K H Snippets: J&K This Week

Srinagar: Following is the timeline of weeklong public events and engagements of top public dignitaries within and outside J&K:-

1. BJP Rally At Doda Stadium; Thousands Gather For Modi’s Address: Thousands of enthusiastic BJP supporters have packed the Doda Stadium in Jammu and Kashmir, eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address. The stadium, with a 50,000-capacity, is nearly full, with more attendees expected to arrive. This rally is one of the largest seen in the region in recent years, surpassing even Indira Gandhi’s 1982 visit. Devotees have traveled from Tatri, Mala, Bhaderwah, Godu, and Kishtwar since early morning to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
2. Security Forces Intensify Counter-Infiltration Operations Ahead Of J&K Elections: In a determined effort to thwart any militant attempts along the borders, security forces have intensified counter-infiltration operations in Jammu and Kashmir as the region prepares for its upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Bhaderwah, Doda, Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF) for Jammu Frontier assured that the borders are fully secured. He emphasized that the BSF, working in close coordination with other security agencies, including the police, has implemented robust counter-infiltration measures to ensure that the election process proceeds without disruption.
3. LG Sinha’s Greetings On Hindi Diwas: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Hindi Diwas. In a post on X, LG Sinha wrote, “Heartiest greetings to all of you on Hindi Diwas. Hindi language is a beautiful medium of expression of our culture, which binds our life values, traditions and National unity in one thread. Let us once again pledge to promote all mother tongues along with Hindi on Hindi Diwas.”
4. Army Personnel Killed In Encounter With Militants In Kishtwar Distt: Two Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed and two injured in an encounter with militants in a forest area of Chatroo at Kishtwar district of Jammu division, officials said. The encounter broke out when a joint security party of the Army and police, acting on a tip-off, launched a cordon-and-search operation at 3:30 pm in the Naidgham area in the Chhatroo belt.
5. LG Sinha’s Challenge To Rahul Gandhi On ‘King’ Remark: Hitting out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his ‘king’ remark, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said he would resign if less than 75% of the people say that work has been done for the welfare of the public in the last five years. In an interview with a national news channel, Sinha responded sharply, suggesting a secret ballot to assess public opinion on his administration’s work since the abrogation of Article 370. “He [Rahul Gandhi] should take the opinion of the public. If more than 75% don’t say work has been done for their welfare, then I will resign,” Sinha declared.
6. Baramulla Prepares For Final Phase Of J&K Assembly Elections: Baramulla district is gearing up for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with over 7.22 lakh registered voters set to cast their ballots on October 1, 2024. The district, which encompasses seven Assembly Constituencies—Sopore, Rafiabad, Uri, Baramulla, Wagoora-Kreeri, Gulmarg, and Pattan—has a total of 7,22,923 registered voters. This includes 3,64,517 males, 3,58,394 females, and 12 voters from the third gender.
7. ADGP Vijay Kumar Assures Professionalism for J&K Assembly Elections: Additional Director General of Police (SNPO) Vijay Kumar assured that the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be conducted with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency. Speaking at a security and election review meeting in Shopian on Thursday, Kumar emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among security agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.
8. Kashmir to Host Int’l Cricket Legends for LLC Final Leg: After four decades, Kashmir is set to host over 100 international cricket legends in Srinagar during the final leg of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) from October 9, 2024. Addressing the presser in Srinagar, Raman Raheja, co-founder of LLC, said that 7 exciting matches, including the grand finale, are scheduled to take place from October 9 to October 16, 2024, at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium. Flanked by former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who is presently mentor for the Gujarat Greats, and Cricketer Naman Ojha.
9. Congress President Kharge Criticizes BJP Over Job Vacancies in J&K: President of the Indian National Congress (INC), Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the BJP government for leaving one lakh jobs vacant in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that this inaction is intended to keep the region’s population impoverished. Speaking at a rally in Anantnag on Wednesday, Kharge promised that a Congress-led government would address these vacancies.
10. University of Kashmir Postpones Exams Scheduled for Sept 17-18: The University of Kashmir (KU) has postponed all the examinations scheduled to be held on September 17 and 18. The Assistant Controller of Examination at KU stated that fresh dates for the exams will be notified separately.