SRINAGAR
History is being revisited by strange bedfellows Congress and JK National Conference, two key members of the INDIA bloc in Jammu and Kashmir. Last week, five-time Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah visited Congress Headquarters on the posh Residency Road for the first time in history, and an hour later, Vikar Rasool, the Congress’s Jammu and Kashmir Chief, drove to Nawai Subuh complex, the JKNC head office named after its since-dead newspaper. Vikar was bombast in his speech to JKNC cadres, insisting that there are only members of INDIA in Jammu and Kashmir and no third one, a reference to JKPDP. The two parties, fundamental to most of the upheavals in Kashmir history, have always had a love-hate relationship. After the dethroning of Sheikh Abdullah in 1953, Congressmen became JKNC’s Gandi Naali Kay Keady – worms of the gutter. The bonhomie returned post-1975 when Sheikh became the leader of the Congress-dominated house. In 1984, Dr Farooq was topped by Congress and bifurcated. Post 1986, both the parties have been working with each other – barring a small patch of 2002-08. Over the years, Congress has tactfully taken most of the space that JKNC enjoyed in the Jammu region, especially in the Pir Panchal and Chenab Valley regions. The 2024 INDIA alliance has brought them much closer with JKNC retaining three Kashmir Lok Sabha berths and Congress having two Jammu seats and the Ladakh.
Of Jammu and Kashmir’s 23173 schools, 848 schools have zero enrolment. 16179 are with less than 50 enrolments.
URI
Tragedy struck in Busgran (Uri) village as Zohra Begum met her untimely demise while attempting to evade a pursuing monkey. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing how Begum, wife of Syed Isha Shah Gilani, tragically lost her life while navigating the hilly terrain. In a desperate bid to escape the persistent primate, she inadvertently tumbled down the slope, succumbing to her injuries on the spot. This is the new angle of the ongoing human-animal conflict that killed 264 individuals between 2006 and 2024.
In Rajouri, 67 suspects’ people were detained for questioning after militants killed a soldier’s brother, whose father was murdered the same way, more than 20 years ago.
LAL CHOWK
If any place has witnessed Kashmir’s history, it is Lal Chowk. From the last war in 1846 to the first love in 1947, Lal Chowk was the centre of it. Post-militancy, the city’s heart was a key concern and the major stage to convey things and trends. From Murli Manohar Joshi led Ekta Yatra of 1992 to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra of 2023, it was the city centre that was the host. Post-2018, as the clocks of the Ghanta Ghar froze in time, things started moving. The Chowk was refurbished and, all of a sudden, it became a tourist centre. A section of visitors ensure they reach the place, take a selfie for the home album, in certain cases, raise a few slogans, and go home. This was perhaps why the government put a huge cut-out of Prime Minister Modi with which visitors started clicking pictures. As the Lok Sabha election campaigning started picking up, Lal Chowk has started changing colours. On one day, it is PDP attempting to green it and the other day JKNC tried the square to live it to its name, the Red Square. How long will it continue changing colours remains to be seen.
Since 2019, 238 militants have been killed and the counter-insurgency grid arrested 67.
ISLAMABAD
During Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, both countries underscored the peaceful resolution of Kashmir, aligning with the “will of the people”. The joint statement emphasised dialogue and diplomacy for resolving disputes, echoing global sentiments for peaceful conflict resolution. Despite India’s consistent rejection of international interference in Kashmir, Pakistan lauded Iran’s stance on the matter during talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi. However, Raisi strategically avoided direct mention of Kashmir, focusing instead on Iran’s support for oppressed groups, particularly in Palestine, which seemed to sidestep Pakistan’s expectations, reports in the media suggest. Iran has attacked the bases of its fugitives in areas in Pakistan twice and Pakistan once retaliated. However, both countries were quick in re-fixing their relations which led to a presidential visit last week.
BARAMULLA
It was a pleasure to call on @Muzaffar__Baig sahib and @SafinaMBaig ji. As the conversation predictably veered towards elections, I stressed that I have a right. And seeking their support is my right. @imranrezaansari pic.twitter.com/PXhXmcEe5V
— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) April 24, 2024
Erstwhile PDP Leader, Muzaffar Hussain Baig is back to JK Peoples Conference (JKPC) or is it? After getting support from the Apni Party, JKPC’s Sajad Lone visited Baig for support in Baramulla, a constituency Baig had won in 2014. Baig’s wife Safina Baig, who is the DDC chairperson, conveyed the support. It is not a possible support but Baig’s flip-flop is being discussed. After coming out of PDP, Baig joined JKPC and was part of the all-party delegation. He later came out of it. On January 7, 2024, he joined Mehbooba at her father’s mausoleum, saying he had not quit the party but was inactive. In Jammu, on February 20, he said he was not associated with the PDP. Now, he seemingly extended the support to Lone. His nephew, Javaid Beig has already joined JKNC.
ANANTNAG
Social media recently buzzed with news of Baldev Kumar, a Punjab resident, filing a nomination for a Jammu and Kashmir election from Anantnag, sparking claims that he is the first outsider to do so since Article 370’s abrogation in 2019. However, this claim is inaccurate. In 2019, Shams Khwaja from Delhi also ran for Anantnag’s Lok Sabha seat. Khwaja, a law graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia, faced objections but ultimately contested, receiving 760 votes with a green chilli symbol. Electoral rules allowed non-natives to contest Lok Sabha but restricted assembly elections to state subjects.
CANADA
Sana Bég joins Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Canada as the new executive director, lauded for her humanitarian communications and journalism background. With extensive experience within and outside MSF, including in South Asia and conflict zones like South Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, Bég aims to bolster MSF’s impactful work while prioritising ethics, inclusion, and community representation. Formerly a senior producer at Al Jazeera America, a sub-editor at Kashmir Life, and a journalism educator in Kashmir, Bég brings nuanced insights to public discourse on evolving humanitarian challenges worldwide. She emphasises the urgent need for adaptation in the face of shrinking space for humanitarian efforts amid complex global crises. Bég seeks to engage Canadians in addressing these challenges collaboratively, advocating for inclusive, impactful humanitarian action.
KASHMIR
A serious crisis erupted between the Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) following Prime Minister Modi’s remarks about the Mangalsutra, while misinforming about the “redistribution of wealth” idea by Congress, triggering a heated exchange between Farooq Abdullah and Sajad Lone. Abdullah condemned Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sajad Lone, and Altaf Bukhari for supporting the BJP, citing the party’s anti-Muslim stance. Lone accused Abdullah of hypocrisy, questioned his religious credibility, and challenged his past affiliations with parties involved in anti-Muslim activities. He denounced Abdullah’s alleged politicisation of religious matters and accused him of neglecting genuine concerns for political gain. Sajad suggested that religious scholars should be the ones to determine who qualifies as a Muslim in the wake of Farooq singing bhajans and having non-Muslims in his household.
DELHI
Kashmir’s renowned wood carving artisan Ghulam Nabi Dar was honoured with the Padma Shri by the President of India for his remarkable contributions to the field of Art. Beginning his craft at age 10, Dar’s talent evolved into unique creations inspired by Kashmir’s natural beauty. His detailed carvings earned him acclaim, including a State Award in 1984 and a National Award in 1995-96. Despite international recognition, Dar remains committed to mentoring young artisans and preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage. The Padma Shri acknowledges Dar’s exceptional artistry and dedication to upholding Kashmiri wood carving traditions.
MUMBAI
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi’s visit to Baramulla for the shooting of his upcoming film Ground Zero brought excitement to the natives, who gathered eagerly to catch a glimpse of the star. His presence in the historic town resonated with fans, reflecting Kashmir’s continued allure as a filming destination. Amidst the festive atmosphere, concerns were raised about the town’s neglected infrastructure, notably the dilapidated roads and damaged bridge, affecting connectivity for residents. Despite the joy of hosting a Bollywood shoot, locals emphasised the urgent need for authorities to address these longstanding issues, urging intervention from government officials for improved amenities and infrastructure maintenance in the region.
CALIFORNIA
Dr Shagufta Yasmeen, a distinguished physician from Anantnag, was honoured with the prestigious Oscar E Edwards Memorial Award for Volunteerism and Community Service by the American College of Physicians (ACP). The award ceremony, held during ACP’s annual Convocation event at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, celebrated Yasmeen’s decades-long commitment to medicine. Her journey began with an MBBS Degree from Govt Medical College Srinagar in 1984, followed by specialisation in obstetrics and gynaecology in London and internal medicine training at UC Davis in the United States. With over 35 published papers and a string of awards to her name, including the AMA Leadership Award, Yasmeen’s expertise and research have left a lasting impact. Her contributions to ACP and global healthcare, exemplified by awards such as the National Award for Diversity and Access to Care and her volunteer work in countries like Cambodia and Tanzania; highlight her dedication to advancing medical care on a global scale.
RAMBAN
A concerning incident unfolded at Kakrala Morh, Parnote (Ramban), as a substantial section of land sunk, necessitating urgent action. Twelve families were relocated as a precautionary measure. The sinking disrupted vehicular movement on the Ramban-Gool road and affected the electricity supply, compounding challenges for locals. Efforts are underway to assess property damage and mitigate risks exacerbated by heavy rains and landslides. Authorities have intensified restoration efforts, including medical assistance deployment while urging caution from residents and commuters. Collaborative efforts remain crucial in addressing the aftermath and ensuring community safety.
