Jammu & Kashmir

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar in association with District Election Office, Srinagar, organized an awareness programme as part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign on 08/05/2024, to educate the general masses about the importance of casting their vote. The programme was held under the Chairmanship and guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed Chairman DLSA Srinagar.
The awareness programme began with a marathon from ADR Centre, District Court Srinagar to Tangpora Batmaloo area, which was flagged off by Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA Srinagar. The marathon witnessed the enthusiastic participation of Mr. Jahangir Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary DLSA Srinagar, Mr. Molvi Muzaffar Hussain C.A.O of District Court Srinagar, Members of Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers, Officials & Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar, officials of Srinagar Municipal Corporation. The event aimed to sensitize the citizens about their fundamental right to vote and the significance of participating in the democratic process.
Mr. Jawad Ahmed Chairman DLSA Srinagar emphasized the importance of voter participation and the rights of voters. He emphasized that exercising one’s right to vote is essential for shaping the future of the country and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.
Mr. Jahangir Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar, also stressed the need for active participation of citizens in the electoral process. He highlighted the role of the DLSA in promoting awareness about the electoral process and encouraging citizens to exercise their franchise.
The main objective of the SVEEP campaign is to increase voter turnout and promote electoral participation among the citizens of Srinagar. The awareness programme organized by the DLSA Srinagar is a step towards achieving this goal. Through this initiative, DLSA Srinagar aims to educate the masses about the importance of voting and encourage them to participate in the democratic process. The event was a huge success, with hundreds of people participating in the marathon and awareness programme.

Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu & Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, today visited Baramulla and conducted a thorough inspection of the Counting Center and Strong Rooms designated for Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency at indoor sports stadium, Baramulla.

The visit aimed to ensure seamless arrangements for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

The CEO was accompanied by Returning Officer, 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Minga Sherpa, Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagapure, Nodal Officer, Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Syed Qamar Sajad, Assistant Returning Officer, Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina, Deputy District Election Officer, Ab Rehman Bhat and other concerned officers.

During the inspection, the CEO reviewed the facilities and arrangements being put in place at the counting center and the strong room to guarantee a smooth and transparent counting process. He also assessed security measures in place to maintain integrity and sanctity of the electoral process.

The CEO was briefed by the RO regarding the arrangements being made to ensure a smooth electoral process while informing that the district administration is diligently implementing all necessary measures in compliance with the guidelines of Election Commission of India.

In a proactive step towards environmental conservation, P K Pole planted saplings within the premises of the counting center to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the center’s surroundings.

Speaking during the visit, P K Pole underscored the critical importance of robust arrangements and strict adherence to electoral protocols set by the Election Commission of India for upholding the sanctity of this democratic process.

Srinagar, May 03: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said Ladakhis and Dogras are feeling marginalised and dispossessed today by the changes imposed on the region. Addressing election rallies in Budhal Rajouri, Mufti said people from Ladakh are protesting against what happened on August 5, 2019.

“Even the businessmen there feel that their lands are being snatched away, leaving them with nothing. The Dogra community in Jammu, which initially hoped that the abrogation of Article 370 would bring benefits, is now reeling from the removal of special status because the region’s resources are being taken away,” she said.

The former chief minister said the removal of special status was unacceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of their creed, caste, or religion. “Our identity, special status was snatched. This is unacceptable to us. The decisions made on August 5, 2019, should be rolled back. People of Jammu and Kashmir stand united to safeguard their unique identity,” she said.

Mufti also criticised the “suppression of dissent”, alleging that the Public Safety Act (PSA) is slapped against youth who dare to raise their voices against day-to-day issues.
She talked about how electricity prices in Jammu and Kashmir went up a lot compared to other places, making it hard for poor people to pay.
“We generate electricity here, but it is given for free to other states. Here, the prices went up by 10 times. How can poor people pay such big bills? The government wants to make it seem like everything is good, but it’s not true,” she said.
PDP President said people are being disenchanted with each passing day. “Silence of the graveyard has been enforced. I urge you not to allow assault on your unique identity,” she said.
Mehbooba called for safeguarding local languages and culture. “Those from the Dogra community should teach their kids to speak in Dogri, Gujjars should teach kids Gujari, Punjabis- Punjabi and Kashmiris- Kashmiri. Language keeps us connected to our roots. We must do everything whatever is in our hands to protect our identity,” she said.

Mufti said this election is being fought for the protection of our core interests. “It is about our identity; it is about sending a strong voice to the parliament. It is about telling the echelons of power in the parliament that irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, we are citizens of J&K,” she remarked. “This is our land, and we will protect our identity at all costs.”
The former CM called on the National Conference (NC) to “concentrate on larger issues rather than petty politics”. “My main opponent here is from a party that hasn’t accomplished much for the Gujjar community in the past six decades. Everyone knows what the PDP has achieved while in government,” she said.
“The party (NC) claims to have fielded a candidate who hails from a Gujjar community. I respect my Gujjar brothers. The youth of this community are educated. Two months ago, NC accused the Gujjar community of being up for sale and taking money for their votes,” she said. “This is ironic. I respect Altaf Sahib (Mian Altaf Ahmad). He used to study with me in college, but as they say, actions speak louder than words.”
“The fact is that what work he is capable of doing, I may not be capable of the same, but what I can achieve cannot be accomplished by him. I don’t ridicule the National Conference, but we have to understand that this election transcends petty politics,” the PDP chief said.

Srinagar, May 03: Nineteen candidates on Friday filed the nomination papers at the office of the Returning Officer(RO), 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Minga Sherpa, to contest the General Lok Sabha Elections taking the total number of candidates to 38.
As per the official details, 38 candidates filed nomination papers for the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
The independent candidates who filed their Nomination Papers on the last day include Prince Parvez, Shafeeqa Begum, Bilal Ahmad Wani, Syed Ameer Suhail, Mohammad Sultan Ganaie, Shahdib Hanief Khan, Ghulam Nabi Parray, Dr Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, Ashiq Hussain, Shabir Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Abdullah Khan, Haamid Hussain Bhat, Firdous Ahmad Bhat, Shabir Ahmad Dar and Arun Kumar Raina.
Similarly, Munir Ahmad Khan from the National People’s Front, Mehraj ud Din Ahanger from All J&K Kissan Mazdoor Party and Suraya Nissar from the National Republic Party of India filed their nomination papers before the RO for 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
Jammu and Kashmir’s former chief minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, People’s Conference president Sajad Lone, PDP leader Mir Fayaz, and former MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid who is currently incarcerated have also filed nominations from Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency. The polling in the constituency is scheduled to take place on May 20.

Srinagar, Apr 03: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said that traditional political parties, particularly those rooted in family dynasties, have contributed “nothing except corruption, deaths and destruction” over the years. He compared these political families to barren and thorny trees for the people, emphasising the need for their uprooting.
Bukhari made these comments while addressing a public rally at Upper Balhama in Srinagar. He asserted that these parties have damaged the interests of the people in Jammu and Kashmir to the core over the years and decades.
He said, “In 1947, the then-leader of the NC acceded with the country without taking the people’s views into consideration. For this, he was awarded government to rule J&K by New Delhi. However, just a few years later, after being removed from power, he began advocating the slogan of ‘Raishumari’, thereby misleading people through this emotionally charged and provocative rhetoric. More than two decades later, when offered government again, he happily buried this so-called movement and entered into an agreement, called the Indira-Abdullah accord, with New Delhi. Subsequently, his son did the Rajeev-Farooq accord to keep himself in the good books of New Delhi. This party and its leadership have always been concerned about attaining and remaining in power. In their pursuit of power, they even allowed New Delhi to hollow out Article 370.”
Bukhari added, “To remain in power and accumulate riches for themselves and their families, the leaders of the NC kept people busy with emotional slogans like ‘Raishumar’ and ‘Autonomy’. Similarly, the PDP kept people occupied with slogans like ‘Self-rule’, aiming to fortify its family rule here.”
The Apni Party President urged people to free themselves from the “clutches” of political dynasties that have been “deceiving” them for years and decades. “These parties are like thorny and fruitless trees, and they need to be uprooted,” he said.
He appealed to people to vote for the party’s candidate, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, in the Lok Sabha elections in Srinagar. He said, “I urge you to vote for a brighter future. We are committed to ensuring peace, prosperity, and development in Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike traditional parties, we will not deceive you with misleading narratives and emotional slogans. We will not disappoint you. This election is your chance to send a message that you desire change for a better and brighter future. Reject these traditional parties by using the power of your vote.”

Srinagar, May 03: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President on Friday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) why it had not fielded candidates from Kashmir despite claiming to have put J&K on the path of development following the abrogation of Article 370.
Addressing a public gathering in Batwara, Omar said the BJP did not field candidates from three seats in the Valley as it knows where it stands.
Omar said, “They say Kashmir witnessed prosperity after abrogation of Article 370. But we are a helpless community. We lost young ones in the boat tragedy in Gandbal, just because the bridge there was incomplete. We have been out of power since 2014, so why blame us? Who is responsible for the tragedy? It is the person who sought your votes in 2019 on the pretext of ushering in development in your area. Had he proactively worked for the completion of the bridge, the mishap could have been averted. The same person is coming to you now wearing another gown. It is up to you now if you entertain him or reject him.”
Lashing out at the BJP, he said the party in power at the Centre snatched away J&K’s identity and land rights. “It did not open colleges, universities or schools. It opened liquor shops. It is forcing youngsters into drug addiction. What development are they talking about? It has been ten years since the Batwara-Lasjan bridge proposal was given a nod by the NC government, why wasn’t there any headway on the project for ten years? Where is the development, they are referring to? We didn’t see any healthcare centre, any school or bridge being built in Batwara or elsewhere in Srinagar city,” he said.
Later in the day, Abdullah addressed a series of election meetings in Khan Sahib, Khrimshal Budgam.

Srinagar, May 03: People’s Democratic Party Youth President and Parliament Candidate for Srinagar constituency, Waheed Rehman Parra on Friday said that Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari is “Delhi’s man in Kashmir, who dances on the directives of his masters”.
“His (Bukhari’s) job is to arbitrarily detain young boys, blacken their lives and release them the next day,” Parra alleged while addressing a public meeting in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
“He daily harasses Jamaat-e-Islami workers, pressuring them for votes. This is the essence and existence of his politics and business. Where did he accumulate immense wealth of 10 thousand crore rupees? The people of Kashmir will hold him accountable for every single rupee.”
Parra said that Bukhari will cease to exist after the parliamentary election. “I spent three years in jail for charges that were never proven against me, yet he remains free even after the recovery of RDX and arms from his vehicle,” he alleged. “People are well aware of how he threatens Jamaat Islami workers daily to coerce votes from them through pressure tactics and blackmailing.”
The PDP leader further said, “While I, along with hundreds of my party workers, were detained for more than two years, he was lying to European delegations and presenting a false image and narrative of Kashmir. People will hold him accountable for his actions.”
“Through pressure, raids, and intimidation, he split and fractured our party. Around 50 leaders left our party. When Mehbooba Mufti ji categorically declined to form an alliance with the BJP, who went to Nagpur? Who went to Delhi with 20 MLAs? Who destabilised the government and who worked against the interests of Kashmiris? It was none other than Altaf Bukhari,” he added.
Waheed continued, “I know Altaf Bukhari is feeling the heat due to the support, love and affection that PDP is receiving across the Kashmir valley. All those people—whom he is paying lakhs of rupees daily? I am aware that they will still vote for our party because of PDP and our party president, because she vigorously represented the aspirations of the people of Kashmir, from Kashmir to Delhi for the past 5 years.”
Parra asserted that people should think about and make a difference in who is the best choice for them, their children and future generations. “They should vote at large in this election for the people who will roar in parliament, not those like Altaf Bukhari, who sold his religion, soul, and conscience. People should differentiate which leader will mentor and guide them and their children, those who sold us out, like Altaf Bukhari, or those who fight on the streets, like Mehbooba Ji,” he said.
Parra accused Altaf Bukhari of destroying our agriculture sector by selling fraudulent, fake and illegal pesticides and fungicides. “He (Bukhari) is supplying the spurious pesticides and is known for his duplicity. He has not only ditched and backstabbed Mehbooba Ji but also backstabbed Mufti Sahab, who nurtured and brought him into politics,” he said.
Addressing public meetings in various areas of Budgam, Parra said, “You will see in a month where the PDP stands and where Altaf Bukhari will be. I am confident that PDP will receive a decisive mandate in the coming election, and the results will surprise everyone.”

Srinagar, May 03: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference President Sajad Gani Lone on Friday issued a direct challenge to the former chief minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on his recent allegations.
Lone asked Abdullah to substantiate his claims or be deemed as “The Eternal Tarbaaz”.

Abdullah accused Lone of openly saying “I am BJP” at a public event in Kupwara. However, in a swift rebuttal on social media, Lone said, “Dear Omar Abdullah, In this video you say that Sajad Lone openly said “I am BJP, I am BJP”, in Kupwara. Can you send me the clip, the venue, date and time when I said it. I will apologise. If you can’t — will you apologise. If you do neither then you are THE ETERNAL TARBAAZ.”

Srinagar: In a comprehensive declaration submitted as part of his nomination affidavit, National Conference (NC) Vice President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has revealed that he has no residential house, no agriculture land or any immovable assets registered in his name, nor in the name of his spouse or dependents.

As per news agency comparing his past poll affidavit that Omar submitted as a candidate for assembly elections from Srinagar’s Sonwar assembly segment in the year 2014, his movable assets have witnessed a decline of more than 16 percent from 65.59 lacs in the year 2014 to 54.45 lacs- a total decline of 11.45 lacs over the last ten years.

What’s striking is Omar’s consistent pattern of not owning any residential property or agricultural land, a status unchanged since his tenure as Chief Minister. He reiterated this stance in his recent declaration submitted by him before the returning officer Baramulla on May 2, this year. Omar is NC’s candidate for Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency.

Furthermore, as per the poll affidavit, Omar Abdullah, a graduate in Commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, disclosed his marital status, stating that he is separated from his wife with divorce proceedings pending before the Supreme Court.

His source of income primarily stems from a pension as a former legislator and former parliament member. Notably, he carries no loans or liabilities from any bank. His income has varied over the years, with earnings of Rs 7,92,093 in 2019-20, Rs 11,73,030 in 2020-21, Rs 13,20,460 in 2021-22, and a notable decrease to Rs 13,20,460 in 2023-24, following a peak of Rs 19,39,620 in 2022-23.(KNO)

Srinagar, April 30th, 2024 – After years of dedicated service, Mr. Abdul Khaliq Ahanger, the esteemed Chairman of the JKPCC Employees Union, bid farewell to his illustrious career as he embraced retirement. In a heartfelt ceremony held at the Mechanical Unit in Pampore, colleagues, dignitaries, and representatives from various employee unions gathered to express their profound gratitude and appreciation for his invaluable contributions.

The event, which witnessed the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Mr. Wajahat Hussain Durrani, President of EJAC, Mr. Masood Ahmad Mir, President – Workers Union JKPCC, and Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, President – SICOP, served as a platform to highlight Mr. Ahanger’s remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to the corporation.

Leaders from different spheres lauded Mr. Ahanger’s significant contributions, emphasizing his exemplary leadership qualities and tireless efforts in advancing the goals of the JKPCC. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the General Manager central of JKPCC, the Deputy General Manager of the Quality Control Unit, and managers from mechanical, quality control, and electric units.

As Mr. Ahanger embarks on this new chapter of his life, the JKPCC community extends its heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling and joyous retirement, acknowledging his invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the corporation.
Publicity Secretary, Employees Union JKPCC”