The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — With parliamentary elections for the Srinagar segment scheduled on Monday, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir Pandurang K. Pole on Friday said that they have designated 18 polling booths in Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency as “Pink Polling Stations” for women, entirely managed by the females.

According to the news agency KNO, CEO J&K, said that in order to encourage female voters to cast their votes, they have established some “Pink Polling Stations,” where the entire management will be females.

He said that these specially curated polling stations will be manned exclusively by women, from polling party, polling party agents to security personnel.

He said the move is aimed at ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for female voters. He added that apart from the pink polling stations initiative, they have made other practical measures to facilitate women's participation with each polling station dedicated to a female helper — an Asha or Anganwadi worker, to assist female voters throughout the electoral process.

Additionally, separate queues and other facilities will be provided to cater specifically to the needs of female voters at all polling stations, he said.

He said that this initiative underscores the commitment of electoral authorities to foster an inclusive and equitable democratic process. By prioritizing the needs and concerns of female voters, the "Pink Polling Booths" seeks to elevate their voices and ensure their active participation in shaping the future of their constituency.

Pole, while speaking about the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), said that any violations reported were promptly addressed through written communication to the concerned candidates and political parties, with stress on the importance of compliance with MCC guidelines to ensure a fair and orderly electoral process.

“Barring a few instances of minor MCC violations, no such major violation has come up that could have resulted in a problem. And if there was anything, we conveyed in writing both to political parties and the candidates,” he said.

Regarding voter turnout percentage, CEO J&K, while refraining from making any predictions, urged people to participate in the electoral process on the upcoming polling dates in Jammu and Kashmir.

JAMMU — Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, on Monday chaired a meeting here to review the preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Jammu Parliamentary Constituency.

The meeting, among others, was attended by District Election Officers and SSPs of Jammu, Samba and Reasi districts.

During the meeting, extensive deliberations were held on District Election Management Plans for Jammu, Samba and Reasi districts. The new also held discussions on electoral roll processes, logistical requirements, manpower management, risk management, EVM transportation, polling staff and security arrangements.

The meeting also focused on allocating sufficient human resources, implementing SVEEP plans at the booth level, creating a comprehensive material management plan, securing route mapping and developing an extensive training program for AROs, AEROs and designated nodal officers.

Addressing the officers during the meeting, the CEO instructed DEOs to establish robust control rooms in their districts to monitor various aspects, including EVM-carrying vehicles, communication from polling stations and emergencies.

To enhance public participation in elections, the CEO instructed AROs to implement awareness campaigns at the booth level, involving BLOs, sports personalities, government employees, youth icons, influencers and organizing sports events, rallies, competitions as well as door-to-door campaigns.

Emphasizing the importance of Adequate Minimum Facilities (AMF), the CEO instructed welfare officers to ensure clean washrooms, drinking water, first aid and electricity for polling staff and security personnel on election day.

SRINAGAR — Chief Electoral Officer Jammu and Kashmir Pandurang Kondbarao Pole on Saturday said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to notify the schedule for Lok Sabha polls in the next 20 days.

Speaking with reporters during his visit to south Kashmir to assess preparedness for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, PK Pole, as per the news agency KNO, said that the Election Commission is expected to issue a formal notification regarding the poll dates in the next 15 to 20 days.

He assured that the administration's foremost priority remains to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without any fear or difficulty.

During his review, Pole conducted meetings with officials from three South Kashmir districts - Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama. He also engaged with the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from these districts.

Pole acknowledged the challenges inherent in conducting elections but expressed confidence in the capabilities of the administrative officers to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Moreover, the CEO underscored the significant improvement in the security scenario across Kashmir in recent years. He reiterated that any additional deployment of security forces would be carried out in strict adherence to the norms set forth by the Election Commission of India.

SRINAGAR — The Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole on Saturday said that the media plays the role of watchdog for fair and transparent elections.

Pole during a training programme organized here for the media persons today highlighted the need for a check on fake news and the role of media in ensuring a civil discourse both during and after the election processes.

In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024, a one-day workshop for media personnel was organised at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Darul-Intikhab here. The program was attended by representatives of major news outlets of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

The participants were briefed about all the important aspects of media during the election process including the spread of information, disinformation, fake news, media certification and monitoring committees.

The representatives were also apprised of the code of ethics for social media operations and regulations regarding poll day coverage.

Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole inaugurated the session and stressed the crucial role of media as a watchdog for fair and transparent elections.

National-level master trainers Chand Kishore Sharma and Riaz Ahmed Butt imparted training on several topics including media centres, restrictions of exit and opinion polls, enforcement of MCC and other regulations.

Chief Electoral Officer J&K in his closing address apprised the participants of various election-related aspects highlighting the need for a check on fake news and the role of media in ensuring a civil discourse both during and after the election processes.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining good practices and transparency to ensure peaceful and fair elections.

SRINAGAR — The total number of voters in Jammu & Kashmir has reached 86.93 lahks after the completion of a special summary revision of electoral rolls in the Union Territory, with January 01, 2024 as the qualifying date.

Jammu & Kashmir’s chief electoral officer P.K. Pole on Monday said that as of now, there are 86.93 lakh electors in J&K.

“As of now, there are 86.93 lakh electors which includes 44.35 lakh male and 42.58 lakh female,” he said.

He added that the electoral population ratio has improved from 0.59 to 0.60 and the gender ratio from 924 to 954.

According to details available with the news agency KNO, 2.31 lakh new voters were added to the electoral roll during the revision while 86000 were deleted due to deaths, shifting etc.

During the period of special summary revision, the details of 1.45 lakh electors were corrected, the CEO said.

This is the third revision of electoral rolls in Jammu & Kashmir after the delimitation exercise was completed on May 05, 2022.

According to the details available, the special summary revision with January 1, 2024 as the qualifying date was carried out in two phases.

The first phase involved training the staff involved in the exercise and rationalization of polling booths. As many as 259 new polling stations were created in J&K after consultation with political parties.

The second phase started with the publication of the draft electoral roll on October 17, 2023. The exercise was completed with the publication of the final electoral roll on Monday (January 22)­.

PAMPORE — The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir on Tuesday organized a saffron festival in Karewas of Pampore.

The festival was organized in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, SKUAST Kashmir, Cooperative Societies, and local saffron growers.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Pandurang K Pole said Kashmiri saffron is popular all over the world and it is needed to work together to maintain its reputation. He said the government has introduced several measures to boost saffron production through technological interventions, technological support, and irrigation facilities.

The Divisional Commissioner said that farmers need to take benefit of the technological interventions and make use of the better irrigation facilities and GI certification for better returns. He also exhorted the farmers that they should not use the Karewa land for any other purpose as this land produces the world's best saffron.

He said that the tourists have added to the economy of the locals as the tourists are experiencing the landscape of the saffron fields. He further said that GI tagging has opened new windows for Kashmir saffron and the government is endeavoring to ensure that all the globally accepted quality parameters are met during the cultivation and post-harvest management of the saffron.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, while speaking on the occasion, said that the government is committed to bringing the saffron Karewas on the tourism map of Kashmir and said that wetlands and saffron are an interconnected economy to the local populace of Pampore.

Mr Baseer appreciated the Tourism Department for organizing the festival, thereby creating an interface between tourists and the local saffron growers. He thanked all the stakeholders for their support and cooperation and said that more such festivals will be organized on a larger scale. He said that the participation of locals is a sign of better things to come.

Director Tourism Kashmir, Fazl-ul-Haseeb also spoke on the occasion and said that more festivals will be organized to involve more and more locals in the promotion of saffron, so that the concerned growers' economic interests are secured at all levels. He said the aim of holding a festival at Pampore was to celebrate the uniqueness of the place and the pride saffron cultivation has brought to Kashmir.

Director, Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, saffron growers, representatives of various travel and trade bodies, and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the festival witnessed many cultural events and activities, folk dances, and music performances. A skit by a young artist on Nasha Mukta Abhiyan won accolades from the audience.

SRINAGAR — Amid confusion about whether the Eidgah land in Srinagar will be converted into sports facilities or a cancer hospital, the divisional administration today said that it is so vast that it can accommodate both facilities.

Talking to the news agency KNT, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole said that the ground is so big that it can accommodate all facilities.

"It is Waqf land measuring more than 600 kanals. In length, it is more than 7500 feet and in width, it is 2000 feet. The Wakf Board can build a cancer institute as per its planning," he said.

Pole said temporarily some area is used for playing by surrounding localities. "One portion out of which will be made better for playing to children. The adjacent park is used by elderlies for walks. This park under the management of the Floriculture Department needs normal upkeep, which will be done," he said.

He said that Waqf Board is to decide about the use of the land, including having a cancer hospital on some portion, as per its planning.

"Taking into account the vast area size of the ground, there cannot be any question of either one facility or the other. It can accommodate all as per planning," he said.

Wakf Board chairperson Dr Daraksha Andrabi has said that the Board will build a cancer hospital on its 70 kanals, while the divisional administration has proposed upgradation of sports infrastructure.

SRINAGAR — Eidgah will be developed as a state-of-the-art playground in Shahr-e-Khaas that will have at least 10 scientifically-developed turfs and an upgraded football ground while the park will be upgraded as a major attraction with all modern facilities, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole said on Wednesday.

Talking to the news agency KNO, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir said, “I visited the area today to assess the sports facilities available to the youth. I directed officials to create more sports facilities for youth in the area.”

As far as the cancer facilities are concerned, he said the nearby SKIMS Soura and AIIMS already upgraded facilities to treat cancer patients. “Eidgah will be developed on modern lines as one of the best playgrounds of Shahr-e-Khaas. It will have 10 scientifically-developed turfs for cricket players and an upgraded football ground.

"The nearby park will also be upgraded as a major attraction with all modern facilities,” he said.

Pole’s announcement comes days after Waqf Board Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi stated that the Board will construct a cancer hospital at Eidgah, Srinagar. Her announcement sparked massive protests by the youth of Downtown.

SRINAGAR — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole on Monday said that all trucks stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway will be cleared by tonight and that there were natural reasons for halting trucks on the highway.

Talking to the news agency KNO, Pole said that all trucks including fruit-laden trucks will be cleared on the national highway by tonight. He added that trucks and other vehicles are only halted on the highway when there are shooting stones at some places along the highway and due to inclement weather.

“The allegations levelled by fruit growers’ associations that trucks are deliberately halted on the highway are half truth. By tonight, all trucks will be cleared on the highway,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, a spokesperson said that all stranded Jammu-bound trucks will be cleared by tonight and around 4000 trucks were on their way. The statement reads that around 46,000 goods-laden trucks including 29000 apple trucks have been sent out of Kashmir since September 1.

“The claim made by certain fruit growers’ associations on the halting of fruit trucks is half-truth and natural reasons are hindering traffic. We have difficulties in the movement of traffic on the highway due to rains and resultant shooting stones which is beyond human control,” it added.

It further reads that normally apple production in Kashmir is 17 metric tons but due to abundant rainfall, there has been a bumper crop and will cross 21 metric tons.

“Truckers should use the alternate Mughal road to lessen the burden on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, while the administration is making all efforts to maintain the flow. Drivers of empty vehicles are also appealed to use Mughal road,” it added.

SRINAGAR — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole on Tuesday held a brief meeting with Director Recruiting, Army Recruiting Officer, Col G Suresh to discuss the recruitment rally as per newly announced Agnipath in Kashmir and other related issues.

The Col G Suresh informed that notification for conduct of recruitment rally for candidates of 10 districts of UT of J&K including Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama shall be held from September 17 to September 31, at Haiderbeigh Pattan.

He further informed that the notice has been uploaded on the Indian Army website today. He added the registration for aspirants will be open with effect from July 05, 2022, to August 03, 2022, on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.

Meanwhile, the official appealed to the youth of Valley to avail this 'golden opportunity' to get enrolled into Indian Army as Agniveers.

He asked all the Deputy Commissioners to paste the recruitment notice on notice boards in DC offices for the information of the general public.

For further details, aspirants can contact at arosrinagar123@gmail.com or 0194-2311282 or 0194-2310164.

ANANTNAG — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole on Tuesday said that Amarnath Yatra is not a mere pilgrimage but a major economic push to J&K’s economy as the government expects Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 Crore revenue from six to eight lakh pilgrims, who intend to visit tourist destinations as well.

Talking to reporters at Mir Bazar Anantnag, after reviewing arrangements for the Yatra, Pole said that the Mir Bazar Yatra facility will accommodate 2500 Yatris at a time compared to 500 earlier.

He added that all other arrangements are in place for a smooth pilgrimage this year and he welcomes Yatris with an open heart and may Lord Shiva accept their prayers.

Pole said that this year administration is expecting six to eight lakh pilgrims. "Each pilgrim stays in Kashmir for a week and spends at least Rs 35,000. They visit other tourist destinations of Kashmir as well," he said, adding that the administration is expecting Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 Crore income, which will give a boost to J&K's economy.

He added that there is also a toll-free number for Yatris and clean drinking water and shelter facilities are available at base camps and other points.

Pole further said the Shrine board has also introduced a mobile App for pilgrims that will provide the latest updates to Yatris including the weather update.

SRINAGAR — Refuting the claims, Divisional Commissioner P K Pole on Thursday said that there is no shortage of fuel in Kashmir.

Talking exclusively to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), he said that there is no need to panic as people can go to retail outlets of Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and can refill fuel.

He also said that by evening today, Hindustan Oil Corporation Limited will also have sufficient stock of petrol and diesel and in future, there will not be a price rise in fuel. He clarified that people are not going to face any problems regarding the availability of fuel.

He also advised people to purchase petrol and diesel as per need and don't head to baseless rumours.

Notably, the official remarks came after some commuters claimed that there is a shortage of fuel at some petrol pumps in Kashmir, which is causing inconvenience to the people.

SRINAGAR — Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, PK Pole on Wednesday said that the inquiry into the killing of two civilians in Pulwama was on and if the slain duo is found innocent, the government will provide jobs to the next of kin (NoK) of both the civilians under SRO 43.

According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he also said that the service-related issues of the agitating Kashmiri Pandit employees will be resolved soon and nearly 2100 backlog surgeries have been conducted in the past week during the medical camp organized by the Rotary International in northern and central Kashmir districts.

Addressing a news conference, Pole, who was accompanied by Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad and Dr Rajiv Pradhan, Chief, Rotary Club here said that the magisterial enquiry into the civilian killings in Pulwama is already underway. “The civilian involvement is being probed and if their involvement is not found, all the relief measures and SRO43 benefits will be provided to their families,” Pole said.

About the Kashmiri Pandit employees, he said that he chaired a meeting today with HoDs, Chief Engineers and Directors and they were asked that the positing of these employees should be given close to the towns and district headquarters so that the vulnerable areas will be avoided and the sense of security is ensured to the Kashmiri Pandits.

“All the service-related issues including duties in far-off places, transfers of couples at the same place and other related issues falling under my jurisdiction will be completed soon and implemented on the ground,” Pole said.

Asked about the fire incident at the Traffic headquarters building at midnight, Pole said that these incidents occur especially due to the wooden roof. “Fire and Emergency Service department will visit all the major offices of government departments and conduct a fire audit there. The fire extinguishers will be made available to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

Sharing details of a medical health camp organized by Rotary International, Pole said that the backlog surgeries that were postponed due to the three Covid waves were conducted. “Nearly 2100 surgeries have been conducted at almost 14-15 operation theatres, working from the last one week, which start functioning from morning 7 AM to evening 8 PM,” he said.

The surgeries were conducted in northern and central districts of Kashmir, he said, adding that on the request of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, the camp will be organized in south Kashmir as well.

Dr Rajeev Pradhan, International Rotary Governor, said that the club has been working in different countries to ensure better health for the people. "After northern and central Kashmir, the camp will be organized in south Kashmir on the request by Lieutenant Governor in coming days," he said.

Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad said that there were nearly 8000 backlog surgeries due to the third wave of COVID-19 and in the last week, over 2100 major surgeries were conducted.

“We have already received directions from the Divisional Commissioner to clear the backlog surgeries. We will do that at the earliest,” he said, as per KNO correspondent.

About the heart transplantation surgeries, he said that a survey will be conducted to identify the patients, whose registration will be done following which the procedure will be carried out.

SRINAGAR — The Divisional Administration Kashmir has framed a new policy for the Kashmiri Pandit (KP) employees working under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package (PMRP) that entails the same place of posting for the couples and no more remote area postings for the employees.

The administration is also working providing safe and secure accommodation to the employees.

Talking to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) exclusively, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole said that in the wake of concerns expressed by the KP members, especially the employees working under PMRP following the killing of their colleague in Chadoora, Budgam, the administration has decided to place the couples at one place of posting. “It won’t be like husband will be in one district and wife in another. They will share the same place of posting,” he said.

The Divisional Commissioner said that no KP employee would be posted in a remote area where he or she can become a soft target for militants. “There will be no more remote area postings for KP employees irrespective of their gender,” he said.

Pole said that the administration was also working on providing safe and secure accommodations to KP employees across Kashmir. “It will be ensured that KPs feel safe and secure at the places they will be putting up,” he said, adding that other measures are also in the pipeline that will be accordingly taken.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir visited Vessu, Qazigund along with IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar and held a face and to face interaction with the protesting KPs.

The KPs are up in the arms for the past week against the killing of their colleague Rahul Bhat. Bhat was shot dead inside Tehsil office Chadoora, Budgam last week.

Bhat's killing evoked massive protests and condemnations from the KP community and the civil society. The KPs had threatened to leave Valley en-mass if the administration fails to take concrete measures for their protection and safety.

VESSU (QAZIGUND) — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole on Tuesday visited the protesting Kashmiri Pandits at Vessu in the south Kashmir area of Qazigund and assured them that “all the service-related issues will be resolved within a week’s time” while as other demands will be taken up with top officials.

As per the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Pole, who IGP Kashmir Vijay accompanied, met protesting Kashmiri Pandits at Vessu camp. The protestors handed over the memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner.

A few Kashmiri Pandits were holding placards displaying the slogans “Relocate us to Jammu.” The Kashmiri Pandit community, especially those working in Kashmir under Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package (PMRP), are up in arms for the past one week in the wake of the killing of the employee Rahul Bhat at Tehsil office Chadoora.

Addressing the protestors, the Divisional Commissioner said that all the issues related to the services of Kashmiri Pandits would be resolved within a week as steps are already afoot.

“I assure you that your issues related to jobs, place of postings, districts of postings, promotions etc will be resolved within a week,” Pole told protesting Kashmiri Pandits and assured them all the possible help.

He said that militants have lost their strength in targeting big security installations which they used to do earlier and now they are attacking soft targets including unarmed policemen who visit homes on leave.

“These killings are meant to create fear psychosis among minorities. I can tell you that the security environment in Kashmir is not what it was some 10 years ago. There is a lot of improvement,” he said.

SRINAGAR — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole and Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather are all praise for locals in helping the administration in the evacuation of patients from Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla amid massive fire on Friday night.

“All patients have been evacuated and shifted to various hospitals including SMHS and SKIMS Bemina,” Dr Mushtaq told reporters near Barzulla.

“The cooperation by locals was tremendous and with their timely help, all patients were safely evacuated,” he said, adding, “all doctors and paramedics are also safe.”

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole said that preliminary reports suggest that fire started from OT section and spread with the blast of gas cylinders. He said expressed gratitude to the locals for timely help in the evacuation of the patients.

He said that Principal GMC shall inquire into the reason for the fire and if there were lapses despite the fire safety audit. He also ordered that all LPG cylinders, used for heating purposes to ward off against the winter chill, “have to go since Chillai-e-Kalan” is over already.

Earlier, Health & Medical Education Department said that all patients have been evacuated.

“The Health & Medical Education Deptt is deeply concerned and monitoring the aftermath of the devastating fire incident at B&J Hospital Srinagar,” the department said in a tweet as per GNS. “Reasons are being ascertained why the incident happened despite regular fire safety audits and adequate measures.”

In another tweet, the department said that preliminary information suggests that all patients have been evacuated and are being shifted to other government health facilities.