MUMBAI
Actresses Sharvari Wagh and Alia Bhatt are in Kashmir for the shooting of Yash Raj Films’ highly anticipated Spy Universe film, Alpha. Sharvari recently shared a stunning photograph on Instagram, capturing Kashmir’s morning beauty while enjoying a cup of coffee by the window. The serene image has heightened excitement for the film. Both actresses were spotted at the airport, with Alia accompanied by her daughter, Raha. Sharvari expressed her enthusiasm for the Kashmir schedule, while Alia, opting for privacy, caught a heartwarming moment with Raha. Sharvari’s recent social media posts have also showcased her impressive fitness progress.
URI
For former Prime Minister, HD Deve Gowda last week’s Kashmir trip was nostalgic. Unlike visitors who fly in and enjoy the beauty of the place, Gowda chose to revisit the infrastructure projects he inaugurated. While he laid the foundation stone of the Srinagar-Baramulla railway line, he formally threw open the Uri power project for the NHPC. Gowda nostalgically recalled approving the Rs 2,400 crore project, which he designated a national initiative. He travelled by train from Srinagar to Baramulla, marvelling at the scenic journey through apple orchards and paddy fields. Gowda then proceeded to the 480-MW Uri hydroelectric project, which he had revived in 1996 and formally inaugurated on February 13, 1997. He expressed pride in its current success as a profit-making enterprise powering neighbouring states. Praising Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Gowda noted the significant improvement in Kashmir’s security and stability under the current government. “I wanted to personally observe the railway track’s construction and the passenger facilities provided,” Gowda said while posing for a photograph in front of the inauguration plaque.
RAMBAN
Three persons were killed in a cloudburst in Ramban district. The cloudburst that also triggered flash floods affected Kumate, Dhraman, and Halla panchayats in Rajgarh tehsil, with seven people from three families reported missing. Rescuers found Shazia Banoo’s body three kilometres downstream from her village, following the earlier recovery of Yasir Ahmad (20) and Khalid Ahmed Parihar (12). Four others remain missing. Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary visited the area, assuring families of full relief assistance and emphasising the ongoing rescue efforts by SDRF, NDRF, and local teams.
SRINAGAR
In the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, financial declarations from candidates reveal significant disparities in wealth. JK Apni Party’s Rafi Ahmad Mir is the wealthiest, with a net worth of Rs 32 crore, while Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir follows with Rs 16 crore. In contrast, BJP’s Sofi Yusuf and JKNC’s Dr Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) have seen declines in their wealth, with assets of Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively. Candidates’ spouses also possess substantial wealth, especially in gold. Educational backgrounds vary, with most male candidates holding general education, while female candidates, particularly from Kishtwar, are better educated. Notably, Congress’s Pradeep Kumar has a PhD in English. Ghulam Ahmad Mir is the richest in South Kashmir, with assets worth Rs 15.80 crore. Other prominent candidates include BJP’s Rakesh Singh and Sunil Kumar Sharma, and NC’s Hasnain Masoodi, each with assets ranging from Rs 7 crore to Rs 13.45 crore.
BANIHAL
Banihal Congressman Vikar Rasool Wani is facing music. He took over the party leadership at a time when Ghulam Nabi Azad had triggered a huge rebellion. When the first election was supposed to happen, the party changed him and appointed Tariq Hameed Karra as PCC Chief. Even the party had to battle with JKNC, its ally, for his candidature from Banihal. That done, he has now been held responsible for violating the poll code in Utter Pradesh’s Anupshehr. Wani, along with five others, has been convicted by a court for violating the Model Code of Conduct during the 2012 Assembly elections. They had organised a public meeting without permission at a school in Mithepur village, leading to charges filed by the Block Development Officer. The Special MP MLA Court found them guilty and sentenced each to five months in prison, along with a fine of Rs 1,000. Wani, who addressed the meeting, was among those convicted.
BUDGAM
As the assembly elections near, Budgam has become the focus of a unique political contest, with three members of the influential Aga family competing for the same seat under different party banners. Aga Syed Mehmood represents the JK National Conference, Aga Syed Muntazir has joined the Peoples Democratic Party, and Aga Syed Ahmad is with the Awami National Conference. This unprecedented situation has caused internal tensions within the family, with some members expressing concern that personal ambitions are overshadowing the family’s legacy. The rivalry has also sparked debate within the community, highlighting the complexities of dynastic politics in the region.
KASHMIR
The National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), two leading regional political parties, have fielded several candidates from prominent political families for the upcoming assembly elections. The PDP has nominated Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister and party president, while the NC has chosen four sons of former ministers: Mehar Ali, Salman Sagar, Hilal Akber Lone, and Sajad Shafi Uri. These first-time candidates will rely on their families’ established political legacies and traditional vote banks. This move has sparked criticism of dynastic politics, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
WAGHA
The Border Security Force (BSF) protested with Pakistan Rangers after a photograph of Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani was displayed at the Attari-Wagah joint check post. The photograph, placed near the flag-lowering ceremony site on the Wagah side, prompted BSF’s objection, stating that the area is meant for ceremonial purposes, not political displays. A senior BSF official described the move as provocative, aimed at highlighting Kashmir and escalating tensions. The BSF urged the removal of the photograph, emphasising the site’s intended use for regimental and ceremonial activities.
JAMMU KASHMIR
Three out of the four former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir are not contesting the upcoming assembly elections. Mehbooba Mufti, PDP president, has decided not to run, stating that her party’s agenda cannot be fulfilled under the current Union Territory setup. Omar Abdullah, who previously vowed not to participate, will contest from Ganderbal. Dr Farooq Abdullah is actively campaigning but may not contest. Ghulam Nabi Azad, founder of DPAP, has stepped back from campaigning due to health issues, leaving his party’s candidates uncertain about continuing. DPAP has struggled since its formation, with key members leaving and the party failing in recent elections.
JAMMU
The BJP has sparked discontent among its ranks in Jammu and Kashmir by not fielding candidates in eight of 16 Kashmir seats for the first phase of the upcoming Assembly elections. Loyalists are upset that the party has chosen “parachute” candidates and left seats for like-minded parties instead of rewarding long-time members who have endured significant challenges, including militancy. BJP’s decision to contest only 15 out of 47 Valley seats and its exclusion of senior leaders from the candidate list has intensified dissatisfaction. The party changed at least one nomination after massive protests in Jammu. The party leadership, including JP Nadda, is attempting to reconcile with discontented members and ease internal tensions.
LADAKH
Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, bringing the total to seven. The new districts are Sham, Nubra, and Changthang in Leh, and Zanskar and Drass in Kargil. This decision aims to improve governance by decentralising administration and addressing longstanding demands for administrative convenience. Now Ladakh, a Muslim-majority region, has two Muslim-majority districts and five Buddhist-majority districts. While the move has been welcomed by many, including the BJP and local leaders, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have expressed mixed feelings. They support the creation of new districts but remain focused on their broader agenda, which includes statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and additional legislative representation. The LAB and KDA plan a month-long protest march from Ladakh to New Delhi starting September 1 to push for these demands.
NEW YORK
National Grid has awarded US $100,000 to the Centre for Kashmir in Niagara Falls for its economic development grant. A Kashmiri doctor couple is behind this initiative. This funding will aid in converting the former First Church of Christ, Scientist into the world’s first museum dedicated to South Asia. The US $5 million project, which has been underway since 2020, will include a library, archive space, and a conference room. The grant supports National Grid’s Main Street Revitalisation initiative, aimed at transforming vacant structures in Western New York. The centre has also received $1 million from Empire State Development, $573,000 from the Cataract Tourism Fund, and over $2 million in private donations.
WASHINGTON
Diplomats have started flying to Srinagar again. On August 26, 2024, a US diplomatic delegation, including Minister-Counselor Graham Mayer and First Secretary Gary Applegarth, met with National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. This visit is significant as it marks one of the first meetings with a political leader in Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370. Abdullah urged the diplomats to reconsider the travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir to encourage tourism and ease restrictions. Discussions covered various issues related to the region, with Abdullah inviting the diplomats to visit Kashmir to inspire global confidence in its safety and cultural appeal.
SRINAGAR
Patients from various parts of Kashmir protested in Srinagar due to the discontinuation of services under the AB-PMJAY-SEHAT scheme by private dialysis centres and hospitals. The protestors, many elderly, demanded that the insurance company managing the scheme release pending funds to resume services. The dispute arose after the insurer decided to exit the scheme, leading to non-payment to private facilities and affecting patients. With private centres running out of funds, they plan to shift to cash payments post-August 31. The High Court is deliberating on the contract dispute between the State Health Agency and the insurer, causing significant distress for patients reliant on the scheme for affordable healthcare. It has asked the insurer to continue with the scheme for the time being.
SRINAGAR
National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah has called on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to support the NC-Congress alliance and not field candidates against their nominees in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. He highlighted that the PDP’s agenda largely mirrors that of the NC, including promises for free electricity units, government jobs, and dialogue initiatives, suggesting that the PDP has effectively adopted the NC’s manifesto. He urged PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti to align with the alliance, emphasising that their unified agenda could benefit Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti, on the other hand, has indicated that the PDP is willing to back the NC-Congress coalition if their party’s agenda is accepted. She stressed that the primary goal is to address broader issues and restore dignity to Jammu and Kashmir rather than focusing solely on seat-sharing or statehood.
