The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — With the J&K Assembly elections around the corner, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has prohibited the use of children for election-related activities in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

As per the news agency CNS, the ECI has said that the directive is aimed at preventing child labour and exploitation in line with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986.

Giving a stern warning, ECI said that the political candidates and parties should refrain from getting children involved in any campaign activities, including rallies, chanting, and distribution of posters.

To check compliance with the given directive, the Commission has said that it will monitor adherence to these regulations closely and take legal action against any violations.

SRINAGAR — In the spirit of facilitating smooth and transparent elections, the Office of J&K Chief Electoral Officer has issued a detailed communication to all concerned stakeholders on the flow of various permissions that would be required during the campaigning for the upcoming elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.

The permissions placed at the level of the CEO Office include vehicle permission for the transport of campaigning material by political parties across UT, vehicle permission for star campaigners and party office bearers across districts/UT and permissions for video vans across districts at UT level.

Similarly, the permissions placed at the level of the District Election Officer include applications for air balloons, construction of rostrums/barricades, permits to take out a procession with loudspeakers, applications for setting up of temporary party office, applications for rallies, applications for door-to-door canvassing, applications for permission of video van (within the district), vehicle permission for district level office bearer of a political party (within the district), permission for helicopter and helipads and application for load carrier for transport of publicity material by political parties (within the district).

The majority of permissions have been placed at the disposal of Returning Officers. These include the permit for street corner meetings with loudspeakers, permission to hold meetings without loudspeakers, one vehicle for a complete Assembly constituency for the candidate, one vehicle for a complete Assembly constituency area for the election agent of the candidate, one vehicle per Assembly constituency for the party/party worker, vehicle permission for within Assembly constituency, application for pamphlet distribution, application for a vehicle with a loudspeaker, application for display of banners and flags, application for display poster, hoarding and unipolar, application for loudspeaker permit, application for vehicle permit and permit to hold meeting with loudspeaker.

It is pertinent to mention here that all the permissions have been digitized and the political parties/candidates can apply for them directly through SUVIDHA.

The Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, encourages the candidates and political parties participating in the 2024 Assembly elections to utilize these services.

SRINAGAR — As the countdown to the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finalized its list of Prabharies (in-charges) for the Assembly constituencies in the Kashmir region.

As per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, the BJP has appointed Prabharies for constituencies across the Baramulla, Srinagar, and Anantnag parliamentary segments. These appointments come at a time as the BJP seeks to make inroads into a region historically dominated by regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

For the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, key appointments include Gulzar Munshi for the Trehgam constituency, Mumtaz Ahmad Khan for Langate, and Abdul Rehman Lone for Lolab. The BJP has also placed Ghulam Nabi Khan in charge of Kupwara, and Sartaj Majeed has been tasked with overseeing the Karnah constituency.

In the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, Saqib Mir has been nominated as Prabhari for Charar-i-Shareef, while Ghulam Nabi Namtahali has been entrusted with Khansahab. Showkat Raja will oversee Chadoora, and Mohammad Shafi Wani has been appointed as Prabhari for Pampore.

The BJP's focus on the Anantnag parliamentary constituency is equally significant, with Ghulam Nabi Ganie taking charge of Devsar, Zulfikar for DH Pora, and Mohammad Amin Chack for Kulgam. Riyaz Ahmad Ganie has been named Prabhari for Shopian, and Pinka Malik will manage Anantnag West.

It is in place to mention here that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are slated to be held in three phases starting September 18.

SRINAGAR — The leaders of the Opposition parties are scheduled to meet on August 07 at Hotel Raddison in Narwal area of Jammu to discuss several issues.

Senior CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami told the news agency KNO that the meeting will discuss the issue of amendments to the Transaction of Business of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Rules 2019 among others.

He said that all the leaders of the Opposition parties have been requested to attend this meeting.

SRINAGAR — Out of 43 political figures occupying the government quarters without holding any position, the Estates Department in Jammu and Kashmir has evicted only two occupants, the government informed the court on Thursday.

Advocate General D.C. Raina, as per the news agency KNT, submitted before the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi that the government has evicted two politicians Wazira Begum and Sonaullah Lone whereas six more are in the process of being vacated.

The Estates Department despite directions from the court has not evicted influential political figures yet.

Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed argued that Estate Department Directors from Kashmir and Jammu have also failed to explain why these 43 occupants were not charged rental at commercial rates since they are not holding any office as of now.

Advocate Ahmed argued that there cannot be two laws in a similar situation as the government evicted more than 200 politicians including two former chief ministers namely Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti and several ex-ministers but undue favour is being extended to some politicians who are having access to the corridors of power.

The court listed the matter for the next hearing on August 7 with the directions to the Estates Department to report instructions moved by former Finance Minister Abdul Raheem Rather who is seeking clarification that he has already vacated the government accommodation and his name should be removed from the list of occupants.

SRINAGAR — With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections inching closer, Jammu and Kashmir's political arena is poised for significant transformations following the abrogation of Article 370, setting the stage for a riveting electoral contest.

Over the past five years, the region has witnessed a notable shift in political dynamics, with emerging contenders affiliated with non-traditional political entities challenging established family-based parties. Three newly registered parties have surfaced, signalling a departure from conventional politics, while numerous leaders, former ministers, and ex-MLAs are expected to play pivotal roles in the evolving political landscape.

The initial political upheaval post-Article 370 revocation saw senior leaders distancing themselves from established parties. Notably, former minister Syed Altaf Bukhari, once aligned with the People's Democratic Party (PDP), founded the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party. The party's commendable performance in the inaugural District Development Council (DDC) elections challenged the dominance of its parent party.

Similarly, influential leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's formation of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) stirred commotion within the Congress, leading to defections of former ministers and MLAs. DPAP is actively exploring electoral prospects across various constituencies, including Jammu, Udhampur, and Anantnag-Rajouri, while the Apni Party is considering alliance possibilities in Kashmir.

The National Conference (NC) faced setbacks in the Jammu division, with key figures defecting to the BJP in 2022, followed by more recent defections after the hills were granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation status.

Furthermore, several notable figures, including Imran Raza Ansari, Basharat Bukhari, and former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Baig, have severed ties with the PDP, causing friction within the party.

As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, alliances and defections are reshaping political equations, with NC stating its reluctance to engage in seat-sharing agreements with the PDP.

Amidst these developments, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir are anticipated to be a litmus test for the altered political landscape, setting the stage for a captivating electoral battle.

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.

JAMMU — In an effort to regulate political campaigning ahead of elections, the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) will now pre-certify all political advertisements across various mediums in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision comes in accordance with a Supreme Court order from April 13, 2004, and guidelines set forth by the Election Commission of India.

As per a notification released by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, all political advertisements by registered political parties, groups of organizations, associations, contesting candidates, or individuals must undergo pre-certification by the MCMC before being telecast or broadcast on television and cable networks, including cable channels.

This pre-certification requirement extends to advertisements displayed in cinema halls, on radio (including private FM channels), audiovisual displays in public places, e-newspapers, bulk SMS/voice messages, social media platforms, and internet websites. Additionally, print media advertisements are subject to pre-certification for one day before the poll day and on the poll day itself.

Stakeholders have been duly notified through this medium to ensure compliance, with only pre-certified political advertisements authorized by the MCMC at the district or UT level committee to be telecast, broadcast, or posted on social media and internet platforms.

Furthermore, on the day before the poll and on the poll day, only pre-certified print advertisements by the MCMC are permitted in newspapers, magazines, display hoardings, banners, pamphlets, etc. Any violation of these regulations will be seriously viewed, and appropriate actions will be initiated against the violators.

Concurrently, the Chief Electoral Officer has issued guidelines for printers and publishers in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the printing and publication of election-related materials. The notice informs all registered printers and publishers in the Union Territory that the printing and publication of election pamphlets, posters, and related materials are governed by Section 127-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

According to the guidelines, election materials must prominently display the names and addresses of both the printer and the publisher. Printers are required to obtain a declaration from the publisher, signed by them and attested by two known persons, and submit it along with the printed material to the Chief Electoral Officer or the District Magistrate, depending on the location of printing. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties, including imprisonment and fines, as stipulated by law.

Printers are further mandated to furnish four copies of the printed material, along with the publisher's declaration, within three days of printing. Information regarding the number of copies printed and the price charged for the printing job must also be submitted separately for each election-related document.

Any violation of these guidelines or statutory provisions will be met with strict action, including the potential revocation of printing press licenses under relevant state laws.

SRINAGAR — With anticipation mounting, political parties in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are hopeful that the much-awaited Assembly polls could be conducted either independently or simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections later this year.

The last Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir took place in 2014, preceding the reorganization of the erstwhile state into two Union territories on August 5, 2019.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has emphasized that a decision regarding separate or simultaneous elections would be made after a thorough review of security concerns and feedback.

Despite the complexities involved, Kumar maintained that there was no delay on the part of the Election Commission in facilitating Assembly polls in the UT.

The demand for expedited assembly elections has gained momentum from mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar underscored the Commission's awareness of the prevailing "vacuum" in the Union territory, stressing the imperative to address it promptly. He reiterated the Commission's commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities, ensuring timely elections to uphold democratic values.

The news agency KNS reported that a senior BJP leader expressed the party's unwavering readiness for elections, reaffirming their dedication to the democratic process.

Echoing similar sentiments, a representative from the Apni Party emphasized the populace's eagerness for electoral participation, urging the Election Commission to expedite the decision-making process.

The prolonged absence of an elected government has fueled the urgency for timely elections, with political stakeholders advocating for swift action to address the prevailing political vacuum.

Despite reservations expressed by certain National Conference leaders regarding the perceived lack of initiative in conducting overdue assembly elections, the consensus remains firm on the imperative of electoral governance.

Asserting the need for decisive action, stakeholders emphasize the pivotal role of the Election Commission in mitigating the political vacuum and fulfilling the populace's democratic aspirations.

Amid ongoing deliberations, the Election Commission stands as the final authority on the matter, tasked with navigating the complexities and assessing the ground realities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Jammu and Kashmir administration are pivotal in providing crucial insights into the prevailing situation, facilitating informed decision-making by the Election Commission.

Despite the absence of a formal announcement, political activities continue unabated in the region, with parties mobilizing supporters and advocating for timely elections.

Ravinder Raina, President of the BJP, reiterated the party's commitment to electoral governance, expressing optimism for imminent polls.

The prevailing sentiment among BJP leaders reflects a sense of readiness and confidence in securing a decisive mandate to steer Jammu and Kashmir towards a new era of governance and development.

As political fervour intensifies, stakeholders eagerly await the Election Commission's decision, hopeful for a swift resolution that will pave the way for democratic governance and pave the path for Jammu and Kashmir's inclusive development.

SRINAGAR — The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated discussions with political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to assess readiness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

They engaged with various parties including National Conference, PDP, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and AAP.

The National Conference emphasized the importance of conducting assembly elections alongside the Lok Sabha polls. PDP also advocated for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

Following these consultations, the Election Commission will review election preparedness with District Election Officers and police officials.

Later, they will meet with Jammu and Kashmir's chief electoral officer and police nodal officers. Similar interactions are scheduled for Jammu on Wednesday.

There's been a growing demand for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections or immediate assembly polls after the general elections, notably from former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Secretary has also taken measures to ensure smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha polls.

SRINAGAR — Leaders across political spectrums extended warm greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, celebrated as 'Herath' by Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing the festival's significance in fostering harmony and unity among communities.

Awami National Conference (ANC) President Khalida Shah and Senior Vice President Mr Muzzafar Shah conveyed their heartfelt greetings to Kashmiri Pandits, recognizing Maha Shivratri's religious and cultural importance.

Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, greeted people on the auspicious occasion, recognizing the festival's values of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. She echoed sentiments of unity and prayed for peace and prosperity.

In a statement, ANC also stated, "Maha Shivratri, which our Pandit brethren celebrate as Herath, is one of the auspicious festivals. It has both religious and cultural significance, keeping our composite culture alive." They wished for a prosperous celebration, hoping the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to all.

Similarly, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, extended greetings, highlighting the festival's representation of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. He emphasized its role in teaching unity among diverse communities, praying for peace and prosperity.

Director General of Police, J&K, R.R Swain, acknowledged Maha Shivratri's profound significance, symbolizing strength and resilience. He paid tribute to police personnel and martyrs, urging citizens to join hands in fostering a secure environment, emphasizing values of unity and justice.

PULWAMA — In a proactive move to address community concerns, Javed Rahim Bhat, the District Development Council member representing Pulwama B, visited Lonepora village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district today as part of his ongoing public outreach program.

During the program, Bhat actively engaged with the residents, lending a patient ear to their grievances. The primary concerns voiced by the locals included the pressing need for a playground, access to safe drinking water, and the improvement of interior roads in the area.

Acknowledging the significance of these issues, Javed Rahim Bhat assured the community that all their concerns would be addressed in a timely manner.

In a notable development, Bhat received gratitude from the residents for successfully resolving the long-standing electricity problem. He had previously fulfilled their demand by providing a 63kv transformer to a Mohalla, marking a significant step in meeting the community's needs.

Encouraged by the positive response to his efforts, Bhat expressed his commitment to the welfare of the people. The demand for the macadamization of interior roads in the area resonated strongly among the residents, prompting Bhat to assure them that this issue would also be taken up promptly.

As the public outreach program continues, Javed Rahim Bhat's proactive engagement with the community reflects a dedicated approach to addressing the immediate concerns of the residents, signalling a positive step towards holistic development in the region.

SRINAGAR — As Parliamentary elections are likely to be held in May and April this year, the chances of pre-poll alliance in Jammu and Kashmir seem "bleak" and "uncertain" as regional mainstream political parties including NC and PDP are yet to reach any seat sharing concensus, sources said on Saturday.

They said the aim of the pre-poll alliance was to give tough fight to Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in forthcoming Parliamentary elections which according to the opposition has damaged the very essence of the Constitution of the country and divided people on communal and religious lines.

Sources said that parties including NC, PDP and Congress are adamant about leaving space to other political parties in those constituencies where they have a strong foothold, resulting in the parties not reaching any consensus on seat sharing.

"Both PDP and Congress claim South Kashmir as their bastion and are not ready to allow other parties to field candidates there. Similarly, NC and Altaf Bukhari-led Apni Party are also not ready to give up in North Kashmir," top sources revealed.

They said the pre-poll unison in the Jammu region also seems North Pole and South Pole-like situation where political parties have decided to fight upcoming Lok Sabha polls without being in an alliance.

SRINAGAR — Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court's verdict upholding the constitutional validity of the Centre's August 05, 2019 move to abrogate provisions of Article 370 and bifurcate the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.

As per the news agency KNO, the five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, on Monday ruled that the provisions of Article 370 were temporary, and there were no issues with the exercise of power under Article 370(3) by the President in issuing the August 2019 order.

National Conference

Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Omar Abdullah while expressing dissatisfaction with the verdict pledged to continue the party's “struggle for the restoration” of Article 370.

During a live stream on X (formerly Twitter), Omar described the decision as unexpected. He apologised to the people for not securing a favourable outcome.

“… We were not expecting such a verdict. We were hoping for justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the highest court of the country. Unfortunately, we could not convince the 5-bench judges of the SC but I can say with certainty that we could not have done more than that. The fact is that our opponents also admitted that the National Conference left no stone unturned to defend the case and we could not have expected our lawyers Kapil Sibal and Gopala Subramaniam to present our case in a better way. In this moment of collective despair, we apologize to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and to those in the country who wanted us to succeed in this fight,” he said.

Despite the setback, the former chief minister said he will continue his “political and constitutional fight within the realm of law”.

“I want to tell the people that the matter does not end here, our efforts will not end here. Apart from the court, our position has always been that this is a political fight, a constitutional fight, a fight within the realm of law,” he added.

People’s Democratic Party

Former Chief Minister and President People's Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, urged the people not to lose hope, saying the Supreme Court's decision is not the “final destination”. She criticised the government for “betraying” the people and called the verdict a blow to “the idea of India”.

"It is not our failure, but a failure of the idea of India. During the partition, J&K aligned with Gandhi's secular India, so it is the demise of that ideal, not ours," Mehbooba said.

Meanwhile, the PDP in a separate statement said it has suspended all of its political activities for the next one week. “The decision has been taken in order to stand in solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the wake of the Supreme Court of India’s judgment on the issue of Article 370,” the party said.

CPI(M)

CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, while criticising the verdict, raised concerns about its impact on the federal structure of the Constitution. Tarigami also alleged that he was not allowed to leave his residence. He said media visits were prohibited, and there was an armoured vehicle stationed outside his gate.

The CPI(M) leader said the verdict implies that Jammu and Kashmir no longer retains any element of sovereignty after the signing of the Instrument of Accession, hence rendering the Constitution of J&K redundant.

He also criticised the verdict for treating J&K like any other state in the Indian Union, thereby depriving it of the special features granted to other regions under various clauses of Article 371.

“The verdict has evaded going into the merits of downgrading the state of J&K into two Union Territories, stating that the Solicitor General has promised the return of statehood. At the same time, the creation of a separate Ladakh Union Territory is upheld as valid. So, the restoration is not for the original state of J&K, but only a part of it and even that remains an assurance on paper,” the party said in a statement.

"Strangely, the Supreme Court directs the Election Commission of India to hold polls in J&K at the earliest not later than September 30, 2024. The verdict, thus, gives the Central government a long rope to retain control over J&K," the CPI(M) added.

Democratic Progressive Azad Party

Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad termed the verdict as “sad and unfortunate”, saying the people of J&K are disappointed. “But we have to accept it,” he added.

Congress leader Dr Karan Singh

Congress leader and the son of the last Maharaja of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr Karan Singh welcomed the decision. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restore statehood soon.

He advised those unhappy with the judgment to accept reality and acknowledge that the Supreme Court has validated the action.

"There's no point in unnecessarily hitting their head against the wall," Singh said and suggested redirecting energies towards preparing for the next elections instead of fostering negativity.

People’s Conference

Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone expressed disappointment with the SC's decision on Article 370, saying, “The Supreme Court's decision on Article 370 is disheartening. Once again, justice seems out of reach for the people of J&K.”

“Article 370 may be legally erased, but it will always be a part of our political aspirations,” Lone said in a statement.

Regarding the issue of statehood, Sajad said, “The Supreme Court avoided commenting on it, possibly safeguarding the entire country from potential misuse by citing precedence.” However, he expressed hope for “justice” at a “later date”.

Apni Party

Apni Party said the Supreme Court's verdict has saddened the people of Jammu and Kashmir “to the core”. “Over the years and decades, people had been led to believe that this article of the constitution was permanent,” the party said in a statement.

The party said, “The verdict from a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, has now clarified that the article is gone forever, leaving people deeply disheartened. It is the responsibility of the Central government to come forward and assure the people that they will not be subjected to disempowerment.”

Apni Party has urged the government to bring the domicile law into the constitutional framework in a way that guarantees the exclusive rights of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir to land and jobs.

“Additionally, the government should ensure the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the prompt holding of assembly elections. This will enable the residents to exercise their democratic right of choosing their own representatives,” the party said.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday lashed out at the regional parties who have opposed the recent decision of giving 'homes to homeless', stating that “gone are the days when some people were acting as the owners of government property and funds.”

Addressing the National Tribal Festival at SKICC here, the LG, as per the news agency KNO, said that the recent announcement of giving land to 2711 landless families and homes to those who are homeless has pinched some people who have started to oppose the move.

“I want to tell them that gone are the days when they were treating themselves as the owners of government property and funds. Gone are the days when they were taking decisions that suit their political interests. They grabbed state land, constructed huge houses for themselves and left the poor to suffer. The same people are now misleading the common people,” the LG said in an obvious reference to National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and other regional politicians who had opposed the administration’s decision.

While Omar had questioned who were the homeless in J&K, PDP chief Mehbooba had stated that the move was aimed to convert J&K into a slum by bringing outsiders to settle here.

The LG said that Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana was implemented across the country except for J&K. “Now that the scheme is being implemented in J&K too, some people feel the pain. This is PM (Narendra Modi’s) dream and will be fulfilled,” he said. “Each homeless family will get 5 malras of land, so that they can build their dream house.”

Praising the tribal community for their contribution to the 'peaceful and developed' J&K, the LG said that a series of steps have been made for the welfare of tribal people that include training tools and that there is a proposal to conduct buyer-seller meets for them as well.

“Efforts are on to train the tribal youth for prestigious exams and ensure free coaching for them,” the LG said. He said that the ancestors of the tribal community have paid huge sacrifices for J&K even after suffering a lot.

“August 5, 2019 was a historic day for the tribal community as the day ended disparity for them,” the LG said and added that not just the Tribal Affairs Department but other departments of the administration will work with close synergy for the welfare of tribals.

He said that a fresh web portal will have a database of all four lakh tribal people in J&K that will help track them anytime. “There will be free transport for the tribals during their migration period so that they can reach their destinations within two days instead of a month. Free ambulance services will also be provided to them. Primary health services will also be set up to cater to the health needs of tribals,” the LG said.

He also announced that Tribal Affairs Institute (TAI) will be further upgraded and youth will be trained to extract herbs in forests.

SRINAGAR — Election Commission of India (ECI) has invited all political parties across the country to participate in a meeting in New Delhi, officials said on Friday.

An official while speaking to the Srinagar-based news agency KDC, said that the Election Commission of India has invited all major political parties in India including JK PDP and JKNC to participate in a meeting at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on January 16.

He said, "The Election Commission of India has developed a prototype to enable remote voting for migrant workers and students and called an all-party meeting on January 16 to demonstrate the technology designed to address low voter turnout and to seek feedback."

"The purpose of the meeting is the demonstration of EVMs & VVPATs by ECI," he added.

"You are requested to provide a list of the attendees willing to attend the event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi to this office for onward transmission to the Election Commission of India," reads a letter sent by Chief Electoral Officer J-K to Presidents/General Secretaries of PDP and NC.

JAMMU — After the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, 107 political leaders have either vacated or evicted from the government quarters. This information was shared by the Estates Department in response to an application filed under the Right to Information Act by senior Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed.

The Estates Department has revealed that pursuant to the judgment, dated February 18, 2021, passed by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in WF2 No:24/2020, necessary actions were initiated. However, it is worth mentioning that after the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly, all the ex-ministers and political leaders who were occupying government accommodations were requested to vacate the government accommodation. "Most of them vacated voluntarily and eviction proceedings were initiated in a phased manner against those who did not vacate the accommodation after the expiry of their allotment."

The Estates Department, as per the news agency KNT, has said that the department is in the process of evicting all such occupants who have not vacated or evicted. Almost 107 political leaders were evicted from Jammu government quarters.

Despite notices being served to some BJP leaders, they have not vacated the government quarters. These leaders include Kavinder Gupta (occupant of government bungalow number 4, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu) Bali Baghat (occupant of government bungalow number 2, Wazarat Road Jammu) and Sunil Kumar (occupant of government bungalow number 14, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu).

Pertinently, in Kashmir Valley, even former Jammu Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti vacated the Gupkar-based official bungalow.

SRINAGAR — The Kashmir Pandits continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day in Vessu area of Qazigund against innocent killings in Kashmir.

Protestors on the occasion, while talking to the news agency— Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the government is issuing statements on their own without taking Kashmiri Pandits on board.

They must take Kashmir Pandits on board before taking any decision and issuing statements, they said, adding that they must be posted in Jammu till any concrete road map won't be formed by the government when all six lakh Pandits will return to Kashmir at a time.

“Posting us at DC offices is not a solution as we have to reach there and reaching there won't be safe for us,” they added.

Former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Gh Nabi Azad talked to protesters on phone and assured them that he is going to take up their issues with the Centre and their all genuine demands will be accepted.

PAGD spokesperson and CPIM leader M Y Tarigami, who visited Vessu Qazigund on Monday, requested protestors not to leave Kashmir as it is not the solution and it is the duty of everyone to protect everyone.

On the occasion, Tarigami said that it will be a festival for both Pandits and Muslims when both communities will live together here safely.

“Keep government assurances aside, the need of the hour at present is that Pandits need assurances from the Muslim community about their safety. All civil society members and common people must come forward to assure Pandits about their safety to keep enemies of brotherhood at bay,” he said.