JAMMU
The Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir can finally rejoice as the long-awaited registration of marriages under the Anand Marriage Act has been granted. The Act is now accompanied by the Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023, outlining the registration norms. Tehsildars within their respective territorial jurisdictions will serve as registrars for Anand marriages. Previously they would solemnise their marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, Sikh couples can now apply for registration within three months, albeit with a late fee for delays. The journey to this achievement involved persistent efforts by the Sikh community, which, after the Parliament’s passage of the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Bill in 2012, faced delays in its implementation in Jammu and Kashmir. The community’s demand has now been met, bringing legal recognition to Sikh traditional marriages in the region. In 2012, Parliament passed the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Bill, bringing Sikh traditional marriages under the purview of legal recognition. The Act was not brought in Jammu and Kashmir at that time.
Home Minister Amit Shah said that in 2010, there were 2,654 stone pelting incidents in Jammu and Kashmir which fell to zero in 2023. In 2010 there were 132 organised strikes, while in 2023 there was not even a single strike. In 2010, 112 civilians died in stone pelting, whereas in 2023, not even one person died. In 2010, 6,235 security personnel were injured in stone pelting, not even a single one was injured in 2023.
SRINAGAR
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha led a meeting to assess the progress of the PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) initiative in Jammu and Kashmir. Introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Teachers’ Day 2022, the scheme aims to enhance and develop approximately 14500 schools nationwide. In Phase-I, 233 Jammu and Kashmir schools received approval, with an additional 265 recommended in Phase-II. The focus is on improving learning outcomes, and fostering critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Sinha emphasised a comprehensive five-year plan to reduce school travel distances and advocated for the inclusion of “inspirational figures” like General Zorawar Singh in curricula. Additionally, he directed the incorporation of vocational training, skill development programs, and Indian philosophy in Jammu and Kashmir universities.
There are 42 Gazetted and 229 Non-Gazetted posts vacant in the Geology and Mining Department of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
SAMBA
Samba police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against five individuals, including BDC Chairman Darshan Lal Chaudhary and his son Shubham Chaudhary, following an assault case in Khaur Salaria village, Ramgarh. The incident occurred during the resolution of a land dispute when a verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation between the two parties. Shoba Devi sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. The FIR also includes charges against the opposing party’s husband-wife duo.
In 1990, 46,631 Kashmiri migrant families comprising 157967 individuals migrated out of Kashmir due to security reasons.
LADAKH
The MHA has directed the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to formulate a comprehensive document outlining their demands, including potential options. The submission is slated for the upcoming meeting in New Delhi following the winter session of Parliament. The MHA, represented by Junior Home Nityanand Rai and other officials, plans to visit Ladakh after the meeting. While the December 4, meeting agenda excluded discussions on Ladakh’s statehood, some leaders are considering a shift towards demanding a legislature within the Union Territory instead. Despite the MHA suggesting alternatives to the Sixth Schedule, LAB and KDA remain committed to the Sixth Schedule for safeguarding Ladakh’s land, culture, and identity. The MHA’s visit may yield announcements on safeguards, though statehood remains improbable. Other demands, such as two Parliamentary seats, job opportunities, and addressing Public Services Commission (PSC) demands, are under consideration. Major announcements for Ladakh are expected before the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections in March.
UDHAMPUR
The Economic Offences Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Crime Branch, Jammu, filed a 224-page charge sheet against Munish Verma and his wife Babita, residents of Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of a criminal conspiracy and cheating M/S Mahajan Agency of Rs 3.25 lakh. The charge sheet, under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, alleges that in 2020, the accused, operating as M/s Sai Agro Food Industry, deceived Mahajan Agency by falsely promising a substantial product order. The investigation revealed deliberate fraud, prompting court-ordered bail cancellation. Despite anticipatory bail, the accused evaded cooperation, leading to raids for their arrest.
SRINAGAR
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has overturned the preventive detention order of Kashmir journalist Asif Sultan, who had been in jail for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Arrested in 2018 for a report on now-banned Hizbul Mujahideen, Sultan was not provided with essential documents during detention, leading to the quashing of the order. This decision follows the recent relief granted to two other journalists in Kashmir, Fahad Shah and Sajad Gul, by the high court. Sultan, formerly an assistant editor with Kashmir Narrator, faced successive arrests, including under the Public Safety Act, after obtaining bail in 2022 from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court.
SRINAGAR
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court clarified that the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (DV Act) aims at providing immediate relief without guaranteeing windfall gains. The court overturned a trial order that directed a man and his brother to collectively pay Rs 5 lakh as interim maintenance to an aggrieved woman who alleged domestic violence. The High Court emphasised that an aggrieved woman is not automatically entitled to compensation without presenting evidence supporting her claim. While supporting interim maintenance, the court directed the trial court to determine the husband’s salary before deciding the appropriate amount. The respondent-husband was also directed to ensure the petitioner’s secure accommodation.
GUPKAR
JKNC leader Omar Abdullah has announced a brief hiatus from public life to “refresh and recharge” following consecutive legal setbacks. The Supreme Court’s recent validation of Article 370 abrogation and the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of Abdullah’s divorce plea from Payal Abdullah prompted his decision. Expressing disappointment, Abdullah quoted Rocky Balboa, emphasising resilience in the face of challenges. Despite the setbacks, he affirmed his determination not to give up and assured a return early next year to confront forthcoming challenges, including elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The Delhi High Court upheld the family court’s 2016 decision, dismissing Abdullah’s divorce plea on grounds of insufficient evidence of cruelty. Abdullah, planning to go “off-grid” for a few weeks, aims to return to fighting fit for the political landscape. The legal setbacks included the court directing him to pay monthly interim maintenance to his wife and children. In August 2023, the High Court had directed, Omar to pay Rs 1.5 lakh monthly interim maintenance to his estranged wife and Rs 60,000 per month each for the education of their two sons. Omar had pleaded before the court that his marriage had broken down irretrievably he had not enjoyed a conjugal relationship since 2007 and that the couple, married on September 1, 1994, had been living separately since 2009. Abdullah’s announcement hints at strategic rejuvenation before resuming his political responsibilities.
NYOMA
In the Chumathang area of Nyoma (Ladakh), an alarming geological occurrence has sparked concern as the water level in the hot spring has surged by 2-3 meters, a stark departure from the usual one-foot level. Secretary of Disaster Management, Amit Sharma, held an emergency meeting with officials from various national agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Geological Survey of India, and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. The NDMA team raised questions about tectonic plate movement, considering the region’s seismic activity. An expert team will be dispatched to study the anomaly, and a white paper, along with dos and don’ts advisories, will be shared with stakeholders, addressing potential threats to human safety and infrastructure.
MUMBAI
Bollywood celebrities Shahrukh Khan and John Abraham remained engaged with the picturesque landscape of Kashmir, contributing to the romanticisation of the region in the film industry. Shahrukh Khan visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine in the Trikuta Hills for the third time in a year, combining spiritual reverence with film promotion. John Abraham, after completing a shoot for his upcoming movie Vedaa in Kashmir, passionately endorsed the region’s beauty and urged people to visit. At Ashmuqam, dressed in traditional Kashmiri attire, Abraham emphasised the warm welcome received and encouraged tourists to explore the breathtaking landscapes while maintaining environmental cleanliness. The Bollywood presence in Kashmir continues to amplify the region’s allure in popular culture. “Please come to Kashmir, it is fantastic,” Abraham said in a brief video. “We are shooting in Ashmuqam. It is an absolutely fantastic place. We have got 240 extras. You can see it is absolutely outstanding, where I am, in the outskirts of Anantnag. It is such a beautiful place, Kashmir.”
KULGAM
In Kulgam, Tariq Ahmad Ganai has pioneered a transformative venture by converting plastic waste into a thriving enterprise. His recycling unit, covering the entire district, employs advanced machinery to compress plastic waste into vibrant chips, contributing to the nationwide fight against plastic pollution. Tariq’s community-driven initiative encourages locals to actively participate, exchanging non-biodegradable materials for fair compensation and fostering a shared sense of environmental responsibility. Despite facing adversity and halting his education in the fourth grade, Tariq absorbed invaluable insights into plastic recycling while working in Delhi, later returning home to establish his successful venture. Recognised by the MSME government of India and financially supported by Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Tariq’s story exemplifies the potential of grassroots initiatives to address environmental challenges and promote economic growth in remote regions, highlighting the need for increased governmental support.
MUMBAI
Jammu and Kashmir Bank shares witnessed an 11.87 per cent surge, reaching Rs 139.95 on BSE, following the initiation of an Rs 740 crore Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). The Capital Issuance Committee is slated to convene on December 14, 2023, to evaluate and endorse the issue price, potentially including a discount. The QIP, underway since December 11, revealed a floor price of Rs 112.66 per share, with the bank reserving the right to offer a discount of up to 5 per cent. The bank’s strategic move aims to fortify its financial standing and drive growth initiatives, with the floor price reflecting a 10.02 per cent discount from the previous closing price of Rs 125.20 on the National Stock Exchange.
