DELHI
The Finance Ministry has reportedly approved the inclusion of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) budget within the budget grants of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aligning it with the Delhi Police. This transition is being implemented “to modernise the JKP” and “enhance its capabilities”. The Department of Economic Affairs, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has agreed to this in principle, with the transition expected to begin this year, reports appearing in the media suggest. Sitharaman is presenting the Jammu and Kashmir budget in the ongoing session. The Centre’s Finance Department has instructed the Home Department to complete necessary formalities, including integrating the remaining 2024-25 budget and establishing mechanisms for budget release and financial management. This shift in anticipation of assembly elections and restoration of the statehood is anticipated to keep JKP under the MHA control. Even the pension component, previously managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, will now be reimbursed by the MHA. Treasuries across Jammu and Kashmir will maintain separate databases for Home Department retirees to streamline pension claims with the MHA.
GST rate on all carton boxes reduced to 12 per cent from 18 per cent
PAHALGAM
Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain, speaking at Ramban after reviewing security for the Shri Amarnath pilgrimage, assured that the police, along with the public and the Army, are prepared to counter militant threats. Following the militant attack on Shiv Khori pilgrims, security measures for the 52-day Amarnath Yatra have been heightened. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officials, including Swain, reviewed the arrangements, emphasising the need for comprehensive security. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and multiple security layers have been deployed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Officials have also improved facilities for the pilgrims, ensuring adequate oxygen, medical staff, and emergency services. The first batch of pilgrims was flagged off from Jammu by Sinha, who stressed the importance of the pilgrims as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir. The yatra, commencing on June 29, will proceed through two routes, with extensive measures in place to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Among 3825 buildings solarized in Jammu and Kashmir, 2200 are schools, 1050 Panchayat Ghars and 16 are universities.
CHAMLIYAL
Close to 90,000 devotees attended the annual Chamliyal mela at the 300-year-old shrine of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, known as Baba Chamliyal, on the India-Pakistan border in Samba’s Ramgarh. The traditional exchange between Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers and Pakistani rangers, a main attraction, was absent for the seventh consecutive year. Devotees came from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. BSF Commandant Sanjeev Dhaiya led the first chadder offering at 4 am. Until 2017, Pakistani rangers would hand over a chadder to BSF soldiers, who in return gave holy sand (shakkar) and water (sharbat) to be taken to Pakistan. This tradition was suspended in 2018 due to heightened tensions following the killing of four BSF soldiers.
MUMBAI
In a heartwarming turn of events, Bollywood legends Asha Parekh, Helen, and Waheeda Rehman enjoyed a nostalgic vacation in Srinagar. Known for their iconic roles in Bollywood’s golden era, the trio revisited Kashmir, sharing picturesque moments on Instagram. Simultaneously, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Conclave held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) saw renowned filmmakers Vishal Bharadwaj, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and actor Sanjay Suri engaging with residents. The event focused on Film Tourism and its potential in promoting J&K Tourism, highlighting the region’s scenic beauty and cultural richness as prime locations for film productions. These filmmakers, who have previously shot successful films in Kashmir, discussed the ease of obtaining shooting permissions and the cooperative nature of the local populace, which significantly aids filmmaking. Director Vishal Bharadwaj, whose film Haider is set in Kashmir, encouraged local filmmakers to leverage the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, which offers substantial subsidies. Imtiaz Ali, known for films like Rockstar and Highway, urged locals to break the resistance towards cinema and work hard to leave a mark in the industry. Kabir Khan praised the ease of shooting in Kashmir compared to other locations, noting the locals’ understanding and cooperation during film shoots. The conclave emphasised reviving cinema in Kashmir, where cinema halls had closed due to militancy in the 1990s. The Film Policy has led to 350 films being shot in the past four years.
DELHI
Acclaimed author Arundhati Roy was awarded the PEN Pinter Prize shortly after the government of India approved her prosecution for comments on Kashmir made 14 years ago. The PEN Pinter Prize honours writers who demonstrate a relentless pursuit of truth. Judges commended Roy for her sharp commentary on issues like environmental degradation and human rights abuses. Roy, a vocal critic of Narendra Modi’s government, faces charges under India’s anti-terror laws for her 2010 statement about Kashmir. Over 200 Indian intellectuals have called for the withdrawal of this decision. Roy will receive the prize in October, and she expressed her commitment to upholding Harold Pinter’s legacy of truth and justice. Previous winners include Malorie Blackman, Margaret Atwood, and Salman Rushdie.
GANDERBAL
Three young climbers from Kashmir, led by Inayatullah Bhat, made history by scaling Thajiwas Valley’s Umbrella Peak after 79 years. Joined by Shariq Rashid and Waseem Raja, they reached the peak on June 24. This marks the third historic expedition of Thajiwas, celebrating past climbers’ legacies and advancing modern mountaineering. They established a new route for the climb, adding to the peak’s alpine history. Umbrella Peak was first climbed in 1944 by CWF Noyce and A Jones, followed by John A Jackson in 1945. This successful ascent revives alpine climbing in the Kashmir Himalayas.
JAMMU
Jammu and Kashmir’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has booked Deputy Superintendent of Police Chanchal Singh for allegedly acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The investigation revealed that Singh, through corrupt practices during his tenure, accumulated various properties and significant bank balances in his and his relatives’ names. His assets include residential houses, plots, shops, business establishments in Jammu, and two hotels in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The ACB conducted searches at multiple locations, including his residences and business establishments in Jammu, Srinagar, and Manali.
SRINAGAR
Srinagar has been officially recognised as a World Craft City by the World Crafts Council, highlighting the city’s rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans. This accolade is expected to transform the handicraft and handloom sector, attracting greater investment and opening new markets. Enhanced global recognition will lead to increased demand, job creation, and improved livelihoods for artisans. Tourism will also benefit, as the city’s vibrant crafts attract more visitors. This recognition underscores Srinagar’s longstanding tradition of excellence in crafts such as Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, and intricate woodwork. The World Craft City designation reconnects Srinagar with its historical craft linkages, especially those with Central Asia and Iran, further boosting its global craft heritage standing.
JAMMU
Yatin Yadav, the alleged mastermind of the 2022 JKSSB sub-inspector recruitment examination paper leak, was remanded to seven-day Enforcement Directorate custody by a special court. Arrested under the PMLA, he orchestrated a scheme involving touts in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir to sell leaked exam papers for Rs 15-30 lakh. The Jammu and Kashmir administration cancelled results amid allegations. CBI charged 33, including Yadav. ED’s action follows CBI’s FIR. Assets worth Rs 1 crore, including bank accounts, were seized. Yadav’s arrest coincides with national exam irregularities probes. The court directed an expedited investigation, highlighting Yadav’s pivotal role in the fraud.
LADAKH
An attack by the Pheosia Albivertex pest on poplar trees in Ladakh, potentially from Pakistan or China, has raised alarm. This infestation threatens the region’s vital poplar plantations, essential for local livelihoods amid scarce timber resources. Initially identified years ago, the recent outbreak intensified due to changing climatic conditions, prompting urgent action from authorities and scientists. Teams from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the Forest Department are mobilizing to contain the pest, which causes severe defoliation. Economic losses loom large if unchecked, underscoring the need for community cooperation and swift mitigation efforts to protect Ladakh’s economy and ecosystem.
KARGIL
In a notable meeting symbolising inter-regional harmony, Ladakhi leader Sajad Kargili engaged Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Srinagar. Amid discussions about the historic Jamia Masjid’s restrictions, Kargili emphasised Ladakh’s enduring cultural ties with Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370. Despite criticism from BJP circles questioning the meeting’s intent, Kargili defended discussing Ladakh’s issues, including concerns over religious freedoms and regional status, with Farooq. This interaction highlights a complex dialogue within Ladakh, contrasting aspirations for statehood or Sixth Schedule inclusion with ongoing constitutional discussions. Amidst these debates, recent gestures of communal harmony, like the allotment of land for a Buddhist monastery in Muslim-majority Kargil, exemplify local efforts to bridge communal divides and foster inclusive development. The bhumi pujan for the Gompa in Kargil marked a significant step towards unity, attended by leaders from both Buddhist and Muslim communities, fostering cooperation.
JAMMU
Months after rumours that the government intends to control hotel tariffs, reports suggest that plans are underway to streamline hospitality sector regulations in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to replace “outdated rules” with new ones to facilitate ease of doing business. New rules are reportedly under formulation and will be open for public feedback soon.
DELHI
Amid strong demands by the Kashmir political class that the newly elected MP from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid be permitted to take the oath of office, he has filed an application seeking interim bail. He faces charges under the UAPA in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case. The Delhi court, presided by Additional Sessions Judge Kiran Gupta, directed the NIA to respond by July 1. Rashid’s counsel argued for bail, highlighting the distinction made in allowing bail for AAP leader Sanjay Singh to take oath as a Rajya Sabha MP. The court allowed the NIA time to reply and scheduled the next hearing for July 1. Rashid, in custody since 2019, seeks bail or custody parole to fulfil his parliamentary duties. The case relates to allegations stemming from the investigation of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali’s involvement in funding terrorist groups.
