WRITE-UPS

Advocate Sanjeev Sirohi Due to extreme weather conditions in the form of heatwave, hundreds of people have lost their lives in this month. Every year one Nation faces extreme weather conditions in the form of heatwave, rains and cold wave in which many people, particularly the poor ones lose their lives. The news items published in various newspapers and the news broadcast on electronic media reflect that in the heatwave of this year death toll has crossed thousands in number. The more lethal heatwave in the globe was the one that crippled Europe in 2003 killing 71,310 people. In the list of top ten deadliest disaster, Indian heatwaves figure four-five times in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2015 and this year-2024. Unsurprisingly, six of the top ten heatwaves, in terms of deaths, have occu...

Shikara drivers in the Kashmir Valley are in shock and have expressed concern following a viral video depicting an incident of public drinking. Prompted by the video's circulation, law enforcement swiftly intervened, arresting two individuals involved. Days after Aga Hadi Kashmiri, a Kashmiri cleric raised alarm over the incident, Shikara owners have put signboards across the world famous Dal lake to announce that drinking is not allowed inside the Shikaras. "Kashmir is a Muslim majority state and such activities cannot be tolerated in the valley. The law cannot be different for different places," Hadi said in reference to the slaughter of animals at various places across India. Referring to the incident of the pubic drinking inside a Shikara in Srinagar, Aga said the Kashmiri soc...

With two phases of elections concluded in the Kashmir valley, all attention is now riveted on the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, which has become the focal point of intense campaigning following a deferment requested by the BJP and others. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is contesting this seat, making it a crucial battle for the survival of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which has seen an exodus of members to the Apni Party and others. The newly-formed DPAP initially proposed former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad as their candidate for the Lok Sabha seat but ultimately decided to field Advocate Saleem Parray. In a significant departure from tradition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not fielded any candidates in this constituency for the first time in decades. Meanwhile,...

Shabir Ali Shabir Hussain, 21, is among hundreds of people who have gathered in Khamenei Chowk in Budgam to mourn the death of the Iranian president. "It is tragic news. The only moment I felt proud as a Muslim and fond of my roots was when Iran struck Israel," said Shabir, wiping the tears off his face. As the news of the crash spread, Iranians hit the streets, many seeking spiritual help, thronging to the mosques for the safety of their leader. However, his body was found along with his colleagues. In Kashmir too, messages were circulated in WhatsApp groups, seeking the safety and security of all those on board. In Kashmir, the leader became prominent after September 2023, when he appeared at the United Nations General Assembly holding high a Quran in his hand to condemn the...

Addressing a public rally in Kunzer Tangmarg, Omar Abdullah invoked his grandfather's legacy and spoke about his 'Land to Tiller' Policy that gave land proprietorship back to Kashmiri Muslims, centuries after Maharaja Gulab Singh confiscated all private ownership rights on the land in Jammu Kashmir. In this rare display, the Jammu Kashmir National Conference ((NC) Vice President, Omar Abdullah aimed to bring his party cadre together to vote for the region's oldest party in Baramulla Lok Sabha seat which looks poised for a major electoral battle. Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls in Phase 5 of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, taking place on Monday, May 20, 2024, with the vote count slated for Tuesday, June 4, 2024. In the 2019 Lok Sabha general elections, Mohammed Akbar ...

Asma Bhat Though Srinagar witnessed a low turnout of nearly 38 per cent for the Lok Sabha elections, the capital city was abuzz with anticipation and civic engagement. Amidst this fervor, I am sharing a captivating photo story documenting the essence of democracy on the day of elections in Srinagar. From the bustling streets to the busy polling stations, my lens will focus on the diverse  of voters from all walks of life. One notable stop of the journey through my lens in Srinagar was the Fakeer Gujri area, situated 25 kilometers away from the city center. Here, amidst the picturesque landscape, voters turned out in significant numbers to cast their ballots. Elderly citizens, first-time voters, young enthusiasts, and others flocked to the polling booths, eager to par...

Bhat Yasir Arif Amin, (named changed), holding a red flag, with Sheikh Abdullah's image on it is participating in a rally of Jammu Kashmir National Conference (NC) in Kulgam district of south Kashmir. "I have never supported any political party. But this time it is important for us to actively engage and participate in the electoral process," said Arif, while marching ahead to click selfies with Omar Abdullah , the NC vice president. Arif is one of the hundreds of Kashmiri youth who had been arrested in the yesteryears in connection with anti national activities, but many like the 24-year-old are showing an increased interest for the first time. "This election is not merely about casting our votes, but also an expression of anger against the policies of the present dispensation," ...

Mehran Bhat Saja Begum, 60, stands by the swelling Jhelum river, surrounded by her fellow residents in the midst of the chaos at Gandabal Srinagar. With a photo of her 38-year-old son, Showkat, clasped tightly in her hands, she watches the ongoing rescue efforts with a mixture of hope and despair. Each passing moment feels like an eternity as she waits, her heart aching with the uncertainty of her son's fate. All she can do is hold onto that picture, a tangible reminder of the loved one she fears may never return home. "I am abandoned, utterly alone. Showkat Ahmed Sheikh was my only light, the one who sheltered me. Who will care for me now, in these old years?" she moaned, her voice strained with anguish, as she turned away from the river's edge, where she spends most of her time. ...