The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The candidature of at least 36 candidates including the prominent religious cleric, Sarjan Barkati, who had filed their nomination papers to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in the first phase, has been rejected.

An official quoted by the news agency KNO said that 279 candidates had filed nomination papers in J&K for the first phase of elections, of which 244 have been accepted while 36 have been rejected.

He said that the nomination form of Sarjan Ahmad Barkati, who is in jail in a 'terror' funding case, has also been rejected.

Besides that, the nomination papers of Dr Bari Naik, who had filed nomination papers for the Devsar Assembly segment have also been rejected.

Social activist Aadil Nazir, who was accompanying Sugra Barkati daughter of Sarjan Barkati to file nomination papers on Tuesday, said that they would challenge the decision of rejecting the candidature in the court.

Soon after the news spread, people from different walks of life visited the residence of Sarjan Barkati in Reban Shopian to express sympathy.

PDP candidate for Zainapora constituency, Ghulam Mohiudin Wani and former MLA Aijaz Mir also visited his residence.

Gh Mohiudin Wani on the occasion said that in 1987, the same thing was done by NC that gave rise to militancy and militants like Salahuddin were born. He said that in a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections and vote, adding that the nomination papers of Barkati shouldn't have been rejected.

Former MLA Aijaz Mir, who is fighting elections as an independent candidate, claimed that he had thought he would extend his support to Sarjan Barkati, adding that he would raise his voice in his favour if voted to power.

Former Chief Minister and JKPDP president, Mehbooba Mufti asked the Election Commission of India to make the reasons public for this decision.

"Sorry to hear about the rejection of the Assembly nomination form of Sarjan Barkati from Zainpora. The Election Commissioner must make the reasons public for this decision. Democracy is a battle of ideas, and everyone should be given a chance to participate in it," Mehbooba said in a post on X.

Pertinently, the first phase of the Assembly election will be held on September 18 for 24 seats including 16 in South Kashmir and eight in the Jammu region.

SRINAGAR — Mela Kheer Bhawani was celebrated amid religious fervour and gaiety across the valley on Friday and a large number of devotees were seen thronging to respective temples in central, southern and northern Kashmir.

As per the news agency CNS, a huge gathering of devotees made their presence at Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal; Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tikker Kupwara and Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Devsar, Kulgam to offer their prayers on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

The aura of the event was filled with positive vibes after a mammoth number of Kashmiri Pandits visited sacred temples in Kashmir.

“We feel happy after being present here and to offer our prayers on this revered occasion. Arrangements by the administration have been top-notch and the conduct of Kashmiri people along the way to here (Mata Kheer Bhawani temple Tullamulla) has been friendly,” said a group of Kashmiri Pandits.

After a fragile situation arose in Jammu’s parts, the devotees reached shrines amid tight security measures, with further arrangements made by the respective district administrations for the convenience of devotees.

Meanwhile, local political leaders also felicitated the people on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

SRINAGAR — Two LeT militants, including Pakistani commander Haider, were killed in Devsar area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday afternoon.

Inspector-General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar, while confirming to GNS, said that both the militants have been killed including commander Haider.

Haider, a Pakistani national, was active for more than two years in north Kashmir's Bandipora and had recently shifted his base to south Kashmir. He was involved in many militant related incidents, the top cop said.

The other slain militant has been identified as Shabaz Shah of Kulgam, who was a hrybid militant and active for two weeks, the top cop added.

Earlier, a joint team of Police and the Army launched a cordon and search operation in the area.

As the joint team of forces approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

SRINAGAR — An encounter has started between militants and government forces in Cheyan Devsar area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district on Sunday.

Reports reaching GNS said that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Cheyan Devsar.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

A senior police officer also confirmed to GNS about the exchange of firing between the militants and security forces.

As per the sources, two militants are believed to be trapped.