Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is trailing in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat…reports Asian Lite News
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) vice-president and Baramulla Lok Sabha candidate Omar Abdullah has conceded defeat and congratulated Independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh for his victory in North Kashmir.
In a post on his X account, Omar Abdullah conceded defeat and congratulated Independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh for his victory in North Kashmir. He added that the voters have spoken and in a democracy, that’s all that matters.
“I think it’s time to accept the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir. I don’t believe his victory will hasten his release from prison nor will the people of North Kashmir get the representation they have a right to but the voters have spoken and in a democracy, that’s all that matters,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
Baramulla Lok Sabha candidate Omar Abdullah is trailing in Baramulla by a margin of 134705 votes against independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh, as per the ECI.
This is the first Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The elections to the five seats in Jammu and Kashmir were held in five phases.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is trailing in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had six candidates in the fray in Jammu and Kashmir but failed to win a single seat in Kashmir.
Strict security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth counting of votes for more than 8,000 candidates in this general election. Vote counting commenced at 8 pm today.
Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that a “very robust system” has been put in place. “There are around 10.5 lakh booths. Each booth will have 14 tables. There are observers and micro-observers. Nearly, 70-80 lakh people are involved in the process,” he said.
Results of the Assembly elections in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh were held simultaneously with voting for the 543-member Lok Sabha. Results of 175 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and 147 Assembly constituencies in Odisha and results of bypolls in 25 Assembly constituencies will also be declared today.
The Lok Sabha elections were conducted in seven phases- on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. (ANI)
With Phase 6 polls, the 5-phase election process in Jammu and Kashmir has been successfully completed…reports Asian Lite News
J&K Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P. K. Pole on Saturday said that the tentative poll percentage in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency is 53 per cent while for the entire J&K, the poll percentage is 58 per cent, which is highest in last 35 years.
“The tentative poll percentage for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency is 53 per cent which can marginally go up as statistics are still being finalised,” the CEO said while addressing a press conference.
He said that the voting has been highest in the Surankote segment where 68 per cent voter turnout was recorded. In Rajouri, the turnout was more or less equal to Surankote.
“The lowest voter turnout in today’s poll was recorded in Kulgam segment where only 34 per cent turnout was recorded,” the CEO said.
The CEO said that with the Phase 6 poll, the 5-phase election process in J&K has been successfully completed.
“The entire poll process in the UT was held with no stone pelting incident, no shifting of polling stations, no stone pelting on vehicles carrying polling staff and polling material. There was, however, an incident of violence that was not directly related to the elections,” he said.
He said that for the entire Jammu and Kashmir, the turnout was 58 per cent which is the highest in the last 35 years.
When asked about the former Chief Minister and PDP candidate for Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, Mehbooba Mufti sitting on a ‘Dharna’ alleging that her workers and polling agents had been arrested, the CEO said, “We all know the past history of Kashmir. Persons with OGW or criminal background were detained to prevent them from disrupting the democratic process.”
He said that while we take such security measures the administration does not see the socio-religious background of the persons involved.
After fresh delimitation of electoral constituencies, two districts of Jammu division, Poonch and Rajouri were added to Valley’s Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency while Pulwama district was deleted from this constituency and was made a part of the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, just nine per cent voter turnout was recorded in Anantnag while Rajouri and Poonch polled 72 per cent votes.
There are 20 candidates in the fray in this constituency. The main contest is, however, between Mian Altaf Ahmad, senior Gujjar/Baksrwal leader of the National Conference (NC), Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister and President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Zafar Iqbal Manhas of J&K Apni Party.
BJP has unofficially supported the Apni Party candidate and has not fielded any candidate in this constituency.
Pahari community living in Poonch and Rajouri districts form a significant number of voters in the constituency.
This community was given ST status by the Central government recently.
In addition to the Pahari community, Gujjar/Bakarwal community also form a significant part of the constituency’s electorate.
Cash, liquor, freebies seized in J&K
Election authorities and other enforcement agencies seized around Rs 95 crore worth of cash, liquor, and other freebies, meant to be used to influence the voters during the five-phase Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.
The election process in J&K ended on Saturday with voting in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.
“Despite the voter turnout having broken a 35-year-old record in Kashmir, some candidates had tried to use money, liquor, freebies etc to influence the voters. We seized material and cash with a total value of Rs 94.797 crore from the date of commencement of the Lok Sabha elections in J&K,” an Election Commission official said.
Officials credited the J&K Police with playing the most important role in checking the use of money and freebies as it accounted for Rs 90.83 crore seized during the campaign.
Cash, liquor, drugs and other freebies were seized by various enforcement departments. Major department-wise seizures included seizures by the police valued at Rs 90.831 crore, the Income Tax Department at Rs 42 lakh, the Excise Department at Rs 1.01 crore while the Narcotics Control Bureau seized drugs valued at Rs 2.32 crore, officials said.
“In order to ensure a level playing field for all contestants, we took action against over 40 government employees who were allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. We received 143 grievances on the CVIGIL app out of which over 80 have been resolved while the remaining are under the process of resolution,” the EC official said.
“To monitor various election-related activities and also check the Model Code of Conduct compliance, we had established a command and control room at the CEO office in Jammu as well as in Srinagar. Similar mini-control rooms were also established in every DEO’s (district election officer) office and were functioning round-the-clock. All electronic media channels and social media platforms were monitored here. Any violation so detected was reported and the concerned RO/ARO issued a notice,” the official added.
“All techno-savvy facilities, including GPS monitoring, live surveillance, telecommunication, etc. were put into use to secure one of the most exhaustive and elaborate poll processes in J&K amid concerns about the disruption of this democratic process by anti-national elements in the past,” the EC official said.
Mehbooba Mufti said she knows the trauma of Kashmiri Pandits, “as they want to come back to their homeland.”…reports Asian Lite News
Appealing to the Kashmiri Pandit community to vote for her in the Lok Sabha elections, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that she has an idea about the trauma Kashmiri Pandit community had to face in the early 1990 insurgency that led to the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from the valley.
Mehbooba Mufti said that her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, always ensured that relationship between majority and minority communities must be maintained in Jammu and Kashmir.
Holding a public meeting with Kashmiri Pandits community, Mufti said, “I understand your pain. I have an idea of how older people might feel when they miss Kashmir. The beginning of the pain was from our house. We also have faced a lot. My father thought that the relationship between majority and minority must be maintained. This is the reason he made a lot of effort when he became the CM. I was raised in Kashmiri Pandits’ homes. I understand how important it is for all of us to live together.”
“I know the trauma of Kashmiri Pandits, as they want to come back to their homeland. Mufti Sahab was very saddened by what happened to Kashmiri pandits,” she added.
Mehbooba Mufti is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. Voting in the constituency will be held on May 25.
On the healthy voting percentage in Jammu and Kashmir in the first four phases, Mufti said that people are voting in large numbers as they are expressing their anger against the Centre for abrogating Article 370.
“I have come here to request that you kindly give me your vote. A large number of people are casting their vote this time because they are expressing their anger against what was done in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370,” he said.
Reacting to the killing of former Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh in Shopian and the attack on a couple in Anantnag, Mehbooba Mufti called it “delebrate negligence” of the government.
“Yesterday, there were attacks in Shopian and Anantnag, Home Minister came few days ago. Why these attacks? No security is in place. Maybe they want that there should be less voter turnout,” she said.
Earlier today, PDP leader Iltija Mufti also targeted the Centre over the attacks on civilians, saying that the government is scared of the increased voting percentage. She said that the government is trying to rig the elections.
“The chronology needs to be understood. The polling percentage in Srinagar was very high, Seeing this, the government got scared and they are trying their level best to create panic in the hearts of the people of Anantnag. On the one hand, they say there is normalcy, no militancy suddenly, these kinds of incidents are happening. They want democracy to be accepted only when their candidates get elected. They are trying to rig the elections,” she said.
BJP Jammu and Kashmir President Ravinder Raina lashed out at Pakistan a day after a BJP worker and a former Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, was killed in a terrorist attack in Shopian district, saying that the coward terrorists of the neighbouring country have spilled blood here.
“The coward terrorists of Pakistan have spilled blood in Kashmir. Kashmiriyat has been murdered. The merciless killing of party worker Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh is the murder of humanity. The perpetrators of this terrorist attack would be dealt with as per law and God will also not spare them,” Raina said in an emotional video message on Sunday.
Earlier, a former BJP Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh was killed, and a couple from Jaipur were injured in two separate incidents of firing by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian and Anantnag districts, respectively, late on Saturday night.
In the second incident, a couple from Jaipur was injured in the Yannar area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.The police stated that the terrorists fired upon and injured a lady, Farha, a resident of Jaipur, and her spouse, Tabrez, at Yannar in Anantnag. The injured were evacuated and taken to the hospital for treatment. According to sources, the condition of the injured couple is stable. (ANI)
Abdullah seeks probe on recent killings in J-K
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has called for a thorough investigation into the twin terror attacks that occurred in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the media on Sunday, Abdullah urged the central government to launch a probe into these violent incidents, which took place the previous night. He also implored Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism in the region.
Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that if the Centre fails to initiate an investigation into the attacks, his party would seek the intervention of an international committee to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The terror attacks in question involved two incidents: the killing of Aijaz Sheikh, a former sarpanch affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in Shopian, and the injury of a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Anantnag. These attacks have raised significant concerns about the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.
Speaking at an election rally in Mendhar, Poonch district, Abdullah criticized the central government for misleading the public by attributing the root cause of terrorism to Article 370, which was abrogated several years ago. He questioned the effectiveness of this narrative, highlighting that terrorism has not ceased despite the abrogation.
Referring specifically to the murder of Aijaz Sheikh, Abdullah lamented the loss of an innocent life, asserting that everyone in a democratic nation has the right to propagate their political ideology without fear of violence. He called for a swift and transparent investigation to uncover who was behind the killing.
Additionally, Abdullah demanded an inquiry into the attack on the tourists in Anantnag. He stressed the necessity of establishing peace in the region, which he believes is contingent upon the cessation of terrorism. He urged Pakistan to halt its support for terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that peaceful dialogue between India and Pakistan could follow once terrorism is eradicated.
Abdullah also commented on Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Srinagar, alleging that Shah met with individuals opposed to the National Conference (NC) during his trip. Abdullah inferred that the purpose of Shah’s meetings, which reportedly extended past midnight, was to undermine the NC.
In response to Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari’s claim that the Home Minister’s visit was intended to benefit the NC and PDP ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, Abdullah dismissed the allegations, focusing instead on the broader issues of terrorism and political manipulation in the region. He alluded to certain individuals who historically facilitated the influx of weapons and funds from Pakistan, suggesting these elements are now aligned with the BJP.
Abdullah reiterated his longstanding position in Parliament, cautioning against those who, after facilitating violence in the past, now stand with the ruling party.
Congress expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in the Jammu region’s two seats,..reports Asian Lite News
Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Vikar Rasool Wani asserted that the BJP’s decision not to field candidates in the Kashmir region’s three Lok Sabha seats reflects its weakness in the area. He expressed confidence in the Congress’s ability to secure victory in the Jammu region’s two seats, affirming that an INDIA bloc government at the Centre would safeguard culture, jobs, and land, restore statehood, and organize assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Ravinder Raina’s defense of the decision, Wani dismissed Raina’s justifications as fanciful, labeling him a “Hawa Baaz” (one who builds castles in the air). Wani argued that the BJP lacks a voter base, public support, polling agents, campaign infrastructure, and cadre base in Kashmir, rendering their participation in elections infeasible.
Highlighting perceived disenchantment with the BJP in both Jammu and Kashmir, Wani attributed this to the BJP’s failure to deliver on promises over the past decade, characterizing their efforts as mere token gestures. He contended that the electorate’s dissatisfaction manifested in the first phase of polling in Udhampur, predicting a similar outcome in the Jammu Lok Sabha seat.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Udhampur for their robust participation in the electoral process despite adverse weather conditions, Wani interpreted their engagement as a desire for change and expressed confidence in the Congress’s electoral prospects.
Wani seized upon the theme of change, suggesting a shifting political landscape in the country and criticizing the BJP’s actions regarding Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into Union Territories. He assured voters of the Congress’s commitment to preserving culture, jobs, and land rights, along with restoring statehood, reinstating the bi-annual Darbar move tradition, scrapping smart electricity meters, and implementing promises outlined in the party manifesto, including farmer loan waivers.
Omar accuses PDP of working for BJP’s benefit
National Conference Vice President and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday accused the PDP of working for the BJP’s benefit in the Kashmir Valley.
After having dismissed Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP as a “spent force”, he said that the party, by contesting the election against the INDIA bloc in J&K, is benefiting the BJP.
Omar Abdullah also accused the PDP of having joined the INDIA bloc only to get the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency.
Addressing an election campaign in Anantnag district, he said that the INDIA bloc is fighting the BJP and the alliance is here on this stage. “Those who are not on this stage are trying to benefit the BJP,” he said.
Stressing that his NC has joined the INDIA bloc only to keep the “communal BJP” away, Omar Abdullah said: “It is unfortunate that in this constituency, we are fighting with another member of the alliance. Now we are being accused of being selfish. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, in her speeches every day, says that NC is acting selfishly.”
He noted that both the Congress and M.Y.Tarigami of the CPI-M have also supported the NC candidate in the constituency, and asked the PDP whether they deem both the Congress and the CPI-M as selfish too.
In another election meeting in Pulwama district, which is part of the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, Omar Abdullah appealed to people to vote for NC candidate Syed Ruhullah Mehdi. He called the Lok Sabha elections as the semi-final and told people that the final (Assembly elections) will also be held by September this year.
Mehbooba Mufti slams Akram over remark
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that Congress should think about their support to the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir after the leader of the latter Chaudhary Mohammad Akram equated the Congress with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“The statements made by Choudhary Akram while joining JKNC, he said that there is no difference between Congress and BJP. He said BJP is Congress. He is the same Choudhary Akram whose father (Chaudhary Mohammad Aslam) was part of the Congress party. What worse can he say about Congress? I don’t understand how the Congress workers would support the NC. The NC leadership used to refer to Congress workers as ‘gandi naali kay keeday’ (the worms of the gutter). They used to face social boycott,” Mufti told reporters.
She said that it was “unfortunate” that Akram chose to describe the Congress in that manner.
“This is for the Congress workers to think about. They have to support the National Conference (in this election) but they (Akram) are calling them the B team of the BJP,” she added.
Akram joined the National Conference earlier this month and he was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on a Congress ticket in the 2014 polls.
Earlier on April 8, the Congress and National Conference announced the seat-sharing agreement for the five constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir and one constituency of Ladakh.
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.
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 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. (ANI)
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.
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)
This was the first visit of Modi to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 by his government in 2019…reports Asian Lite News
Noting that Jammu and Kashmir is touching new heights of development and is breathing freely today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that freedom from restrictions has come after the abrogation of Article 370 which was being used by some political families for their benefit.
Addressing ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ programme in Srinagar, the Prime Minister said the region is breaking all tourism records.
This was the first visit of Modi to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 by his government in 2019.
He said that Congress and its partners had for decades misled the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country over Article 370 and people have come to know the truth.
“Today Jammu and Kashmir is touching new heights of development because Jammu and Kashmir is breathing freely today. This freedom from restrictions has come after the abrogation of Article 370,” he said.
“For decades, for political gains, Congress and its allies misled the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the name of 370 and misled the country. Did Jammu and Kashmir benefit from Article 370 or were only a few political families taking advantage of it? The people of Jammu and Kashmir have come to know the truth that they were misled. Jammu and Kashmir was kept in chains for the benefit of a few families. Today there is no Article 370, hence the talent of the youth of J&K is being fully respected and they are getting new opportunities. Today there are equal rights and equal opportunities for everyone here,” he added.
He said the abrogation of Article 370 has led to the respect of youth’s talent and equal rights and equal opportunities for everyone.
He spoke about the refugees from Pakistan, the Valmiki community and sanitation workers getting voting rights, fulfilling the demand of the Valmiki community for the SC category, reservation of seats in the assembly for Scheduled Tribes and eligibility of several communities for reservation benefit.
Modi said he would not leave any stone unturned to repay the debt of affection of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am working hard only to win your hearts… I am doing all this hard work to win your hearts and I believe that I am on the right path. I will keep trying hard…This is Modi ki guarantee and you know that ‘Modi ki guarantee’ means, there is a guarantee of fulfilling the guarantee,” Modi said.
The Modi government abrogated Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, soon after returning to power in 2019. The state was bifurcated into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In his speech, Modi accused some families of using the resources of Jammu and Kashmir for their benefit. “J-K has been a huge victim of ‘Parivarvad’ and corruption. The previous governments here had left no stone unturned to destroy our J-K Bank, by filling the bank with their relatives and nephews, these ‘Parivarvadis’ have ruined the bank. Due to mismanagement, the bank had incurred so much loss that all of you were in danger of losing thousands of crores of rupees…” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said he has treated the people of Jammu and Kashmir as his family. He greeted people on Ramadan and Shivratri.
“The people of my family stay in my heart, and ‘Main hoon Modi ka Pariwar’ is in the hearts of Kashmiris. I promise that the development works in J-K will not stop at any cost. In the next few days, Ramazan is going to begin. I want to extend my best wishes to the people of the country for Ramazan…Tomorrow, we will celebrate Maha Shivratri, I extend my best wishes to the people of the country for Maha Shivratri as well…” the PM said.
Modi also referred to blooming of lotus in lakes of Jammu and Kashmir and noted that the flower is the symbol of the BJP.
“In the future, the success story of Jammu and Kashmir will be the centre of attraction for the world…Lotus are seen everywhere in the lakes here. The logo of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association formed 50 years ago, also has a lotus. Is it a coincidence or a sign of nature that the BJP’s symbol is also a lotus and Jammu and Kashmir has a deep connection with the lotus,” he said. (ANI)
Modi launches Rs 5,000 cr project in J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated initiatives worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore for boosting the agri-economy in Jammu and Kashmir. during his maiden visit to the Valley since the abrogation of Article 370 by his government.
He dedicated to the nation the about Rs 5000 crore worth ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ (HADP)- for boosting agri-economy in Jammu and Kashmir.
HADP is an integrated program encompassing the full spectrum of activities in the three major domains of agri-economy viz Horticulture, Agriculture and Livestock husbandry in Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme is expected to equip about 2.5 lakh farmers with skill development via dedicated Daksh Kisan portal. Under the programme, about 2000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars will be established and robust value chains will be put in place for the welfare of the farming community.
The programme will lead to employment generation benefiting lakhs of marginal families in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also launched nationwide projects worth more than Rs 1,400 crore related to the tourism sector under the “Swadesh Darshan” and “PRASHAD” (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) schemes. These include a project for the integrated development of the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
In an effort to create world-class infrastructure and amenities for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Hazratbal Shrine, and to enhance their holistic spiritual experience, the project ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’ has been executed.
Modi launched the “Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll” and the “Chalo India Global Diaspora” campaign as well, besides announcing tourist destinations selected under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened or laid foundation stones for works amounting to over Rs 10.5 lakh crore and more announcements are on the anvil…reports Asian Lite News
The BJP-led NDA government appears to be in a tearing hurry to launch projects ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. In the last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened or laid foundation stones for works amounting to over Rs 10.5 lakh crore.
Modi will be visiting visiting Jammu to launch multiple development projects, including for education, railway, aviation, and road sectors, worth over Rs 32,000 crore.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the projects relate to several sectors, including health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, and civic infrastructure, among others.
During the programme, the Prime Minister will distribute appointment orders to about 1500 new government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu’ programme.
Rs 13,375 crore education projects
In a significant step towards upgrading and developing education and skilling infrastructure across the country, the Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone of several projects worth about Rs 13,375 crore.
The Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the permanent campus of IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IISER Tirupati, IIITDM Kurnool; the academic and residential complex in IIT Patna and IIT Ropar; two permanent campuses of Central Sanskrit University – at Devprayag (Uttarakhand) and at Agartala (Tripura).
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the permanent campuses of IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Jammu, and IIM Bodh Gaya. He will also inaugurate the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) – a pioneering skill training institute on advanced technologies in Kanpur.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate and dedicate to nation-improved infrastructure like hostels, academic blocs, administrative buildings, libraries, auditoriums, etc in multiple higher educational institutes across the country, like IIT Jammu, NIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Durgapur, IISER Behrampur, NIT Arunachal Pradesh, IIIT Lucknow, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and the Central University of Kerala Kasaragod, among others.
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for multiple projects for upgrading the infrastructure in several higher educational institutes across the country. These projects include construction of the permanent campus of Sindhu Central University and IIIT Raichur; construction of academic block, hostel, faculty quarter etc. in IIT Bombay; the construction of Hostel and Staff quarters in IIT Gandhinagar, construction of Girls hostel in BHU, among others.
PM Modi will inaugurate the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu. The institute, whose foundational stone was also laid by the Prime Minister in February 2019, is being established under the Central sector scheme Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
New airport
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Jammu Airport. To be spread over 40,000 sqm area, the new terminal building will be equipped with modern facilities catering to about 2000 passengers during peak hours.
The new terminal building will be environment friendly and will be built such that it showcases the local culture of the region. It will strengthen air connectivity, boost tourism and trade, and accelerate the economic growth of the region.
Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation various rail projects in Jammu and Kashmir including the new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan (48 Km) and the newly electrified Baramulla-Sringar-Banihal-Sangaldan section (185.66 Km). Prime Minister will also flag off the first Electric Train in the valley and also train service between Sangaldan station & Baramulla station.
Rs 677 crore petrol depot
Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a project to develop CUF (Common User Facility) Petroleum depot at Jammu. The state of art fully automated depot which will be developed at a cost of about Rs 677 crore, will have storage capacity of about 100000 KL for storing Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO), Aviation Turbine fuel (ATF), Ethanol, Bio diesel and winter grade HSD.
Rs 3150 crore infra push
Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several development projects worth more than Rs 3150 crore for strengthening the civic infrastructure and provisioning of public facilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The projects to be inaugurated by Prime Minister include, Road projects and Bridges; Grid Stations, receiving stations transmission line Projects; Common Effluent Treatment Plants and Sewage Treatment Plants; Several Degree College buildings; Intelligent Traffic Management system in Srinagar city; Modern Narwal Fruit Mandi; Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua; and Transit accommodation – 224 flats at Ganderbal and Kupwara. The projects whose foundation stone will be laid include the development of five new industrial estates across Jammu and Kashmir; Data Centre/ Disaster Recovery Centre for Integrated Command and Control Centre of Jammu Smart City; Up-gradation of Transport Nagar at Parimpora Srinagar; Up-gradation of 62 road projects and 42 bridges and project for development of transit accommodation – 2816 flats at nine locations in districts Anantnag, Kulgam, Kupwara, Shopian and Pulwama, among others. (ANI)
The MHA issued a notification declaring that the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), referred to as the MLJK-MA, chaired by Masarat Alam Bhat, is known for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday declared the ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’ MLJK-M as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act with immediate effect for the next five years, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah saying that “anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law”.
The MHA issued a notification declaring that the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), referred to as the MLJK-MA, chaired by Masarat Alam Bhat, is known for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda.
The Ministry’s action against the group followed input that “the objectives of MLJK-MA are to get freedom of Jammu and Kashmir from India so as to realise the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby declares the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect for a period of five years,” reads the notification.
Soon after the notification was issued, the Home Minister took to ‘X’, formerly Twitter, mentioning that “the ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA is declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA.”
“This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K. The PM @narendramodi government’s message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law,” Amit Shah posted on ‘X’.
As per the MHA notification, the members of the MLJK-MA have been indulging in the secessionist activities in the Jammu and Kashmir, and the leaders and members of the group have been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organisations for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, sustained stone-pelting on Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification points that the MLJK-MA and its members by their activities show sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and constitutional set up of the country; and its leaders and members, particularly its Chairman Masarat Alam Bhat, have been indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, security and communal harmony of the country.
The MHA said there had been a number of inputs showing linkages of the MLJK-MA with banned terrorist organisations; as well as the MLJK-MA and its members have been involved in supporting terrorist activities with an intent to create a reign of terror in the country, thereby endangering the security and public order of the state, and its anti-national activities also show disrespect and disregard to the constitutional authority and sovereignty of the state, hence an immediate and prompt action is required against the organisation.
“The Central government is of the opinion that if there is no immediate curb or control of unlawful activities of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), it will use this opportunity to continue with the anti-national activities which are detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty of the country; continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India while disputing its accession to the Union of India; and
continue propagating false narratives and anti-national sentiments among the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the intention to cause disaffection against India and disrupt public order,” mentions the notification.
Noting these reasons, the notification says, the Central government is firmly of the opinion that having regard to the activities of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), it is necessary to declare the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an ‘unlawful association’ with immediate effect. (ANI)
Cricket fans in Jammu will see superstars like Kevin Pietersen, Harbhajan Singh, Finch and others….reports Asian Lite News
International cricket will arrive in J&K’s Jammu city as international superstars will play here on Monday.
The Legend League cricket will be played here on Monday between Harbhajan Singh-led Manipal Tigers and the Southern Superstars, led by Aaron Finch.
Cricket fans in Jammu will see superstars like Kevin Pietersen, Harbhajan Singh, Finch and others.
The match will be played under floodlights at the Maulana Azad stadium in the city.
The last international cricket match was played here on December 19, 1988 between India and New Zealand.
Heightened security arrangements have been made for the matches to be held on November 27, November 29, November 30, and December 1 here.
The teams have arrived here on Sunday. Maulana Azad stadium has 20,000 capacity and sources said all the tickets have been sold out.
The first match between Manipal Tigers and Southern Superstars will be played on Monday at 7 p.m.
Second match will be played on November 29 between Bhilwara Kings and Southern Superstars, the third match on November 30 between India Capitals and Gujarat Giants and the fourth match on December 1 between Bhilwara Kings and Urban Risers Hyderabad.
The 22-day long Legends League is being played from November 18 to December 9 in which six teams will contest for the title.
On Monday, in the Harbhajan Singh led Manipal Tigers and Finch captained Southern Superstars, cricketers like Mohammad Kaif, Abdul Razzaq, Robin Uthappa and others will be seen playing in Jammu.
In the second match, Bhilwara Kings captained by Irfan Pathan and Southern Super Stars players Yusuf Pathan, Shane Watson, and Tillakaratne Dilshan will be playing on November 29 and on November 30, Gautam Gambhir-led India Capitals will face Parthiv Patel-led Gujarat Giants and will see stalwarts like Chris Gayle, S Sreesanth, Hashim Amla, Pietersen, Munaf Patel, and Abhimantyu Mithun.
In Jammu, the last match will be played on December 1 at 3 pm between Irfan Pathan-led Bhilwara Kings and Suresh Raina-led Urban Risers Hyderabad. This year’s LLC season is being played across five cities in India including Jammu, Ranchi, Dehradun, Vizag, and Surat.
Legends League Cricket, co-Founder and CEO, Raman Raheja in a communique said: “I am delighted to say that Legends League Cricket is spreading its wings to the city of Jammu for the upcoming season. This move to Jammu is our commitment to take cricket to every corner of the nation, and it is special for us as the city will witness a tournament like this for the first time. Security arrangements include deployment of police commandos and sharp shooters at vantage points to secure the Stadium”.
