A fire broke out near Gandhi College in Srinagar’s Baba Dem area on Friday morning. According to eyewitnesses, the blaze started in a residential house and quickly spread to a nearby mosque. Firefighters were promptly dispatched to the scene to control the flames, reported Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
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Night Temperatures Rise Across Jammu and Kashmir Amid Dry Weather Forecast
Amid a forecast of dry weather, night temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir saw an increase at most locations on Friday.A meteorological department official informed GNS that Srinagar recorded a low of 13.0°C, slightly down from the previous night’s 13.6°C, yet 1.6°C above the average for this time of year in the summer capital.In Qazigund, the minimum temperature was 11.0°C, compared to the previous night’s 10.6°C, which is 0.8°C higher than usual for the region, the official said.
Pahalgam experienced a low of 7.5°C, up from 7.0°C the previous night, exceeding the normal by 1.6°C for this popular resort area in south Kashmir.Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 10.7°C, up from 10.1°C, and 0.7°C above the typical temperature for this time, according to the official.Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of 9.8°C, down from 10.1°C the previous night, which is 0.3°C below the norm for the area.
Gulmarg, the renowned skiing destination in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, recorded a minimum of 8.1°C, down from 8.5°C, yet 1.3°C above the normal.Jammu saw a low of 24.3°C, slightly cooler than the previous night’s 24.6°C, but still 0.2°C above the average for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded a low of 13.8°C, Batote 17.3°C, and Bhaderwah 13.4°C, the official added.
The forecast indicates generally dry weather over the next 24 hours, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. From May 18-19, cloudy weather with light rain or thunderstorms is expected in isolated to scattered areas during the afternoon. From May 20-25, dry weather is anticipated overall, with no significant weather events predicted until May 25. (GNS)
Mehbooba Mufti Warns of Echoes of 1987 in Kashmir: Urges Unity Against Electoral Manipulation
In a fiery address, Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), issued a stark warning about the ominous echoes of history repeating itself in Kashmir. She cautioned against a resurgence of the chaotic 1987 scenario, stressing the perilous ramifications of betraying the trust of Kashmiri youth in the electoral process.
Speaking at election rallies in Baramulla, Mufti commended the political acumen of Kashmiris while underscoring the emotional depth that drives them. Drawing parallels to the 1987 elections, marred by rigging and subsequent unrest, she lamented the missed opportunity for a different trajectory had fair play prevailed.
Mufti accused the current administration of coercing officers from specific communities to bolster BJP-affiliated candidates, raising fears of a redux of 1987’s electoral manipulation. She criticized the dual approach of the government, noting the readiness of Jamaat-e-Islami to participate in elections juxtaposed with tactics reminiscent of suppressing legitimate voices.
Emphasizing the youth’s vote as an expression of their grievances, Mufti warned against rigging, foreseeing disastrous consequences. She challenged NC Vice President Omar Abdullah’s previous assurances of support, citing NC’s actions as a betrayal of trust and unity among political parties.
Addressing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s rhetoric on Kashmir, Mufti criticized BJP’s fear-mongering and urged respect for the existing Muslim population in India before delving into Kashmir’s status. She highlighted the suffocation felt by Kashmiris, exemplified by significant voter turnout and the plight of imprisoned youth.
Mufti stressed the need for parliamentary representation to challenge decisions made on August 5, 2019, advocating for a unified political front. Expressing disappointment at NC’s prioritization of party over principles, she envisioned a collaborative effort that transcends partisan lines for the greater good of Kashmir.
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Fourth Phase of Lok Sabha Elections: 24.87% Voter Turnout Across Nine States and One Union Territory
As the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections unfolded, voters turned out in significant numbers across 96 constituencies spanning nine states and one Union Territory. By 11 am, reports from the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicated a voter turnout of 24.87%.
West Bengal led the voter participation with a turnout of 32.78%, while Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout at 14.94%. Other states reported varying levels of participation: Madhya Pradesh (32.38%), Andhra Pradesh (23.10%), Bihar (22.54%), Jharkhand (27.40%), Odisha (23.28%), Maharashtra (17.51%), Telangana (24.31%), and Uttar Pradesh (27.12%).
The voting process commenced at 7:00 am on Monday, encompassing 96 Parliamentary Constituencies. Simultaneously, polling took place for all 175 seats of the Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly and 28 seats of the Odisha State Legislative Assembly.
Among the 96 Lok Sabha seats, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana contributed 25 and 17 seats respectively, while Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra provided 13 and 11 seats. Other states included Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal with eight seats each, Bihar with five seats, and Jharkhand and Odisha with four seats each. Additionally, one seat was allocated from Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the ECI, a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for these 96 parliamentary constituencies.
The fourth phase witnessed significant contests in various constituencies, featuring prominent leaders such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Mahua Moitra, BJP leader Giriraj Singh, JDU’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), TMC leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan.
Other notable figures seeking electoral success included BJP leaders Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha, and Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila.
Thus far, the Lok Sabha polls have progressed smoothly and peacefully through the first three phases, covering a total of 283 Lok Sabha seats.
PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti Demands Election Commission Action Against Harassment in Jammu and Kashmir
Amidst brewing controversy, Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. In a letter addressed to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Mufti has called for urgent action to address what she describes as “disturbing developments” unfolding in the region.
According to Mufti, her party workers have been subjected to harassment and arbitrary detention by the state administration, allegedly acting under directives from the Union government. She accuses security forces of conducting raids and detaining PDP members in Pulwama and Shopian districts, suggesting these actions are punitive measures aimed at stifling political dissent and undermining voter mobilization efforts.
Mufti’s letter to the ECI underscores the critical importance of maintaining a level playing field in the electoral arena. She expresses apprehensions about the impartiality of the Commission, particularly in light of delays observed in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. Mufti warns that such actions not only threaten to subvert the democratic process but also erode public trust in the electoral machinery.
The PDP chief’s allegations come amidst heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, with the region gearing up for crucial elections. Mufti’s plea to the Election Commission signals a growing urgency to address issues of electoral integrity and ensure that the democratic rights of citizens are protected.
As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains fraught with uncertainty, Mufti’s intervention serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the region’s democratic transition. With voting scheduled for several constituencies in the coming days, the eyes of the nation are on the Election Commission to uphold the principles of free and fair elections.
Farooq Abdullah Questions Detention of Party Workers During Jammu and Kashmir Polls
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, has raised concerns over the detention of his party workers, alleging that they have been held for the past two days. His remarks come amidst polling for the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, marking the first election in the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370.
Accompanied by the Vice-President of his party, Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah expressed dismay over claims of normalcy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “It is sad that they say that there is no violence and everything is smooth but I want to say that the workers of our party have been locked up for 2 days,” he stated, questioning the motive behind the detention.
Farooq Abdullah directed his questions towards the Union Home Minister and Prime Minister Modi, demanding to know the reason behind the confinement of their workers. “Are they scared that they will lose? They will lose,” he added emphatically.
Omar Abdullah, responding to reports of harassment faced by polling agents, condemned the administration’s actions. “This is an attempt from the administration to vitiate the poll process and it is condemnable,” he asserted. Urging the people of Srinagar, Budgam, and Shopian to exercise their voting rights, Omar appealed for high turnout in the elections.
Interestingly, neither the Congress nor the BJP have fielded candidates for the Srinagar seat, indicating a unique electoral landscape in the region. With Jammu and Kashmir under central rule since the collapse of the PDP-BJP government in 2018, the electoral process assumes added significance.
The ongoing voting in Jammu and Kashmir is part of a five-phase election process, with the 2019 elections witnessing the BJP securing three seats and the National Conference clinching the remaining three.
Despite being allies in the opposition alliance INDIA bloc, the PDP and NC have opted to contest independently in the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unfold in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, the outcome will be keenly awaited, with the counting of votes and declaration of results scheduled for June 4.
J&K PC President Sajad Lone Raises Concerns Over Arrests and Harassment During Electoral Process
J&K Peoples Conference President, Sajad Gani Lone, expressed apprehension regarding the arrests and harassment of workers on alleged OGW (Overground Worker) grounds and other arbitrary pretexts. He appealed to both the Election Commission and the administration to uphold principles of fairness and impartiality in the electoral process, urging them not to selectively target parties and their workers.
Lone echoed the sentiments voiced by Mr. Altaf Bukhari, emphasizing agreement with his assertion that workers are being unjustly detained under OGW grounds and other flimsy excuses. He noted a coincidence that these OGW lists were compiled during the regimes of the National Conference (NC).
Calling for a level playing field for all political entities, Lone urged the Election Commission and administration to refrain from selective actions. He also urged them to scrutinize the history and context of lists in police stations, alleging that many were compiled by the NC.
Furthermore, Lone accused the NC of attempting to portray themselves as victims and staging a drama of victimhood. He criticized the NC, labeling them as past rulers who imposed cruelty upon Kashmiris.
Lone highlighted a perceived status-quoist ecosystem, suggesting that those advocating for political stagnation in Kashmir are still active. Additionally, he accused certain elements, whom he referred to as “Tourist/Tarbaaz (TT)”, of perpetuating a narrative of victimhood.
Altaf Bukhari Condemns Arrests, Calls for Free and Fair Elections in Kashmir
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, President of the Apni Party, expressed grave concerns over the recent surge in arrests of party workers and agents ahead of the elections, labeling it a clear bid to manipulate the democratic process.
Bukhari urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and ensure fair elections, emphasizing the need for democracy to thrive in the region. Addressing the media in Srinagar, he accused the National Conference and PDP of colluding with the administration to harass workers and agents of opposing political factions. According to Bukhari, these parties, with their influence in the administration, are hindering fair competition for other political entities.
Highlighting the widespread arrests of their workers across Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, and Shopian, Bukhari alleged that these actions were orchestrated by parties like the NC and PDP, who he claims are aligned with the authorities in New Delhi.
He appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene immediately, halt the ongoing arrests, and ensure the swift release of those detained.
Echoing Bukhari’s concerns, party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir warned of a potential boycott of the elections if their workers are not released promptly. Mir emphasized the importance of a free and fair democratic process, stating that the arrests just before the polls indicate a deliberate attempt to manipulate and undermine the Apni Party’s participation. He affirmed the party’s stance against such injustice and hinted at possible action if the situation persists.
Security Forces Conduct Joint Operation, Arrest Terrorist Associate in Bandipora
In a coordinated effort, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with the Indian Army and CRPF, successfully apprehended a terrorist associate in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district. The operation resulted in the seizure of arms and ammunition from the individual.
The Bandipora Police shared details of the operation on their official platform, stating, “In a joint operation, Indian Army, Bandipora Police, and CRPF arrested one terrorist associate along with arms & ammunition. Case registered under relevant section of law in PS Pethkote.”
The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by security forces to maintain peace and security in the region amidst persistent threats posed by terrorism.
Advancements in Justice Delivery: DLSA Srinagar’s Tech Awareness Program on National Technology Day
On the occasion of National Technology Day, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in Srinagar, under the aegis of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), orchestrated an impactful Awareness and Capacity Building Program. The initiative aimed to shed light on the remarkable progress achieved in the Justice Delivery System through the e-Court Project.
Guided by Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of DLSA Srinagar, the event unfolded at the District Court Complex in Srinagar, drawing the active participation of various stakeholders. Among them were Jawad Ahmed himself, serving as Chairman of DLSA Srinagar, alongside Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary of DLSA Srinagar, and a host of staff members and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Srinagar. Notably, the event also welcomed eager law students from the University of Kashmir, Kashmir Law College, and Vitasta Law College Nowgam Srinagar.
In his special address, Chairman Jawad Ahmed underscored the vital role of training and capacity building, especially for law students and other stakeholders, in adapting to technological advancements within the justice delivery system. He emphasized the urgent need for integrating technological tools into the system to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
Secretary Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of engaging law students in understanding and utilizing the latest technological developments in legal practice. This, he argued, would ensure their preparedness to navigate the evolving landscape of legal proceedings.
A highlight of the program was a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation delivered by Tariq Ahmad Malik, the System Officer at the District Court Complex, Srinagar. Malik showcased the array of e-Court services available to various stakeholders under the e-Court Project. The presentation elucidated how technology has streamlined processes, expanded access to justice, and bolstered efficiency in the legal system.
The event also facilitated interactive sessions, providing participants with practical insights into the application of IT tools in legal proceedings. Moreover, it served as a catalyst for fostering collaboration between the legal fraternity and technology experts, aiming to achieve a more transparent, accessible, and efficient justice system.