WRITE-UPS

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. ...

Asma Bhat/ Ubaid Mukhtar Mudasir and Tanveer's excitement knew no bounds as they set off for school on Tuesday morning. They had eagerly awaited this day, proudly sporting their new bags they had acquired from Lal Chowk just two days ago. Little did their family know, those bags would outlast their beloved children. "When the boat, tethered by a rope, started its journey to the other side of the river, everything seemed routine. But in an instant, tragedy struck. The rope snapped, and the relentless current of the river seized the boat, dragging it towards an unforgiving fate. The boat collided with the pillar of an under-construction bridge, shattering the hopes and dreams of those on board," recounted a tearful local from Batwara, Srinagar. Firdousa, the mother, clung desperatel...

Farhan Sayeed Masoodi Faizan, a seven-year-old boy, hails from the picturesque district of Kupwara nestled in the enchanting Kashmir. He has captivated hearts worldwide with his mesmerizing heterochromia iridium—a rare condition bestowing upon him eyes of distinct hues, one adorned in a shade of azure, the other in warm tones of brown, Faizan's gaze has emerged as a beacon of fascination, drawing attention from across the globe. The journey to Faizan's internet stardom commenced when a vlogger shared a video of him on Instagram, igniting a wildfire of viral sensation. Local media outlets swiftly caught wind of this remarkable tale, amplifying Faizan's popularity manifold. Even tech titan Vivo India recognized his beauty, featuring him in an advertisement campaign for their lat...

Hooria Gillani As the Lok Sabha elections are approaching, Kashmir finds itself in the midst of complex debates on equality and opportunity. In the midst of these raging debates, students like Farhat Riyaz from the Open Merit or General Category, feel hopeless after the recent change in the reservation policy. Riyaz, a law student expressed a sentiment shared by many in her category, asserting that they are left feeling hopeless in the face of what she perceives as an unfair system. In Kashmir, controversy has erupted over recent amendments in the reservations. The decision, which entails a significant increase in Schedule Tribe (ST) reservations by 10 percent, has triggered concerns for access to equal employment opportunities. The general category that consists of over 75 per...

Laylat ul Qadr was observed with great reverence across the Kashmir valley, with thousands of devotees thronging mosques engaging in night- long prayers. The largest gatherings in Srinagar were held at Hazratbal Dargah, where women and men in large numbers had reached the Khanqah to offer prayers. Our reporter Asma Bhat reported that elaborate arrangements had been made for devotees who thronged the Khanqah from nooks and corners of the Kashmir valley. "We made prayers for the people of Palestine and also prayed for peace in Kashmir. This place holds a spiritual significance for us," said Inam, a devotee at Hazratbal Srinagar. In Czrar e Shareef, which is the resting place of Alamdar e Kashmir, Hazrat Sheikh Noor u Din Noori saw a massive rush of devotees from all over ...

Suhail Dar During the ongoing month of Ramadan, Iftar in Anantnag town of Kashmir town has transformed into a grand affair. The hospital grounds have evolved into vibrant social hubs where hundreds of individuals congregate to collectively break their fasts. Sajid Iqbal, a 22-year-old engineering graduate from a college in Chandigarh, is among the numerous volunteers who frequent the primary Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Sherbagh, located in Anantnag town, South Kashmir. "I've been dedicating my time to volunteering for the Khair e Aam trust for the past year. I do it solely to seek the pleasure of Allah," he expresses. The Khair e Aam trust is one of several organizations in the South Kashmir town that have been organizing Iftar and Sehri meals for the two primary hospitals i...

The Udhampur Lok Sabha seat, which initially appeared to be a one-way battle for the Bhartiya Janata Party, with the ruling party nominating Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh once again, now seems poised for a competitive contest following Choudhary Lal Singh's decision to join the Congress on Wednesday in New Delhi. Sources within the Congress party revealed to The Kashmiriyat that the party is contemplating nominating former minister and Dogra Swabhimaan Sangthan chairman Choudhary Lal Singh to run for the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency on a Congress ticket. "Although no final decision has been reached, discussions are underway, President of Congress for Jammu Kashmir, Vikar Rasool Wani has strongly recommended Choudhary Lal Singh's candidacy to the party high command. The final d...