Category: Jammu & Kashmir

Categories
Crime India News Jammu & Kashmir

Complete elimination of terror ecosystem is our focus: J&K L-G 

Lt Governor said that the complete elimination of terrorism and the terror ecosystem is the only way forward for the development of the Union Territory….reports Asian Lite news

J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, has said that the focus of the security forces should be the complete elimination of the terror ecosystem.  

Chairing a top-level security meeting here on Sunday, the Lt Governor said that the complete elimination of terrorism and the terror ecosystem is the only way forward for the development of the Union Territory. 

“Exemplary action must be taken against those aiding and abetting terrorism and its ecosystem. Our police and the security forces should not rest until terrorism is wiped out from the UT,” Sinha asserted. 

The meeting also reviewed various developmental projects and the security scenario in J&K. He emphasised project implementation and constant supervision to ensure speedy completion. 

He told the officers that their focus on the elimination of terrorism and the terror ecosystem would be their greatest contribution not only to the security of the region but also to its development. 

He advised various deputy commissioners to monitor the saturation of beneficiary-oriented schemes. 

The meeting was attended by the chief secretary, Atal Dulloo, DGP, Nalin Prabhat, ADGP Jammu, Anand Jain, all deputy commissioners and SSPs of the Jammu division. 

L-G Manoj Sinha has directed the security forces to go for hot pursuit of the terrorists in the aftermath of some dastardly attacks carried out by the terrorists. 

Terrorists have carried out a number of attacks across J&K during the recent days and in a disturbing development, the terrorists have made their presence felt in areas believed to have been completely cleared of any terrorist footprint. 

One of the most serious terrorist attacks was carried out on October 20 in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district where an infrastructure project company is building a tunnel to make Srinagar-Sonamarg an all-weather road. 

Two terrorists, a foreign mercenary and a local, entered the workers’ camp in Gagangir and fired indiscriminately killing six non-local workers and a local doctor. Four non-local workers of the company were also injured in the attack. 

Sonamarg and the entire Ganderbal district had been claimed to have been completely cleared of any terrorist presence for over 5 years before the dastardly attack took place at Gagangir. 

On October 24, terrorists attacked an army vehicle in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg ski resort killing three army soldiers and two civilian porters. 

Security forces said the group of terrorists responsible for the Botapathri attack had entered the higher reaches of Gulmarg after crossing the line of control (LoC) in August 2024 and had now been ordered to launch attacks against the army and the civilians by terror handlers in Pakistan. 

In another terrorist attack on November 10 in the Kishtwar district of the Jammu division, terrorists killed a junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the elite Para commando force during an anti-terrorist operation in the Chaas area of Kishtwar. 

Terrorists killed a 41-year-old woman and injured 11 other persons on November 3 when they hurled a grenade at the busy Sunday pavement market in the tourist reception centre area of Srinagar city. 

Police later claimed to have apprehended three locals responsible for the grenade attack from the Ikhrajpora locality of Srinagar city. 

L-G Manoj Sinha said after the grenade attack that each drop of innocent blood spilled by the terrorists would be avenged. Sinha has ordered a proactive hot pursuit of terrorists, terror associates and terror sympathisers. 

Sunday’s meeting chaired by the Lt Governor in Jammu is to review the latest security scenario and take stock of the progress of anti-terrorist operations in the UT. 

ALSO READ: India slams developed countries over climate finance 

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

J&K wouldn’t be UT if Vajpayee was alive, says Omar

Omar Abdullah said that J&K would not have been downgraded to a UT had late Vajpayee’s strategy on Kashmir been followed….reports Asian Lite News

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that the erstwhile state would not have been downgraded to a Union Territory had the road map of former Prime Minister, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee been followed.

Speaking during the obituary references in the legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah said that J&K would not have been downgraded to a UT had late Vajpayee’s strategy on Kashmir been followed.

CM Omar recalled that after the then Assembly passed a resolution for greater autonomy to J& K, which New Delhi had rejected during Vajpayee’s prime ministership, “Vajpayee realised his mistake and then he designated the then law minister to engage in a dialogue with the state government on the subject. But, as providence would have it, he passed away and that was it.”

“What should I say about late Vajpayee? He was a great visionary. Vajpayee was a towering personality, who started the Lahore bus and went to Minar-e-Pakistan.

“He always tried to build friendly ties with Pakistan. He was the one who continuously stated that friends can be changed, but not neighbours”, CM Omar added.

He said that Vajpayee’s slogan of ‘Insaniyat, (humanity), Jamhuriyat (Democracy) and Kashmiriyat (identity of the Kashmiri people)’ was full of vision and a reflection of his statesmanship.
“Perhaps, he was the first and last leader who raised this slogan”, he said. Omar said that it was Vajpayee who opened roads to connect the people of divided parts of J&K.
“The motive behind opening of roads was to connect people and the civil society so that a personal relationship is created. But, unfortunately, the path and the road map shown by Vajpayee has been left midway and instead of connecting people, distances are being created. If Vajpayee’s road map on J&K would have been implemented and followed, we would not have been where we are at present,” Omar said as he paid rich tributes to Vajpayee.
The chief minister also paid tribute to BJP MLA, late Devender Singh Rana stating that he wasn’t aware about the health condition of his friend.
“If I am more pained over the death of any member, that is Devender. He was a great friend with whom I have spent the prime time of my life. I never knew about his failing health. If I would have been aware of his health, perhaps I would have tried to end the distances and indignation”, Omar said.

Security forces gun down terrorist in Valley

One unidentified terrorist was killed in a gunfight between the security forces and terrorists in J&K’s Bandipora district on Tuesday.

Officials said that the terrorist was killed during an encounter between terrorists and the security forces in Ketsun forest in Bandipora district.
“The operation is still going on in the area.
The identity of the slain terrorist will be ascertained once the encounter ends,” the officials said.
Ever since an elected government took office in J&K, terrorists have increased their activities as the intelligence agencies believe the terror handlers sitting across the border in Pakistan have been frustrated due to the participation of a large number of people in peaceful elections in J&K.
On November 2, a top commander of the LeT identified as Usman Bhai alias Chota Waleed of Pakistan was killed after a daylong gunfight in the old Srinagar city Khanyar area. Two local policemen and two CRPF troopers were injured in the Khanyar gunfight.

Last month, terrorists killed six workers of an infrastructure project company and a local doctor in the Gagangir area of the Ganderbal district. The workers were building a tunnel from Gagangir to Sonamarg tourist resort to make the Srinagar-Sonamarg an all-weather road and generate economic growth and employment in the area. Those killed in the Gagangir attack included six non-local workers and a doctor belonging to the Budgam district.
Later on, terrorists killed three army soldiers and two porters in the Botapathri area of Gulmarg in Baramulla district.
Terrorists have also targeted non-local semi-skilled workers in Shopian Assembly Constituency’s Budgam districts. Although the terrorist targets escaped with minor injuries.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has given clear orders to police and other security forces to go after terrorists, their harbourers, sympathisers and overground workers (OGWs).
The occurrence of terrorist attacks in places hitherto believed to be free of militancy has been a worrisome development for the security forces as a single terror-related incident disturbs peace that has been painstakingly achieved by the security forces.

ALSO READ: Samosa Caucus Expands

Categories
Crime India News Jammu & Kashmir

Six killed, four injured in J&K terrorist attack

The injured were taken to a sub-district hospital in Kangan town from where the critically injured were shifted to SKIMS hospital in Srinagar city. ..reports Asian Lite News

Six people including five non-locals and a local doctor were killed on Sunday and four others were injured in a terrorist attack on a labourers’ camp in J&K’s Ganderbal district.  Official sources said that six people including five non-locals and a local doctor were killed and four others injured when terrorists attacked a private company’s labourer camp in the Gagangier area of Ganderbal district.

Earlier, three non-locals had been killed, but reports now confirm that five non-locals including two officials of the private company and three labourers and a local doctor were killed in this terrorist attack that took place around 8.15 pm today. Gagangier is around 74 Kms from Srinagar city.

The injured were taken to a sub-district hospital in Kangan town from where the critically injured were shifted to SKIMS hospital in Srinagar city. The private company is engaged in building a tunnel from the Gagangier area to the Sonamarg tourist resort to make the Srinagar-Sonamarg an all-weather road.

“Army and police have surrounded the area and an operation has been started to trace the terrorists,” officials said. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has also condemned the attack saying, “I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on innocent labourers in Gagangir, Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir, who were engaged in a vital infrastructure project.

“I offer my humble tribute to the martyred labourers and extend my deepest condolences to their families during this difficult hour. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a swift and full recovery”.

J& K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in his second X-post comment: “The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local & non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar.”

Earlier, Omar had said: “Very sad news of a dastardly & cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 2 have been killed & 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people & send my condolences to their loved ones.”

Two days back terrorists killed a non-local Bihar resident, Ashok Chouhan in the Zainpora area of the Shopian district. The terrorists especially hardcore foreign mercenaries have carried some hit-and-run attacks on the army, other security forces and civilians in hilly districts of the Jammu division including Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts.

Over 4000 trained commandos drawn from the elite Para commando force and those trained in mountain warfare have been deployed in the densely forested areas of these districts to prevent the terrorists from carrying out ambush attacks and then hiding in the difficult forest areas.

In addition to the deployment of the army and the CRPF in these mountainous districts, the police have also issued automatic weapons to the village defence committees (VDCs). The VDCs are groups of civilians trained to handle weapons to protect their villages and families from terrorists in remote, inaccessible areas of the Jammu division.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu: Hezbollah’s Attack a ‘Grave Mistake

Categories
India News Jammu & Kashmir Politics

SC to hear plea for restoration of J&K’s statehood

Filed through advocate Soyaib Qureshi, the application contends that the prolonged delay in restoring statehood has negatively impacted the people of Jammu and Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear an application seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood within two months. The case, brought forward by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, a college teacher, and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, an activist, aims to expedite the process of reinstating Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a state.

Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayan mentioned the urgency of listing the matter before a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. The CJI confirmed that the court would schedule the case for hearing soon.

Filed through advocate Soyaib Qureshi, the application contends that the prolonged delay in restoring statehood has negatively impacted the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The plea urged the Union of India to adhere to a prior commitment to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, a promise made by the Solicitor General following the abrogation of Article 370. The petitioners argue that despite assurances, no substantial actions have been taken in the past 10 months since the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of the region’s special status in its August 2023 ruling.

The petitioners assert that this delay violates the basic principle of federalism, which is a key component of India’s constitutional structure.

In December 2023, the Supreme Court last heard the case regarding Article 370. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud acknowledged that Article 370 was originally intended as a temporary provision, implemented due to war conditions in the region. He emphasised that the J-K Constituent Assembly, which drafted the special provisions for the state, was not meant to be a permanent body. Furthermore, he indicated that the special condition under which Article 370 was introduced had ceased to exist when the Constituent Assembly dissolved.

The bench of five justices, led by CJI Chandrachud, stated that there were no issues with the presidential powers exercised in August 2019 to revoke Article 370. The court ruled that the exercise of power was valid and constitutional.

The bench further directed the central government and the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that statehood is restored and elections are held by September 30, 2024.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah took oath as the first Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Union territory on Wednesday. The National Conference party secured 42 out of 90 seats in the Assembly elections. NC alliance Congress managed to win seven seats and four independent MLAs also extended their support to the party, placing it well over the 46-seat majority mark.

The NC and Congress parties had both fought their election campaign on the promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Party leaders have advocated for the same since the conclusion of the Assembly elections on October 8.

On Saturday, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah stressed that statehood restoration is essential for Jammu and Kashmir’s stability and effective governance. The former chief minister further highlighted it as a top priority for his party.

“Our priority will be to reunite Jammu and Kashmir and eliminate the hatred spread during this election. The restoration of statehood is vital so that the state can function properly, and we can focus on governance,” Abdullah said.

Congress leader P Chidambaram also weighed in on the issue on Sunday. He urged the new Jammu and Kashmir government, once formed, to prioritise the restoration of statehood. He emphasised that parties in the INDIA alliance should support this demand.

 case the government does not agree, the matter should be taken to court. The government had committed to statehood restoration before the Supreme Court,” Chidambaram posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The petitioners have also argued that the peaceful conclusion of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir indicates that security concerns are no longer a significant barrier to the restoration of statehood. They believe that the Supreme Court can issue directions for reinstating statehood without fear of security issues.

ALSO READ: Israel Takes Out Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

Omar to take oath as J&K CM on Oct 16

Srinagar, Oct 09: (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Party vice-president and winning candidate from Budgam and Ganderbal constituency, Omar Abdullah speaks to the media after the party's win in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, at Farooq Abdullah's residence in Srinagar on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

This will be the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the former state into two Union Territories….reports Asian Lite News

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is set to take oath as the new chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16.

Sharing the letter on X, sent by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Omar Abdullah said, “Was pleased to receive the Principal Secretary to LG Manoj Sinha ji. He handed over a letter from the @OfficeOfLGJandK inviting me to form the next government in J-K.”

Earlier, the president’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir was revoked, clearing the way for the formation of a new government following the recently concluded Assembly polls in the Union Territory.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification in this regard on Sunday.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India, the Order dated the 31st October 2019 in relation to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019,” read the official order.

This will be the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the former state into two Union Territories.

The 90 seats in the region were contested in a three-phase election, with the results announced on October 8. NC-Congress alliance secured 48 seats, with the NC leading the alliance to victory, as the Congress won only six seats. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Labour MPs urge Reeves to spend more on ailing public services

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

Omar elected NC leader, set to stake claim  

After receiving the letter of support from the Congress, Abdullah intends to go to Raj Bhavan to stake his claim to form the government…reports Asian Lite News

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Thursday unanimously elected Omar Abdullah as the leader of its Legislative Party.

Speaking about his election, Omar Abdullah, president of JKNC, said, “There was a meeting of the National Conference’s Legislative Party, and the Legislative Party decided on its leader. I am deeply grateful to the National Conference legislators for reposing faith in me, trusting me, and giving me the chance to go to Raj Bhavan and stake a claim to form the government.”

He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Congress for their letter of support. “Talks are going on to get the letter of support from the Congress. Four independent MLAs have also extended their support to the National Conference,” Abdullah added. The National Conference now has 42 MLAs, with the support of four independents.

After receiving the letter of support from the Congress, Abdullah intends to go to Raj Bhavan to stake his claim to form the government.

Earlier in the day, Abdullah stated that whenever a government is formed in Jammu and Kashmir, it should pass a resolution and begin talks with the Union government to restore the region’s statehood.

“Once the government is formed, it should pass a resolution and then engage in talks with the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other ministers in Delhi,” he said.

He further emphasised that they would make every effort to work harmoniously with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for the benefit of the people. “We do not seek a major confrontation between the LG and the government. Instead, we aim for peaceful cooperation and to work for the people until we regain our rightful status as a state. We hope to restore statehood as soon as possible,” he added.

When asked about a congratulatory call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the NC alliance on their victory, Abdullah said, “The Prime Minister congratulated the National Conference, and I expressed my thanks. I also conveyed our desire for a cooperative and conducive atmosphere to work for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He declined to comment on portfolio allocations or whether a Congress leader would assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister.

“People have placed great trust in us, and with that trust, we have secured many seats through the coalition. Our responsibility now is to meet their expectations,” Abdullah added.

He also assured that the future government would work for all citizens, including those who voted for the BJP and those who abstained from voting. “We are not the type to seek revenge on those who didn’t vote for us. The upcoming government will represent the Congress, the National Conference, the BJP, and even those who abstained from voting. In Srinagar, only 20 per cent voted–should we ignore the remaining 80 per cent? They too deserve the benefits of governance. Similarly, the people of Jammu, who voted for the BJP, also have the right to benefit from the government,” he said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India declares Hizb-Ut-Tahrir as terrorist organisation

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

J&K’s Verdict is Loud and Clear

Former JK CM Omar Abdullah said that the alliance was in pole position and urged the BJP not to play an dirty tricks….reports Asian Lite News

With the counting currently underway, the trends by the Election Commission of India have indicated that in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu Kashmir National Conference and Congress alliance has crossed the halfway mark with leads in 47 seats as per trends released by the Elections commission.

As per the election commission data between 3-5 rounds of counting has been completed in most of the 90 constituencies in the region. Meanwhile the Bharatiya Janata Party is leading in 28 seats.

The voting results decide the electoral fate of several former ministers including Tara Chand, Muzaffar Baig, Raman Bhalla, Basharat Bukha along with Omar Abdullah, Ravinder Raina, Yousuf Tarigami and several others.

Former JK CM Omar Abdullah said that the alliance was in pole position and urged the BJP not to play an dirty tricks.

“We have the hope that we will win. The decision made by the voters of J&K, we will get to know by today afternoon. There should be transparency…if people’s mandate is against BJP, they shouldn’t pull off any tricks…we did alliance so we can win and we are hoping to win,.” Omar Abdullah said.

In Jammu, Congress candidate from Bahu Assembly seat, TS Tony said that the Congress-NC alliance was all set to form the government.

“Congress-NC alliance is going to form the government with 2/3 majority. Earlier people trusted only statements. Now, all the lies are exposed…The people know everything now. This was the city of temples. BJP made it the city of liquors. They say that it is for revenue generation… The people are frustrated with the liquor and land mafia…They are exposed now. The public doesn’t trust them anymore…BJP is murdering the democracy. The appointment of 5 MLAs had to be done by the elected government. Even the President does not have this power of direct appointment. How can the LG have this arbitrary power?” he said.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Congress, partners in the INDIA alliance, jointly contested the assembly elections while the PDP and BJP fought the elections on their own. The J-K assembly election for 90 constituencies was held over three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1.

‘People decided to oust BJP’

With early trends of Election Commission on Tuesday indicating a lead for the National Conference-Congress alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader Syed Suhail Bukhari said people have decided to oust BJP from the region and emphaised that the INDIA alliance will form a government with huge margin.

“We had already told that the way a huge number of people voted, they had decided to oust BJP from here…in an indirect rule, an L-G was imposed on people and they were kept deprived of their basic rights. The election is happening after 10 years…people were angry…INDIA alliance will form govt in J&K with a huge margin,” Bukhari said.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Tuesday warned the BJP not to “pull off any tricks” if the mandate of the people is against them.

He also exuded confidence in the win of the NC-Congress alliance in the election.

“We have the hope that we will win. The decision has been made by the voters of Jammu and Kashmir, and we will get to know it by today afternoon,” Omar Abdullah told reporters here.

“There should be transparency. If people’s mandate is against BJP, they shouldn’t pull off any tricks,” he added.

He said that his party allied with Congress to win the election. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the election after a gap of ten years. However, Omar Abdullah said it’s still early to say if they will need the support of parties like the PDP.

“Neither have we asked for any support from them nor have we received any support…let the result come. Not sure why we are so restless, let the result come, right now nobody has the number…right now we are not in need (of their support) …once the result is out, we will analyse,” he said.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Congress, partners in the INDIA alliance, jointly contested the assembly elections while the PDP and BJP fought the elections on their own.

ALSO READ: BJP Set For Haryana Hat-trick; Congress-NC Wins In J&K

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

Exit Poll Projects Hung House In J&K

Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary and J-K in charge, Tarun Chugh said on Saturday that these are only “Exit polls” and the results will be better than this….reports Asian Lite News

The Axis My India has predicted a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir with the National Conference-Congress alliance slightly ahead and the BJP tailgating the opposition.

According to Axis My India, the NC-Congress alliance can win 35-45 seats whereas the BJP can win 24-34 seats. Notably, the majority mark to form the government in the Union Territory is 46 and the prediction has shown no one above the mark.

According to the predictions, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) can win 4-6 seats while Awam Ittehad Party-led by Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid can win 3-8.

The Axis My India has given Sajjad Lone’s People’s Conference 1-3 while others can get 4-10 seats. As per its prediction, the NC-Congress vote share can go up to 38 per cent while the BJP on 21.

Earlier today, former Deputy Chief Minister of J-K & BJP leader Kavinder Gupta hinted that the BJP is holding talks with “like-minded” parties. “It is only in the Exit polls that Congress-NC has got these seats, but BJP will emerge as the biggest party once the correct results are out. We are confident of getting more than 35 seats in Jammu province and the remaining from Kashmir. BJP will be in a better condition in Kashmir…Talks are going on with like-minded parties,” Gupta said.

Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary and J-K in charge, Tarun Chugh said on Saturday that these are only “Exit polls” and the results will be better than this.

Chugh exuded confidence that in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP will form the government with a full majority. “These are exit polls. The results will be better than this. BJP will form a government with a full majority in both Haryana and J&K. People’s blessings are with BJP. Double engine government will be formed,” he said.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah dismissed the exit poll predictions. In a post on X, Abdullah said, “I’m amazed channels are bothering with exit polls, especially after the fiasco of the recent general elections. I’m ignoring all the noise on channels, social media, WhatsApp Etc because the only numbers that matter will be revealed on the 8th of Oct. The rest is just time pass.”

According to TV-Today C-voter projections, the NC-Congress alliance is likely to win 40-48 seats while the BJP can win 27-32. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti-led People’s Democratic Party is likely to win 6-12 seats whereas others can win 6-11.

As per Dainik Bhaskar’s projection, the NC-Congress alliance can win seats ranging from 35-40. The BJP can win 20-25 seats, PDP 4-7 while the others can win 12-18 seats. The People Pulse survey has predicted 46-50 seats for the NC-Congress alliance and 23-27 for the BJP. As per them, the PDP can win 7-11 whereas the others can win 4-6 seats..

The Gulistan News projection on Republic TV projected 28-30 seats for the National Conference, 3-6 seats for the Congress, 5-7 seats for the PDP and 8-16 seats for other parties and independents. The Election Commission of India said that an overall 63.88 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The counting of votes will take place on October 8. In 2023, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.

PDP hints at supporting NC-Cong alliance

As the exit polls projected a tight race in Jammu and Kashmir, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Lal Chowk Assembly seat Zuhaib Yousuf Mir on Saturday hinted that they can join the National Conference-Congress alliance to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party out of power.

PDP leader Zuhaib Mir said that they are ready to take any step to save the identity of Kashmir.

He said, “As far as we are concerned, exit polls are not a serious activity but time pass activity. PDP is confident that it will be an indispensable and important part of the secular government that will form in J-K. PDP will have an important role in forming any secular government. We had said that we are ready to take any step to save the identity of Kashmir but for this, it is important that we formulate a secular government, a government against BJP not with them.”

“Even if the PDP makes any secular government by extending support, it will not last long as they (BJP) will try to run this government in Delhi style where the Chief Minister will have to go to the LG with the bagging bowl. Whatever happened to the Delhi government, the same will happen here too,” the PDP leader added.

ALSO READ: Congress to head four Parliamentary standing committees

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

J&K’s Festival of Democracy 

Bandipora, Oct 01 (ANI): Elderly voters show their ink-marked fingers after casting their votes for the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Bandipora on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

The poll percentage in the first phase was 61.38%, 57.31% in the second phase, and a tentative 68.72% in the third phase…reports Asian Lite News

The polling for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded in a “peaceful and celebratory atmosphere,” marking the end of the third and final phase on Tuesday.

In Phase 3, 40 Assembly constituencies across 7 districts saw voting at 5,060 polling stations. A total of 415 candidates were in the fray, including 387 men and 28 women.

These Assembly elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, were held in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of nearly ten years. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8.

“The three-phased Assembly Election in J&K concluded today with the third and final phase of polling. The Election Commission of India had issued the formal schedule on August 16. Polling for 24 constituencies took place on September 18, the second phase for 26 constituencies on September 25, and the final phase for 40 constituencies today. The poll percentage in the first phase was 61.38%, 57.31% in the second phase, and a tentative 68.72% in the third phase. The overall poll percentage stands at 63.45% (tentative),” according to an official statement.

Bandipora, Oct 01 (ANI): Elderly voters show their ink-marked fingers after casting their votes for the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Bandipora on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

As per the data, Kupwara recorded a poll percentage of 65.81%, Baramulla 59.84%, Bandipora 67.57%, Ganderbal 62.83%, Srinagar 30.08%, Budgam 63.28%, Pulwama 46.99%, Shopian 57.01%, Kulgam 63.14%, and Anantnag 57.90%.

In the Jammu region, Kishtwar recorded 80.20%, Doda 71.32%, Ramban 70.57%, Reasi 74.68%, Udhampur 75.87%, Kathua 72.23%, Samba 75.22%, Jammu 70.25%, Rajouri 71.13%, and Poonch 74.37%.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that the polling concluded peacefully in a celebratory atmosphere.

“The elections were a resounding statement in favour of democracy, in line with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar’s confidence expressed during the announcement of the general elections in J&K on August 16,” the statement said.

At the time, Rajiv Kumar had expressed that “the world will witness the defeat of nefarious interests and the triumph of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar added, “The J&K Assembly elections mark a significant deepening of democracy, which will echo in the pages of history and inspire the democratic spirit of the region for years to come. These elections are dedicated to the people of J&K, acknowledging their determination and belief in the democratic process. The peaceful and participative elections are historic, with democracy taking root more deeply than ever before, driven by the will of the people of J&K.”

The elections also saw a notable increase in voter turnout in areas historically associated with militancy and boycotting democratic processes. Polling percentages rose by 12.97% in the Pulwama Assembly constituency compared to the 2014 elections. Zainapora in Shopian saw a 9.52% increase, while Eidgah in Srinagar recorded a 9.16% rise, reflecting growing confidence in the electoral process.

The National Conference and Congress formed a pre-poll alliance, while the PDP and BJP contested separately.

Prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP), Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and former J&K Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, campaigned extensively for weeks.

The West Pakistani refugee community exercised their right to vote for the first time in Assembly elections after gaining citizenship following the abrogation of Article 370.

In 2023, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Jaishankar, Blinken discuss West Asia, Ukraine

Categories
India News Jammu & Kashmir Politics

India’s ‘1st polling booth’ near LoC cries for help

over 400 voters from Seemari village demand basic necessities such as better road access, free electricity, immediate healthcare services, increased ration supplies and mobile network…reports Asian Lite News

A day ahead of third and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, over 400 voters from Seemari village, home to India’s “first polling booth” along Line of Control (LoC), demand basic necessities such as better road access, free electricity, immediate healthcare services, increased ration supplies and mobile network.

Residents are urging political parties and local authorities to address these urgent issues to improve their quality of life. They express concern that leaders forget about them after elections, noting that the only support they receive in times of need–whether for employment, food, medicine, or other essentials–comes from the Indian Army deployed along the LoC.

In Seemari village, a total of 443 voters will participate, comprising 226 men and 217 women.

Mohammad Sharif, a resident of the village, said, “This is Seemari village, the last one on the India-Pakistan border, and it has India’s first polling booth. We continue to vote, but we lack roads, hospitals, electricity, and stores. We have been facing many challenges. Voting is our right, and while we participate, the government needs to address our needs. Leaders come to seek our votes but often forget us after elections. Although the government support us, the funds rarely reach us; these funds seem to disappear along the way. Some leaders have visited and spoken with us, but they haven’t made any commitments to meet our demands.”

Another local Ali Asgar said that the village lacks road facilities, and three nearby villages–Phagwan, Trutihaji, and Kadhama–also have no road connectivity.

“When someone falls ill, they are carried on a cot to reach a nearby road to avail vehicle since it can’t access the area. The sick person has to pay Rs 1,500 for a reserved vehicle from the nearest road to get to the Tangdhar hospital. Although there is a clinic here, it has no medicine, and the roads are in poor condition. We spend over Rs 500 on electricity (monthly), but we only receive four hours of supply each day. During elections, we exercise our right to vote, yet we see no benefits from it. Leaders promise us roads and electricity, but nothing materializes. We receive a 5 kg ration on a monthly basis, which isn’t enough to last a month. This is the last remote village with over 400 voters, and we also lack a mobile network and job opportunities,” he said.

Another resident of the Seemari village Naseer Awan added that leaders come here to seek votes and make numerous promises, but they don’t return for next five years after elections are over.

“We have no way of knowing where they are in the meantime. The government does provide some support for our welfare, but we don’t receive everything we need. Living on the border of India and Pakistan, our only assistance comes from the Indian Army. We owe our survival to them; they provide employment and help our people during illnesses or emergencies,” he said.

He asserted further that without the Army here, they would struggle to survive.

“Although there is a hospital, it lacks medicine. We spend Rs 150 per person to travel to Tangdhar (19 km from Seemari) for medical treatment, which is difficult for us as we are very poor and often don’t even have Rs 10. We also face electricity issues and can’t pay our bills. If people in Delhi, where jobs are plentiful, can have free electricity, why can’t we? I urge the government to grant us free electricity. While the central government has good intentions, local leaders fail to deliver these essential services,” Nasir Awan, the resident of Seemari village said.

On October 1, voters in 40 assembly constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir will participate in the third and final phase of the ongoing elections. Comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure smooth and hassle-free voting.

More than 3.9 million voters are eligible to participate in the final phase of the Assembly Elections across seven districts of the Union Territory, according to the Election Commission.

In the Kashmir division, 16 assembly constituencies will vote, including Karnah, Kupwara, and Baramulla, while the Jammu division will see elections in 24 constituencies, such as Udhampur and Samba.

A total of 5,060 polling stations will be set up across the districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, and Jammu, with four election officials, including a presiding officer, assigned to each station. Over 20,000 polling staff will be deployed for this phase.

Of the 3,918,220 eligible voters, there are 2,009,033 males, 1,909,130 females, and 57 voters identifying as third gender. Additionally, 194,000 youth aged 18-19, 35,860 persons with disabilities, and 32,953 elderly voters over 85 will also be casting their votes in this phase. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Israel Launches ‘localised’ ground raids on Hezbollah targets