PUNJAB
Chamiari village in Ajnala is shrouded in sorrow as Amritpal Singh, 31, fell victim to a militant attack in Srinagar, along with Rohit Masih. The assailants struck as the duo returned to their rented accommodation, leaving Amritpal dead on the spot and Rohit succumbing to injuries later. Amid family concerns over the circumstances of Amritpal’s death, the administration pledged to provide the post-mortem report. Amritpal, a carpenter, had ventured to Srinagar for work, marking his third visit to Kashmir, while Rohit, a painter, was there for the first time. Rohit’s father, Prem Masih, said he was the only son and his death had devastated the family. The tragic incident prompted protests by the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal in Jammu, condemning the murder. Both the Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab Governments extended financial aid to the grieving families. The Jammu and Kashmir Government has provided Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh compensation cheques to the aggrieved families. The Punjab Government has also announced Rs 2 lakh relief for both families.
In 2023, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 6298 accidents in which 893 persons were killed and 8469 survived injured.
JAMMU
The Congress-led alliance may face tensions in Jammu and Kashmir as the like-minded are not so like-minded on seat sharing. JKNC leader Omar Abdullah announced that talks with the Congress-led INDIA bloc will focus solely on the three Lok Sabha seats held by the BJP in the last general elections – Jammu, Udhampur, and Ladakh. Emphasising that the discussion has not delved into seat-sharing within the INDIA bloc yet, Omar expressed the need to strategise to reclaim seats presently held by the BJP. He clarified that the JKNC had won seats in Jammu and Ladakh in the past, and the aim is to regain them. This means there is no possibility of having an alliance within Kashmir while it will welcome an alliance in Jammu and Ladakh.
PUNE
Prabhash Chandra, a Delhi-based artist, turned his Kashmir theatre workshop experience into the award-winning film Beh Cheas Neh Vyeth (I’m Not the River Jhelum). After being tear-gassed during the workshop in Pulwama, Chandra delves into the Kashmiri way of life marked by pervasive violence and missing family members. The film, awarded Best Debut Director at the International Film Festival of Kerala 2022, explores Afeefa’s perspective, a young woman grappling with her uncle’s disappearance amid political upheavals. Chandra, screening the film amid war fatigue, aims to depict the normalised violence in Kashmir, employing poetry to highlight its universality. Chandra strategically uses poetry to emphasize the universal impact of such conflicts. Shot clandestinely in 2019 in Pulwama and Srinagar with locals’ assistance, the film features a cast of theatre artists including Amba Suhasini K Jhala, Lokesh Jain, Gandharv Dewan, Syeda Hameed and Inder Salim. Paresh Kamdar of the Ghode Ko Jalebi Khilane Le Ja Riya Hoon fame has edited the film.
January 2024 was Jammu and Kashmir’s driest and warmest conditions in 43 years.
SRINAGAR
Sections of Kashmir society showed up its worst side last week in at least two major instances. Scions of a business family, Saad and Hamad Tramboo founded Tramboo Sports and qualified for Shark Tank India3 for possible equity participation. Their pitch was impressive and they managed to clinch a deal for Rs 30 lakh by offering six per cent equity in their contract manufacturing set-up. This infuriated the bat-makers in Kashmir and most of the 300 came against them and Sony TV for alleged misrepresentation in the show. They addressed the media, resorted to protest and did whatever they could. While they could have celebrated the happening of the 20-something dup, they ended up giving them too much “bad” publicity.
That was not alone. In another major happening, Qul Fruitwall, a local company in the horticulture sector got an equity participation of Rs 60 crore and was evaluated to be Rs 400 crore strong. This happened for the first time in the history of Kashmir has apple as the main mover and shaker. This major development was skipped by Kashmir media by and large!
In Jammu and Kashmir, the mortality toll has steadily climbed over the years: 5832 in 2013, 5991 in 2014, 6164 in 2015, 6318 in 2016, 6495 in 2017, 6670 in 2018, 6845 in 2019, 7027 in 2020, 7211 in 2021, and a staggering 7396 in 2022.
MUMBAI
Renowned couturier Manish Malhotra has brought a touch of glamour to coffee culture with his collaboration with Starbucks India, introducing a limited-edition drinkware collection. He shared insights into the inspiration behind the merchandise, emphasising his love for timeless elegance and drawing from Kashmiri embroidery. The collection showcases a luxurious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style, featuring intricate floral motifs in a colour palette ranging from charcoal black to regal gold. Malhotra chose Kashmir for its significance, seamlessly integrating the region’s beauty and craftsmanship into everyday moments. Sustainability is a key focus, with eco-friendly elements, including reusable cups, echoing contemporary values.
Jammu Kashmir Police registered 96 drug-related cases and arrested 126 peddlers in Shopian.
JAMMU
Jammu Kashmir Police successfully thwarted human trafficking, rescuing two Bangladeshi women, and apprehended Nishith Biswas from West Bengal. An FIR was registered under relevant IPC sections, and the investigation was entrusted to the Senior Deputy Police Officer. Concurrently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against 24 accused, including five from Bangladesh and Myanmar, for human trafficking in Assam. The syndicates were active along the Indo-Bangladesh border, trafficking Rohingya people and Bangladeshi nationals. Investigations revealed the syndicates’ extensive network, facilitating forged documents and arranging travel for victims across India. Exploited individuals were forced into various sectors on meagre earnings, with some subjected to marriage for financial gains. The NIA exposed the connivance with local bodies in obtaining fake or forged Indian identity documents.
In 2023 alone, 11476 addicts approached drug addiction centres across Jammu and Kashmir.
DELHI
Delhi Police apprehended Karnah resident, Riyaz Ahmed, a retired Indian Army personnel and alleged conspirator in a recently busted militancy module in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. Riyaz, identified as a key conspirator, was arrested at New Delhi Railway Station. He, along with his friend Altaf, retired from the Army in 2023. The police stated that Riyaz was involved in a conspiracy to receive arms and ammunition from across the Line of Control (LoC). The arrest is linked to a recent militancy module case where five individuals were apprehended. Riyaz’s interrogation revealed his association with Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather. Investigations are ongoing.
More than Rs 18,000 crore in gross Goods and Service Tax was collected in Jammu and Kashmir in the last four financial years.
PAMPORE
The government has confirmed that there has been a whopping 67.5 per cent decline in the production of Saffron in Kashmir from 2010-11 to 2023-24. Quoting estimates provided by the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Jammu and Kashmir, the production of saffron has decreased from 8 MT in 2010-11 to 2.6 MT in 2023-24 (provisional), resulting in an overall decline in production by about 67.5 per cent over the period. However, the government claimed that during the last year from 2022-23 to 2023-24, the saffron production has marginally increased by 4 per cent.
Rs 450 crore stand spent in Jammu and Kashmir for developing infrastructure at tourist destinations including religious sites.
SHALIMAR
Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) secured a Rs 1.4 crore grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for a crucial study on Avian Influenza transmission in Jammu and Kashmir’s poultry farms. Led by Dr Nadeem Shabir, the project adopts a one-health approach, modelling virus transmission from migratory birds to domestic poultry. With around 4 lakh migratory birds annually visiting Jammu and Kashmir’s wetlands, the region is deemed integral to global avian influenza transmission. Collaborating with influenza experts, the initiative also maps potential virus transmission to poultry handlers, acknowledging its zoonotic nature.
Jammu and Kashmir has 85203 women-owned MSMEs – 80523 under UDYAM and 4680 under UAP.
MUMBAI
Songs of Paradise, a film on Kashmir’s iconic singer Raj Begum (1927-2016), has garnered appreciation from Bollywood figures like Hrithik Roshan during post-production. Produced by Excel Entertainment and directed by Danish Renzu, the movie delves into Kashmir’s enchanting world. It recounts the poignant tale of Raj Begum, the first female singer at Radio Kashmir Srinagar, set against a strife-ridden paradise. The narrative, inspired by the legendary artist, explores a time when women confronted limited rights. Saba Azad, known for Rocket Boys, portrays the lead character, with Soni Razdan, Zain Khan Durrani, and others forming an ensemble cast. The film, a homage to Kashmir’s veteran singers, aims to showcase the region’s forgotten poetry and music globally.
Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to produce 111050 MW of solar energy. Against producing 14760.23 MUs of solar power in April-December 2022, Jammu and Kashmir generated 14274 MU in April-December 2023.
LADAKH
Leaders in Ladakh have led a massive protest, supported by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), demanding statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and other key issues. The protest included banners reading “Kargil, Leh demand full-fledged statehood, implementation of the Sixth Schedule, and early recruitment.” Sajjad Hussain Kargili of the KDA urged the government to accept Ladakh’s demands promptly. The Ladakh leaders warned of a fast unto death if the February 19, High Powered Committee meeting does not yield positive results. Thupstan Chewang, LAB chairman, emphasised that the struggle might be prolonged, urging people to join the agitation. Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk announced a fast unto death from February 19, expressing the growing desperation over unmet demands. The protest reflects unrest, especially after Ladakh’s bifurcation in 2019. Leaders advocate statehood, constitutional safeguards, and elected representatives for strategic and democratic reasons.
TRAL
Air India has appointed two young Kashmiri pilots, Raja Shahzaib Raza from Tral and Burhan Ali from Beerwah. This marks the first appointment for the Greenhorn pilots. Burhan Ali, son of retired DySP Ali Mohammad Dar, is a commercial pilot and younger brother of DySP Umar Urfan. Raja Shahzaib Raza, a 26-year-old from Tral, has qualified as a pilot after completing training at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi.
ANANTNAG
In response to the exposure of a quake, a fake doctor, in Anantnag, Srinagar’s District Administration launched surprise inspections of clinics in Hawal and Nowshera where irregularities were reported. They were closed. The move follows the exposure of a pseudo-gastroenterologist operating in Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Srinagar. Three clinics, including one in Anantnag and two in Srinagar, were sealed, and investigations were initiated. The Health Department urged public vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious medical practices to preserve the integrity of the healthcare system.
