KASHMIR
Reminiscent of the 1990s, two girls whose parents are separatists have dissociated from the parties their close relatives were affiliated with. Ruwa Shah, Syed Ali Geelani’s granddaughter and Sama Shabir, Shabir Shah’s daughter have issued identical public notifications in a local newspaper. In a paid newsprint space, they have disassociated themselves from separatist politics and pledged their loyalty towards the Government of India. This kind of notice was published in hundreds almost daily when the militancy broke out and the workers of JKNC, Congress and other parties were dissociating from the political parties. Then, these notices were published as paid notices without linking them to front-page news.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has remained closed for an alarming 223 days over the past 5 years due to frequent landslides, snow, and other obstructions.
SRINAGAR
The 111-year-old campus of Amar Singh College is in the news, for a rather bizarre reason. More than 230 poplars have been axed from the campus thus undoing the poplar avenue that had started getting famous with the Bollywood and local film-makers. Most of these trees were decades old and were a part of the heritage of the historic college. Officials stated that only 59 of the 182 poplars had been designated “dry” by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation Limited. The College is a UNESCO-awarded colonial-era building falling in a Grade-1 heritage structure.
At least 17 Kashmiri students pursuing higher education in colleges and universities outside Jammu and Kashmir have tragically lost their lives to suicide since 2016.
BEJBEHARA
In the 21st century Naya Kashmir, a minor girl was mauled to death by stray dogs in the Waghama area of Bejbehara. Reports appearing in media said the eight years old child, was attacked by a gang of stray dogs, grievously injuring her. She was later shifted to a hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. Municipal officials are unable to reduce the population of the pariahs as a law prevents the culling of the animals. Instead, the authorities are focusing on birth control for which they lack adequate resources.
In an enigmatic but interesting twist to changes in Kashmir, Ajatshatru Singh has told a UN Body that “the reduction of poverty in Jammu and Kashmir from 40.45 per cent in 2005-2006 to a mere 2.81 per cent in 2022-2023 is a testament to the optimal utilisation of development funds.” Jammu and Kashmir’s BPL ratio never exceeded 11 per cent in history.
SOPORE
A man Manzoor Ahmad Mir was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Duroo village. The family is demanding that the police should launch a probe into the matter as they suspect play. Police have filed a complaint and two men were subsequently arrested. They were identified as Ubaid Altaf Shah and Tufail Ahmed Hajam—both residents of Pir Mohalla Duroo. Now it is being said that the duo had some personal enmity with the man and they killed him. His body was recovered from an orchard.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of police, Mushtaq Ahmad passed away due to a heart attack during his duty at Abi-Guzar area.
SRINAGAR
A Bihar resident was convicted by a fast-track court in Srinagar and sentenced to eight years of prison in connection with kidnapping and raping a fifteen years old girl from Habba Kadal in 2016. Renu Dogra Gupta, 2nd Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court about rape cases), sentenced the convict, Santosh Kumar Paswan, son of Saider Paswan, resident of Lalpora Bhim Nagar Bihar, in the case FIR No 32 of 2016 of Police Station Kralkhud Srinagar for the commission of offences punishable under Section 363 RPC (kidnapping). The court ordered that both of these sentences would run consecutively.
In anticipation of elections, the train fare in Jammu and Kashmir has been slashed by 50 per cent.
LUCKNOW
Following the reading of Article 370 in August 2019, Apco Infratech, a Lucknow-based firm, secured a contract to construct a tunnel in Kashmir. Subsequently, it donated Rs 10 crore to the BJP through electoral bonds. Within weeks of receiving the contract, the firm purchased 10 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each in January 2020. Additionally, it procured Rs 10 crore worth of bonds in both 2022 and 2023, bringing the total to Rs 30 crore. The Election Commission of India’s data disclosed that all these funds went to the BJP, further raising questions about the transparency of political financing. The company has also got two more works on an express highway in Jammu.
Central Government is all set to re-auction Lithium blocks in Kashmir in the third tranche as the response to earlier bids was unimpressive
DELHI
The Central Government has sanctioned reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayats and Municipalities, subject to their population. OBCs may have up to eight per cent reservation, while general category seats will decrease in both Urban and Rural Local Bodies due to the existing 33 per cent reservation for women, including Women-SC and Women-ST, with a further 10 per cent for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and eight per cent for Scheduled Castes (SCs). However, seats reserved for Women-SC and Women-ST within the female quota will be subtracted from the overall SCs and STs reservation. The OBC reservation will extend to all Rural Bodies, including District Development Councils (DDCs), Block Development Councils (BDCs), and Panchayats, as well as Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Committees. Delimitation, followed by fresh reservation of Wards, will be undertaken based on population demographics. Additionally, certain tribes, including Paharis Ethnic Tribe, Paddari Tribe, Koli, and Gadda Brahmins, categorised as STs, are eligible to contest elections despite their localized population.
Kashmir’s famous Tulip Garden is thrown open for tourists.
LADAKH
In Ladakh, where temperatures plunge below freezing, thousands protest against perceived government betrayal post the 2019 separation from Kashmir. Demands for statehood, job security, and land protection persist, fueled by fears of cultural erosion and outsider influence. Despite assurances, progress remains elusive, raising concerns of exploitation and loss of autonomy. Geopolitical tensions escalate as China and Pakistan closely monitor the region. Ladakhis, unified across Muslim and Buddhist communities, cling to hopes of recognition and redressal, advocating for their rights amidst a backdrop of strategic significance. Yet, the specter of conflict looms, as clashes with Chinese forces in 2020 underscore heightened regional instability. As Ladakhis assert their demands, they navigate a delicate balance between asserting their identity and maintaining stability in a volatile landscape.
Sustainable energy solutions company NexGen Energis has announced an investment of Rs 1000 crore to establish an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing unit in Jammu and Kashmir.
DELHI
Mohammad Yousuf Wani, a seasoned Judicial Officer, has been appointed as an Additional Judge of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court by the President of India. Endorsed by the Supreme Court Collegium, Wani’s elevation follows commendations from senior justices and a thorough vetting process. With a rich background in judicial service since 1997, Wani brings extensive experience to his new role. His appointment bolsters the High Court’s bench, which now boasts 16 sitting Judges, including Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh. Wani’s addition underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring a robust and competent legal framework in the region.
JAMMU
A major oversight by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) resulted in the cancellation of the Class 12th examination paper across the erstwhile state when students were issued 11th standard question papers. Dr Piyush Singla, Administrative Secretary of the School Education Department, ordered an inquiry into the matter to identify the responsible parties. Chairman Dr Parikshat Manhas formed a committee to investigate further and report within seven days. The error was detected during the Physical Education examination, prompting immediate action. JKBOSE issued a formal notification cancelling the exam and promised a rescheduled date soon. This unprecedented incident sparked outrage among the roughly 20,000 students affected, with some reportedly distressed upon encountering unfamiliar questions. The School Education Department also set up an inquiry committee to investigate the incident thoroughly and determine accountability within a week.
DELHI
The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of the deteriorating conditions of wetlands and water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. Notices were issued to relevant authorities, including the Pollution Control Committee, following a news report highlighting environmental degradation due to natural and man-made causes like rising temperatures, sediment deposition, encroachment, and pollution. The tribunal emphasised the urgent need for effective management and sustainable preservation of these vital ecosystems. It raised concerns about compliance with environmental norms and laws, including the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules and the Environment (Protection) Act. Several authorities were impleaded as parties, and the tribunal mandated their response before the next hearing on May 22. Despite a report from the Pollution Control Committee, insufficient data disclosure hindered proper assessment of water bodies, indicating the pressing need for comprehensive monitoring and regulatory enforcement.
DELHI
In a bid to quell separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has banned 10 separatist groups in the past five years, citing their involvement in anti-national activities. In 2019, nine groups were outlawed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, targeting organisations deemed detrimental to India’s integrity. The crackdown commenced with the prohibition of Jamaat-e-Islami and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front. Recently, on March 16, 2024, four factions of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Freedom League were also banned. Additionally, the government banned the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Freedom League led by Farooq Rehmani. Tribunals led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court were formed to review the legality of these bans, particularly focusing on Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir factions.
