency.

    The PDP’s decision to contest independently follows a public fallout with the National Conference despite their previous alliance in the INDIA coalition. The upcoming polls, commencing on April 19, will witness prominent contenders including former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and veteran National Conference leader Mian Altaf. Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral landscape has undergone significant changes with the state’s transition to a Union territory.

  • Tragedy Strikes As Boat Capsizes in Srinagar Outskirts: 6 Dead, 6 Rescued, 3 Missing

    Massive rescue operations involving Marcos, NDRF, SDRF, and the Indian Army are underway to locate the missing persons.

  • Jammu And Kashmir: Police Arrests 3 Terrorist Associates In Sopore |

    The Jammu Kashmir Police in Sopore have, along with other security forces, arrested 3 terrorist associates and recovered a pistol and other incriminating materials from their possession. A Police Spokesman stated, “Police, along with Army (22RR) & CRPF (179BN), at a joint checkpoint established at Fruit Mandi crossing, noticed 3 suspicious persons attempting to flee from the spot. However, the alert joint party tactfully apprehended them.”

    The arrested individuals were identified as Faisal Ahmad Kachroo, son of Farooq Ahmad Kachroo, resident of Baba Yousuf Sopore; Aquib Mehraj Kana, son of Mehraj din Kana, resident of Sangrama Sopore; and Adil Akber Gojree, son of Akbar Gojree, resident of Kushal Matoo Sopore.

    During a search, a pistol, mobile phones, and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. It is pertinent to mention here that the trio failed to justify the contents of their phones, which contained incriminating evidence.

    Accordingly, a case under FIR No. 68/2024, under relevant sections of the law, has been registered at Police Station Sopore, and an investigation has been initiated.

  • Election Facts: This Indian State Had Its Own Prime Minister Even After Independence |

    NEW DELHI: As the nation gears up for the impending Lok Sabha and assembly elections, a fascinating journey through India’s political landscape beckons us to revisit a time when the subcontinent was fragmented into 565 princely states before liberating itself from British colonial rule. These indigenous realms, staunch advocates of sovereign governance, posed a significant challenge to the vision of a unified India. Amidst the mosaic of territories comprising ‘Territories of British India,’ ‘Princely states,’ and colonial outposts of France and Portugal, the post-independence era witnessed a remarkable transition.

    Following India’s independence, a vast majority of 562 princely states pledged allegiance to the Indian Confederation, with notable exceptions like Hyderabad, Junagadh, Bhopal, and Kashmir.

    The post-independence period witnessed a fluidity in the boundaries of Indian states. From the initial count of 565 princely states and 17 provinces before partition, the landscape morphed into 14 states and 6 Union Territories post the 1956 Reorganisation of States. Subsequently, this number burgeoned to 29 states and 7 union territories by 2014, culminating in the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir, leading to 28 states and 9 Union Territories.

    Of significant historical note is the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, which retained its own Prime Minister and Sadr-e-Riyasat (Head of State) until 1965. The amendment to the J&K Constitution in 1965, under the Sixth Constitution of the J&K Amendment Act, marked a pivotal moment. The positions of Prime Minister and Sadr-e-Riyasat were supplanted by the Chief Minister and Governor, respectively, by the Congress government of the time.

    Jammu & Kashmir’s political saga unfolds with a cast of notable figures. Sir Albion Banerjee, appointed by Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, served as the first Prime Minister. His tenure was succeeded by a succession of leaders, including Mehr Chand Mahajan and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who transitioned from Head of the Administration to Prime Minister.

    However, the political landscape of J&K witnessed tumultuous shifts, epitomized by the arrest of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s directives. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad succeeded him, followed by Khwaja Shamsuddin and Congress leader Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq.It was during Sadiq’s tenure that the Central government orchestrated the transformation, marking the dawn of a new era with Sadiq assuming the mantle of the first Chief Minister.

    The constitutional evolution of J&K saw the emergence of the Sadr-e-Riyasat, a position imbued with significant electoral significance. However, subsequent amendments and political negotiations led to its eventual demise, with Karan Singh serving as the sole Sadr-e-Riyasat until its abolition in 1965, concurrently becoming the inaugural Governor.

    The intricacies of Jammu & Kashmir’s constitutional journey have been the subject of legal and political discourse. The Sixth Amendment to the J&K Constitution ushered in substantial structural changes, delineating the roles of Sadr-e-Riyasat and the Governor, albeit amidst contentious debates.

    In 1975, a Presidential Order, issued under Article 370, restricted the J&K Legislature from altering the constitutional provisions regarding the appointment and powers of the Governor.

    In a landmark ruling in December 2015, the J&K High Court deemed the conversion of Sadr-e-Riyasat into Governor unconstitutional, underscoring the significance of ‘elective’ status in preserving the state’s constitutional autonomy.

    The clamour for reinstating J&K’s autonomy to its original 1953 position reverberates through its major political parties, notably the National Conference, spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. However, attempts at restoration have been met with political resistance, underscoring the complexities entrenched within the region’s constitutional narrative.

  • J&K Assembly Polls Soon After Lok Sabha Elections: CEC Rajiv Kumar |

    NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on Saturday said that assembly elections in J&K will be held soon. CEC Rajiv Kumar, while addressing a press conference, stated that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held soon after the Lok Sabha polls.

    Speaking to reporters, CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed the issue of holding simultaneous central and state elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Kumar cited security concerns as a primary obstacle, leading the poll panel to deem it unfeasible at this time. However, he emphasized the panel’s dedication to conducting elections in the region, assuring that they would proceed following the Lok Sabha polls.

    Kumar highlighted the consensus among all parties in J&K regarding the desire for Assembly elections to coincide with parliamentary polls. Despite this shared sentiment, logistical challenges presented a significant hurdle. The sheer number of candidates expected in each Assembly segment, averaging between 10 to 12, would necessitate substantial security arrangements. Kumar explained that accommodating over 1,000 candidates would be impractical given the existing constraints.

    Nevertheless, Kumar reaffirmed the commitment of the poll panel to facilitate elections in J&K. He assured that once the current electoral processes conclude, the panel would prioritize holding polls in the region. This statement underscores the panel’s acknowledgement of the importance of democratic participation in J&K, despite the complexities involved in ensuring a secure and efficient electoral process.

    Importantly, the Lok Sabha elections in J&K will be held in five phases – April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 2. 

    The CEC also announced the dates for polls for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, which will be held in 7 phases starting from April 19. Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13, Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. Counting of votes will be held on 4 June.

    Lok Sabha Election 2024 Full Schedule

    Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13,
    Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.

    With the formal announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has also come into effect across the country. It may be noted that the tenure of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 16 and a new House must be constituted before that. In 2019, the general elections were held over seven phases from April 11 to May 19, with results declared four days later. The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats, in the 2019 general elections. 

    Total 96.8 Crore Voters Eligible To Cast Votes: CEC 

    A total of 96.8 crore voters will be eligible to cast their vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here to announce the dates of Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls to four states, Rajiv Kumar said there will be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff will be deployed to conduct the elections in the world’s largest democracy.

    “We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
    Kumar said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female.

    “We have 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters between the age group of 20-29 years,” he said, adding that 88.4 lakh voters are of PwD category, 2.18 lakhs are centenarians and 48,000 are transgenders.

  • PAGD Formed To Oppose Abrogation Of Article 370 In J&K Has Been Disbanded: Mehbooba Mufti |

    SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday accused the National Conference (NC) of reducing the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) to a “joke” after the Farooq Abdullah-led party unilaterally decided to contest all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir. The PAGD alliance in Jammu and Kashmir has been disbanded, she said. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also announced that she will move forward independently. She attributed the demise of the PAGD to the National Conference.

    Hours after National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah stated that there would be no alliance with the PDP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti shifted the decision-making responsibility to the Congress, which is part of the INDIA bloc. She mentioned that a decision would be made after consulting with the party.

    During a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Mehbooba expressed her disappointment with the NC’s decision, stating that they had achieved what the BJP could not by damaging the PAGD ( People’s Alliance for Gupkar Deceleration). She also indicated that discussions with Congress were forthcoming, and a decision would be made soon. “I am a fighter. We will engage with Congress on this matter and announce our decision soon,” she stated.

    Earlier, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah had remarked, “The situation has excluded the PDP, not the National Conference.” He questioned how they could abandon south Kashmir for the PDP, which placed third in the last LS polls. “They (PDP) speak of alliances but only target NC in their rallies and tweets,” Omar added.

    No understanding of seat sharing in Lok Sabha elections has put two big political parties of Jammu and Kashmir face to face, which will benefit BJP in Jammu and Kashmir in forthcoming parliamentary elections. 

  • Dream Come True: Meet Kashmir’s Nazim Nazeer, PM Modi’s ‘Friend’ Who Got A Selfie With Him During Srinagar Visit |

    NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR: Srinagar witnessed an extraordinary moment as a Kashmiri youth Nazim Nazeer’s dream materialized on Thursday, capturing a selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who affectionately dubbed him a “friend.” Nazim’s journey, marked by the establishment of a thriving beekeeping unit, earned him recognition among a select group invited to engage with PM Modi after his public address at Bakshi Stadium. Expressing his aspiration, Nazim sought a memorable snapshot with the PM, which materialized into a shared selfie promptly shared on social media.

    The Prime Minister later posted a tweet along with the selfie with Nazeer. “A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting, he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours,” PM Modi wrote on X.

     

    A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/zmAYF57Gbl
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024

     

    Harbinger Of ‘Sweet Revolution’: PM

    PM Modi, acknowledging Nazim’s exceptional contributions to the beekeeping sector, praised him for instigating a “sweet revolution.” Reflecting on Nazim’s narrative, PM Modi commended his transformative impact, likening it to the green and white revolutions. “We have heard of green revolution and white revolution but you have brought about sweet revolution,” PM Modi said after listening to Nazeer’s story.

     

    जम्मू-कश्मीर में पुलवामा के नाजिम नजीर जी ने मधुमक्खी पालन के क्षेत्र में जो कमाल किया है, वो हर किसी के लिए एक मिसाल है। pic.twitter.com/Laxq36zGz9


    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024

     

    Entrepreneurial Triumph

    Narrating his entrepreneurial voyage, Nazim disclosed his modest beginnings with two bee boxes evolving into a lucrative enterprise, propelled by strategic government support and financial assistance. His expansion, from 25 to 2000 boxes, alongside empowering fellow youths, underscores his commitment to growth and community development.

    Shaping Nation’s Trajectory

    PM Modi’s counsel to Nazim, urging exploration of Central Asian beekeeping methodologies, underscores a commitment to continuous learning and innovation. Emphasizing the pivotal role of youth leadership, PM Modi commended Nazim for shaping the nation’s trajectory and lauded his contributions.

    Empowering Women Entrepreneurs In J&K

    In a poignant exchange, PM Modi engaged with a group of young women entrepreneurs, celebrating their resilience and determination in establishing a bakery post acquiring food technology skills. Their success story, buoyed by government initiatives like streamlined clearances, exemplifies empowerment and self-reliance.

    Amidst PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir, his first since the abrogation of Article 370, political implications loom large. The event, perceived as a prelude to impending general elections, unfolds against the backdrop of the region’s evolving socio-political landscape. “Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am working hard only to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi ki guarantee and you know that ‘Modi ki grantee’ means, there is a guarantee of fulfilling the guarantee,” PM Modi said while addressing a public gathering in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

    Nazim’s encounter with PM Modi signifies more than a mere photo opportunity; it epitomizes aspiration, innovation, and community empowerment. As Kashmir navigates a complex political terrain, narratives like Nazim’s serve as catalysts for change, embodying the essence of resilience and opportunity in the Valley.

  • Avalanche Warning In 10 Districts Of Jammu And Kashmir Amid Heavy Snowfall |

    Kashmir: Fresh heavy snowfall continues in all the upper reaches of Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, while the plains of Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing continuous rain. All highways are closed for traffic.

    Over the last 24 hours, the plains of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, have received continuous rainfall, while high-altitude areas of Kashmir like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Zojila, Gurez, Kupwara, and Peer Ki Gali have recorded several feet of fresh snowfall.

    According to weather department officials, in the last 24 hours until 8:30 am today, Srinagar received 20.5 mm of rainfall, while Gulmarg received about 1.3 feet of snowfall and Gurez received 1.6 feet of snowfall. Officials further stated that heavy snowfall is still occurring in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley and rain in the plains of Jammu and Kashmir.

    Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Closed Due to Landslide Incidents

    Several landslides triggered by incessant rains have led to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Traffic officials reported several landslides occurring between Banihal and Ramban sectors due to continuous rains, resulting in the closure of traffic on the highway.

    Removal of landslides is being hindered due to the ongoing heavy rains. Traffic is not only halted on the Jammu-Kashmir Highway but also on the Srinagar-Leh, Mughal Road, Sinthan-Kishtwar, Bandipora-Gurez, and Kupwara-Tangdhar roads due to heavy snowfall and rain.

    Avalanche Warning In 10 Districts 

    Meanwhile, officials have issued avalanche warnings in ten districts of Jammu and Kashmir and advised people to exercise caution. The weather department has predicted more snowfall and rain in the next 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir.

    A Meteorological Department official stated that heavy snowfall is currently occurring in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Zojila, Peer Ki Gali, Sadhna Pass, Dudhparti, and other upper reaches. Heavy rain is also ongoing in the plains of Jammu and Kashmir, with snowfall beginning in the upper areas of Pahalgam.

    Today, moderate to very heavy rain and snowfall will continue across Jammu and Kashmir. Rain is expected in the plains, with the possibility of snowfall in some areas. This evening or tonight, snowfall is likely to extend to the plains as temperatures are anticipated to drop further.

  • Indian Army`s Heroic Rescue: Pregnant Woman Safely Evacuated In Kahsmir`s Kupwara Amid Heavy Snowfall

    The rescue team and medics hiked for 7-8 km through 2 to 3 feet of snow in the middle of the night.