KASHMIR
Mumbai’s cricket sensation, Sarfaraz Khan, recently entered the limelight not for his batting prowess but for his union with a Kashmiri bride in a quaint Shopian village. The traditional ceremony, held at the bride’s residence, created a viral sensation across social media platforms. While cricket enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the Delhi Capitals player, the wedding overshadowed a pivotal point in his career. Sarfaraz’s ascent to stardom was rooted in consistent domestic performances, notably a monumental score of 301 in first-class matches. His bride, Romana Zahoor is from Pashpora village and was studying paramedics in Delhi where Khan’s cousin was her classmate. She met Khan in Arun Jaitely Stadium and the rest is history.
In 15 days, Kashmir recorded 4352 eye flu cases, the highest being Anantnag (781) and Baramulla (785).
LADAKH
A rigorous study by experts from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology reveals alarming dynamics about Parkachik Glacier. Using satellite imagery and field data, the study unveils the glacier’s distressing retreat, a disturbing consequence of climate change. The glacier’s retreat has escalated drastically over the years. Between 1971 and 1999, the glacier receded at a rate of 2 meters per annum. Shockingly, from 1999 to 2021, this rate soared to a disturbing 12 meters per annum. More alarming is the recent observation from 2015 to 2021, which records a distressing retreat at an alarming 20.5 meters per annum. These findings corroborate the glacier’s calving nature, potentially giving rise to a proglacial lake. The report raises the ominous prospect of three new lakes forming due to subglacial over-deepening if this trend persists. Such a transformation could have grave repercussions for the fragile ecosystem, altering the region’s landscape irreversibly. The glacier’s vulnerability is underscored by reduced surface ice velocity, indicative of its weakening state. These revelations cast a stark light on the urgent need for comprehensive climate action.
485 head constables of Jammu Kashmir Police were promoted to the position of Assistant Sub-Inspectors.
RAJOURI
Jammu and Kashmir has added two more GI’s to its basket – Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft and Mushqbudji Rice being grown in South Kashmir. This achievement, as is the routine, comes after a protracted legal process initiated by NABARD in collaboration with the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom and the Department of Agriculture in December 2020. Chikri woodcraft revolves around the delicate, honey-hued softwood found in the hill ranges of Rajouri. Its intricate carving and detailing are hallmarks of this unique craft. Mushqbudji Rice is the most costly aromatic rice, cultivated primarily in the elevated regions of Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Between 2018 and 2022, 174 civilians, 308 security personnel, and 1002 militants were killed.
SRINAGAR
A Couple arrested for Impersonating as IPS & IAS Officer. They had duped many persons of lakhs of rupees by promising jobs/transfers & other favours. Accused: Manmohan Ganjoo (fake IPS) S/o Lt Girdhari Lal Ganjoo of Baghat, Srinagar & Ayoush Koul Ganjoo (fake IAS) his wife 1/3 pic.twitter.com/E85vwpZ6D1
— Srinagar Police (@SrinagarPolice) August 7, 2023
Srinagar Mayor once said, “There is one Kiran Patel per every square kilometre of Kashmir today”. With every passing day, it is getting vindicated. Last week, Gujarat based conman, Kiran Patel was taken to Ahmadabad. The place he vacates actually got filled quickly. The Jammu and Kashmir Police exposed a disturbing case of impersonation by a deceitful couple who posed as high-ranking IAS and IPS officers. Manmohan Gangoo, a suspended cop, was falsely presented himself as an IPS officer, while his wife, Ayoush Koul, would become an IAS officer. Working on a complaint, the cops arrested the couple, leading to the discovery of incriminating evidence, including counterfeit documents, ill-gotten wealth, and electronic devices containing fabricated orders. These included their own “appointment” orders.
Under Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), Jammu City has deployed a network of 680 high-resolution Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras.
BUDGAM
Every superstitious society has its conman taking the “faith healing” route to mint money. In certain cases, they make the most vulnerable as their victims. In one such case that police solved, a widow and her daughter were victimised and their saving of Rs 70,000 taken away. The money was meant for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. Operating under the guise of providing amulets to alleviate suffering, the con artists deceitfully coerced the trusting mother into handing over her hard-earned money, promising to double it magically. Police are working to solve the case and they have some CCTV footage as well.
DELHI
In a dire turn of events, the already turbulent internal landscape of BJP’s Kashmir unit has reached a critical juncture, prompting the party’s upper echelons to intervene. With Delhi as their destination, top leaders aim to quell the mounting discord and prevent potential turmoil. Around 100 party figures recently met Ravinder Raina, where festering issues amongst mid-level and lower-level members were addressed. However, the prolonged session concluded without tangible resolutions, despite Raina’s pleas for harmony. Anonymously, a member revealed that concerns were delivered, their fate now resting on the chief’s decision. Amidst threats of mass resignations, the BJP’s central command plans urgent visits to Srinagar, signalling a grave attempt to salvage unity and avert deeper disintegration. BJP members allege they are treated second class in the party.
SRINAGAR
After almost 33 years of his assassination in the broad day light at Hari Singh High Street, the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) has opened the murder case of judge Neelkanth Ganjoo. The judge had presided over the trial court that sentenced now-banned JKLF co-founder Maqbool Bhat to death in 1968. Bhat was eventually hanged in Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984. Five years later, militants gunned down the judge on November 4, 1989.
“We have waited too long for justice to be served,” Swapna Raina, Ganjoo’s granddaughter, has said in a video message that was circulating on social media. “I sincerely hope that reopening of Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo’s case will be one of the hundreds of cases that will follow and will bring some sense of relief and closure.” she said in a video message. “It’s little too late after 34 years of the incident. Now we don’t want our wounds to be scraped again,” SK Ganjoo, slain judges son has said.
“In order to unearth the larger criminal conspiracy behind murder of Retired Judge, Neelkanth Ganjoo three decades ago, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) has appealed all persons familiar with facts or circumstances of this murder case to come forward and share any account of events which has direct or indirect bearing on the investigation of the instant case,” it said. The SIA assured the people that the identity of all informants will be kept secret and protected and they will be suitably rewarded.
Reports appearing in media suggested SIA is planning to reopen the cases of BJP leader Tika Lal Taploo (killed September 14, 1989), Doordarshan Director Lassa Kaul (February 13, 1990), and lawyer P N Bhat (December 27, 1990) as well.
DELHI
In the ongoing Monsoon session of the parliament, Prime Minister as well as Home Minister indicated that talks with Pakistan or separatists were unlikely. Another leader insisted that there was no possibility of restoration of Article 370.
“When Kashmir was burning day and night in the fire of terrorism, the then Congress Government didn’t trust people of Kashmir. Instead, they trusted Hurriyat Conference, separatists and even those who used to carry Pakistan’s flags,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an attack on Congress during hs 130-minute response to the defeated no confidence motion against him. “India carried out surgical strikes on terrorism and then air strikes but they (again a reference towards Congress) had no faith in the India Army but enemy’s conspiracies.”
Later Home Minister – also speaking in Lok Sabha said there will be no talks with Pakistan, Hurriyat Conference and Jamaat. “If we hold talks, we will hold that with youth of the Valley. No talks will be held with Hurriyat, Jamaat and Pakistan,” Amit Shah said. “We have worked towards making Kashmir terrorism-free. After 33 years, theatres have started functioning in Kashmir and night shows are being run. Muharram procession was also taken out after over three decades. All this is possible because of Narendra Modi Government.”
“…It was mentioned in the House today that he (Rahul Gandhi) undertook a Yatra and gave assurance that they will reinstate Article 370 if it is up to them…I would like to tell the person who has run away from the House that neither will Article 370 be reinstated in the country nor will those who threaten Kashmiri Pandits with “Ralib Galib Chalib” be spared,” Smriti Irani said. This led Omar Abdullah to react. “A Union Minister in the Parliament is threatening the court. I am surprised to see the responsible person saying the BJP will not allow restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court is hearing the case. We are waiting for the judgment. The BJP too should,” Omar said. “Does the BJP fear that their case is too weak? The remarks [will not allow restoration of Article 370] tantamount to contempt of court.”
JAMMU
Finally, Orissa born Jammu and Kashmir cadre IPS officer, Basant Rath has been retired prematurely by the President of India. He was under suspension for last three years for “repeated instances of gross misconduct and misbehaviour”. Post-retirement, he has been making small video clips attacking his erstwhile colleagues. He even enrolled himself as BJP member availing the online mode. He wants to contest an election against Omar Abdullah or Mehbooba Mufti. BJP indicated that he may not be permitted to get into the party. “Today, I find myself on the precipice of a new endeavour, one that seeks to carry forward the torch of public service onto a bigger platform, and I humbly implore your earnest blessings as I embark upon this uphill trek called politics,” Rath wrote on Twitter.
