September 2024 - Page 5 of 26

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Jammu Kashmir: Voter turnout dips in 20 of 26 constituencies in second phase

REGIONAL

Out of the 26 assembly segments that went to polls in the second phase of Jammu Kashmir's assembly elections, 20 registered a lower voter turnout compared to the 2014 elections, Press Trust of India reported. According to J&K Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole, Wednesday's polling saw an estimated 56.05% turnout across six districts. In 2014, the overall voting percentage in these districts surpassed 60%. This time, the delimitation exercise added one seat, bringing the total to 26. While voter participation increased in five segments in Srinagar, the remaining districts saw a drop. Budgam and Chrar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir recorded the most significant decline, with turnout falling by 15% compared to 2014, followed by Budhal with a 14% drop. Despite these decreases, the ...

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Militancy has been buried, it will not be allowed to return: HM Amit Shah

INDIA

Militancy has been buried and won't be allowed to stage a comeback, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday while addressing a rally in Udhampur. Promising a terror-free region under the BJP regime, Shah alleged that the National Conference-Congress alliance would impose Pakistan's agenda if it comes to power. Shah, who is spearheading the BJP’s election campaign, said assembly elections are taking place in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir without Article 370. The Narendra Modi-led government, Shah said in his address, had fulfilled the dream of party’s patriarch Syama Prasad Mukherjee in August 2019 when it abrogated Article 370. Shah said whoever spreads terror in Jammu and Kashmir will get his answer at the the gallows. “I want to ask you whether (Parliament att...

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Putin issues nuclear warning to west following UK’s missile support to Ukraine

INTERNATIONAL

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a nuclear warning to Western powers today, responding to what he described as a potential "massive" airstrike on Russia. His remarks follow rising tensions over the use of UK-supplied cruise missiles by Ukraine to target locations deep within Russian territory. Putin's warning came after an urgent meeting with Moscow’s top security officials to discuss Russia’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. The warning underscores growing concern in Moscow regarding Western nations, particularly the UK and the US, allowing Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles against Russia. Last week, the UK reportedly cleared Ukraine to use its Storm Shadow cruise missiles in strikes on Russian soil. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held discussions with US President...

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Driven by online love, Kashmiri man attempts Illegal entry into Pakistan, Held in Gujarat

INDIA

In a peculiar turn of events, Imtiyaz Sheikh, a 36-year-old resident of Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, was detained by Gujarat police after attempting to cross into Pakistan via the Kutch border. Sheikh had traveled to Gujarat in hopes of meeting a Pakistani social media influencer from Multan, with whom he had formed an online connection. Sheikh's journey led him to Khavda, a village close to the India-Pakistan border. Believing he could secure legal permission to cross the heavily guarded boundary, Sheikh sought help from local villagers, prompting them to inform the authorities. Sagar Bagmar, the Superintendent of Police in Kutch (West), revealed that Sheikh’s actions were driven by confusion rather than any ill intent. “He was under the impression he could easily cross into Pak...

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Election day boosts sales for Ganderbal’s Masal Czot seller

REGIONAL

Shah Basit Javid Ahmed, a 44-year-old masal czot seller, usually spends his days just outside Boys High School in Kangan town, Ganderbal. On the 25th of September, as the second phase of the Jammu Kashmir assembly elections unfolded, his humble stall became a small hub of excitement, much to his surprise. “I didn’t expect today to be anything out of the ordinary,” Javid said, wiping his hands after serving a fresh piece of masal czot. “Usually, on election days, people are busy voting, but I decided to set up my cart early in the morning, just like I always do.” Kangan, which witnessed a remarkable polling percentage of 67.6%, was abuzz as voters gathered at the polling station. The atmosphere outside the booth was a mix of anticipation and casual conversation, where people mingle...

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Speeding truck kills dozens of sheep in Ganderbal; Driver arrested

REGIONAL

Rayees Shah A tragic accident in Wussan, Ganderbal on Thursday left dozens of sheep dead after a speeding truck rammed into them. Authorities have arrested the driver involved, an official told The Kashmiriyat. He said that a truck, bearing registration number JK14D 5637, was moving at high speed when it plowed through a flock of sheep, killing several on the spot. "A case has been lodged under FIR No. 252/2024 at Ganderbal police station. The vehicle has been impounded, and the driver has been taken into custody," the official confirmed.

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Phase 2: Nearly 40 per cent Kashmiri Pandits cast their votes

REGIONAL

Around 40% of displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu turned out to vote during the second phase of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly elections on Wednesday, according to official reports. Voting took place across 24 stations set up in Jammu, Delhi, and Udhampur. Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Karwani confirmed, “Around 40% polling was recorded at 19 polling stations in Jammu, with Udhampur registering 37% and Delhi seeing 43% turnout in the second phase.” Out of 15,500 eligible voters, 6,250 people cast their ballots, including 3,514 men and 2,736 women. The highest participation came from Habakadal, a former stronghold of Kashmiri Pandits, with 2,796 votes cast, followed by 909 in Lal Chowk and 417 in Zadibal. In the first phase, 27% of migrant Kashmiri Pandits voted a...

Sep262024 by News DeskNo Comments

Ouster of Abdullahs, Mufti’s vital for Jammu Kashmir, says Ram Madhav

REGIONAL

Senior BJP leader and campaign in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, Ram Madhav, asserted on Wednesday that the removal of the Abdullah, Mufti, and Gandhi families from Jammu Kashmir’s political landscape is crucial for the growth of democracy in the region. Addressing a public rally in Gurez, in support of BJP candidate Faqir Mohammad Khan, Madhav emphasized, "Prime Minister Modi has established peace in J&K and eradicated terrorism. However, the NC-Congress alliance seeks to revive unrest and terrorism." Madhav accused the National Conference and Congress of pushing to reinstate Article 370, which he claimed would lead to further destruction in the region. "For democracy and peace to truly flourish in J&K, these dynastic parties must be ousted," he remarked. He further praise...

Sep252024 by News DeskNo Comments

54.11 per cent polling during second phase in Jammu Kashmir

REGIONAL

The second phase of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 concluded today, with 25 constituencies going to polls. This phase witnessed significant voter participation across multiple districts, with many voters showing up in large numbers to voice their concerns about key issues, including the rice curtailment policy. As per officials who spoke to The Kashmiriyat, by the end of polling, the overall voter turnout for Phase 2 stood at 54.11 per cent. The last phase is scheduled for October 1, with counting set to take place on October 8. In Budgam, a voter turnout of 58.97% was recorded, while Ganderbal, where Omar Abdullah is in a tight race, saw 58.81% voter participation. Poonch led the polls with an impressive 71.59% turnout, followed closely by Reasi at 71.81%. Rajour...

Sep252024 by News DeskNo Comments

Rice curtailment dominates Phase 2 of Kashmir elections

REGIONAL

Rayees Shah/ Shah Basit As voters in Ganderbal headed to the polls in the second phase of Jammu Kashmir’s Assembly Elections, frustration is simmering over the central government's drastic reduction in rice allotments. Since January 2023, residents have faced severe cuts in their rice rations, now limited to just 5 kilograms per person per month—a move that has left many families struggling to meet their basic needs. In Kashmir, where rice is central to the local diet, the situation has caused widespread anger. "Even the birds in Kashmir are eating more rice than what we’re getting right now," said Bashir Ahmad, a resident who stood in line to vote. "What else can we talk about when the government has made us suffer for something as essential as food grains?" The central govern...