RAMBAN
Old or new, the highway continues to be a killer stretch. An SUV skidded off the road and fell into a 300-foot-deep gorge near Battery Cheshma killing all the 10 on board. The dead included its Jammu driver, and nine seasonal labourers – eight from Bihar and one from UP. They were on their way to Kashmir for work. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced ex-gratia relief for the families of the deceased.
In the last six years, 486 human lives have been lost while 510 were injured in fire incidents across Jammu and Kashmir.
UDHAMPUR
Choudhary Lal Singh has disclosed his income as Rs 4.55 lakhs and his wife’s as Rs 16.74 lakhs. He listed immovable assets, including land worth over Rs 1.50 crore in his name and Rs 53 lakhs in his wife’s name, alongside inherited property valued at Rs 90 lakhs and Rs 50 lakhs, respectively. Besides, he revealed possessing 150 gms of gold worth Rs 9.45 lakhs, while his wife possesses 600 gms valued at Rs 37.80 lakhs. Their loans and liabilities amount to Rs 25.34 lakhs, while their movable assets/vehicles are valued at Rs 26.53 lakh and Rs 73.60 lakhs, respectively.
Jammu Kashmir’s educated unemployment soared from 21 per cent in 2005 to 34.8 per cent in 2022.
BUDGAM
In Kashmir’s foothills, the man-animal conflict is a constant. Last week, a minor lost her life. The five-year-old girl was found near her residence after she went missing. Her body bore witness to the brutal mauling by a leopard. The minor identified as Toiba was snatched from the compound of her home, by the leopard and as soon as the news broke, a search operation was launched.
The administration has terminated at least 57 government employees working in various departments on charges of involvement in anti-national activities.
SRINAGAR
A Srinagar court has granted bail to Vinoth John Kennedy, 27, a software engineer who was the only accused arrested by the Cyber Police in connection with the ‘curative survey’ scam, marking a significant development in the case. Forest Magistrate Feroz Ahmad Khan, in his verdict, emphasised that bail serves as a preventive measure rather than a punitive one, highlighting the importance of preserving personal liberty unless necessary for trial attendance. Despite objections from the prosecution, who alleged the accused’s pivotal role in the crime syndicate, Khan referred to Article 21 of the Constitution, stressing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The defence argued against prolonged detention, citing the completion of an investigation and the nature of charges under Section 420 IPC. Considering these arguments and legal precedents, the magistrate ruled in favour of bail, requiring the accused to furnish bail bonds and adhere to specific conditions. The scandal, which surfaced last December, rattled victims who invested in the bogus company, ‘Curative Survey Private Limited,’ causing public outcry and protests.
As many as 4251 persons have been killed and 37725 have been injured in 28896 road accidents in the last five years in Jammu and Kashmir
LADAKH
Educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced the intensification of the struggle for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh at a protest hosted by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in the town. On April 7, a “border march” is scheduled. Wangchuk was on a 21-day hunger strike against Delhi’s insistence that it would neither give Ladakh a state status nor extend the Sixth Schedule to it. He told a gathering that to protect the area’s ecosystem and indigenous population, they are implementing Gandhian ideals. Wangchuk, a respected citizen and engineer, got a huge response to his hunger strike and was covered by the media especially. He is a celebrity as his story is the central idea of Aamir Khan’s film 3 Idiots.
Jammu and Kashmir road accidents have claimed more than 2000 lives in past five years.
GULMARG
In a scathing assessment, a government-appointed Snow Safety Officer, Brian Newman, highlights the woeful state of ski infrastructure in Gulmarg, asserting it fails to meet global standards. His 2024 End of Season Report implores for the adoption of winter timings as an official policy for January to March, transparent promotion, and accountability measures for staff. Despite Newman’s previous recommendations remaining unaddressed, the report underscores critical equipment deficiencies and a dismal snowfall trend, resulting in a shortened ski season. Tourists, particularly foreigners, lament inconsistent operation hours of the gondola and chairlift, attributing dissatisfaction to operational failures and a lack of accountability. Newman’s efforts to engage with cable car Operations Managers yielded disappointing results, exacerbating safety concerns during snowstorms. The report demands urgent government intervention to uphold standards, stressing the rights of visitors to accurate information and reliable services. Newman urges policymakers to prioritise customer expectations, signalling the imperative for immediate action to salvage Gulmarg’s reputation as a premier ski destination in India.
600 retired Cement employees from Jammu and Kashmir await their unpaid dues.
KASHMIR
A recent News18 report revealed that Sewa Bharati, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has established 1,250 informal schools in Kashmir. These schools are aimed at instilling patriotism and Bharatiyata among students, primarily Muslims. These Ekal Vidyalayas, spread across ten districts, including Baramulla where it has 120 schools, have witnessed a 53 per cent increase since 2022. The schools, teaching teach in Kashmiri and Urdu and are staffed by Muslim teachers. Women comprise 70 per cent of the teaching staff.
In a rather heart-warming incident, 18 years 18-year-old missing girl from the Chasana area, was recovered from Kalakote and later reunited with her family.
SRINAGAR
INTACH inaugurated Srinagar’s first conservation centre to safeguard Kashmir’s cultural manuscripts. An awareness workshop emphasised their importance, focusing on preservation from environmental and neglectful threats. Saleem Beg stressed the centre’s mission to digitise and conserve 50,000 private and 10,000 governmental manuscripts, crucial repositories of cultural heritage. Imran Ahmad highlighted conservation efforts, including cleaning, repair, and digitization, empowering locals through training. Challenges such as material degradation and changing architecture endanger these invaluable documents, but INTACH’s efforts aim to mitigate these risks.
In the year 2022-23, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s land revenue has risen to Rs 544 Crores.
JAMMU
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has sternly warned against demonstrations and strikes by employees, citing Supreme Court judgments and conduct rules. Employees disregarding these directives face severe consequences under the Employees (Conduct) Rules. Notably, the apex court has deemed strikes unlawful and emphasised utilising existing mechanisms for grievance redressal. Despite clear regulations prohibiting strikes, some employees persist in unlawful actions. Circulars emphasise adherence to rules, with strict penalties for violations. Additionally, the government reiterates regulations about Service Associations, warning of withdrawal of recognition for non-compliance.
According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), a total of 49 drowning incidents have taken place in Kashmir, over the past 14 months.
LEH
The Directorate of Industries and Commerce, in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), organised an international conclave for Ladakhi Pashmina in Leh. The event aimed to facilitate interaction between local artisans, sellers, and domestic and international buyers, providing a platform for networking and trade. With over 30 exhibitors and attendees from various countries, including Europe, the UK, and Nigeria, discussions revolved around enhancing the supply chain and ensuring authenticity through certification.
SRINAGAR
Since 2021, around 600 retired employees of disinvested JK Cements Limited have been tirelessly seeking their unpaid retirement dues totalling Rs 184 crore. Despite the closure of the company and the rehabilitation of in-service employees, the retirees have been left in dire straits. With some owed benefits since 2006, their plight worsens with each passing day. The retirees, facing financial hardships, struggle to afford life-saving medicines and essential expenses. Their repeated pleas for justice have fallen on deaf ears, as bureaucratic processes and delays persist. Despite recent representations to government officials, including calls for a partial release of funds from the disinvestment proceeds, the retirees’ plight remains unresolved.
JAMMU
From over Rs 65.42 lakh in 2014, Dr Jitendra Singh and his wife’s combined assets now stand at over Rs 9.58 crore. Singh declared his movable assets at Rs 3.33 crore and immovable assets at Rs 3.71 crore. His wife’s assets were valued at Rs 88.88 lakh and Rs 66 lakhs for movable and immovable assets, respectively. The staggering increase in Singh’s assets is further highlighted by his income tax returns for the past five financial years, ranging from Rs 25.75 lakh to Rs 33.17 lakh annually. His wife’s income tax returns, ranging between Rs 4-6 lakhs during the same period, mirror a modest yet consistent financial portfolio.
