BANIHAL
Northern Railway has achieved a significant breakthrough in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL) project by completing the last of the 27 tunnels on the challenging 111km Katra-Banihal stretch. The 3.2 km-long single-tube tunnel, located at the foot of the Trikuta hills in the Katra-Reasi section, was deemed the most formidable milestone in the project. The tunnel’s construction faced numerous challenges due to unfavourable geography, prompting the use of innovative tunnelling methods involving pre-evacuation support measures to solidify the surrounding soil. The railway track spans 272km, divided into three sections. The 111-km Katra-Banihal section, with 27 tunnels and 37 bridges, was the last incomplete segment. The 161-km Udhampur-Katra and Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla sections have already been commissioned and operationalised. The project has taken an investment of Rs 34,261 crore up to March 2023 as Rs 5310 crore is allocated for the current fiscal. The project envisages the 11.2km long tunnel between Qazigund and Banihal, which operates 440 meters below the existing Jawahar Tunnel.
Two civilian tailors – Parshotam (55) of Samba and Som Raj (45) of Kathua, working with the Army were charred alive in a fire that broke out at 10 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Arnora.
GUPKAR
It is getting interesting. Kashmir’s five-time Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah feared a Gaza-like fate for Kashmir if no talks were held with Pakistan to resolve the issues between the two countries. “If we don’t solve it (Kashmir) through dialogue, then forgive me for saying it, our fate will be the same as that of Gaza and Palestinians, where they are being bombed by Israel,” Farooq told reporters when asked to explain his stand on talks. “God knows what will be our fate. May God have mercy on us.” His statement sent the ruling BJP fuming as the party believes an “all is well narrative” in new Naya Kashmir after the 2019 scrapping of special status. In Jammu, CPM veteran Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who is also the spokesman of PAGD, a multi-party alliance fighting for the restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, stated that political parties are exploring the option of filing a review petition in the Supreme Court against its recent verdict upholding the Centre’s decision of abrogating the Article 370 provisions. “Many of us, stakeholders and petitioners, are holding discussions for exploring options so that we get justice. We will go back to the Supreme Court to revisit the decision announced by it a few weeks back.”
In 2023, nine persons – seven in north Kashmir areas, died and 51 were injured in the Human Wild Conflict till November.
SRINAGAR
Kashmir’s power provider, the Kashmir Power Development Corporation (KPDCL) may not have enough power to keep the consumers busy but it has evolved an “innovative way” of responding. Earlier, when the consumers publicly criticised it for not living up to the mark, it asked Cyber Police to locate the people and take action. Later, it sent its ground staff to conduct day and night inspections, uncovering various techniques employed by unscrupulous consumers for power pilferage. Almost on a daily basis, it puts on social media one interesting video clip of how some people – in an absolute minority – are consuming energy illegally. What is the flip side of it is that it names and shames the person. While the KPDCL is within its rights to impose fines, it is not known if it has the right to name and shame an unscrupulous consumer. The bigger question remains – will it help give people the supply they pay for?
Kashmir reported over 2200 fire incidents from January to November 2023, involving 1462 structures and nine deaths.
DELHI
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to designate the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for five years. Bhat, a pro-Pakistan supporter, was raised by his grandfather and uncles after losing his parents at a young age. A Tyndale Biscoe missionary school alumni, Bhat was first arrested in 1990. With 27 FIRs and 36 bookings under the Public Safety Act (PSA), he was accused of playing a key role in organising protests resulting in over 100 deaths. “This organisation and its members are involved in… supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K. The PM @narendramodi government’s message is loud and clear, that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law,” Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X. The Muslim League is the fifth separatist organisation banned by the Centre since 2019.
The administration has approved the solarisation of 4000 agricultural water pumps under Component–C of Pradhan Mantri KissanUrja Suraksha Evam Uthaan Mahaabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme.
JAMMU
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha asserted that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has “significantly improved” since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and claimed it is better than that in Bengal. Speaking at a Kolkata event Sinha compared the security situations in Kashmir and Bengal, stating that the former is better. On his return, he told at an event in Jammu that 20-25 militants can’t scare such a large population of Jammu and Kashmir and the people should inform security forces and police about their movement to finish the militants and their ecosystem. “Such a large population of Jammu and Kashmir can’t be scared by 20-25 terrorists. Entire society should unitedly stand against the militants and enemies of peace,” Sinha said.
SKIMS registered 44112 cancer cases from 2013 to 2023 and SMHS hospital reported 6379 cases between 2017 and 2023.
CHANDIGARH
Lt Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt, Sena Medal, passed away at Military Hospital Jalandhar after being in a coma for eight years due to severe injuries sustained while combating militancy in Kupwara in 2015. He was serving as the second-in-command of the 160 Territorial Army Battalion (JAK Rifles) that was deployed in Kupwara. Originally commissioned in 1998, Natt served in the Brigade of Guards for 14 years before joining the Territorial Army. In November 2015, he suffered grievous injuries, including to his lower jaw, in an encounter with a militant. Lt Col Natt is survived by his wife Navpreet Kaur and daughters Guneet and Ashmeet.
WASHINGTON
Tech giant, Microsoft has added Kashmiri to Microsoft Translator, bringing the total number of supported Indian languages to 20. The update allows users to access translation services across various platforms, including the Microsoft Translator app, Edge browser, Office 365, Bing Translator, and Azure AI Translator API, utilised by companies such as Jio Haptik and Koo. With Azure AI Translator, users can seamlessly translate content between the newly introduced languages and over 135 other languages, facilitating translation for apps, websites, workflows, and tools. Microsoft emphasises that businesses can leverage this multi-language support for translating e-content, e-commerce product catalogues, product documentation, and internal communications. Other languages included in the list are Dogri, Bhojpuri, and Bodo.
DELHI
Within days of hanging his boots, Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who served nearly seven years on the bench, defended the court’s verdict on the abrogation of Article 370, emphasising its temporary nature and asserting that the judgment should not be a benchmark for undermining federalism. “Article 370 was envisaged as a temporary provision as reflected even from the Chapter under which it appears in the Constitution. The Constitution makers envisaged a slower integration process for Jammu and Kashmir. As to when it should occur is a political decision,” Justice Kaul who demitted office on Monday said.
MUMBAI
The film Country of Blind, an adaptation of HG Wells’s novel shot entirely in Kashmir, is gaining international acclaim, securing a prestigious screening at the Cinelounge in Los Angeles. Boasting a predominantly Kashmiri cast, including Hina Khan and Shoib Nikash Shah, the film has sparked Oscar buzz, with academy members advocating for its nomination. The narrative, based on Wells’ 1904 story, explores themes of perception, and diversity, and challenges societal norms. Directed by Rahat Kazmi and co-produced by Tariq Khan, both with roots in Surankote, and Poonch, the film’s success resonates as a celebration of Kashmir’s artistic prowess. The majestic Himalayan backdrop, filmed in Doodhpathri, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Sanasar, adds to the film’s allure. With critical acclaim from Golden Globe winner Siddiq Barmak and praise for its enchanting narrative, the film is now a potential entry for India at the 96th Academy Awards in March.
DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with 250 underprivileged students from various Jammu and Kashmir districts, participants in the Watan Ko Jano-Youth Exchange programme. The informal interaction at his residence covered the students’ travel experiences and iconic places visited during their tour of Jaipur, Ajmer, and New Delhi. Emphasising Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the visit aimed to expose Jammu and Kashmir youth to India’s cultural diversity. Modi discussed the state’s sporting culture, applauding achievements like archer Sheetal Devi’s success. Encouraging the students to contribute to national development, Modi highlighted the world’s highest railway bridge construction in Jammu and Kashmir, scientific accomplishments like Chandrayaan-3, and the tourism potential in the region. Besides, he stressed the importance of yoga, reflected on the G20 summit in Kashmir, and commended efforts for a cleaner India.
HABBA KADAL
Under the Smart City Project, Srinagar’s Shehr-e-Khas, witnessed significant redevelopment, preserving its heritage. Right now, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) focuses on redesigning the Habba Kadal Bridge and projects like underground electric ducting, drainage improvement, and facade enhancement. The city aims to become a major tourist attraction by leveraging its rich history. Chief Engineer Mohammad Ayoub Kirmani notes that the next phase, starting in mid-2024, will further enhance the city’s appearance. The Smart City Project, launched in 2017, allocates significant funds for area-based development and pan-city solutions, contributing to Srinagar’s urban renewal and retrofitting. Of the 137 projects, 66 are completed, 71 are ongoing, and 16 more are expected to conclude by June 2024.
SRINAGAR
Srinagar’s Family Court took a unique approach, hosting a workshop focused on children of broken families to shed light on the emotional impact of parental discord. The courtroom, adorned with balloons and toys, became a platform for children to express their feelings. Heart-wrenching statements revealed the deep scars, with one child expressing thoughts of self-harm. Organisers aimed to sensitise participants, including families, lawyers, and court staff, to the profound repercussions on children. The emotional workshop, led by Family Court officials, featured speeches, and a skit depicting familial conflicts, and concluded with certificates and gifts, leaving participants contemplating the poignant question: “Why do children suffer?”
