Category: Jammu & Kashmir

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India News Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar: 22 more candidates file nominations on last day

Independents also made their presence felt, with individuals like Wahida Tabasum, Qazi Ashraf, Fida Hussain Dar, and others throwing their hats into the ring…reports Asian Lite News

The Srinagar Parliamentary constituency is buzzing with political fervour as 39 nominations have been submitted for the upcoming elections on May 13, according to an official announcement made on Thursday.

On the final day for filing nominations, 22 candidates presented their papers to the Returning Officer. Notable among them, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) formally submitted his candidacy, with Salman Sagar standing as his covering candidate.

Other contenders include Hakikat Singh from the National Panthers Party-Bhim, Rakesh Handu from J&K National United Front, Amir Ahmad Bhat from Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), and Qaiser Sultan Ganai, who is the covering candidate for DPAP.

Additionally, a diverse array of candidates from various parties joined the fray, including Ashiq Hussain from Rastriya Jan Kranti Party, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat from Gana Suraksha Party, Suraya Nissar from the National Republic Party of India, and Farooq Ahmad Bhat from the National Youth Party.

Independents also made their presence felt, with individuals like Wahida Tabasum, Qazi Ashraf, Fida Hussain Dar, and others throwing their hats into the ring.

Earlier, on Wednesday, PDP’s Waheed Parra and Apni Party’s Mohammad Ashraf Mir had already submitted their nominations.

With scrutiny of nomination papers set for Friday, candidates have until April 29 to withdraw their names from the race. The constituents will cast their votes on May 13 during the fourth phase of the elections, with the results scheduled to be announced on June 4.

Mega voter awareness program

The Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a mega voter awareness program under SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) at Tulip Garden in Srinagar.

The awareness program aimed to educate citizens about the importance of voting, voter registration processes, and electoral participation.

SVEEP is the flagship program of the ECI for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in India. It is a multi-intervention programme that reaches out through different modes and media to educate citizens, electors, and voters about the electoral process to increase their awareness and promote their informed participation.

Polling in Udhampur was held on April 19 (Phase 1), while Jammu, Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar, and Baramulla will poll on April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20.

In 2019, polling for the Lok Sabha was held for six seats in Jammu and Kashmir. However, following the abrogation of Article 370, which resulted in the split of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories–Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, there is no longer a separate Lok Sabha constituency for Ladakh.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP won three seats while the National Conference won the remaining three.

The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission held a meeting with concerned agencies to understand the developing weather situation and constituted a task force to review the impact of heat waves and humidity before each polling phase for any concerning developments and mitigatory measures.

The poll body held a meeting with concerned agencies and also discussed measures to mitigate any risk due to hot weather conditions during the Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, was attended by the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Head of Department, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and DG Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Commission directed MoHFW to issue necessary instructions to health authorities in states to prepare for and extend assistance in case of heatwave conditions affecting election operations. The Commission will hold a separate review with state CEOs to ensure adequate arrangements at polling stations, including shamiyana, drinking water, fans, and other assured minimum facilities, etc., as per its existing advisory dated March 16, 2024. (with inputs from agencies)

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Congress, NC to contest 3 seats each in J-K, Ladakh

The announcement was made by senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and Congress leader Pawan Khera…reports Asian Lite News

Congress and National Conference on Monday announced the seat sharing agreement for the five constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir and one constituency of Ladakh.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference by senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and Congress leader Pawan Khera.

Under the seat sharing agreement, the Congress will contest from Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary constituencies, while the National Conference will contest from Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar and Baramulla Lok Sabha seats.

“Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will fight the elections jointly in all the six constituencies. While the candidates have been announced for the Udhampur, Jammu and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies, the remaining three candidates for Srinagar, Baramulla and Ladakh will also be announced soon,” Omar Abdullah said.

He expressed confidence that INDIA will sweep all the six constituencies.

Earlier, Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) on Sunday announced candidates for three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir. PDP leader Sartaj Madni announced that Mehbooba Mufti will contest the general elections from Kashmir’s Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.

Mufti will be in a political battle from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat against Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory will be held in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar) and May 20 (Baramulla).

Nearly 97 crore voters will be eligible to vote for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies across the country.The elections for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting on April 19. The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4.

22 candidates in fray for Jammu

 One candidate withdrew his candidature on Monday, leaving a total of 22 candidates in the fray in the Jammu Parliamentary constituency.

Monday (April 8) was the last day of withdrawal of nomination in the Jammu Parliamentary constituency.

The candidates, who are in the fray include Jagdish Raj from Bahujan Samaj Party, Jugal Kishore from Bharatiya Janata Party, Naresh Kumar Chib from Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party (Bhim), Raman Bhalla from Congress, Ankur Sharma from Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal, Swami Divya Nand from Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front, Rattan Lal from Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, Shikha Bandral from National Awami United Party, Qari Zaheer Abbas Bhatti from All India Forward Bloc, Ganesh Choudhary from Hindustan Shakti Sena among others.

Independent candidate Roop Krishen Dhar has withdrawn his nomination.

The constituency is going to the polls in the second phase of general elections to be held on April 26.

Meanwhile, the process of allotting election symbols to the contesting candidates was also completed on Monday. (ANI/IANS)

Cong manifesto will make India strong, secular, says Abdullah

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah on Monday reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark about Congress’s manifesto that every page of the document reeks of attempts to “tear India apart” and said that the manifesto is to make the country strong and to keep it secular.

“I don’t think the manifesto is to break the country. I think the manifesto is to make the country strong and to keep it secular. That is what it is. And if anybody thinks otherwise, then they are already dividing the nation in their own ways,” the National Conference told reporters.

Speaking on Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) contesting the election, Abdullah said, “People know what we stand for. And beyond that, I don’t need to express anything.”

PM Modi on Saturday launched an attack on Congress and said that the party’s manifesto is a “bundle of lies” and every page of the document reeks of attempts to “tear India apart.”

Congress manifesto was released at the party headquarters by party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on Friday.

Addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Ajmer, the Prime Minister said that the manifesto reflects that the thinking of the Congress resembles those of the Muslim League during the pre-Independence period.

“Yesterday the Congress Party released its manifesto, a bundle of lies. Every page of this smells of breaking India into pieces. The same thinking is reflected in the Congress manifesto as was present in the Muslim League at the time of independence. Congress wants to impose the views of the Muslim League of that time on India today,” PM Modi said.

The Congress party’s election manifesto focuses on ‘Paanch Nyay’ or five pillars of justice, including ‘Yuva Nyay’, ‘Naari Nyay’, ‘Kisaan Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’ and ‘Hissedari Nyay’ as well as the guarantees made by it to the people as part of its poll promises for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory will be held in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar) and May 20 (Baramulla).

The counting of votes will be taken up on June 4. (ANI)

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Jammu & Kashmir Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Nestled in Kashmir’s Splendour

Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, the largest hotel in the Jammu and Kashmir region, offers 212 spacious and well-defined rooms across categories, including premium, executive, executive, executive, and presidential…reports Asian Lite News

Radisson Hotel Group announces the grand debut of its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection in India with the opening of Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar.

Nestled on the banks of River Jhelum, the hotel derives its design inspiration from Kashmir’s heritage, culture, and art. The hotel exudes the true spirit of Kashmir, combining landmark architecture, elegant interiors, exceptional gastronomic and cultural experiences, personalized service, and luxurious amenities.

Strategically located, the hotel enjoys proximity to major tourist attractions such as Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Tulip Garden, Shalimar Garden, Cheshmashahi Garden, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Temple, historic Lal Chowk, and Downtown Srinagar. It can be easily reached by car or taxi from Srinagar International Airport and the local bus and train stations.

“We are proud to introduce the first Radisson Collection hotel in India, located in the enchanting city of Srinagar. With an impressive scale of 212 rooms, the largest in the Jammu and Kashmir region, Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, promises an unparalleled experience for our guests. With this debut, we are looking forward to many such opportunities to collaborate with the right partners and build a unique collection of iconic properties under the Radisson Collection brand in the country,” says Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP), South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, the largest hotel in the Jammu and Kashmir region, offers 212 spacious and well-defined rooms across categories, including premium, executive, executive, executive, and presidential. Corners of the hotel take inspiration from Kashmir’s authentic motifs and iconic geometrical star patterned ‘jali’ – a traditional lattice or screen typically found in Kashmiri architecture, renowned for its complex craftsmanship and decorative appeal. These designs are complemented by artworks depicting the intricate embroidery process of Kashmiri shawls and carpets. 

The hotel offers an exceptional culinary journey, blending diverse cuisines within a fusion of contemporary and traditional architecture. Firdaus, one of its two F&B outlets, presents Kashmiri Wazwaan – a traditional multi-course meal known for its elaborate preparation, and local specialties, prepared using age-old Kashmiri cooking techniques. The traditionally adorned interiors evoke Kashmiri culture, seamlessly merging the past with the present through regional culinary specialities.

Sapphire Lounge, a modern tea and coffee lounge, offers French pastries, cakes, and a variety of teas in an elegant ambiance. Guests can indulge in aromatic coffee and French delights while enjoying lush green lawns. The lounge also serves Kashmiri Kahwa, Noon Tea, and a selection of Kashmiri breads. Additionally, Mehfil, an elegant bar space, offers a curated selection of premium spirits within a sophisticated setting highlighted by transparent glass walls and colourful leather furniture, reminiscent of a cozy residential living room. 

The hotel also features Mumtaz, one of the largest pillar-less banquet halls in the Kashmir valley spanning across an area of 5,000 sq. ft. Its walls are donned with diverse Kashmiri art forms such as ‘Mehrab’ – a design usually adorned with intricate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and sometimes floral motifs. Surrounded partially by majestic Chinar trees, and the charming colonial architecture of Srinagar city, the Mumtaz Lawns provide an idyllic backdrop, creating unforgettable moments for weddings and corporate gatherings. For smaller meetings, Zewar makes for the perfect venue.


“We are thrilled to partner with Radisson Hotel Group as we proudly unveil the first Radisson Collection in India – Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, reaffirming our belief in the Group. Our partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional luxury experiences. Together, we intend to redefine the very essence of grandeur, contribute to the local growth of the hotel sector, and set new industry standards,” says Wasim Chaya & Naseem Chaya – Managing Directors of Mushtaq Group of Hotels. 

Additionally, guests can explore the Artisan Shop that houses local, artisanal products within the hotel premises and partake in expert-led experiences unveiling the region’s rich heritage and adventures. They can also enjoy handpicked treatments focused on the four pillars of beauty, regeneration, balance, and detox, at the in-house L’Occitane Spa designed with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

ALSO READ-The Spectre of Jamaat E Islami in Kashmir

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The Spectre of Jamaat E Islami in Kashmir

Jamaat-e-Islami, Srinagar(twitter)

The Jamaat’s tendency to define religion in distorted political contexts is the primary reason that youth have fallen prey to its propaganda, only to regret their decisions decades later, writes Dr. Shujaat Ali Quadri

The Ministry of Home extended the ban on Jamaat e Islami by five years. This was in recognition of the fact that that organization is synonymous with terrorism in Kashmir. The Jamaat was banned in 2019 as the government prepared its groundwork for abrogation of Article 370.

The Jamaat e Islami Kashmir was established in the early 1950s and over the decades the organization charted its own ideological path contrary to its parent organization that relocated to Pakistan. In doing so the Jamaat e Islami of Kashmir contradicted the principles of its parent body. Like any organization founded on long term institutional vision, the Jamat E Islami kashmir targeted the youth and middle classes through mass education campaigns.

Compared to Kashmir’s sufi establishment, the Jamaat’s missionary zeal empowered it to reach all corners of the valley in the name of establishing an Islamic society.

In 1960s and 1970s, when the then Congress leadership’s micromanaging of Kashmir affairs and the arrest of Sheikh Abdullah created a permanent leadership vacuum in the valley, the Jamaat got entrenched in Kashmir’s society and governmental apparatus.

Influenced by the upheavals in the Islamic world in the latter years of the Cold War, the Jamaat played a key role in the creation of Muslim United Front that contested the infamous elections of 1987. It is an open truth that elections were rigged by the Congress leadership and were followed by the beginning of armed insurgency by MUF Cadre. Later, an MUF leader Syed Salahuddin established the Hizb ul Mujahideen which eventually emerged as the most powerful militant outfit in the valley as it extensively drew from the Jamaat cadre.

Within the first few years of the insurgency, it became clear that armed violence was inadequate for the Jamaat to achieve its aims and its leaders founded another outfit, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference that carried the radical agenda with more sophistication.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani

Ideologues like Syed AIi Shah Geelani, who wrote extensively on the need for an Islamist society, simultaneously advocated Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan. In his book “Nava-e-Hurriyat”, he presented a wrong interpretation of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India. Geelani justified Pakistan’s invasion of Kashmir in 1947, terming it as a war of liberation. Geelani even led prayers for Osama bin Laden after he was killed by American forces in Pakistan. For decades, he remained the face of radical politics Kashmir, bringing the daily life in Kashmir to a standstill whenever he wished.

Students head for school as winter vacation end in Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir. (Photo: IANS)

To conclude, in these three decades since the onset of insurgency, the Islamist agenda seeped so deep into the Kashmiri politics that it became synonymous with Kashmir’s body politic till the government finally decided to ban the Jamaat e Islami in 2019. In fact, it is not just Kashmir but the entire subcontinent that has suffered at the hands of the Jamaat. The Jamaat’s tendency to define religion in distorted political contexts is the primary reason that youth have fallen prey to its propaganda, only to regret their decisions decades later. Firstly, the Jamaat ideology alienates the muslim youth from their local Sufi traditions and instilled hatred against Sufism, and finally it antagonizes them to a point of no return.

(The Author is the Chairman of the Muslim Students Organisation of India)

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India News Jammu & Kashmir Politics

5-Phase LS Polls in J&K, Assembly Elections Later

Election Commission said the J&K administration voiced security concerns over holding Assembly elections together with the Lok Sabha elections….reports Asian Lite News

Polling for Jammu and Kashmir’s five Lok Sabha constituencies will be held in five separate phases from April 19 to May 20 and the Assembly Elections will be held after the Parliamentary elections in the UT.

Announcing the poll schedule for the Lok Sabha elections at a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that the Udhampur-Kathua Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on April 19, the Jammu constituency on April 26, the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency on May 7, Srinagar on May 13, and Baramulla on May 26.

Counting will be held on June 4.

The CEC said that all the political parties which met the Election Commission during its recent visit to J&K had asked for simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

“But, the administration there said in one voice that given the security concerns, the Assembly elections cannot be held together with the Lok Sabha elections,” he said.

He noted that there are 90 Assembly constituencies in J&K and if there are 10-12 candidates in every constituency, that would make a total of around 1,000 candidates.

“Each candidate has to be provided double column security which means an additional 500 companies of CAPF would be required for this, which is not possible as the security forces could not be spared in such numbers at the moment. Once the Lok Sabha elections are over, we will soon hold the Assembly elections in J&K,” the CEC said.

In an important disclosure, CEC Rajiv Kumar said that the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 provided for 107 Assembly seats, out of which 24 were kept for Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

“This left 83 Assembly seats out of which 7 were kept reserved for the SCs. Then came the Delimitation Commission, 2022. After accepting the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission, a fresh notification was issued, which increased the number of Assembly seats from 107 to 114. Out of these, 24 were kept for PoJK, 7 for SCs while 9 seats were reserved for the STs. In addition to this, 2 seats were kept for the migrant Kashmiri Pandits through nomination, while one of these would be a female. In addition, one seat was kept for refugees of PoJK again through nomination,” he said.

“The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 and the Delimitation notification of 2022 were not in sync. Thus there was no question of holding Assembly polls at that time. The two were brought in sync with each other through the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2023 which came into force in December 2023. Thus our time for holding Assembly elections in J&K started in December 2023. This means there was no delay on the part of the Election Commission,” he asserted.

The data released by the Election Commission shows there are 86.9 lakh voters for the Parliamentary election in J&K, out of which 44 lakh are men and 42 lakh women.

A total of 67,000 voters are persons with disabilities (PWDs) and there would be special arrangements like ramps and wheelchairs at the polling booth for them. Interestingly, in J&K, 2,886 electors would be over 100 years old, while 3.4 lakh first-time voters will also exercise their democratic rights in these elections.

As many as 11,629 polling stations are being set up for the five Lok Sabha constituencies out of which there would be an average of 747 voters at each station and in no case, would the number of voters at any polling station cross 1,500.

For transparency, 50 per cent of polling stations will have webcasting while 80 will be exclusively manned by female staff. All polling stations will have basic facilities like chairs, lighting, drinking water, and separate toilets for male and female voters.

There are special instructions for the poll staff to ensure that the polling station wears a festive look to attract the voters.

For the first time, those above 85 years of age can choose to vote from their home and these votes would be collected by the poll staff in the presence of the representatives of the political parties.

There are special instructions to DMs and SPs in J&K to ensure that the polls are free, without any fear or inducement. Furthermore, no uncharted flight will be allowed to bring anything into J&K during the poll schedule.

‘96.8 Crore Voters in India’

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 give 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.

The CEC was accompanied by the two Election Commissioners. (ANI)

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Maharashtra Makes History, Owns Land in J&K

The state will have the Maharashtra Bhawan which will come up in Budgam district to facilitate its tourists…reports Asian Lite News

Maharashtra is going to be the first state in the country to own land in J&K.

The state will have the Maharashtra Bhawan which will come up in Budgam district to facilitate its tourists here.

The details of the project were worked out when Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited J&K in June 2023 during his meetings with Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, official sources said.

“UT government has approved the transfer of 2.5 acres of land at Ichgam in Budgam district near Srinagar international airport to Maharashtra at a cost of Rs 8.16 crore,” said sources.

Reports also said that the state government has allocated Rs 77 crore for two Maharashtra Bhawans, one at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and the other at Budgam in J&K.

With the J&K’s approval of land transfer of 2.5 acres, Maharashtra, thus, would be the first state to own land in the union territory.

Before the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, no person, institution or entity belonging outside J&K could buy land here although a provision to allot land on 99-year lease to outsiders did exist before the acts were struck off.

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People Should Use Their Votes Sensibly: Mehbooba

Hitting out at the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the PDP chief said that “CAA is essentially a law to target Muslims.”…reports Asian Lite News

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday asked people of the country to “use their votes sensibly.”

Hitting out at the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the PDP chief said that “CAA is essentially a law to target Muslims.”

Speaking over the proposed takeover of land for a railway project in the Shopian district, she said “Jammu and Kashmir, especially the valley, is too fragile. Its ecosystem is fragile. Our economy is dependent on the fruit industry. If you plan a railway line through every village without thinking about it, thousands of our plants, which are the backbone of our economy, will have to be cut.”

Earlier on Tuesday, she wrote on X, “77 years after partition, the BJP is still wedded to the concept of two-nation theory of Hindu Mahasabha. To further their agenda they have thus implemented CAA to create another partition among our people.”

“This sudden urgency in its implementation despite the case being pending in the honourable SC , is a desperate attempt to divert attention from its all-round failures and engage people in hate politics. Appeal all communities, especially Muslims not to walk into their trap,” Mufti said in a statement on X.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants–including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians–who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. (ANI)

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EC Mulls Simultaneous LS, Assembly Polls in J&K

The long wait for Jammu and Kashmir seems to have come to an end as the Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering holding simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls…reports Asian Lite News

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday said that the poll body will decide on holding Lok Sabha Elections and Assembly Elections together or separately in Jammu and Kashmir after reviewing the security situation.

The long wait for Jammu and Kashmir seems to have come to an end as the Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering holding simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

A team from the poll body, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, is on a three-day visit to the Union Territory.

“We are concerned about Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in J&K. The majority of political parties we met in Srinagar and Jammu demanded that Assembly and Lok Sabha polls be held simultaneously,” CEC Rajiv Kumar told media persons at Jammu.

“As far as holding Lok Sabha and Assembly polls simultaneously, we will take a final call after a thorough security review and consultations with the political parties. One thing is sure: we want early Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in J&K.”

Kumar said strict vigil will be maintained on online cash transfers through wallets in Jammu and Kashmir. People above 85 years and those with disability will be provided voting at home facility in J-K.

Chief Election Commissioner further said that the Election Commission has received details from the State Bank of India (SBI) related to the electoral bonds and will share all relevant information in time.

The reply came amid the fact that the Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI) has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court apprising that, in compliance with the top court’s order, the date of purchase of each electoral bond, the name of the purchaser, and the denomination of the bond purchased have been furnished to the Election Commission of India.

Kumar informed us that there will be a total of 76,876 service voters in 2024, for whom ballot service will be provided. Apart from that, all security agencies are aware, and the district police chiefs, top police officers of the Kashmir region were asked about the on-ground security situation in the state and the requirement of additional security forces.

When asked about Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party not getting allowed to the meeting held by the election commission, he said, “There is a dispute in the party, we meet national parties and regional parties. This party is under dispute; when their dispute is settled, we will meet them.”

Rajiv Kumar also appealed voters of J&K to take part in coming elections in large number. (ANI)

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Modi in Srinagar First Time Since Scrapping Article 370

Kashmiris expect Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring gifts of peace and progress…reports Asian Lite News

The people of Kashmir Valley are expecting gifts of peace, prosperity and much more from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is arriving here on Thursday.

People from far and near are reaching Srinagar and the otherwise sleepy winter city has come to life on Thursday with the first light of the day despite the morning cold.

People from Uri border town, Baramulla town, Kupwara, Handwara, Lolab, Tangmarg, Bandipora, Kangan, Ganderbal, Kokernag, Achabal, Pahalgam, Khansahib, Beerwah, Chadoora, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama and over two dozen other places are reaching here on buses and private vehicles to get a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

Traffic department and the security wing of J&K Police have issued detailed advisories to ensure smooth passage of the people to and from the Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of Prime Minister Modi’s public address.

Ravinder Raina, President of BJP’s J&K unit, told reporters that he is expecting 2 lakh people to attend the rally.

While the exact number would be known only after the beginning of the programme, the most significant thing is the mood and enthusiasm with which the participants are reaching the city.

Nazir Ahmad, 41, came from the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district. He is eager to see the man who brought an end to uncertainty and chaos in Kashmir.

“My children go to school without any fear of facing stone pelters to send them back home. I am able to work normally in my apple orchard as my wife attends to household chores without fear for me and the children returning home safely… This was made possible by the man (Prime Minister Modi) I am going to see and listen to today,” he said.

Businessmen, academicians, transporters, houseboat owners, Shikarawallahs, farmers, orchardists, government employees, small industrial unit entrepreneurs, and hoteliers, everybody is expecting gifts from the Prime Minister.

“We are expecting Prime Minister Modi to help us live a better life… Kashmir now expects big from the big man,” said Sajad Ahmad, 47, who runs a retail shop in Srinagar city.

The majority of people attending the Prime Minister’s public rally are hopeful to return home with some good news that touches their lives directly.

Shakeel Lone, 38, from Uri border town is mainly concerned about peace in the areas close to the line of control (LoC) as he lives in one such area. “Peace on the border is my first priority. My family, my home and everything else I own is dependent on peace and normalcy on the LoC. And, Prime Minister Modi is the man who can ensure the safety of my family.”

“I want to see the Prime Minister in person while he speaks of his vision for the people of Kashmir,” he said.

People working in the hospitality sector like hotels, taxi operators, houseboat owners and guest house owners are upbeat after hearing that the Prime Minister is going to announce a package for the tourism industry.

“We had a tourist boom last year. We expect even larger numbers to visit the Valley this year. Tourism needs better and larger infrastructure than we have at present. We need incentives to do that. I am sure he loves to see Kashmir tourism grow and for that to happen, we need his continued patronage,” said Gowhar, 56, a hotel owner.

Imran Fida Bhat, 39, is a daily rated worker in the Jal Shakti Department. He has spent more than 20 years serving for the department. He has been waiting like thousands of others to get their services regularised.

“We are 63,000 families across J&K. We have given the best years of our lives to the department. All previous governments promised to regularise our services, but none have done that so far… I have come to see the Prime Minister do something positive for us. ‘Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai’,” he said.

“We have all our hopes pinned on him,” Imran said as he narrated his story of how difficult it is to send two children to school and keep the wolf away from his door at just Rs 9,000 a month.

Security in and around the Bakshi Stadium has been tightened while ensuring smooth passage of the people.

Police have declared the city a ‘Temporary Red Zone’ today to ensure that no private drone or Quadcopter is seen in the sky during the VVIP visit.

A multi-tier security ring is in place to provide foolproof security to the Prime Minister and the people attending the public rally.

ALSO READ-Modi’s Visit Promises Healing Touch for Naya Kashmir

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Modi’s Visit Promises Healing Touch for Naya Kashmir

Prime Minister Modi’s Kashmir visit appears to be a testing ground going forward. It seems that the government is not yet convinced that it can afford to extend political incentives like the restoration of J&K’s statehood, which is the biggest confidence-building measure in the present circumstances…. Write Nasir Khuehami & Ummar Jamal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Srinagar on March 7th has stirred anticipation, casting a spotlight on the complex dynamics of the region against the backdrop of significant political changes, notably the abrogation of Article 370. While some analysts interpret this visit as a strategic move ahead of impending parliamentary elections, the underlying need for reconciliation and healing in a region cannot be overlooked.

The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected administration for around the past six years. June 2024 will mark the completion of 6 years since the elected government fell. The erstwhile state has been directly governed by the Union ever since. Even though the Centre government has made repeated promises to hold free and fair assembly elections, as of right now, nothing of the kind has taken place.

The Centre’s Invitation to representatives of political parties from Jammu and Kashmir for a meeting in New Delhi in, 2021, was seen as a significant step towards resolving the political impasse following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the former state into two Union Territories. Leaders across the party lines were invited after facing nearly two years of stonewalling. It was seen that New Delhi leadership recognized the unsustainable nature of the current approach towards Kashmir. Some averred that the way Kashmir is being handled cannot last for long, while others averred the move was a result of growing international pressure and others opined Delhi needed the support of local leaders for the smooth implementation of the ongoing delimitation process. Whatever be the reasons for the meeting one thing is clear the meeting changed nothing for the people of Kashmir till now.

Normal life in Srinagar on the 4th anniversary of the Abrogation of Article 370 & 35A – Umar Ganie

Agree or not; the people of J&K are silent but deeply disappointed. The decision to revoke Article 370, ostensibly aimed at integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, has left many Kashmiris feeling marginalized and disillusioned. Modi’s upcoming visit presents a unique opportunity to address these sentiments, offering a glimmer of hope for a region yearning for stability and inclusion.

Since the abrogation of Article 370, mainstream politics in the region has been rendered ineffective as people have lost faith in the system. The vacuum created by the abrogation of Article 370 remained unfilled because mainstream politicians in Kashmir felt sidelined and were never given a chance to represent their voters. Even after the government attempted to groom a new breed of activists, they were not accepted by the people due to their little influence on the ground. The central government tried to create divisions in the regional political parties, which further created disenchantment among politicians advocating the idea of India, even during the turbulent 1990s in Kashmir.

PM Modi’s Kashmir visit appears to be a testing ground going forward. It seems that the government is not yet convinced that it can afford to extend political incentives like the restoration of J&K’s statehood, which is the biggest confidence-building measure in the present circumstances. There is a reason for it. Post the abrogation of Article 370, there was a conviction in New Delhi that a new political class could be nurtured at the expense of the traditional one and hence the constitution of Development Councils, which, however, as evident, has not resulted in desired dividends. Had that been so, the government would not have waited for the Supreme Court’s direction and instead raced to conduct the local legislative assembly polls at least a year back on its own.

Be that as it may, central to the journey towards reconciliation is the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Beyond its political ramifications, this gesture symbolizes a commitment to healing the emotional wounds inflicted by the abrogation of Article 370. By reinstating statehood, the government can convey a message of reconciliation. However, mere symbolic gestures will not suffice. The urgency lies in conducting Assembly polls before September 30th, as mandated by the Apex court. Transparent and inclusive elections are essential to empowering Kashmiris to shape their political destiny, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the democratic process.

Yet, addressing the grievances of Kashmiris requires more than just political measures. Modi’s visit must be underpinned by a comprehensive strategy that addresses the deep-seated trust deficit in the region. This entails genuine efforts to understand and redress the aspirations of the local population, transcending the confines of political rhetoric. It is imperative to recognize that political manoeuvres alone cannot resolve the multifaceted challenges facing Kashmir. A holistic approach is needed, one that prioritizes rebuilding trust, restoring normalcy, and empowering the local population. Modi’s visit should catalyze such an approach, fostering a narrative of unity and understanding.

In this endeavour, Modi can draw inspiration from the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose approach towards Kashmir epitomized the power of dialogue and empathy. Vajpayee’s mantra of “insaniyat, jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat” underscored a philosophy rooted in inclusivity, democracy, and respect for Kashmir’s cultural identity.

Emulating Vajpayee’s approach, Modi has the opportunity to pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region. By prioritizing engagement over confrontation, Modi can bridge the trust deficit and address the grievances that have plagued Kashmir for decades. As Modi is set to set foot on the soil of Kashmir, the onus is not solely on political posturing but on fostering a narrative of unity, understanding, and comprehensive engagement. Only through such an approach can we envision a future where the people of Jammu and Kashmir find solace, hope, and a genuine path towards enduring peace.

(Nasir Khuehami is the National Convenor of J&K Students Association. He is Pursuing Masters in Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Ummar Jamal is the National General Secretary of J&K Students Association. He is Pursuing BA. LLB from the University of Kashmir. )