The Kashmir Pulse

LEH — Chief Electoral Officer of Ladakh, Rahul Sharma, has prohibited political dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, hunger strikes and rallies within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the period of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming municipal elections.

The order bars political parties, candidates, workers, supporters and other persons from organising or participating in collective political activities that could affect the peaceful conduct of the elections.

According to the order, the Model Code of Conduct came into force on October 23 following notification of the elections to the Municipal Committees of Leh and Kargil.

The CEO cited the need to maintain an atmosphere conducive to free, fair and peaceful elections, stating that political gatherings capable of intimidating voters, disturbing public order or creating undue influence could undermine the electoral process.

The order has been issued under Section 282 of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, read with the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Committee (Election) Rules, 2003.

District Election Officers, deputy commissioners and police authorities in Leh and Kargil have been directed to ensure compliance. The order warns that violations may invite action under the relevant legal provisions and the Model Code of Conduct.

The restriction comes amid opposition in Ladakh to the scheduling of elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils during the winter. The Leh Apex Body had announced plans for regular dharnas beginning November 12 against the winter poll schedule.

The restriction on political gatherings within the municipal limits is linked to the municipal-election Model Code of Conduct and should be distinguished from the separate dispute over the timing of the Hill Council elections.

SRINAGAR — Nearly 2,000 contractual lecturers working in 65 subjects across Government Degree Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir have sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Minister for Higher Education, demanding an increase in their monthly remuneration from Rs 28,000 to Rs 38,000 and redesignation of their posts as Contractual Assistant Professors.

The lecturers have argued that they are being paid substantially less than contractual faculty engaged in universities across Jammu and Kashmir, despite having similar minimum academic eligibility requirements and performing comparable teaching responsibilities.

Shabir Ahmad, a contractual lecturer at a Srinagar-based Government Degree College, said the existing remuneration structure had created an unjustified disparity between faculty members working in degree colleges and those engaged in universities.

"Why this disparity when the minimum eligibility criteria for engagement in both Government Degree Colleges and universities are the same? Candidates are required to possess a Master's degree in the relevant subject with at least 55 per cent marks (50 per cent for SC/ST and differently-abled candidates), along with NET/SET/SLET or a PhD qualification," he questioned.

He said the monthly remuneration of Rs 28,000 had become increasingly inadequate amid rising living costs, making it difficult for contractual lecturers to meet their household expenses.

"I am unable to support my family of seven members with this meagre salary. Despite possessing higher academic qualifications and discharging important academic responsibilities, we continue to face financial hardships. This is sheer injustice," he said.

Shazia Lone, a contractual lecturer in Chemistry at a Government Degree College, said the demand for enhanced remuneration was justified by the workload and responsibilities shouldered by contractual faculty.

She said she had been teaching in a Government Degree College for the past eight years and, besides delivering regular lectures, was required to conduct practical classes, take additional teaching assignments and discharge various academic and administrative responsibilities entrusted by the college authorities.

"Our workload and responsibilities need to be duly recognised," she said, reiterating the demand for remuneration at par with contractual faculty in universities.

The lecturers have urged the Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister to intervene and address what they describe as unequal treatment within the higher education system.

Besides the proposed increase in monthly remuneration to Rs 38,000, they have demanded redesignation from Contractual Lecturers to Contractual Assistant Professors, following the pattern adopted by universities in Jammu and Kashmir.

They maintain that the proposed changes would bring greater parity in remuneration and designation while recognising their academic qualifications, teaching experience and responsibilities.

KULGAM — Three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured after motorcycle-borne gunmen opened fire on a security deployment near Mir Bazar in Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Wednesday afternoon, triggering a massive search operation to track down the attackers.

The attack took place in the Akhran–Nowpora area at around 2:15 pm, when unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on CRPF personnel deployed in the area before fleeing from the scene.

The injured personnel were immediately shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, for treatment, where doctors attended to them.

The injured have been identified as Constable/GD Rakesh Dass, a resident of Assam, who sustained a gunshot injury to his leg and is stated to be stable.

Another injured personnel, Constable/GD Santosh Chandru, a resident of West Bengal, suffered firearm injuries to his abdomen and spine. He was taken to the operation theatre and his condition was stated to be critical.

The third injured personnel, Head Constable/GD Somveer Singh, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, sustained a firearm injury to his left arm and is stated to be stable.

Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to locate the assailants. Personnel from the Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police were involved in the operation, while security was strengthened in the surrounding areas.