Srinagar: Below is timeline of weeklong public events and key engagements of top public functionaries reported within and outside Jammu & Kashmir this week:-
1. Amit Shah Launches Attack On NC And Congress In Jammu Rallies: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a fierce critique of the National Conference (NC) and Congress during a series of rallies in Jammu. He asserted that only the BJP, symbolized by the Lotus, can eliminate militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and restore peace, claiming the NC and Congress would only bring “death and destruction.” Shah’s comments came as these regions prepare for the third phase of elections.
2. Shah Targets NC And Congress Over Allegations Of Militant Releases: While addressing back-to-back rallies in Chenani, Udhampur, Jasrota, and Marh, Amit Shah accused the NC and Congress of promising to release jailed militants and stone-pelters, questioning their commitment to the peace of Jammu and Kashmir.
3. GOC Rajiv Ghai Meets J&K Police Chief R.R. Swain: General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, met with the Director General of Police, J&K, R.R. Swain, at Police Headquarters. The meeting focused on maintaining peace and order in the valley, with General Ghai also bidding farewell to Swain ahead of his superannuation on September 30.
4. Health Officials Review Preparedness For Monkeypox In Kashmir: Following directives from Secretary of Health & Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, a meeting chaired by Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, assessed preparations for Monkeypox (Mpox) in Kashmir. The meeting included key health officials and was conducted via virtual mode.
5. Aru Valley Recognized In Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024: Aru Valley in Pahalgam has been awarded as one of the winners in the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The announcement was made on World Tourism Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, celebrating sustainable rural tourism and community-based values.
6. Young Voters Excited For Upcoming Elections In North Kashmir: Young voters in North Kashmir are preparing to cast their ballots for the first time in the upcoming elections on October 1. With previous elections being absent for years, this opportunity is particularly significant for many first-time voters in Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara.
7. Yogi Adityanath Blames Congress For J&K Issues: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and prominent BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, during public rallies, labeled the Congress party as the root of numerous issues in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that the BJP guarantees solutions to challenges stemming from Congress governance.
8. G Kishan Reddy Highlights Peaceful Polls In J&K: Union Minister and BJP election in-charge of J&K, G Kishan Reddy, claimed that elections in Jammu and Kashmir have never been held as peacefully as they are now, attributing the increased voter turnout in the first two phases to the BJP-led government and the Election Commission. The final voting phase is set for October 1, with counting on October 8.
9. J&K LG Manoj Sinha Chairs SKUAST Meeting: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the 20th University Council Meeting of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Jammu. The meeting focused on addressing key challenges and advancements within the agricultural sector.
10. Second Phase Of J&K Assembly Elections Records 56.05% Voter Turnout: The second phase of polling for 26 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 56.05%, with officials reporting a peaceful voting process and no incidents of unrest. The turnout figure is still tentative as polling continued in certain areas.
11. Foreign Diplomats Observe J&K Election Process: A high-level delegation of foreign diplomats from various countries visited Kashmir to observe the electoral process during the second phase of the Assembly Elections. Representing nations such as the USA, Mexico, and South Korea, they toured polling stations to review the smooth conduct of voting.
12: Rahul Gandhi Reaffirms Commitment On J&K Statehood Restoration: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed his dedication to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, condemning the BJP-led government for its governance through a Lieutenant Governor. He promised to fight for statehood in Parliament and on the streets, stating, “Outsiders will no longer dictate the fate of Jammu and Kashmir.”
