SRINAGAR
Senior advocate Nazir Ahmad Ronga, a prominent figure in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was arrested and booked under Public Safety Act. Umair Ronga, his son, detailed that police arrived at their home at 1:10 am without a warrant, citing orders from higher authorities. Ronga, a key leader of the High Court Bar Association was driven to Nishat Police Station. This development follows amendments within the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA), removing a paragraph advocating for peaceful resolution of Kashmir from its constitution. The revised focus aims at promoting legal rights and interests, prompted by a 2020 directive questioning alignment with India’s Constitution post-Article 370’s abrogation. The LG Manoj Sinha administration has denied election permissions citing law and order and Covid19 concerns over five years. Recent restrictions under Section 144 labelled the Bar as an “unregistered association/body” with a “secessionist ideology,” countered by the Bar emphasising its century-long commitment to legal justice. Ronga was previously detained in August 2019. Mian Abdul Qayoom, the association’s long-time president, is in jail facing murder charges in Babar Qadri murder case.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has on-boarded 40 vendors to implement an ambitious plan to install 36,400 solar rooftops by 2027 under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
SRINAGAR
Kounsar Jan, the first female e-rickshaw driver in Srinagar, epitomises resilience and determination amidst societal norms in Kashmir. Transitioning through multiple jobs to support her family, Kounsar embarked on her e-rickshaw journey driven by economic necessity and a desire to challenge gender stereotypes. Despite initial scepticism, she persevered with unwavering support from her family, particularly her husband, who shares her commitment to gender equality. Earning up to Rs 3000 daily, Kounsar not only secures her family’s financial stability but also boosts her confidence daily. Her pioneering role in a traditionally male-dominated field has garnered praise for breaking barriers and inspiring other women across Kashmir. While social media buzz reflects widespread support, there is also scrutiny of the societal failures that necessitated her path.
493 students, including 240 undergraduate and 253 post-graduates, were conferred with degrees in the first convocation ceremony of the University of Ladakh.
JAMMU
Tarun Bahl, identified as the editor-in-chief of Sree News Group, including The Sree Times and The Daily Aasman Newspaper, was arrested in Jammu under the Official Secrets Act. The arrest followed allegations of circulating a sensitive police document related to the withdrawal of security for VIPs in Jammu and Kashmir through WhatsApp groups and social media, which has since been removed. Police stated that Bahl was taken into a four-day remand for investigation, asserting that he was not referred to as a journalist in their statement. The action was initiated after information surfaced at Channi Himmat police station about the document’s unauthorised circulation by Bahl, allegedly with malicious intent to spread misinformation. During the initial investigation, police indicated that Bahl’s activities allegedly extended beyond journalism, with accusations of involvement in a multi-crore money laundering scheme. Sources reported that his arrest led to revelations linking him to 125 bank accounts and Rs 128 crore in illicit funds, along with ownership of 16 luxury cars. They claimed he leveraged his connections within the police and civil administration, using bribery or coercion to gain influence and control, posing significant threats to national security.
By May 2024, Kashmir lost 103 people in 724 road accidents.
LEH
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) seized 108 one-kilogram gold bars near the Sino-India border and arrested three individuals, marking their largest gold haul ever. Alongside the gold, items recovered included mobile phones, binoculars, knives, and Chinese food. The operation occurred during heightened smuggling activity in the Changthang sub-sector of eastern Ladakh. ITBP’s 21st battalion conducted a long-range patrol, apprehending two suspects attempting to flee on mules. Initially claiming to be medicinal plant dealers, the suspects were found with smuggled gold and other contraband. Identified as Tsering Chamba and Stanzin Dorgyal from Ladakh’s Nyoma area, they are under joint interrogation by ITBP and police. The seized items and suspects were handed over to the Customs Department for further investigation and legal proceedings, under ITBP’s authorised border control duties.
So far 35 people drowned in Kashmir, this year.
POONCH
Throat-slit bodies of newborn twins were discovered in their home at Chajjla-Keyani village in Poonch. According to the police at Mendhar, the incident was reported after information surfaced about the deceased female infants at Mohammad Khursheed’s residence. Authorities swiftly responded, recovering the bodies and transferring them to Mendhar’s sub-district hospital for forensic examination. Police said the father of the twins was apprehended for interrogation. Now, reports suggest the father of the twins had told his wife that he had not fathered the kids. Angry, the mother slit their throats.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration constituted a 7-member panel to identify foreign nationals who have been illegally overstaying for the past 13 years.
DELHI
A woman in her 40s, married to a retired IAS officer in a second marriage, alleges sexual assault by her stepson and stepson-in-law in Jammu and Kashmir. She claims harassment and dowry demands from the beginning, culminating in a five-day captivity in April, during which she was raped, beaten, and denied food. The perpetrators allegedly recorded the assault and coerced her to sign blank papers before sending her to her parental home due to health deterioration. The case, registered at Indira Nagar police station, Ghazipur, includes accusations of videotaping the incident.
In Jammu and Kashmir, nearly 4394 government-run schools have been closed owing to ‘zero or extremely low’ enrollment. Of 12977 primary schools only 8966 exist now. Similarly, 392 government middle schools, three high schools and one higher secondary were deleted from the UDISE+ list.
SRINAGAR
Prof Aijaz Bashir is the new Director of Colleges, Kashmir. He will continue to operate as Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges and Principal of Amar Singh College, Srinagar. After assuming office, he convened a meeting to evaluate higher education in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the department’s commitment to enhancing the learning environment, innovating teaching methods, and enriching the educational experience. Bashir pledged to strengthen academic programs, foster a research culture, and ensure comprehensive student development. With a PhD in Electronics, he brings over thirty years of service in the Higher Education department and is a member of Jammu and Kashmir’s Higher Education Council. Previously, he led Islamia College Srinagar for four years. Meanwhile, the government appointed Prof Mohammad Mobin as Vice Chancellor of the Cluster University of Srinagar (CUS) for three years.
Kashmir has recorded over 69,000 vehicle registrations during 2023-24, with Srinagar at the top with over 26,000 registrations.
MUMBAI
The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant is spotlighting Kashmir’s cultural heritage with remarkable prominence. The event features elements like a luxurious Pashmina shawl in the invitation, emphasising the region’s textile artistry. Shloka Ambani adorned a Tarun Tahiliani lehenga, intricately designed with Kasheeda embroidery inspired by Kashmiri Jamawar shawls, showcasing vibrant patterns and motifs like maple leaves and lotus flowers. The wedding preparations include an opulent invitation box resembling a temple, adorned with divine imagery and featuring gold idols of Hindu deities. Nita Ambani’s influence in promoting Indian crafts, including Kashmiri handicrafts, through initiatives like the Nita Mukesh Foundation underscores the cultural richness highlighted in the celebrations.
LONDON
In recent UK political developments, Kashmir’s contentious legacy has found a new battleground in the House of Commons, where Indian and Pakistani-origin MPs hold sway. The 2019 elections echoed themes reminiscent of South Asian politics, influencing Labour Party policies towards India following its electoral dominance. Noteworthy figures include Labour MP Shabana Mahmood, known for her stance on Kashmir and Pakistani affairs, and Conservative MPs like Priti Patel and Rishi Sunak. These MPs, embedded in British politics, reflect diverse views on Kashmir, influencing UK-India relations. The appointment of Shabana Mahmood as Secretary of State for Justice underscores her importance in the Labour government. The geopolitical implications extend beyond diaspora politics, shaping debates on international intervention and bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. Additionally, among the MPs with roots in Jammu and Kashmir – the part on the other side of the LoC, four women are prominent: Shabana Mahmood, Naz Shah, Yasmin Qureshi, and Zarah Sultana, each influencing discussions on Kashmir within the UK Parliament.
KISHTWAR
In a tragic road accident in Dachhan, erstwhile Doda district, a family of six faced devastation when their Alto car skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge. Four family members—mother Fatima Begum (36), daughters Madiya Wani (10) and Radia Banoo (4), and son Altmash Wani (5 months)—lost their lives. The father, Iflal Wani (40), and his daughter Khatija Banoo (7) sustained injuries and were rushed to SKIMS Srinagar for treatment. Iflal Wani, a daily wage worker, was returning with his family from Srinagar to Dachhan in Kishtwar when the accident occurred.
ANANTNAG
A Division Bench of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, comprising Justices Sanjeev Kumar and M A Chowdhary, has consolidated multiple cases concerning the protection of temples and their properties in Kashmir. Over the past three decades, some of these properties have been unlawfully sold, sub-let, leased, encroached upon, or occupied without authorisation, often through illicit financial transactions. The court observed that such transactions, purporting to transfer temple properties to third parties, are illegal and void, as temple properties are dedicated to deities and cannot be alienated. Specifically, they adjudicated the management of Shri Raghu Nath Mandir and Nagbal Gautam Nag Temple in Anantnag. The court determined that conflicting claims between the petitioner and a newly added respondent did not vest ownership of these temples and their properties in either party, asserting instead that such properties belong to the deity and must be managed peacefully and effectively. To safeguard these temples and their assets, the court ordered the government to place them under the management of the district magistrate of Anantnag. This decision allows both parties to pursue their claims in civil court while ensuring immediate protection and restoration of the temples’ properties through lawful processes.
