Srinagar: Below is the timeline of weeklong key public events and engagements of top public dignitaries held within and outside J&K this week:-
1. LG Manoj Sinha Chairs 47th Board Meeting of Amarnathji Shrine Board: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the 47th Board meeting of the Amarnathji Shrine Board at Raj Bhawan. Under his chairmanship, the Board praised the efforts of various agencies including the Civil Administration, Jammu & Kashmir Police, Army, CAPFs, Disaster Response Forces, SASB, health and sanitation workers, service providers, and other stakeholders for their role in the successful conduct of Yatra.
2. “ECI Sets Up Special Polling Stations for Kashmiri Migrants: In a significant move to facilitate voting for Kashmiri migrants, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 24 special polling stations across Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election 2024. This initiative aims to simplify the voting process for displaced Kashmiri voters residing outside their home state. The ECI has eliminated the need for Form-M for migrants in Jammu and Udhampur, following a similar decision made during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
3. Government Announces Paid Holidays For Assembly Elections 2024: The Jammu and Kashmir government has declared paid holidays on polling days for the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, according to a government order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on Friday. This provision aims to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the electoral process across the 90 Assembly Constituencies. Under Section 135 B of the Representation of the People Act 1951, employees will not face any deduction or reduction in wages for their absence from work on election days.
4. Admin to Implement Home Voting System for Elderly Voters in Upcoming Assembly Elections”: Jammu and Kashmir is set to introduce a home voting system for the upcoming assembly elections to assist elderly voters facing mobility challenges. This initiative will allow seniors to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes, ensuring they are not excluded from the democratic process.
5. DGP R.R. Swain Reviews Security Arrangements And Election Preparations In Doda, Kishtwar: Director General of Police, J&K, R.R. Swain visited Doda and Kishtwar districts of the Jammu Zone to assess the security situation and review preparations for the upcoming Legislative Assembly Elections 2024. He chaired high-level security review and election preparedness meetings in both districts, evaluating the security strategies for the upcoming elections.
6. “ECI Briefs Over 400 Observers For Upcoming Elections In J&K And Haryana:
As Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana prepare for their upcoming assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a comprehensive briefing for over 400 observers on Thursday. CEC Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S. S. Sandhu, emphasized the crucial role these observers will play in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections. Around 200 General Observers, 100 Police Observers, and 100 Expenditure Observers are set to be deployed in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
7. “Rahul Gandhi Reiterates Commitment To Restoring J&K’s Statehood”: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a top priority for him and his party. In Srinagar, Gandhi emphasized his deep connection with the region, describing it as a “blood relationship” that spans generations.
8. Dr. Farooq Abdullah Confirms National Conference-Congress Alliance FFor J&K Elections: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah confirmed the alliance between the National Conference and Congress for all ninety seats in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a press conference, Abdullah stated that the India Alliance in Jammu and Kashmir is progressing smoothly as political parties prepare for the upcoming elections. He mentioned that discussions on seat-sharing have reached a significant milestone and will be formalized soon.
Seven Dead And 22 Injured In Bus Accident Near Durbuk, Ladakh: Seven people were killed and 22 injured when a school bus lost control and plunged into a 200-metre deep gorge near Durbuk, Ladakh. The bus, belonging to Lamdon School in Leh, was en route to a marriage function when the tragedy occurred around 11:30 am. The vehicle veered off the road before tumbling into the gorge. Rescue operations were promptly initiated by the Civil Administration, Police, and Army following the incident.
9. “Jammu And Kashmir CEO Urges First-Time Voters To Participate In Electoral Process”: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pandurang K Pole urged first-time voters to ensure their maximum participation in the electoral process. During an interaction with first-time voters from Jammu University, CEO Pole emphasized the importance of exercising their voting rights and encouraged students to actively engage in the upcoming elections.
10. “Jammu and Kashmir Heightens Vigilance Amidst Global Rise in Monkeypox Cases”: In response to the global increase in Monkeypox (Mpox) cases, Jammu and Kashmir is maintaining heightened vigilance. The Health Department Kashmir has initiated training for healthcare professionals on control measures for Mpox, despite no alerts from relevant authorities. The orientation sessions are underway to prepare healthcare workers for potential cases. The department is committed to ensuring free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections while preparing health facilities and testing readiness.
