SONAWARI
Jammu Kashmir, Police have initiated an investigation against Hilal Akbar Lone, a National Conference MLA from Sonawari, for not standing during the National Anthem at Omar Abdullah’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16. Authorities in Srinagar confirmed the incident is under investigation, with a senior police officer reviewing electronic evidence. Lone explained that he experienced a cramp during the anthem, briefly forcing him to sit down before standing up again. He emphasised that he had no intention of disrespecting the Constitution or the National Anthem. Citing a Supreme Court observation, Lone argued that failing to stand for the anthem is not an offence unless it disrupts proceedings. He expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigation and stated that he has medical proof of his back pain. Lone also stressed his commitment to preventing harm to his party.
DELHI
The Supreme Court has agreed to consider a plea seeking the time-bound restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing applicants Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and activist Khurshid Ahmad Malik, emphasised that the court had previously noted the need for a time-bound restoration in its ruling on Article 370. The applicants argued that holding Assembly elections in the Union Territory without first restoring statehood would undermine the principle of federalism, a core element of the Constitution’s basic structure. The court had previously upheld the abrogation of Article 370 but directed that statehood be restored as soon as possible. The applicants now claim that despite the government’s assurances, no steps have been taken towards this goal in the past ten months. They seek the restoration of statehood within two months to preserve democratic governance and federal principles in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, the Supreme Court declined to hear a petition challenging the Lt Governor’s authority to nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The Bench, led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, advised the petitioner, Ravinder Kumar Sharma, to approach the High Court instead, stating, “Not everything has to come to this court directly.” Sharma contested Sections 15, 15-A, and 15-B of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which grants the LG the power to nominate members, including two for women and two from the Kashmiri migrant community. Sharma expressed concerns that such nominations could undermine electoral mandates, particularly if the LG could alter the number of nominations. However, the Supreme Court noted that the LG had not exercised this power yet and suggested that the High Court should assess the matter.
ISLAMABAD
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting signals a possible thaw in India-Pakistan relations. Marked by polite interactions and handshakes, this visit contrasts sharply with 2023’s tense exchange in Goa, suggesting a shift in tone. Informal talks between Jaishankar and Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, have opened a window for confidence-building steps such as restoring cricket ties and other small diplomatic gestures. Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed his desire for improved relations, setting a positive tone ahead of the visit. Although Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif refrained from mentioning Kashmir at the SCO meeting, Pakistan’s stance on the issue remains unchanged. However, if India restores Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, it could provide Pakistan with a face-saving exit from its hardline position on Kashmir. While there is potential for progress, significant obstacles persist. Kashmir remains a core concern for both nations, and entrenched opposition in India and Pakistan could derail efforts at dialogue. Sustaining any engagement will require both governments to manage domestic pressures effectively.
HANDWARA
Sajad Lone, president of the People’s Conference, was notably absent from the recent oath-taking ceremony of the Jammu and Kashmir government, which sparked a wave of memes on social media. During a press conference, Lone explained his absence humorously, using Kashmiri terms like hatak (slighted) and keenae (quietly offended). He shared that despite receiving invitations from both the lieutenant governor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the invitations were not extended in a “proper” Kashmiri way, where personal invitations are preferred over just cards, akin to wedding customs. Lone’s candid and humorous response resonated with many, triggering a flurry of memes likening his situation to the typical Kashmiri wedding guest who feels slighted when not invited personally. Social media users shared satire and folk music to playfully depict how Abdullah should have responded. While some called Lone the naaraaz phuphu (upset aunt) of weddings, others praised his use of rustic humour to diffuse the awkwardness. The incident highlighted Lone’s light-hearted approach to the event and struck a chord with Kashmiri cultural nuances.
SRINAGAR
Khurshid Ahmad Malik, a retired IAS officer and former Commissioner of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, passed away on October 16, 2024, at his home in Hyderpora, Srinagar. Malik, who was also the Vice President of the Voluntary Medicare Society in Bemina, was highly regarded for his public service and philanthropy, particularly towards the specially-abled community. Malik’s life was profoundly impacted by a tragic road accident 38 years ago that resulted in the death of his brother-in-law and niece, as well as a severe spinal cord injury that left him immobile. Despite this, he continued to serve in government, utilising a specially adapted vehicle, and dedicated himself to improving the lives of the specially-abled. Malik played a crucial role in the Kashmir Voluntary Medicare Society, particularly in establishing a spinal injury facility, the only one of its kind in the region. He is survived by three daughters, including a medical doctor, and is remembered for his significant contributions to public service and humanitarian efforts, leaving a lasting legacy in Kashmir. Condolences have poured in from all sectors of society.
KATHUA
Police in Kathua used cane charges to disperse protesters opposing the installation of smart meters today, detaining four individuals. A group, led by Jan Chetna Jagriti Manch and Bhim Sena, rallied at City Chowk and attempted to burn an effigy of the UT Government, which police prevented. The protesters, carrying banners and chanting slogans against the government’s actions, blocked traffic on the busy DC office road, causing significant congestion. Despite appeals from authorities, including Tehsildar Bikram Kumar, the protesters refused to disperse without assurances from the Deputy Commissioner. Newly elected MLA Dr Bharat Bushan condemned the police’s actions and demanded the immediate release of those detained, stating the party would address the smart meters issue with the government. Various social and political organisations, including Congress, also condemned the police’s response.
SRINAGAR
After nearly four decades without international cricket, Srinagar’s Bakhshi Stadium has come alive with the Legends League Cricket (LLC) tournament, featuring stars like Chris Gayle and Ian Bell. This week-long event has attracted thousands of fans, with attendance reaching up to 15,000 for some matches. The final match was watched by more than 27000 with thousands waiting to get in. The tournament was aimed at promoting cricket culture and inspiring youth, according to LLC co-founder Raman Raheja. Historically, the region hosted two international matches in the 1980s, both marred by protests. However, the LLC has provided a more positive atmosphere, with heavy security measures in place to ensure safety, including drones monitoring crowds. Despite the enthusiasm, some fans expressed concern over linking the event to broader notions of normalcy in Kashmir. Transforming a football field into a cricket venue took two months, utilising soil imported from Gujarat. The matches have been well-received, with local authorities hopeful for future events. The tournament culminated in a tightly contested final, where Southern Super Stars triumphed over Konark Suryas Odisha in a super over, marking a successful return of international cricket to the region. Raheja expressed optimism for even bigger events in the future.
JAMMU KASHMIR
Over 70 per cent of the 90 elected MLAs in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly have declared themselves as graduates, including three who hold doctorate degrees, according to data from the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The BJP, which won a significant number of seats, boasts all three doctorate holders, along with six graduates with professional degrees and four post-graduates. The National Conference (NC), the single-largest party with 42 seats, includes 16 graduates with professional degrees and five post-graduates. Conversely, the BJP has eight MLAs with matriculation as their highest qualification, compared to just one in the NC. Overall, the Assembly features four members who have not passed Class 10 and nine matriculates, while a dozen have completed Class 12. In terms of criminal records, nine MLAs have criminal cases against them, with eight facing serious charges, an increase from the previous assembly’s five cases. Five of the accused MLAs belong to the NC, while two are from the BJP, and the others are from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
SRINAGAR
In a tragic incident in Parimpora, on the outskirts of Srinagar, a man named Zareef Ahmed Mir killed his cousin, Amir Razak Mir, over a petty dispute regarding vehicle parking. During a scuffle near their shops, Zareef stabbed Amir with a sharp-edged weapon. Amir was rushed to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar but was declared dead upon arrival. The police have registered a case (FIR no 114/2024 u/s 103 BNS) at the Parimpora police station, arrested Zareef, and recovered the weapon used in the crime. The shocking event has sparked outrage and calls for severe punishment for the perpetrator, with many expressing dismay over the rising violence in Kashmir over trivial matters. Social media users lamented the loss of the region’s historically peaceful demeanour, highlighting the tragedy of such a violent reaction to a minor dispute.
