Page 16 - Jammu And Kashmir Politics

Post-Article 370 abrogation, people living life as per their wishes: J-K LG

The biggest change after the abrogation of Article 370 is that the common people of Jammu and Kashmir are living life according to their own wishes, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday, the fourth anniversary of the scrapping of the article. The Centre on this day in 2019 had revoked Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated it into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. "Pakistan-sponsored shutdowns by terrorists and separatists, due to which schools, colleges and business establishments used to remain closed for about 150 days a year, have ended," Sinha told reporters after an event here. "The biggest change that is visible on the ground is that the common people of Jammu and Kashmir are living life according to their own wishes. Street violence has ended," he said. The lieutenant governor (LG) said the youth of Kashmir are enjoying late night-outs and now spend time at the Poloview market and Jhelu

'Early elections needed in J&K amid ongoing human rights violations'

Notably, up until June 2023, J&K has been denied the right to representation for five years

J&K politicians have learned to live under curbs post 2019: Omar Abdullah

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the local political leaders have grown accustomed to curbs put on their movement post-August 2019 but such measures cannot weaken their connect with the masses. The erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, following the repeal of Article 370 which gave the former state special administrative powers. The former J&K chief minister expressed concern over the militant activity in the region, saying terrorism is rearing its head even in the area which had been declared militancy-free sometime back. Omar was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party convention of Chenab valley zone functionaries at Batote in Ramban district. "This is not a new thing (restrictions on movement of NC leaders and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti). After August 5, 2019, it is a regular affair and we have become habitual of it but we have also learned how to dodge

Security forces alert to foil infiltration attempts along LoC in Kashmir

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday said the melting of snow increases the chances of infiltration of militants along the Line of Control in Kashmir but security forces have upped their preparation to foil any such attempt. "We are alert on the LoC. We conduct area domination and anti-infiltration role jointly with the army. Snow has started melting along some areas which make them vulnerable to infiltration. We map these areas and then redistribute our deployment. "The melting of snow increases the chances of infiltration but we have also upped our preparation to foil any such attempt," BSF Inspector General of Kashmir Ashok Yadav told reporters here. Yadav was speaking to reporters after the conclusion of a walkathon, organised by the BSF part of the Azaadi ka Amrut Mahotsav. He said the security forces were actively working along the LoC to foil any attempt from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to push narcotics and weapons into the valley. "We are working seriously to tackle

Why elections being delayed in Jammu and Kashmir, asks Farooq Abdullah

Veteran politician and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Sunday wondered why there was a delay in holding Assembly elections in the Union territory and said it was time to have an elected government. In an interview to PTI Video, Abdullah, the 85-year-old Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, said that when BJP leaders announce publicly that they will win 50 seats in elections, what prevents them from holding the democratic exercise. Abdullah, who talked about a range of issues, again advocated for early resumption of dialogue with Pakistan for ensuring lasting peace in the subcontinent. The National Conference president also spoke about the country's decline on various fronts such as human rights issue, growing religious intolerance and corruption, saying "all these things don't augur well for this great nation". On the delay in conducting Assembly elections, Abdullah said as far as the government goes, it has been saying all the time that conditions are alright ...

Searches underway in J-K to track terrorists after attack on army truck

Army's Northern Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday said that necessary action is underway against the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on an army truck in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district that left five soldiers dead. A massive search operation to track down the terrorists is underway in Bhata Dhurian following the ambush on the army vehicle carrying fruits and other items to a border village for an Iftar that was to be hosted by the Rashtriya Rifles unit on Thursday evening, officials said. In a tweet on its official handle, the Army's Northern Command shared Lt Gen Dwivedi's visit to the Command Hospital in Udhampur and his interaction with the surivor of the terror attack. #LtGenUpendraDwivedi #ArmyCdrNC interacted with the survivor of the 20 Apr 23 #Poonch incident at Command Hospital #Udhampur and assured that necessary action is underway, read the tweet accompanied by two pictures of the soldier. The Northern Army Commander on Saturday visited the att

LG Sinha says his admin steering change in J&K with citizen's participation

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday shared inspiring stories of the change-makers and highlighted the efforts of his administration to realize the "true growth potential" of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at his monthly "Awaam Ki Awaaz" radio programme, he said the Jammu and Kashmir administration with citizens' participation is steering the change in the socio-economic landscape of the Union Territory. "Our collective effort is to create a more progressive, growth-oriented and aspirational society and lay a strong foundation for the journey of the next 25 years," the Lt Governor said. Sinha said the Kashmir division is witnessing 'Yellow revolution' with oilseed crops registering a significant growth. "There will be additional opportunities for oil extraction and value addition and therefore more entrepreneurial opportunities for people," the Lt Governor said. According to an estimate, he said mustard oil worth Rs 800 crore will be produced this year alone in Kashmir

SC seeks response of J-K HC registry on plea alleging favouritism

The Supreme Court has directed the Registrar General of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to file its response to a plea which alleged that relatives of former judges and staff were favoured in the appointments in judicial institutions and courts in the Union territory. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud initially suggested to a counsel, representing petitioner NGO 'Jammu and Kashmir People's Forum, that it should approach the high court with the plea. However, the CJI, after confabulating with Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, decided to hear the plea in the apex court itself and asked the counsel for the high court to file a response within four weeks. On the request of the counsel appearing on behalf of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, time for filing the counter affidavit is extended by a further period of four weeks. The counter affidavit shall be filed by the Registrar General of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir after specifically taking instructions

Opposition leaders meets CEC, submits memorandum for early polls in J&K

Veteran politician from Jammu and Kashmir and Lok Sabha member Farooq Abdullah led a delegation of leaders from Opposition parties to meet the Election Commission (EC) to press for early assembly polls in the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir is without a legislative assembly and an elected government for the last five years, the National Conference (NC) leader said after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar here. "The CEC heard us and has assured that the commission would soon hold a meeting to discuss the issue," Abdullah said. The delegation informed the CEC and other members of the commission that the government has been claiming of restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and that now the onus is on the EC (to hold assembly elections), he said. "So, we asked why was the commission not taking note of the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah, a three-time chief minister of the erstwhile state, said. In 2019, the Centre abrogated Article

J-K govt to regularise colonies occupied by PoJK refugees: Lt Guv Sinha

J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday that colonies in which displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) are living would be regularised.

First phase of smart traffic management system completed in Jammu

The first phase of the intelligent traffic management and surveillance system (ITMSS) has been made operational in Jammu, a step that would help authorities better manage vehicular flow and catch violators. The system is operational at 12 major locations in the city and activities are being monitored from a traffic department-managed integrated command and control centre. "Operations (of the ITMSS' first phase) have started in Jammu," Vehant Technologies chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder Kapil Bardeja said. The project is being implemented in phases with system integrators, he said. "The project was initiated in November 2022. Installations are going on and depending upon the installations with system integrators, the project will be completed soon," Bardeja, whose firm has been tasked with implementation of the ITMSS in Jammu. He added that software solutions have already been deployed at some locations. In the first phase, the ITMSS has been deployed and made operati

Over 100 people take part in first 'snow marathon' in J&K's Bhaderwah

Braving sub-zero temperature, 135 people took part in the first of its kind "snow marathon" in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said. The marathon was organised from Bhaderwah to Guldandi a scenic spot located on the outskirts of the hill town, they said. Deputy Commissioner, Doda, Vishesh Paul Mahajan flagged off the marathon organised by NGO named Real Sports India in collaboration with Union Tourism ministry, J-K tourism department, Indian Army, district Administration and the Bhaderwah Tourism Association. The mega marathon was organised after the recent successful conduct of 'Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival' and 'Askini Bhaderkashi Utsav' to project Bhaderwah as an all weather tourist destination. The marathon was held in three categories full marathon (25 km), half marathon (10 km), and 5-km run, officials said. "Hosting the maiden snow marathon in Bhaderwah is a proud moment for the district and it will definitely contribute in promoting adventure an

Hold elections in J&K if situation is normal: Farooq Abdullah to Centre

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the Centre should hold the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir if its claims on return of normalcy to the Union Territory were true. Abdullah, who is a Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, also accused the central government of playing a gimmick with the people on the issue of the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. They (Centre) doesn't want to restore statehood. It is all a gimmick to mislead us and the world. They won't give it, he told PTI. The question arises that the government of India is saying the situation is normal in JK. The delimitation process has been completed. If elections are held everywhere, why not in Jammu and Kashmir? Abdullah asked. The former chief minister said the Centre has made the Lieutenant Governor the master of everything. Why has the LG been installed here and he has become the master of everything, he said. Asked about the administration issuing new orders enacting fresh la

Mehbooba writes to EAM Jaishankar, seeks his help in getting her passport

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday sought External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's intervention for her passport, saying she has been waiting for it for the past three years to take her 80-year-old mother on a pilgrimage to Mecca. In a letter to the minister, she said her passport's renewal has been pending as the Jammu and Kashmir CID gave an adverse report that issuing the travel document to her would undermine national security. Mehbooba also highlighted the delay in issuing of passport to her daughter Iltija who wants to pursue higher studies outside the country. "I am writing to you about a matter that has dragged on needlessly for the last three years, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said and added that "my mother (Gulshan Nazir) and I applied for passport renewal in March 2020". "J&K CID gave an adverse report that issuing passports to my 80-year-old mother and me would undermine national security. In J&K, it has become the norm to arbitrarily reject ...

NPP office sealed in J-K, leader Harsh Dev Singh seek court intervention

Authorities on Monday sealed the office of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (NPP) here, drawing strong criticism from its former chairman Harsh Dev Singh who recently rejoined the party after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Director of Estates department A K Sharma refused to comment on the sealing of the NPP office in Gandhi Nagar. Singh requested the high court to take a suo moto notice of the sealing before the NPP formally lodges a petition against the action. "Lt Governor (Manoj Sinha) is working at the behest of BJP which is very unfortunatethe high court should take suo moto cognisance of the development as NPP is a recognised party," Singh said. He alleged that the sealing is followed by his return to the NPP. Singh said he joined back the party to revive it and mobilise public support against the Bharatiya Janata Party which is enjoying the support of the lieutenant governor, alleging that even BJP's ordinary workers and those affiliated with it have be

Employees making bad comments on govt policies to face action: JK Officials

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has directed all administrative secretaries to monitor the social media networks to identify employees who are making unfavourable comments on government policies and issue notices to them, official sources said. The direction was passed by Chief Secretary A K Mehta at a meeting here on Friday with instructions to the General Administrative Department (GAD) to issue a necessary circular in this regard, the sources said. During the meeting, it was observed that some government employees have been critical of the government policies and achievements and are making unfavourable comments on social media platforms, they said. They said Mehta directed all administrative secretaries to monitor the social media networks regularly and issue notices to these employees under intimation to the GAD. As a follow-up to the directions of the chief secretary, the sources said the concerned district magistrates flashed urgent messages to all district and sectoral

People realised after demolitions how Article 370 protected J&K: Mehbooba

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have now come to realise how Article 370 of the Constitution acted as a protective shield for them, after the BJP-led government used bulldozers to demolish houses and businesses of the poor. She also defended her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's decision to join hands with the BJP to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir after the 2014 Assembly polls, saying the PDP patriarch had successfully "caged the beast". "When Article 370 was abrogated, some people thought it would only affect the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC). When the bulldozers came to demolish our homes, businesses and even the shelters for our domestic animals, people realised how Article 370 was a protection for us," Mufti said at a function of her party here. Defending Sayeed's decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for government formation after the 2014 Assembly polls, the former Jammu an

Whenever held, polls in J-K will be free and fair: LG Manoj Sinha

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday assured the people that whenever the assembly elections are held in Jammu and Kashmir, it will be conducted in free and fair manner. Sinha said he was confident that all election officials will conduct free and fair elections in future. "Whenever assembly election will be held in Jammu and Kashmir, I assure you that they will be held in free and fair manner", Sinha, who took part in the 13th national voters' day celebrations at convention centre here, said. The LG said there were two type of legislators here in Jammu and Kashmir, one was elected by people and another by "khaleef sahib" (selected one). "Now J&K has got rid of it", he said. Taking a dig at those who raked up the issue of large scale increase in the number of voters, he said some people unnecessarily tried to incite the feelings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "The publication of electoral rolls saw increase of over 11 lakh voters. An atmosphere was being created that over 7

Kashmiri Pandit delegation meets Rahul, says he may visit their township

A Kashmiri migrant pandit delegation met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Samba district and briefed him about their various issues including "targeted killings" by terrorists and the resultant protest by those employed under a prime minister's package. Social activist Amit Koul, who was part of the delegation, said they have invited Gandhi to their Jagti township along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and that he is likely to visit the community on his way to Kashmir. "We had a very good interaction with Gandhi and we briefed him about the issues of the community, especially the prime minister's package employees who were provided jobs by the previous UPA government led by Manmohan Singh. They are on protest over the past six months in Jammu and their salaries have been withheld," Koul told PTI. Nearly 4,000 Kashmiri migrant pandits are working in different departments in the valley after their selection under the prime minister's employment

Explosion at ex-MLA & prominent Gujjar leader's house in J-K's Poonch

An explosion was reported at the house of a former legislator in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said on Saturday. Former Surankote MLA and prominent Gujjar leader Choudhary Mohammad Akram said the incident occurred around 7.30 pm on Friday and his family had a narrow escape as splinters pierced the ceiling of several rooms of his house in Lassana village. "I was not home at the time of the incident. Later, I came to know that there was a powerful explosion, followed by some shots that were fired. Police and Army officials visited my house immediately after the incident and they are ascertaining the details," Akram told PTI in Jammu. Akram, who resigned from the Congress in solidarity with former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad last year but later distanced himself from Azad's Democratic Azad Party, demanded a thorough probe into the incident. A police official said empty cartridges of a 12-bore gun were found from the scene of the incident. "We c