The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — As the voting across four assembly segments is under way in Pulwama, the District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom (IAS) visited many polling stations, engaging with enthusiastic voters and fostering the spirit of democracy.

Amidst jubilant scenes, Pulwama resonated with the vibrant celebrations of the festival of democracy.

During his visit, DEO Dr Basharat, while monitoring the election process, interacted with many voters.

Voters have turned up in large numbers in district Pulwama and long queues have also been witnessed in some polling stations like Naira, Murran and Bellow among others.

SRINAGAR — Deputy Commissioner Pulwama on Saturday said that restrictions imposed under section 144 in the district have been mandated under the Election Commission of India’s specific SOPs for the last 72 and 48 hours for poll campaigning.

In a post on X, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, as per the news agency KNO informed that such orders have been issued by other districts as well. He said that the ECI Guidelines mandate specific SOPs for the last 72 hours and last 48 hours.

“Under Section 126 and Section 130 of Representation of People's Act 1951 and SOPs edition 2, Para 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3 mandate issuing of Order under Section 144 CrPC,” he added. The Deputy Commissioner added that such orders have been issued by other districts also, which went to polls or are going to polls.

“The restrictions apply to specific activities related to the campaign, being silent period. Restriction relates to only specified points in order and not general restrictions,” he said.

The restrictions, as per the order, shall be effective from 6 pm on Saturday (today) till polling day on May 13. Pulwama district is part of the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, which is slated to go to polls on May 13 in the 4th phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

PULWAMA — The District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom chaired a meeting with representatives of various political parties at the District Election Office premises, here.

The meeting was aimed at fostering dialogue and adherence to MCC guidelines and cooperation among political stakeholders in the lead-up to the upcoming elections. The DEO emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair, transparent and inclusive electoral process that upholds democratic principles.

During the meeting, key topics including the Model Code of Conduct, the role of political parties in different stages of the electoral process and adherence to the guidelines and directives of ECI were discussed. The political parties were encouraged to actively engage through presentations by State Level Master Trainers.

Dr Basharat reiterated the Election Commission's commitment to conducting free and fair elections and urged all political parties to abide by the electoral code of conduct. He emphasized the need for mutual respect, cooperation and adherence to democratic norms throughout the electoral process.

The representatives from the political parties expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and pledged their commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process in Pulwama district.

The DEO concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Election Commission's dedication to facilitating a transparent and credible electoral process. He urged all political parties to work collaboratively towards achieving the common goal of upholding the integrity of the democratic process.

It is in place to mention here that the meeting was attended by Nodal Officer MCC (ADC), AROs and Dy DEO.

PULWAMA — Dr Basharat Qayoom, the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama and District Election Officer, conducted a thorough inspection of various polling stations in the Pampore Assembly Constituency today to assess Assured Minimum Facilities and review the administration's preparedness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The polling stations visited during the inspection included locations in Kakapora, ITI Women Pampore, GBHSS Ladoo, Shar Shali, BHSS Khrew, GBPS Wuyan, GBHS Wuyan, GBMS Meej GMS Kadlabal, and GUPS Litterbal.

The primary objective of the inspection was to ensure accessibility for all voters, particularly those with disabilities. The DC scrutinized ramp access, wheelchair facilities, and other amenities available at each polling station.

Accompanied by SSP Awantipora, ADDC Pulwama, and ADC Awantipora, Dr Qayoom assessed the facilities, security arrangements, and accessibility features at the inspected polling stations.

He urged the concerned departments to ensure the provision of all necessary facilities at the polling stations to facilitate the participation of every eligible voter in the electoral process seamlessly.

During interactions with the staff, the DC reviewed the preparedness levels and adherence to electoral guidelines, emphasizing the significance of impartiality and transparency throughout the electoral proceedings.

Dr Qayoom reiterated the administration's commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections, calling upon all stakeholders to cooperate and contribute to the success of the electoral process.

Subsequently, the DC visited the strong room at Polytechnic College, IUST Awantipora, to oversee the handling of election material for the Tral assembly segment. At the strong room, he reviewed the storage infrastructure, security measures, and inventory management systems in place to handle election material effectively.

SRINAGAR — Approving a proposal of the Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, has extended Jammu and Kashmir deputation of three Indian Administrative Services' officers by one year each.

Among the officers who by the effect of the order are getting the extension, as per the news agency GNS, include Basharat Qayoom, Akshay Labroo and Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan.

Basharat Qayoom gets an extension from the Jharkhand cadre, Akshay Labroo is getting the extension from the Tripura cadre and Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan gets an extension from the Rajasthan cadre.

SRINAGAR — Former legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar visited a bat manufacturing factory in the Chersoo area of Awantipora in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday.

According to details obtained by the news agency KNO, Tendulkar paid a visit to the MJ Sports factory in Chersoo and interacted with the workers there.

The MJ Sports factory, which produces cricket bats, is owned by two brothers, Manzoor and Javid, from Chersoo.

Javaid Ahmad, co-owner of the MJ bat manufacturing factory, said that Tendulkar was en route to Pahalgam from Srinagar when he stopped near the factory, close to the toll plaza in Awantipora, and engaged in conversation with the workers of MJ Sports.

"We were delighted to see Sachin Tendulkar visiting our factory. During his visit, a request was made to him to assist in the promotion of Kashmiri cricket bats," he said.

According to Javid, the legendary cricketer inspected the entire bat manufacturing process. “He appreciated and encouraged us to continue our good work. He also promised to promote Kashmiri bats himself,” he said.

Javid said the visit of a legend like Sachin Tendulkar has encouraged them to give their best and further promote this bat, which has already attained international recognition.

“Sachin sir spent around half an hour at our unit, during which we presented him with a bat, and he promised to promote it,” he said.

Tendulkar was accompanied by his wife and daughter, Sara Tendulkar.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, described Tendulkar's visit to the bat factory in Awantipora as a golden moment for Kashmir willow bats.

"Master Blaster, the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar blessed cricket bat factory Chersoo Awantipora Pulwama (M/S MJ Sports) with a visit. Inspiration par excellence. Golden day for Kashmir willow bats," Dr Basharat tweeted.

Later, Sachin Tendulkar visited the Martand Temple in the Mattan area of southern Kashmir's Anantnag district before heading to Pahalgam for the night.