Integrated Election Control Room, Media Certification & Monitoring Committee and Media Centre have been established at DC/DEO Office Srinagar

In order to ensure a smooth, transparent and fair electoral process in the Srinagar District for conduct of upcoming General Elections to Legislative Assembly-2024, an Integrated Election Control Room, Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and Media Centre have been established at DC/DEO Office Srinagar.

The facilities have been set up as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) at the District Level to keep close vigil on paid news, Pre-certify Political Advertisements and ensure smooth electoral process during the General Elections to Legislative Assembly-2024 in Srinagar District.

The MCMC will also provide certification after scrutinizing Political Advertisements to be telecast/ broadcast over TV/ Radio Channels/ Audio – Video displays/ cinema halls/ Internet based media/ Websites including Social Media, e-papers & Cable Network during General Elections. A dedicated email ID mcmcsgr@gmail.com has been established for the purpose.

Similarly, the Media Centre is also fully operational with the important responsibility of disseminating real-time information related to the election process to the public, media, political parties and other stakeholders, ensuring that all election-related developments are communicated effectively to the public.

A 24×7 Integrated Election Control Room is also currently in operation and is functioning round the clock to manage various aspects of the electoral process and facilitate the electorate of the District with the relevant information.

The Control Room is responsive and responding to the queries and questions on any aspect of electioneering. The numbers for the Integrated Control Room are 1950, +91 194 248 3651 and +911942471194.

Speaking about the facilities, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din, who is also the District Election Officer (DEO) Srinagar said that as per the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Integrated Election Control Room, Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and Media Centre have been established in the District as a tool to effectively coordinate the functioning of various agencies engaged in the election process and ensure that all media content complies with ECI guidelines besides it will monitor paid news in the print media.

He said the step is not only aimed at making the electoral process free, fair and transparent but also to provide a level playing field to all stakeholders by providing information on a real time basis. He also had a detailed visit to these Centres the other day.

Meanwhile, the DC/DEO Srinagar has urged all the Nodal Officers and other Staff deployed to work in a coordinated manner with added zeal and commitment to uphold the sanctity of the polls in free, fair and transparent manner as per the guidelines of Election Commission of India.

National Conference and Congress have finally entered into a pre-poll alliance

Kharge and Rahul Gandhi

The National Conference and Congress have finally entered into a pre-poll alliance and decided to go for seat sharing on five seats only

“NC will field candidates from 51 seats while INC will contest on 32 seats,” the NC—Congress leaders said while addressing a news conference, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

However, they said that out of 32 seats, Congress will leave two seats, one each for CPI (M) and Panthers Party.As per KNO, J&K PCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra while sharing the details said that there will be a friendly contest on five seats in J&K, but in a very disciplined manner.

Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir Continues is Unfortunate and Participating in elections is a welcome move: Omer Abdullah

Reacting to reports of Jamaat-i-Islami to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said that the beauty of democracy is that anyone can contest polls.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) he came across news reports that JeI was trying to get its ban lifted, so they could contest the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“But, unfortunately the government did not lift the ban even after elections were announced in J&K. Now there are news reports JeI is fielding its candidates as independents, which is a welcome step. We wanted them to contest polls on their own symbol, however, the ban on the organisation has not been lifted,” he said.

He also said that now that they have decided to contest polls as independents, let them come forward with their our manifest and promises. “It is up to the people whom they will choose. We welcome them if they have decided to contest elections,” Omar added.

Replying to query that there are reports about fissures in the NC-Congress alliance, he stated that it’s up to the party to decided things.

He also said that it is welcome development that home minister Amit Shah has read the manifesto of the National Conference and he mentioned about the same.

“I thank Amit Shah for mentioning our manifesto. After his comments I once again went through our manifesto and ensured if we haven’t missed anything. A person like home minister of the country reading one parties manifesto is big achievement for us,” he said—(KNO)

Finally Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir to Field Former Members as Independent Candidates in kashmir Assembly Elections

The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir is set to field its former members as Independent candidates in several seats in the upcoming Assembly polls, The Indian Express has learnt.

Jamaat leaders had earlier said they are waiting for the Centre to lift the ban, in place under the UABASHAARAT MASOOPA since February 2019, with sources saying several rounds of talks had happened with the government. However, on Friday, the UAPA upheld the orders passed by the MHA declaring the Jamaat as an unlawful association under the Act.

Sources in the Jamaat said that following a meeting of its top body, it has been decided to field its former members as Independent candidates. “We have decided to field 10-12 members as Independents,” said a source from the organisation. “These will be in seats where we believe we have considerable support.”

In the first phase, the banned organisation is looking at around half a dozen seats, including Kulgam, Devsar, Bijbehara, Zainpora, Tral, Pulwama and Rajpora in south Kashmir.“We had a threadbare discussion on three options. The first was to form a front and fight under its banner; the second option was to be part of an alliance; and the third was to contest as Independents,” a source privy to the meeting said.

“While being part of any alliance was ruled out, the members were of the opinion that a front can’t be registered within a short time, and in any case such candidates will have to contest as Independents. So we went with the third option,” the source said, adding that those contesting will be former rukn or registered members of the Jamaat.

While the Jamaat has stayed away from the election since 1987, when they last participated under the banner of the Muslim United Front, it is eager to return to electoral politics to show its willingness to enter the mainstream.

“We are called a terror organisation, anti-democracy. We can’t contest elections as Jamaat members but we want to show that we believe in democracy, in the Constitution,” the source said.

“In the coming days, we will also take a decision on seats we will contest in the second and third phases.” A final call on candidates is awaited, sources said.

“We know we have very little time at hand, and by Sunday, we expect to come out with a list of candidates,” said the source. “We don’t know how state will react – whether they will accept the nomination or not.” (Indian Express)

 Watergam Sopore Gunfight Ends one Militant Killed and a Soldier Injured

dead

A militant was killed and a soldier injured in a gunfight in Watergam Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla on Saturday.

A top police officer told  that the firefight had ensued in the area this afternoon and reinforcement were rushed to neutralise the militants.In the initial gunfight, a soldier sustained injuries and was immediately evacuated to the hospital.

” The militant has been killed and with it the operation stands concluded,” the officer said. Identity and the group affiliation of the militant is being ascertained, he said.

A pistol along with some rounds and a grenade has been recovered at the shootout site, the officer added.(GNS)

Entrepreneurs’ Day Celebration at the Department of Civil Engineering, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University

The Department of Civil Engineering at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) celebrated Entrepreneurs Day, with a dynamic event to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students. Prof. Akbar Masood, Honorable Vice Chancellor of BGSBU, commended the Department of Civil Engineering for organizing the event and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the development of entrepreneurial skills among students. Registrar Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza (JKAS) underscored the significance of organising such events to nurture students’ entrepreneurial aspirations and their impact on shaping the profession’s future. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs praised the Department of Civil Engineering for its top performance in innovation and research.

The event’s highlight was a keynote lecture by Dr. Parvez Abdullah, Sr. Assistant Professor from the Department of Management Studies. Dr. Abdullah emphasized the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the civil engineering sector, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. His insights into starting and sustaining successful ventures were invaluable for aspiring engineers.

Dr. Pervez Alam, Coordinator of the Civil Engineering Department, spoke about the ongoing efforts by faculty members to promote innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students. His address reflected the department’s dedication to creating a dynamic environment supporting student’s entrepreneurial ambitions.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Er. Shahid Ul Islam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. Participants departed with a renewed focus on the essential role of entrepreneurship in the future of civil engineering and the opportunities it offers.

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University celebrated National Space Day

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University celebrated National Space Day with a series of engaging events and activities aimed at promoting awareness about space exploration and its significance. On the occasion, Vice Chancellor,Prof. Akbar Masood extended greetings on maiden National Space Day. Prof. Akbar mentioned that this day last year India achieved a historical milestone when Chandrayaan – 3 made a soft landing on the moon.

School of Engineering and Technology organised a workshop on the theme Space Ideathon.

Prof. M. A. Shah Department of Physics, NIT Srinagar on the topic “Dimensions of Nanoscience in Space and Satellite Technology”. Mr. Nikhil Riyas, CEO Hexeia Industries (Aerospace Engineer, Innovator, and Entrepreneur) delivered lecture on the topic “New Space Era”. Prof. S. Rubab, Department of Physics, NIT Srinagar delivered a lecture on the topic “Exploring Space: The Universe & Chandrayan 3”. Mr. Ajay Sharma (CSIR – NIScPR- Science Communication).Mr. Ajay Sharma (CSIR – NIScPR- Science Communication) delivered a lecture on the topic “Role of Youth in Making Self- Reliant Bharat in Space”. Dr. Vishal Puri , Principal SoET and Dr. Anil Mani Assistant Professor Department of Physics also spoke on the occasion.

Centre for Hospitality and Tourism organised a lecture on the theme ‘Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga’. Presentations on different topics related to the achievements made by India in Space Science were held in the Environmental Sciences with the active participation of faculty and students.The Department of Physics also organised a lecture highlighting the Indian Space achievements.On the occasion, the National Space Day (NSpD) 2024 event titled: “Touching lives while touching the Moon-India’s Space Saga” which was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi was live-streamed for broader participation students across the various departments of the University.

Shadi Lal Pandita dies in road accident on way back from Rahul Gandhi’s function in Jammu

Senior Congress leader Shadi Lal Pandita died in a road accident while returning from a function attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Jammu on Thursday evening.

The accident occurred near Sidhra as Pandita was returning to Jagti migrant township. He was fatally crushed by a truck, officials said.Pandita, the vice chairman of the Kashmiri Migrant Cell, was a dedicated Congress leader and a prominent advocate for the cause of Kashmiri migrants.

“He remained associated with the party from his days in the Youth Congress,” said JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma.The Congress party’s leadership expressed deep shock over his demise and extended heartfelt condolences to his family.

Congress national general secretary Gulam Ahmed Mir, AICC in-charge Bharat Sinh Solanki, J and K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra, party working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, former minister Yogesh Sawhney, and PCC Migrant Cell chairman H L Pandita, along with Kamal Fotedar, mourned the loss of the leader.–(PTI)