Briefing October 13-19, 2024

   

Even as more than 870 candidates ran for assembly, more than 82,000 people opted for the None of the Above (NOTA), an option on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that allows voters to indicate disapproval of all contesting candidates.

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SOUTH KASHMIR

Elections were hugely peaceful, but post results there were tensions. PDP’s Iltija Mufti, who lost the election from Bijbehara accused the National Conference (NC) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) of engaging in hooliganism after their victories. She questioned whether their electoral win justified the violence allegedly perpetrated by NC workers. She claimed that PDP workers were being harassed, with property destroyed and livestock set on fire, especially in Bijbehara and Wagama. Women workers of the PDP were also reportedly abused. She accused the NC of reviving the culture of hooliganism it was notorious for decades ago, which the PDP had previously curbed. Similar misconduct was also attributed to CPM workers in Kulgam’s Tarigam and Buchroo village where police eventually enforced curfew-like restrictions.

LADAKH

Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment has formally started operation at Hanley Ladakh.

The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) observatory, Asia’s largest and the world’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, was inaugurated at Hanle in Ladakh, situated at an altitude of over 4,300 metres. Developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from Indian industry partners, the MACE observatory positions India at the forefront of cosmic ray research. This telescope will allow scientists to study high-energy gamma rays, advancing the understanding of phenomena such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. The MACE telescope, weighing 175 tonnes with a diameter of 21 metres, features a 356-square-metre reflector surface comprising 1424 metallic mirror facets. It boasts sophisticated components, including 712 actuators and 1,088 photomultiplier tubes. The telescope’s site, Hanle, offers ideal conditions for gamma-ray observation due to its low light pollution, dry atmosphere, and remote location, providing significant advantages for astronomical research. Dr AK Mohanty, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, highlighted Hanle’s unique potential for further gamma-ray telescope installations, potentially attracting international collaboration. The MACE observatory has already made significant contributions by detecting gamma-ray flares from distant galaxies, even before its formal inauguration. Its success reflects India’s growing capabilities in space research and multi-messenger astronomy. The observatory is expected to enhance global research efforts while inspiring local students to pursue careers in science and technology.

JAMMU KASHMIR

According to data from the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), 84 per cent of the newly elected MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir are crorepatis, reflecting a 9 per cent increase since 2014. The average declared assets have risen to Rs 11.43 crore, more than double the Rs 4.56 crore reported a decade ago. Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra, with assets worth Rs 148 crore, and BJP leader Devender Rana, with Rs 126 crore, are among the wealthiest MLAs. In total, 76 out of 90 MLAs possess assets exceeding Rs 1 crore, up from 75 per cent in 2014. AAP’s Mehraj Malik is the poorest MLA with assets of Rs 29,070. Criminal backgrounds among MLAs have also increased. Of the 90 elected, 10 per cent have declared criminal cases, up from 6 per cent in 2014. More concerning, 9 per cent face serious criminal charges, compared to 2 per cent in 2014. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has 12 per cent of its MLAs facing criminal charges, while the BJP, JKPDP, and AAP also have candidates with serious criminal records.

JAMMU KASHMIR

Waheed ur Rehamn Parra watching from inside as the cops stand guard at his gate. PDP leaders were prevented from moving out of their homes to attend the party meeting on September 3, 2020. Pic: PDP

Over 71 per cent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates forfeited their deposits in the recent Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Assembly elections, with only three PDP candidates securing seats. Out of 873 total candidates across 90 constituencies, 76.28 per cent, or 666 candidates, forfeited their deposits, amounting to over Rs 1.60 crore for the Election Commission of India. The PDP, which fielded the highest number of candidates at 80, saw 57 of them lose their deposits. In its stronghold of Kashmir, the party’s representation fell drastically from 28 seats in 2014 to just three. Out of 46 PDP candidates in the valley, 25 forfeited their deposits, while in Jammu, none of the party’s 34 candidates won a seat. The BJP secured 29 seats but saw 19 of its 62 candidates also forfeit their deposits, with only one candidate in Kashmir, Faqir Mohammad Khan, surpassing the vote threshold.

ANANTNAG

The bullet-riddled body of Territorial Army soldier Hilal Ahmad Bhat was found in the Kazwan area of Anantnag, a day after he went missing during an anti-militancy operation. Bhat and another soldier had been abducted by militants during the operation; while one escaped, Bhat was found dead. The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps paid tribute to Bhat, honouring his bravery and sacrifice. Bhat, a resident of Nowgam, leaves behind a grieving family and community. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed his condolences, praising Bhat’s supreme sacrifice for the nation. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

ITALY

A new joint venture between Europe’s largest apple tree nursery, Nischler, and Kashmir-based Qul aims to revolutionise apple farming in the Himalayan region. The partnership, operating under the name ‘Nischler-Qul,’ will establish a world-class apple plant nursery in Kashmir, bringing cutting-edge European horticultural expertise and technology to local farmers. Commercial production is set to begin by 2027, offering premium-quality apple trees suited to the Himalayan climate. The venture will also provide after-plantation consultancy and training programs for local farmers in Italy. The goal is to position the region as a global leader in apple production by 2030.

URI

Sajjad Shafi (Uri)

National Conference leader Sajjad Shafi Uri set a record in the Kashmir Assembly elections by securing 40,054 votes, the highest in the region. He won over 53 per cent of the total votes, defeating senior politician Chaudhary Taj Mohiuddin by a significant margin. Sakeena Itoo followed with 36,623 votes, defeating Gulzar Ahmad Dar in Damhall Hanjipora, winning 55 per cent of the total votes. NC vice president Omar Abdullah secured 36,010 votes, winning 56 per cent of the total votes in Budgam constituency, defeating Agha Syed Muntazir Mehdi by 18,485 votes.

DODA

Mehraj Malik (Doda)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s Mehraj Malik, who made history by winning the Doda seat in the recent Assembly elections, defeating BJP’s Gajay Singh Rana by 4538 votes, marked the Delhi party’s first victory in the region. Malik was earlier elected a District Development Council (DDC) member from the Kahara constituency. Malik had previously contested the Lok Sabha elections from Udhampur but was unsuccessful. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal congratulated Malik and the party for winning in its fifth state. AAP has extended support to the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), helping it secure a majority in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

JAMMU

The Gadda Brahmin community, which recently gained Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, is worried that non-locals might exploit their newfound benefits. This concern arises from fears that individuals outside their community may fraudulently acquire ST certificates. Following the grant of ST status in February 2024, which allows access to reservations in education and government jobs, community members have reported attempts by unrelated individuals to secure these benefits. Shiv Kumar, president of the Gadda Brahmin Sabha, pointed out discrepancies in revenue records that do not clearly identify “Gadda Brahmin,” making it easier for outsiders to apply under their category. Despite raising these issues with authorities, the problem continues. Kumar has also urged the government to improve infrastructure in their impoverished communities, particularly in mountainous regions. In discussions with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, he advocated for the establishment of a Gadda Brahmin Vikas Board to support their development and address their pressing concerns.

DELHI

Article 370
Five-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court that is currently hearing the petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370, three days a week.

An application has been submitted to the Supreme Court, requesting the Union Government to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood within two months. This Miscellaneous Application pertains to a previous case on Article 370, where the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Although the Court directed that statehood should be restored as soon as possible, it did not set a specific timeline. Applicants Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik argue that the non-restoration violates federalism principles and point out that recent peaceful Assembly elections demonstrate there are no security concerns preventing statehood restoration.

LADAKH

Ladakh’s Pashmina wool has been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status, officially recognizing its authenticity and quality. This significant development was marked by a ceremony where Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh, presented the GI tag to Lt Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd). The GI registration ensures that only genuine Pashmina products from the region can carry this esteemed label, helping to protect against counterfeit goods that have undermined the reputation of this prized textile, often referred to as ‘soft gold.’ Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing Pashmina production, aiming for five lakh Pashmina goats and one million Merino sheep by 2030 to enhance incomes and contribute to the region’s GDP.

SRINAGAR

The Kashmir Valley is abuzz with excitement as retired international cricket stars are busy playing the Legends League Cricket (LLC) tournament, marking the return of high-profile cricket to the region after nearly 40 years. Taking place at the historic Bakshi Stadium from October 9 to 16, this event is a momentous occasion for local fans who have long awaited such an opportunity. Featuring 124 former international cricketers, the tournament includes popular Indian players like Mohammad Kaif, Shikhar Dhawan, and Harbhajan Singh, alongside global icons such as Chris Gayle and Ross Taylor. Gayle, known for his dynamic style, has already generated enthusiasm among fans by sending a video message inviting them to the event. The tournament envisages seven matches. The LLC tournament not only promises thrilling cricket but also signifies a hopeful future for more international sporting events in Kashmir.

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