Saturday, October 26News and updates from Kashmir

Month: October 2024

Kashmiri students in Iran anxious as West Asia tensions escalate

Kashmiri students in Iran anxious as West Asia tensions escalate

INTERNATIONAL
The families of hundreds of Kashmiri youths studying in Iran are deeply worried over the safety of their wards as West Asia remains on the brink of a full-blown war while many are now wary of sending their children there for higher studies, Press Trust of India reported. Iran is considered to be economically viable for professional courses, including MBBS, and hundreds of students from Kashmir prefer to get admission to various colleges there. The families of such students are deeply perturbed over the unfolding of events, especially in the backdrop of the escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and Israel-Hamas war. Iran fired around 200 missiles into Israel on October 1 in response to Israel’s killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders of the militant o...
‘Ready to support INDIA alliance to preserve our identity’, says PDP, Farooq Abdullah welcomes stance

‘Ready to support INDIA alliance to preserve our identity’, says PDP, Farooq Abdullah welcomes stance

REGIONAL
National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah expressed optimism on Sunday about the Congress-NC alliance securing a majority in the upcoming Jammu Kashmir Assembly elections. He welcomed the People's Democratic Party (PDP)'s openness to joining the alliance, describing it as a "great thing" for unity. When asked about PDP leader Zuhaib Yousuf Mir's comments that the party might collaborate with the Congress-NC alliance to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining power, Abdullah remarked, “Congratulations to them. We are all on the same path—to end hatred and keep Jammu Kashmir united.” Although Abdullah refrained from commenting on exit polls, he stated that the results on October 8, when counting takes place, would reveal the true standings. "The Congress-NC...
Talks with ‘like-minded’ parties in Jammu Kashmir underway: Former DyCM Kavinder Gupta

Talks with ‘like-minded’ parties in Jammu Kashmir underway: Former DyCM Kavinder Gupta

REGIONAL
Despite exit polls showing the National Conference-Congress alliance in a leading position, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta expressed optimism on Saturday, stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will perform better than predicted, particularly in Kashmir, with discussions ongoing with like-minded parties, ANI reported. “It is only in the exit polls that Congress-NC has these seats, but BJP will emerge as the largest party once the final results are announced. We are confident of securing over 35 seats in Jammu province and gaining more in Kashmir. Talks are underway with like-minded parties,” Gupta said. Tarun Chugh, BJP General Secretary and in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, echoed Gupta’s sentiments, dismissing exit poll projections ...
NC demands arrest of Narsinghanand over blasphemous remarks on Prophet Muhammad

NC demands arrest of Narsinghanand over blasphemous remarks on Prophet Muhammad

INDIA
The National Conference (NC) has condemned Yati Narsinghanand’s recent remarks against Prophet Muhammad, calling for his immediate arrest. The NC stated that the inflammatory comments deeply wounded the sentiments of Muslims and could incite communal unrest. Narsinghanand, who has been previously booked for hate speech, faces fresh charges after protests erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and other states in response to his remarks. Imran Nabi Dar, spokesperson for the NC, emphasized the need for swift government action, urging authorities to arrest Narsinghanand and ensure accountability. He noted that such statements harm India's reputation for religious tolerance and have the potential to disrupt communal harmony. Dar also called on the public to remain calm and resist att...
Exit Polls 2024: North Kashmir poised for surprises, south and central may hold steady

Exit Polls 2024: North Kashmir poised for surprises, south and central may hold steady

OPINIONS
As exit polls for Jammu Kashmir's 2024 elections are set to be announced in a few hours, we stand at a pivotal moment in the region’s political history. These elections, held after a decade-long gap, are the first since the revocation of the region’s special constitutional status, making the outcome significant both politically and symbolically. In South and Central Kashmir, the landscape appears to be steady, with few surprises expected. These regions have traditionally seen a strong contest between the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The electorate here is largely shaped by longstanding political affiliations, and this consistency may reflect in the results. Yet, the looming shadow of past disillusionment may still sway some undecided voters, ...
Israel removes map showing Jammu Kashmir as part of Pakistan, cites editor’s error

Israel removes map showing Jammu Kashmir as part of Pakistan, cites editor’s error

INTERNATIONAL
Israel has taken down a map from its official website that depicted Jammu Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The map was swiftly removed after the mistake was flagged by a user on X (formerly Twitter). The Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, responded to the issue, explaining that the error occurred due to a website editor's mistake. "Website editor's mistake. Thank you for noticing. Was taken down,” Azar posted in response to the user. The incident gained attention after the Hindustan Times reported the mishap, leading to swift corrective action from Israeli officials.
Massive protests in Rajouri, Jammu over blasphemous remarks by Yati Narsinghanand

Massive protests in Rajouri, Jammu over blasphemous remarks by Yati Narsinghanand

REGIONAL
On Saturday, large crowds gathered in Rajouri, Jammu Kashmir, protesting against the recent blasphemous remarks made by Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand concerning the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The protestors, representing various Islamic organizations, demanded Narsinghanand's immediate arrest and strict legal action against him. The protestors warned that such remarks, which they described as deeply offensive, could severely disrupt communal harmony across the country. They criticized the government's inaction, expressing disappointment that repeated instances of inflammatory comments by Narsinghanand have not been addressed. The protest rally, which began in the town center of Rajouri, concluded at Abdullah Bridge. There, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rajouri and ...
‘No question of alliance with BJP’, reiterates Farooq Abdullah

‘No question of alliance with BJP’, reiterates Farooq Abdullah

REGIONAL
National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah announced on Saturday that the party will not form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to establish the next government in Jammu Kashmir. Abdullah firmly stated that any party aligning with the BJP in the region would face extinction, emphasizing that votes for NC were cast against the BJP. Commenting on the exit polls, Abdullah said, “We cannot predict the outcome, but once the results are declared, it will become clear who has performed well in the elections.” He also expressed confidence in Congress' prospects in the Haryana assembly elections, noting that the public has decided to back Congress after enduring hardships under the current regime.
Explainer: What Jammu Kashmir assembly can and cannot do under current rules

Explainer: What Jammu Kashmir assembly can and cannot do under current rules

FEATURED
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice-President Omar Abdullah alleged that the BJP has accepted defeat in the region's elections. Abdullah claimed that the Chief Secretary was instructed to amend the Transaction of Business Rules to curtail the future powers of the Chief Minister and transfer them to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G). He urged officials to resist pressures that may further disempower the incoming elected government. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) responded, dismissing Abdullah’s claims as "misleading and speculative." They said that no such proposal exists, stating that the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 already provides for the Transaction of Business Rules, which were notified in 2020. Acc...
Elderly tourist dies while taking a selfie, lady injured

Elderly tourist dies while taking a selfie, lady injured

REGIONAL
A tragic incident occurred at the picturesque Doodhpathri tourist spot in the Khansahib area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district late last night, resulting in the death of a septuagenarian tourist and injuring another. Official sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that Abdul Malik, a 70-year-old tourist, lost his life after slipping while attempting to take a selfie at the scenic location. Naseema Khatoon, a companion from Kolkata, was injured in the same incident and is currently receiving medical attention. Sources added the victims lost their footing while navigating the slippery terrain, leading to the fatal fall. Local authorities and emergency services promptly responded to the incident, rushing the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. The deceased, ...