Sunday, December 1News and updates from Kashmir

Month: September 2024

Polling percentage in Srinagar at 27.31% at 5 P.M.

Polling percentage in Srinagar at 27.31% at 5 P.M.

REGIONAL
As the second phase of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 wrapped up, voter turnout trends across districts showed significant variation. By 5 PM, the approximate overall voter turnout stood at 54%. However, individual districts saw contrasting levels of electoral engagement. Reasi district recorded the highest voter turnout with 71.81%, followed closely by Poonch at 71.59%. Rajouri also saw strong participation with 67.77%, reflecting a robust voter presence in these areas. In the central regions, Budgam and Ganderbal districts reported almost identical voter turnouts, with Budgam at 58.97% and Ganderbal at 58.81%. In contrast, Srinagar witnessed a notably lower turnout, with only 27.31% of eligible voters participating in the elections. This marks a sharp difference co...
Jammu Kashmir assembly elections: Phase 2 polling climbs to 46.12% at  3 P.M.

Jammu Kashmir assembly elections: Phase 2 polling climbs to 46.12% at 3 P.M.

REGIONAL
As the second phase of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 continues, the overall polling percentage across the constituencies stood at 46.12% by 3 PM. This phase saw significant variations in voter turnout across different regions, highlighting the diverse political engagement in the state. Several constituencies with a predominant Scheduled Tribe (ST) population recorded high voter turnout. Gulabgarh (ST) led with 65.57%, followed by Poonch Haveli at 62.91%, Surankote (ST) at 62.95%, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi at 64.26%. In contrast, urban constituencies like Habbakadal, Khanyar, and Channapora witnessed comparatively lower voter engagement, with polling percentages of 13.28%, 20.50%, and 22.20% respectively. Notably, Budhal (ST) recorded 59.18%, Kangan (ST) saw 56.55%, an...
Phase 2: At 1 P.M., Srinagar struggles to cross 18% mark

Phase 2: At 1 P.M., Srinagar struggles to cross 18% mark

REGIONAL
With nearly half of the day over in the second phase of ongoing polls in Jammu Kashmir, voter turnout across 26 constituencies stood at 36.93 percent at 1 pm, with Srinagar witnessing relatively low participation at just 17.95 percent. According to Election Commission of India's voter turnout report, Budgam is leading with a voter turnout of 39.43 percent, followed by Ganderbal at 39.29 percent. Voter turnout in Srinagar, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), remained notably lower at just 17.95 percent, a slight increase from what was recorded at 11: 00 am. Reasi registered the highest voter turnout so far at 51.55 percent, followed by Poonch at 49.94 percent and Rajouri at 46.93 percent. In Srinagar's eight constituencies, Eidgah has recorded the highest voter turno...
27.2 per cent voting in Ganderbal till 11 A.M.

27.2 per cent voting in Ganderbal till 11 A.M.

REGIONAL
Shah Basit  In the much-anticipated second phase elections in Jammu  Kashmir, voter turnout in Ganderbal district recorded moderate participation across its constituencies as of 11:00 AM. These elections are particularly significant as they mark the return of the democratic process after a decade-long hiatus. Early figures show steady voter engagement, although enthusiasm varies across constituencies. An election official told The Kashmiriyat that in the Kangan constituency, the voter turnout at 9:00 AM stood at 13.52%. By 11:00 AM, this figure had increased to 30.94%, indicating a strong surge in participation in this crucial area. In Ganderbal constituency, the turnout at 9:00 AM was recorded at 12.06%, rising to 24.91% by 11:00 AM. This reflects moderate participation as ...
Diplomatic delegation from 18 countries to witness Kashmir elections

Diplomatic delegation from 18 countries to witness Kashmir elections

REGIONAL
Senior diplomats from several countries, including the US, Norway, Singapore, and others, are visiting Kashmir today to observe the ongoing assembly elections. The delegation consists of representatives from the Delhi-based missions of the US, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines, according to sources familiar with the visit. Most embassies are represented by their Charge d’Affaires or deputy chiefs of mission, while others are represented by political officers of various ranks. Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections are being held in three phases. The first phase, covering 24 seats, took place on September 18. The second phase is underway today for 26 seats, and the final p...
4.70 per cent polling in Srinagar till 9 A.M.

4.70 per cent polling in Srinagar till 9 A.M.

REGIONAL
The second phase of the Jammu Kashmir assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 10.22% by 9 a.m. The Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by Kashmir Bulletin, stated that all 26 constituencies involved in this phase recorded a cumulative 10.22% turnout. District-wise data indicated that Ganderbal registered 12.61%, Srinagar 4.70%, Budgam 10.91%, Reasi 13.37%, Rajouri 12.71%, and Poonch had the highest with 14.41% voter turnout by 9 a.m. This phase of the elections, which covers 26 constituencies across six districts, involves 25,78,099 eligible voters, including 13,12,730 men, 12,65,316 women, and 53 third-gender voters. The outcomes will determine the fate of 239 candidates. Authorities have made comprehensive arrangements at polling stations to ensure the...
Controversy Incarnate: The hate-filled coverage of a right-wing YouTuber fuels outrage in Kashmir

Controversy Incarnate: The hate-filled coverage of a right-wing YouTuber fuels outrage in Kashmir

OPINIONS
Ah, the "YouTube adventurer" – on a noble quest to bring light to the dark streets of Kashmir, but not in the way you’d think. Armed with nothing but a microphone, a camera, and a mind-blowing ability to connect dots that don’t exist, our YouTuber prowls the streets with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. Her street interviews are a masterclass in twisting narratives. With the precision of a conspiracy theorist, she skillfully manages to link Islam to extremism and, through a few well-placed questions, makes it sound like being pro-Islam is basically the same as being anti-BJP. Because, of course, to her, BJP and Hinduism are synonymous. One can almost hear the collective sigh of confusion from Hindus who don’t subscribe to the BJP’s particular brand of “cultural” nationalism. ...
Election vehicle falls into gorge in Reasi, Policeman among two dead

Election vehicle falls into gorge in Reasi, Policeman among two dead

REGIONAL
Two people, including Policeman died after a vehicle carrying the polling staff met with an accident in Tuksan Jabbara Morh area of sub-division Mahoor in Reasi district. An election Zonal Magistrate was also injured, officials said. "Today at around 1500 hrs an election duty bound vehicle under registration no. JK11A 3907 fell 100 metres down in a gorge, stream at Tukson Jabara Morh under police station Mahore. Two people died on the spot while one was injured," said an official statement. The official statement identified dead as Ct. Ajaz Khan (Blet no. 827/ARP 188538 D-Coy of 19 BN) and driver Javed Ahmed, son of Bashir Ahmed, resident of Khour. The official identified the injured as Ajay Kumar, Election Zonal magistrate. Reports said Kumar is stable. Sources said the offici...
Citing ‘Illegal Occupation’, Authorities issue 8-day ultimatum to vacate Maharashtra mosque

Citing ‘Illegal Occupation’, Authorities issue 8-day ultimatum to vacate Maharashtra mosque

INDIA
Tensions flared in Dharavi, Mumbai, on Saturday as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) moved to evict the 25-year-old Subhania Mosque on 90ft Road, citing its "illegal" occupation. Protests broke out when members of the local Muslim community opposed the move, leading to clashes with BMC officials. Demonstrators reportedly threw stones, intensifying the situation. Protests began on Friday night, with the community blocking the road in protest. After talks between BMC officials and community leaders at the local police station, a temporary resolution was reached, granting an eight-day extension for vacating the mosque. The local Muslim community plans to take the issue to court, seeking legal recourse against the BMC's eviction notice. Meanwhile, police on the ground worke...
Private schools in Kashmir flout government rules, Exploit teachers and parents

Private schools in Kashmir flout government rules, Exploit teachers and parents

EDUCATION
Dozens of private schools in Kashmir are being found operational on the eve of official holidays, defying government regulations. This blatant disregard for official holidays has become a recurring issue, with teachers alleging they are forced to report to work even on designated days off. Teachers from various schools revealed to Kashmir News Trust that they are directed to attend work on official holidays, citing instances like the recent Sunday when they were compelled to collect fees from parents in exchange for unit test results. This, they claim, amounts to sheer harassment by school authorities. "We barely enjoy any official holiday," said a teacher, requesting anonymity. Last Sunday, all teachers were directed to report to work. The day was fixed to extract fees from paren...