The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — In a noteworthy acknowledgement of their valour and dedication to maintaining peace in the Kashmir valley post the abrogation of Article 370, 72 officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been honoured with the prestigious Medal for Gallantry (GM) on Republic Day.

The gallantry awards extend beyond Jammu and Kashmir, with 65 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 26 from Chhattisgarh, 23 from Jharkhand, 18 from Maharashtra, 15 from Odisha, 8 from Delhi, and 21 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) also receiving the Medal for Gallantry (GM).

Breaking down the 277 Gallantry Awards, 133 personnel hail from Jammu & Kashmir, 119 from Left Wing Extremism affected areas, and 25 from other regions. Additionally, two Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) have been awarded to BSF personnel serving in the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

Adding to the honour list, a senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs posted in Jammu and Kashmir has been awarded the President's Medal for Distinguished Service for their key role in multiple 'Anti-Terror Operations' in the Jammu region.

Out of the 102 President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), 94 have been awarded to the Police Service, four to the Fire Service, and four to Civil Defence & Home Guard Service. Additionally, out of the 753 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM), 667 have been awarded to the Police Service, 32 to the Fire Service, 27 to Civil Defence & Home Guard Service, and 27 to the Correctional Service.

The gallantry awards also extend to 12 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) for their operations in the Kashmir valley, with a majority recognized for their efforts during the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. Notable awardees include Mohd Rafee Rather, Dr Shammi Kumar, Sajad Ahmad Malik, Qazi Shamas-Ul-Muzaffar Amin, Rohit Kumar, Mohd Ashraf, Mohan Lal, Faizan Ali, Mumtaz Ali, Sumit Kumar Sharma, Zafar Mahdi, and Nissar Ahmad Darzi.

A senior official emphasized that many of the awardees played pivotal roles in maintaining control in the region post the abrogation of Article 370, contributing significantly to the success of 'Anti-Terror Operations'.

These accolades particularly recognize the efforts of officials engaged in 'Counter-Terror Operations' in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the valley, where they displayed conspicuous acts of gallantry to save lives and avert threats to the nation, often at the risk of their own lives.

Among the recipients are IPS officers Sudhansu Verma (2015 batch) and Tanushree (2017 batch), who served as district chiefs in Kashmir, showcasing exemplary courage and leadership.

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SRINAGAR — Ahead of the Republic Day, a drone camera of the Army went missing during a search operation in Malikpora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.

Sources told the news agency CNS that the search party of 55 Rashtriya Rifles was carrying out the search operation in the Malikpora area during which the Army had used its drone camera, which mysteriously went missing in the air.

They said that no clue was found regarding the drone camera, which plays a pivotal role in the search operations or usual scrutiny conducted by the forces in the suspected areas.

It is pertinent to mention that the security forces across Kashmir have been intensifying the checkings and using surveillance equipment to prevent any untoward incident from happening on the eve of Republic Day.

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SRINAGAR — Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone VK Birdhi on Wednesday said that there will be no restrictions on the movement of people on Republic Day and they are welcome to participate in the function.

The IGP Kashmir was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a full-dress rehearsal at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar ahead of the Republic Day function.

In response to a couple of queries, he said that all security measures are in place and police have already coordinated with security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the January 26 celebrations.

VK Birdhi said the entire security grid is vigilant and foolproof security arrangements are in place.

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JAMMU — The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has decided to extend the winter vacation for schools in Jammu's summer zone due to the prevailing extreme cold weather conditions. The new extension will be in effect until January 27, 2024.

"In view of prevailing extreme cold conditions and in continuation to previous orders, all the schools up to 12th class functioning in Summer Zones of Jammu Division shall observe vacations from January 22, 2024, to January 27, 2024," reads an official order from DSEJ.

The order specified that students engaged in Republic Day celebrations' rehearsals are exempted from the extended vacation period.

"However, students practising for participation in Republic Day celebrations shall continue to come for the rehearsal, and the Head of Institutions (HOIs) shall ensure that all the arrangements for the Republic Day Function are in place (including enthusiastic participation of the students)," the order further stated.

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SRINAGAR — All the Republic Day functions passed off peacefully and there was no untoward incident reported from anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday.

An unnamed senior police officer, quoted by the news agency KNO, said that elaborate security arrangements were in place across the UT, especially in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar. “A multi-layer security cover was in place to ensure the smooth passage of all Republic Day functions and we succeeded in that…,” the officer said.

In Jammu, a main function was held in Moulana Azad Stadium Jammu where LG unfurled the tricolour while in Srinagar, the main event was organized in the highly fortified S K Stadium where LG’s Advisor RR Bhatnagar took salute of the parade and unfurled the national flag. In Srinagar, a cultural program was also organized in which school children also participated.

A huge deployment of security forces including police and CRPF was made on highways, roads and streets in Srinagar and Jammu to keep a close watch on the suspects. “The day passed off peacefully and there was no untoward incident reported from any part of the UT,” the police officer said.

For the first time, shops were seen open in Lal Chowk and Residency Road areas of the city centre in Srinagar. Reports said that shops were open in the southern districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian.

Reports said that Republic Day functions held in Kashmir districts including Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag passed off peacefully.

‘J&K witnessing new dawn of development, peace’

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar said that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a new dawn of development from the last three years.

Addressing a gathering on the eve of Republic Day at SK Stadium here, Advisor Bhatnagar highlighted the works and developmental projects carried out by the LG-led administration. He said that in the last three years, J&K is witnessing a new dawn from the last three years in terms of development, peace and progress.

He said that the incumbent administration is giving priority to the health sector and many initiatives have been taken to ensure better healthcare for the people. “In this regard, the government has come up with two AIIMS Institutes in J&K at the cost of Rs 4000 crore. The AIIMS in Kashmir to be completed by 2025 while 15 medical colleges and other related institutions have also come up in the UT,” he said.

He added that in the field of medical education, 2100 seats have been increased.

Several schemes have been launched to benefit the farmers in the Union Territory, he said, adding that under the different schemes, the farmers are being assisted. He said 33000 farmers have provided Rs 56 crore under one of the schemes.

The development has taken pace and in the PM Gram Sadak Yojana, J&K has been ranked 3rd from 21st rank this year. The road length for macadamization has been increased from 2200 kilometers to 3500 kilometers while a record 8000 kilometers will be macadamized this year.

Several other initiatives have been taken up by the government, he said, adding that the international flights have started while Kashmir will be connected with Kanyakumari through rail by next year.

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SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir’s security grid has been put on a high alert in the wake of the upcoming Republic Day and the ensuing Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY) while as frisking has been intensified in Srinagar, Jammu highways, and sensitive areas of the Union Territory.

A senior police official, as per the news agency KNO, said that for the Republic Day, the security grid has been tightened and forces including police and CRPF have been deployed across the UT and all sorts of arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth passage of all official functions of January 26.

“This time around, we have a double challenge—one of Republic Day and another of BJY. Extra deployments have been made wherever necessary and all security agencies have been directed to maintain the highest level of alertness to foil the evil designs,” the official said, wishing not to be named.

BJY led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has already entered Jammu and is scheduled to reach Srinagar on January 30.

He said that all vigil is being maintained on the highways, in sensitive areas, and in all major cities and towns. “In Jammu city, deployment has been made for both Republic Day and the BJY while similar arrangements have been put in place in Srinagar district,” the officer said.

Eyewitnesses said that in Jammu city, police and paramilitary CRPF men have launched massive frisking operations while a close watch is being maintained on the suspects.

In Srinagar, police including the women police and CRPF have started intense frisking operations with commuters travelling on four-wheelers and two-wheelers being frisked thoroughly. “I was travelling from Pantha Chowk to Sonwar and was stopped by CRPF men. I was asked to show the ID card. The CRPF men also took my photograph and when I asked why he took the snap, he replied that he had to show it to his superior,” said Showkat Ahmed, a resident of Pantha Chowk.

Police sources said that as part of the heightened security grid for the peaceful conduct of Republic Day and BJY, all the CCTVs have been made functional in Srinagar and in all districts of Kashmir while the movement of vehicles and pedestrians is being closely watched from the respective control rooms of police.

A police source said that it was likely to go for aerial surveillance through drones in Srinagar and Jammu on January 26 to maintain aerial vigil. “We may use drones a day ahead of Republic Day,” he said, adding, “Night patrolling is also being conducted in several areas of Kashmir and Jammu.”

Many other commuters and auto-drivers said that they were stopped at multiple points from Dalgate to Lal Chowk and thoroughly frisked.

The main Republic Day function will be held at Jammu where LG Manoj Sinha will unfurl the tri-colour. In Srinagar, LG’s Advisor, Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar will take the salute of the parade and also hoist the national flag.

Pertinently, LG Sinha told reporters at Zewan, Srinagar on January 20 that elaborate security arrangements have been made to facilitate BJY. Earlier, DGP Dilbagh Singh had stated that all security measures were in place for the smooth conduct of all official functions on Republic Day eve across the UT.

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JAMMU — At least six civilians were injured in twin mysterious blasts in Narwal area of Jammu district on Saturday, just four days ahead of Republic Day and the scheduled Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra, police said here.

An official, while speaking to the news agency KNO, said that two back-to-back blasts occurred near the bus yard of Transport Nagar in Narwal on Saturday morning.

He said in the twin blasts, six civilians were injured and they have been evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the Additional Director General of Police Jammu, Mukesh Singh also confirmed the incident and said six people have been injured.

Following the incident, police, bomb disposal squad, and forensic experts reached the spot. “The nature was the blast was not known yet, while the matter is being investigated,” said the official.

He said massive searches have been launched in the area, while special checkpoints have also been set up on different routes.

The blasts took place even as security forces are on high alert in view of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and the upcoming Republic Day.

LG Sinha condemns twin blasts in Jammu’s Narwal

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha condemned the twin blasts in Narwal area of Jammu.

In a statement, a spokesperson said senior police officials have briefed the Lt Governor about the blast and on the state of the investigation.

As per the statement, he called for urgent steps to identify and take action against those responsible. “Such dastardly acts highlight the desperation and cowardice of those responsible. Take immediate and firm action. No efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Lt Governor told the security officials.

He has offered heartfelt sympathies to those injured and also announced relief of Rs. 50,000 to those injured in the incident. He said that the administration would ensure the best possible treatment and extend every help required by the families.

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SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police chief, Dilbagh Singh on Tuesday said that there are no threat inputs to the upcoming Bharat Jodo Yatra and that all security measures have been taken to facilitate it when it reaches the UT.

“I chaired a security review and BJY was also discussed. There is no threat to the Yatra. All security measures will be taken to facilitate it at district and range level,” DGP told reporters in Srinagar on the sidelines of a function as per the news agency KNO.

Replying to a query, the DGP said police have got some vital clues with regard to the Rajouri attacks and that success will be achieved soon. The DGP said that police have got some vital clues during the investigation. “The area is close to the forest and after frequent militant sightings, four-five unsuccessful operations have been launched. As far as the investigation is concerned, we have got some solid clues and the arrests will be made soon. I hope that success will be achieved soon,” he said.

DGP also said that “the main character behind terrorism in J&K and other parts of the country from across the border is being exposed at the international level. Measures are being taken to tighten up the process against the involved people and notify them as terrorists. The profile of these persons is also being sent to the different organizations working against terrorism.”

Meanwhile, DGP chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar in which senior officers of Kashmir Zone participated. A police spokesman said that the meeting reviewed the crime and security scenario of the Valley. He said that arrangements for the upcoming Republic Day were also discussed.

Addressing the officers, the DGP said that action against the terror ecosystem must be carried forward meticulously and in a coordinated manner. "Although J&K Police along with other forces has got successes across Jammu and Kashmir against the terrorists, stringent actions against the terror support system, narcotics and narco-terror modules should be continued with an aim to bring an end to it," the spokesman said, adding that the DGP stressed upon the jurisdictional officers to ensure direct supervision of UAPA, NDPS and other special reported heinous cases so that the investigation and disposal of all pending cases as well as of new cases are brought to a logical conclusion on priority.

Reviewing the arrangements for the upcoming Republic Day functions, the DGP directed for ensuring all required and necessary security arrangements are in place. “He directed for coordination and synergy among all the stakeholders. He directed the officers that while dealing with any situation, they should ensure that law-abiding people are not put to any inconvenience during their day-to-day activities. He also directed for stringent action against OGWs or anyone supporting terrorism, or narco-terror modules in the UT,” the spokesman said.

Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra plan in J&K

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra is set to enter Jammu and Kashmir for its culmination after covering around 4000 kilometers distance, the foot march by the Parliamentarian has certainly become a talking point among the people.

As per the news agency KNO, Rahul Gandhi will spend around 11 days in Jammu and Kashmir and participate in various public meets, interactions besides visiting famous temples, shrines and iconic spots.

Member Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Incharge Jammu Kashmir Congress Committee, Rajni Patil informed that Rahul-led Bharat Jodo Yatra will be entering into Jammu and Kashmir on January 19, after a grand flag handover ceremony in Punjab’s Pathankot.

“After Haryana leg and Punjab leg, the Yatra will march into Jammu and Kashmir via Lakhanpur. And will be in the state for almost 11-12 days, followed by a grand function in Srinagar for its successful culmination, where all Congress chief ministers and senior leaders of Opposition are likely to participate,” MP Patil said.

She further said that, after entering J&K, Yatra will be welcomed at Maharaja Gulab Singh’s status at Lakhanpur and then march forward.

“The BJY is staying in containers and its first halt will be at Hatli Morh, Kathua. On January 20, it will resume at 7:00 in the morning from Hatli Morch and break at Channi, while the stay will be in Chadwal," she said, adding, “January 21 is a break day, while on January 22, it will further resume from Hiranagar and make a night halt at Duggar Havali, Samba.”

Patil further said that a grand rally is planned on January 23 at Satwari Jammu and a night halt will be at Shidra in the outskirts while on January 24, the Yatra will break for two times and a night halt is planned at Udhampur.

“Similarly, it will resume on January 15 and make its night halt in Ramban while itinerary in Kashmir hasn’t been announced fully and still updating,” she said and added that a grand culminating ceremony is planned at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium Srinagar where a large number of people, chief minister of Congress-led states, likeminded Opposition leaders are likely to participate.

A Congress leader informed that the march is planned in such a way that it passes through iconic places and places of religious faiths, where Rahul is likely to visit. However, the party sources added that Rahul is unlikely to visit outer peripheries and border areas during his visit due to security issues.

As per sources, security concerns for the Yatra also mounted as it is set to enter Jammu and Kashmir, where encounters between 'terrorists' and security forces have often taken place, in the third week of this month.

According to party sources, Rahul is unlikely to visit the border belt and Vaishno Devi shrine. However, he will be visiting Raghunath Ji temple, Bawe Wali Mata Temple during his stay in Jammu.

The Congress has exhorted “like-minded” groups and individuals to join the march to keep the BJP at bay. Jammu and Kashmir is a crucial state for Congress as it reaches a very crucial time, with Assembly elections approaching in near future.

The J&K Legislative Assembly was suspended after the BJP fell out with Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in June 2018. But between 2014 – when the BJP-PDP alliance was struck – and 2018 – when they split – much of the political and demographic landscape in the Valley has shifted.

The Gupkar alliance of Kashmiri parties has developed cracks, with the National Conference announcing to go it alone, and the UT has undergone a delimitation exercise.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra’s stated goal is to “unite the country” but the Congress is seen to use this massive mass-contact programme to address its existential crisis triggered by the exits of top leaders (the latest being Ghulam Nabi Azad), dissent, infighting (Rajasthan is a case in point) and a string of poll defeats.

Launched on September 7, 2022, from Kanyakumari, the southern tip of the peninsula, to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, spanning 3,570 kilometers, which will come to its end on January 30.

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