The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — For the first time since the onset of militancy, a Kashmiri Pandit woman is running for office in Kashmir. Daisy Raina, a former Sarpanch of Trichal village in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district, is one of nine women candidates competing in the first phase of the Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled for September 18.

Raina is representing the Republican Party of India, a party allied with the NDA.

Speaking with the news agency KNO, Raina said she decided to enter politics after the encouragement of local residents, particularly the youth, who were “impressed” by her work as a Sarpanch over the past five years.

Daisy said the political and social environment in J&K has changed a lot since the 1990s. “Despite facing numerous challenges, I continued my work with strong support from the community,” she said, adding, “My candidacy is made possible by the support of local people with whom I have close relationships and am deeply involved in their lives.”

Raina said her main focus areas, if elected, would be addressing unemployment, improving access to potable water and reducing electricity bills. She expressed concern over the struggles faced by youth born after the 1980s, saying they have grown up amid conflict and hardship, including disruptions like Hartals and limited 2G network access.

“These individuals, who have persevered through these challenges, deserve employment opportunities and a dignified life,” she said.

The former Sarpanch also highlighted the impact of unemployment on mental health, saying the Hindu community, along with others, has experienced restrictions that confine their movement and limit their quality of life. “There is a need for increased efforts to foster integration and mutual welfare among different communities,” she said.

Choosing the Republican Party of India, which is associated with Dr B R Ambedkar, Raina expressed confidence that she could continue her positive work with the party's support.

She also criticised the current administrative practices, saying that qualified youth are often sidelined while officers are assigned multiple positions simultaneously.

In her message, Daisy Raina said that Hindu-Muslim unity is stronger on the ground. She lamented that due to unknown reasons, some people are showing that all isn't well in Kashmir.

“I encourage everyone to cast their votes in the upcoming elections to showcase the strong Hindu-Muslim unity that still exists,” she said.

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SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday called upon Kashmiri Pandits to return to Kashmir, saying that their motherland is awaiting them.

During his sermon from the pulpit of the historic Jamia Masjid during Friday prayers, Mirwaiz extended greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.

"I would also once again ask them to return to their motherland which awaits them, and live here as they did in the past, in our common and shared heritage. It’s time to reconcile and rebuild the broken bonds. We owe it to our next generation," he added.

Mirwaiz also addressed a recent incident in Dal Lake where a group of people were found drinking publicly in a Shikara. He expressed relief that authorities had taken action but stressed that the responsibility of preventing such incidents lies with the community.

"Being a tourist place, all kinds of visitors will come here. It is for us to ensure that the ethos of Kashmir, based on the values and principles of Islam, stays intact. We have to be aware of it all the time and consciously work towards preserving it, especially those people who are directly or indirectly associated with tourism," he said.

Mirwaiz expressed hope that the community would continue to play an active role in preserving its moral and religious character.

"Our prosperity in the real sense—which will stand us in good stead in this life and in the hereafter—lies only in following the righteous path shown by Islam in all affairs of life and dealings with others, and not in immoral acts, corrupt practices, and cheating as a shortcut to flourish," he said.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz announced that if authorities permit, Eid-ul-Adha prayers will be offered collectively at the historic Eidgah Srinagar at 9 am. Otherwise, Eid prayers will be offered at the same time in Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

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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.

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