Jammu & Kashmir

SRINAGAR, APRIL 29: On the last date of the withdrawal of nomination papers for Lok Sabha Elections-2024 in 02-Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, five (05) Candidates withdrew their Candidature in the Office of Returning Officer 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency here on Monday.

The Returning Officer (RO) for 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat informed that five (05) candidates withdrew their Nominations on the last date of withdrawal (Monday- 29 April, 2024) out of the total 29 valid Nominations. He added that only 24 validly Nominated Candidates now remain in fray for the Srinagar Lok Sabha Seat.

Those who remain in fray include Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi from Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Waheed ur Rehman Para from Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party, Mohammad Ashraf Mir from J&K Apni Party, Amir Ahmad Bhat from Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Younis Ahmad Mir from Bharat Jodo Party, Rubina Akhtar from National LokTantrik Party, Hakikat Singh from National Panthers Party (Bhim) and Mohammad Yousuf Bhat from Gana Suraksha Party.

Similarly, the independent candidates who remain in the fray for the Lok Sabha Constituency include Sheeban Ashahi, Nissar Ahmad Ahangar, Mirza Sajad Hussain Beigh, Jibran Dar, Shahnaz Hussain Shah, Amin Dar, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Sayim Mustafa, Waseem Hassan Sheikh, Ghulam Mohammad Wani, Wahida Tabasum, Dr. Qazi Ashraf, Javaid Ahmad Wani, Jehangir Ahmad Sheikh and Sajad Ahmad Dar.

It is worth mentioning here that a total of 39 candidates had filed their nomination papers before the Returning Officer 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency till last date of filing the Nominations (Thursday-25 April 2024), out of them, the Nomination papers of 10 (Ten) Candidates were rejected during Scrutiny held on Friday (April 26, 2024). And now with the withdrawal of five candidates, 24 candidates are now in fray.

In the ongoing Lok Sabha elections across the country, including Kashmir, millions of eligible voters are exercising their democratic right to vote. With approximately 969 million registered voters within the nation and an additional 13.4 million Indian expatriates participating in 543 parliamentary constituencies, this election represents a monumental moment for democracy, where the voices of millions will shape the future governance of the nation.

As citizens, we are not just participants but architects of our nation’s destiny. The ongoing elections, whether in Kashmir or across the entire nation, underscore the pivotal role each of us plays in shaping the course of our society. With millions of eligible voters exercising their franchise, we are not merely selecting representatives; we are charting the path towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

In understanding the significance of our vote, we must recognize its transformative potential. Our vote is not merely a mark on a ballot paper; it is a declaration of our aspirations, values, and vision for the future. It is a solemn responsibility bestowed upon us to safeguard the principles of democracy and ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear.

The importance of voting extends beyond the immediate electoral process; it resonates deeply with our future generations. By participating in elections, we set an example for our children and grandchildren, teaching them the value of civic duty and active citizenship. We instill in them the belief that their voices matter and that they have the power to effect change.

Moreover, our vote serves as a bulwark against injustice and inequality. It is a tool through which we can hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency, accountability, and good governance. By casting our vote, we lend our support to those who champion the cause of justice, equality, and human rights.

It is incumbent upon us to treat our vote with the reverence it deserves. We must carefully consider the candidates and their policies, ensuring that we cast our vote for individuals who are committed to serving the people and advancing the common good. We must not be swayed by narrow considerations of caste, creed, color, or religion but rather focus on electing leaders who embody integrity, competence, and empathy.

Our vote is not just a means to an end; it is a sacred trust that we must uphold with utmost sincerity. We must not squander this precious right but rather exercise it judiciously, knowing that the future of our nation and region hangs in the balance. Let us not look back with regret but forward with hope, knowing that our vote has the power to shape a better tomorrow.

On election day, let us set aside all other concerns and prioritize our civic duty. Let us stand in line, shoulder to shoulder, as equal citizens, and cast our vote for the candidate who embodies our hopes and aspirations. Let us seize this opportunity to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn.

The importance of our vote cannot be overstated. It is the cornerstone of democracy, the foundation upon which our nation and region are built. By exercising our franchise responsibly, we can pave the way for a more just, equitable, and prosperous society. So let us not take this privilege for granted but rather embrace it wholeheartedly, knowing that our vote is our voice, and our voice is our power.It is crucial to understand the significance of our vote, not just for the current state of affairs but also for the future trajectory of our nation and region. Our vote is not merely a mark on a ballot; it is a representation of our aspirations for the days to come. It serves as a beacon of hope, a voice of change, and a pledge for a better tomorrow.

Each vote cast is a testament to our commitment to democracy and good governance. It is a declaration of our trust in the elected representatives to steer the nation towards progress and prosperity. Our vote holds the power to shape policies, influence decisions, and hold leaders accountable for their actions.

Moreover, our vote is a lifeline for the marginalized and voiceless in society. It provides a platform for the oppressed to be heard, the downtrodden to be uplifted, and the disenfranchised to find representation. By casting our votes thoughtfully, we can ensure that the concerns of all segments of society are addressed, and no one is left behind.

It is imperative that we recognize the importance of our vote and exercise it responsibly. We must refrain from squandering this precious right by casting it frivolously or under duress. Instead, we should bestow our vote with the dignity it deserves, knowing that the individual we elect today will shape the destiny of our nation tomorrow.

Let us not regret the choices we make at the ballot box but rather take pride in them. Let us honor our vote by holding those we elect accountable and demanding transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance. Let us transcend barriers of caste, creed, color, and religion and vote for individuals who embody the values of inclusivity, equality, and justice.

Through our vote, we have the power to shape the future of our nation and region. We can chart a course towards progress, development, and peace. We can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and future generations.

However, this vision can only be realized if we align our actions today with the principles of loyalty and nation-building. We must vote with a sense of duty, commitment, and foresight, knowing that our choices today will determine the course of history tomorrow.

Therefore, on the day of the election, let us set aside all other tasks and prioritize casting our vote. Let us seize this opportunity to make our voices heard and our aspirations known. Let us participate actively in the democratic process and shape the destiny of our nation and region for the better.

In conclusion, the importance of our vote cannot be overstated. It is not just a civic duty but a moral imperative. By exercising our right to vote judiciously, we can contribute to the establishment of good governance, uphold democratic principles, and build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come. So, let us pledge to vote wisely, vote responsibly, and vote for a better tomorrow.

Article by Fayaz Ahmad Wani

BUDGAM, APRIL 28: The District Administration Budgam today organized a Farewell function for the outgoing SSP Budgam, Al- Tahir Gillani on his transfer and welcomed Nikhil Borkar for assuming the charge as new SSP Budgam.

In this regard a farewell function was held at Dak Bunglow, here, where Deputy Commissioner (DC), Budgam , Akshay Labroo appreciated outgoing SSP for his cooperation and coordination in maintaining peaceful law and order situation in Budgam

The DC praised him for his excellent work in all areas and appreciated him for his remarkable contribution towards the civil- police coordination in the district.

The DC said that outgoing SSP is the prime example of a gentleman, efficient & a successful police officer.

The DC further said that he will always remember outgoing SSP for his wise counsel on various important matters of the district.

ADC Budgam, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, ASP Budgam, Ragav S were among other officers who extended their best wishes to both new and outgoing SSPs for their new assignments.

The officers from both civil and police administration also spoke on the occasion and appreciated that outgoing SSP shall be remembered for his humility and employee and public friendly approach during his tenure as SSP Budgam.

Speaking on the occasion, new SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar said that he would give his best to deliver up to the expectations of the general public.

Addressing the gathering, outgoing SSP Budgam thanked the DC Budgam and all senior officers of both civil and police administration for their support through out his tenure.

He emphasized that coordination between civil and police administration has been a key factor in maintaining peaceful situation in the district.

CPO Budgam, ACR, SDMs. SDPOs and other concerned were also present on the occasion.

BANDIPORA, APRIL 28: The grid-connected electricity supply to Gurez has been successfully restored today, with the 33KV line now charged up to Dawar Gurez after disruptions caused by recent heavy snowfall in the Razdan and Zadkhusi areas.

The restoration of the 33KV Bandipora-Gurez line, completed up to Dawar, comes after severe weather conditions affected electricity supply through the grid in the area. During the disruption period, Gurez received electricity through diesel generators.

Despite facing significant challenges due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, a dedicated team of 20 personnel from KPDCL and STD Ganderbal/Bandipora undertook the task of retrieving the submerged line, buried under approximately 10 feet of snow at Razdan, and successfully re-erected and replaced 15 damaged HT poles in the tough stretch from Zadkhusi to Koragbal. This concerted effort led to the swift restoration of grid-connected electricity to Gurez.

Executive Engineer STD Ganderbal, Lenin Kumar, informed that the 33KV Gurez-Bandipora line has been successfully charged up to Dawar today, following recent disruptions due to heavy snowfall.

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shakeel Ul Rehman, commended the efforts of KPDCL and STD Ganderbal/Bandipora, highlighting the untiring efforts of field teams and coordinated teamwork despite facing harsh weather conditions.

It is noteworthy that District Administration, Bandipora took up the issue on a mission mode, conducting several meetings with concerned stakeholders and assigning senior officers including ADDC, ADC & SDM Gurez to monitor and assist field efforts on a daily basis to ensure the earliest restoration of electricity to Gurez.

The successful restoration within the stipulated timeline marks a significant milestone, considering the challenging terrain that the transmission line traverses through, including the Razdan Pass, situated at an altitude of 12,672 feet above sea level, and the treacherous Zadkhusi stretch on the Bandipora-Gurez Road.

The grid-connected electricity to Gurez has fulfilled a long-awaited demand of the local population and provides a significant relief to residents, hoteliers, restaurants, etc. It shall go a long way to further boost tourism-related activities in the border region, where electricity was previously provided through diesel generators with limited load capacity for only 5-7 hours during the night.

SRINAGAR, APRIL 28: Following the directions of Commissioner Dr. Owais Ahmed, the SMC officials, along with the Chief Sanitation Officer and Zonal Sanitation Officer, spearheaded a successful cleanliness drive focused in Central Jail and its surrounding areas.

The initiative aimed to elevate cleanliness standards and promote hygiene practices by implementing efficient waste collection and disposal methods, along with clearing out unwanted vegetation and grass. By involving the local community in these efforts, the SMC seeks to instill a sense of civic duty among residents while advocating for sustainable and hygienic behaviors.

The primary goal of this initiative is to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, the SMC strives to cultivate a culture of responsibility towards maintaining cleanliness and fostering a sustainable living environment.

BANDIPORA, APRIL 28: As part of Drug Awareness Campaign, Physical Education Department, Government Degree College Sumbal today organised an intramural badminton championship.

The championship inaugurated by principal GDC Sumbal Shabeena Iqbal Shawl served as a platform to promote healthy living while emphasizing the importance of combating drug abuse.

While interacting with students the principal urged them to participate in games and emphasized the importance of sports to stay away from the curse of drugs.

Fourteen players with each team based on two players divided into seven teams participated in the tournament. The players were enthusiastic to show their skills and techniques.

BUDGAM, APRIL 28: Expenditure Observer for Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Sita Ram Meena today reviewed preparations for the ensuing Lok Sabha Elections in Budgam.

In this regard, the Election Expenditure Observer chaired a meeting of officers at Conference Hall, Budgam. District Election Officer (DEO), Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo and SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar were also present in the meeting.

At the outset, the Election Expenditure Observer held interaction with the District Expenditure Monitoring Team, all AROs and Nodal Officers.

He emphasized that all accounts be monitored strictly and ensure only valid expenditures are made and no illegal means are used to influence or induce voters by any contesting candidate or the party.

The Bankers were advised to ensure ECI guidelines are adhered to strictly and proper monitoring and seizures are carried out against suspicious transactions or movement of cash.

The Election Expenditure Observer called for proper maintaining of expenditure records, truthful accounts, facilitation of candidates, legal expenditure within the permissible limit and expenditure booking by the contesting candidates as per the ECI guidelines.

While briefing the chair, the DEO Budgam deliberated upon the overall preparations to ensure level playing field for all stakeholders to ensure free, fair and smooth conduct of elections in the district.

He said that all ECI guidelines shall be implemented in letter and spirit in the district and all efforts are made to ensure high voter turnout in the district.

The DEO also briefed the Expenditure Observer about the functioning of MCMC, monitoring all media platforms in double shift in the district, deployment of SST, FST, VVT and teams, arrangements for senior citizens, PWDs, minority and Migrant voters in the district.

SSP Budgam, briefed the chair on overall security arrangements being put up for smooth conduct of elections in the district.

Nodal Officer Election Expenditure Monitoring, Budgam, Showkat Ali Rather through a power point presentation, presented district profile and deliberated on overall preparations.

All AROs, Nodal Officers and other concerned officers also attended the meeting.

JAMMU, APRIL 28: The Housing and Urban Development Department today organised a one day training cum interactive session under the supervision of Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur.

The session was conducted by Anand Malligavad, Water Bodies Rejuvenation Expert from the Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Pertinently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, has included rejuvenation of water bodies and creation of green spaces as one of major project components of the flagship scheme of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)-2.0.

The training program, attended by engineering staff from JMC and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Jammu including Kathua, Rajouri, Samba and Udhampur, focused on the crucial task of rejuvenating water bodies across the region.

Anand Malligavad provided insights into the complete process of lake rejuvenation, ranging from identification of lakes requiring rejuvenation to execution of revitalization strategies.

During the session, Malligavad shared valuable experiences from various states, highlighting successful case studies such as the rejuvenation of lakes in Bengaluru.

The attendees had the opportunity to learn from these experiences and apply best practices to their respective areas, followed by visit of Tawi River front and pilot project of pond rejuvenation of ward No. 55.

Among the distinguished participants were Narinder Khajuria, Mission Director (AMRUT)-2.0, Puneet Sharma, Director Urban Local Bodies Jammu, Abdul Star, Joint Commissioner (Health and Sanitation) JMC, officers of different department like UEED, PHE, Flood Control, Executive Officers of concerned ULBs and engineering staff from the respective ULBs.

Srinagar, Apr 27: J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone on Saturday presided over an important block-level meeting with party functionaries of Meelyal block in Trehgam constituency.
The meeting assumes significance as the PC President deliberated on key issues and strategies for the upcoming parliamentary elections that were discussed in detail, the party said in a statement issued here.
Addressing the party functionaries, Lone emphasized the critical importance of amplifying the public’s voice on all relatable platforms.
“Our party leadership is unwaveringly committed to ensuring the genuine representation of the people’s concerns and aspirations. Their voices will resonate through the corridors of power, and their long-awaited demands will finally receive the attention they deserve,” he declared.
PC President further said that the upcoming elections mark a crucial juncture in our region’s history. “The people of the Kashmir Valley have a unique opportunity to redefine their trajectory and take charge of their narrative, directing it towards ensuring the well-being of all and ushering in an era of development & growth,” he emphasized.
The party leadership who were present in this meeting included former MLA Kupwara and North Kashmir Parliamentary President Advocate Bashir Dar, Constituency Convenor Sheikh Aslam, Trehgam Constituency Secretary Ali Mohammad Dar, Vice Constituency Convenor Altaf Sheikh, Zonal Head Kralpora Gulzar Ahmad among others.
The participants in the meeting unanimously resolved to intensify their efforts at the grassroots level, taking the party’s agenda and vision to the people.