News Shots – The Kashmir Horizon

Militant hideout busted in Reasi, arms and ammo recovered

K H News Service — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 19:47:39 +0000

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police claimed to have busted a militant hideout and recovered arms and ammunition in Reasi district on Saturday.
In a statement issued here on Saturday a spokesperson said that acting on the reliable information regarding presence of a hideout in Dalas Barneli, an operation was launched to sanitise the area.
The statement reads that during the search and cordon operation police team recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition in Dalas Barneli area of Arnas. It reads that 2 detonators, 12 cartridge of assault rifle, a pull through, a hand held tape recorder IED enabled, a calculator IED enabled, a battery and few connecting wires were recovered.
SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma, as per the statement, said that search operation is still going on in the area of Arnas and that police are committed to neutralise any nefarious designs of anti-national elements

LS Elections 2024: Scrutiny of Nomination Papers in 3-Ang-Rajouri PC concludes

K H News Service — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 19:46:52 +0000

Anantnag: The process of scrutinizing the nomination papers of candidates nominated to the 03-Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency (PC) was concluded on Saturday by the Returning Officer of the Constituency, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, here.
During scrutiny, the nomination papers of four candidates were found deficient as per the extant guidelines of the Election Commission. Consequently, the nominations of these four candidates were rejected, leaving a total of 21 candidates in the fray.
The candidates can however withdraw their candidatures till 3.00 pm on 22nd April 2024 after which the poll symbols shall be allotted to the contesting candidates.
The nominated candidates include both males and females who are affiliated to various political parties as well as independent ones.

LS Elections 2024: Inclusive Elections: Absentee voters cast votes via postal ballot in Jammu

K H News Service — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 19:46:38 +0000

Jammu: Jammu Parliamentary Constituency has observed a seamless exercise of electoral rights by essential services employees. The Returning Officer, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, has confirmed that these employees, registered under the Absentee Voters category, have successfully cast their votes at designated postal voting centres on Saturday.
This development comes as part of the broader electoral reforms aimed at ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The Election Commission of India has made provisions for ‘Absentee Voters’, enabling those who cannot be present at their polling stations due to professional duties to vote via postal ballot.
As the constituency gears up for the final days of polling, the focus now shifts to the provision of the Home voting facility. Scheduled for April 21 and April 22, this facility is tailored for registered voters who are senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those affected or suspected of COVID-19.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Despite rain, Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency recorded 68.27% polling

K H News Service — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:40:12 +0000

Jammu/April 19: Undeterred by the weather vagaries across the expansive canvas of the five districts of Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Udhampur underwent polling as the voters embraced their civic duty with fervor and exhibited unwavering determination.Undaunted by the challenges, the polling parties, ensured the first phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir were held with grace and resolve.

The polling for First Phase of General Elections to 18thLok Sabha in Parliamentary Constituency Udhampur has concluded peacefully. Till releasing this Press brief, the voting percentage was around 68.27%. It is especially highlighted that due to weather latest updated reports are awaited from some of the Polling Stations, specially located in remote hilly areas of Kishtwar, Gandoh, Ramban, Dudu-Basantgarh etc, the polling percentage is likely to increase slightly. Once all Polling parties, especially of remote areas reaches respective District Head quarters, the firm poll percentage will be known and the same will be shared separately with media.

After two hours of polling, 8.44% polling was recorded in the constituency at 09:00 pm. By 11:00 am, 22.60% voters had cast their votes, while by 01:00 pm, 43.11% votes were cast. By 3:00 pm, 57.09% voting was recorded. By 5:00 pm, 65.08% polling was recorded in the constituency.

District wise breakup is 67.75% for Kishtwar, 66.42% for Doda, 62.42% for Ramban,70.76% in Udhampur and 70.06% in Kathua District.

There were 2,637 Polling stations set up for 16.23 lakh electors of 5 Districts. More than 11,000 polling staff has performed poll duty. Actual polling started from 7.00 am and continued till 6.00 pm or conclusion of polling row, whichever was later. At every polling stations, basic minimum facilities of water, electricity, toilet, ramp, verandah/ waiting room etc were made. Even wheel chair and helper were provided to needy voters. Around 1440 polling stations had CCTV for live webcasting to control rooms.

In order to ensure inclusive voting, 19 number of polling booths manned by women (also called as pink polling stations), 14 number of polling booths manned by specially abled persons and 17 number by youths. Also, in order to spread message about environmental concern, there were 20 green polling stations. To facilitate voters identification, apart from EPIC card, other documents such as Aadhaar Card, Bank Passbooks, Driving License, PAN Card, Govt employee ID card etc documents were also allowed as per ECI directions. Media facilitation was done through the passes for more than 660 journalists.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Election Commission of India, Chief Electoral Officer, J&K and respective DEO encouraged all eligible voters to come forward and cast their votes responsibly. “Your vote is your voice, and it plays a pivotal role in determining the direction of governance and development in the region,” the CEO J&K said.

LS Election 2024: DDC Member Mawar slapped with notice for violating MCC

K H News Service — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:32:04 +0000

Kupwara : On the instructions of DC Kupwara, Ayshi Sudan, who is also DEO Kupwara, Additional District Magistrate Kupwara has sought explanation from DDC Member Mawar, Khursheed Ahmad Dar for committing brazen violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by inaugurating a public park at Maratgam Handwara on Friday without any authority.
The Additional District Magistrate in a Letter/Order issued vide DEOK/MCC/2024/19-25 has asked the DDC Member to explain the reasons for violating the MCC norms and submit the expenditure statement incurred on such function within two days, failing which the matter shall be forwarded to Chief Electoral Officer, J&K.
“You are hereby put on notice to respond to the violation of MCC made by you while inaugurating a public park at Maratgam Handwara, Kupwara without proper legal permission from DEO Kupwara as required under rules,” reads the notice issued by ADM Kupwara, who is also the Nodal Officer, MCC Kupwara.

Minus BJP, 25 candidates file nomination papers from Anantnag-Rajouri LS constituency

K H News Service — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:31:43 +0000

Srinagar: As the last date for filing of nomination papers for Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency ended Friday, 25 candidates have filed their nomination papers with Mehbooba Mufti from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mian Altaf from National Conference (NC) prominent among them.
In all 25 candidates have filed their nomination papers while the scrutiny of papers will be done on Saturday.
Returning Officer of the constituency and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Syed Fakhrudin Hamid in a press conference said that the last date of withdrawal of the forms is April 22 following which meetings regarding different issues including symbols will be conducted.
He said that all the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the election has been done and whatever more will be required will be done on time.
Besides, the Returning Officer urged people to cast their votes on May 7 and it is both duty and responsibility of the citizens to cast their vote.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not fielded their candidate from the constituency. It is believed that BJP would likely extend its support to Apni Party (AP) candidate Zaffar Manhas or DPAP candidate Advocate Muhammad Saleem Parry.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) had earlier announced its Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad as the candidate from the constituency, but later it decided to field Advocate Saleem Parray as the party candidate to vie for the seat.
The Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, comprising 18 Assembly Segments, is poised for a riveting contest in the upcoming elections.
With prominent contenders from the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Apni Party vying for victory, the electoral dynamics promise an intriguing triangular battle.
The Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat boasts a formidable electorate of 1,925,450 votes, with significant representation from South Kashmir and Rajouri-Poonch districts

2 labourers die, another injured after falling into trench in Kulgam

K H News Service — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:30:30 +0000

Srinagar: Two labourers died while another was injured after they slipped and fell into a trench at Chakpora area of South Kashmir’ Kulgam district on Friday, officials said.
An official said that the labourers were working in the trench when it suddenly collapsed and they slipped and fell into it along with another person, who tried to help them.
“Soon after the incident, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir UI Shafi Khan along with SDRF, police and civil administration rushed to the spot and started the rescue work. All the three were rescued and were shifted to a hospital, where two among them died. The deceased have been identified as Maqbool Dar of Kulgam and Aziz ur Rehman of Bengal,” the official said.
Medical Superintendent District Hospital Kulgam, Gulzar Ahmad Dar said that two persons were brought dead to the hospital, while the injured one is undergoing treatment.
DC Kulgam, speaking to the reporters at the rescue site, said, “SDRF, Police, Revenue, and Fire Service ensured the rescue of people trapped inside without wasting time.”
An SDRF official said, “Due to suffocation inside the trench, two people have lost their lives. During transportation to the hospital, we administered prolonged CPR but couldn’t save them. We are providing awareness to people about the dangers of digging deep tubewells and trenches, as they emit dangerous gases. However, some people still don’t follow it.”
“The way DC Kulgam, SDRF, police administration, and other agencies came here and started the rescue operation within the stipulated time is commendable. The migrant workers were working in a trench for days; suddenly it collapsed, and the duo went inside it,” Ghulam Rasool, a local said.

Earthquake of magnitude 4.0 hits Kishtwar

Agencies — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:33:28 +0000

Jammu : An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 on the Richter scale struck Jammu Kashmir’s Kishtwar region on Thursday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) informed.
The NCS stated that the tremors struck at precisely 8:52 pm Indian Standard Time (IST).The epicenter of the earthquake was located at Latitude 33.32 and Longitude 76.67, at a depth of 5 kilometers, the NCS shared.
“Earthquake of Magnitude:4.0, Occurred on 18-04-2024, 20:52:34 IST, Lat: 33.32 & Long: 76.67, Depth: 5 Km ,Region: Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir,” the NCS posted on X.
Last week, on Saturday, April 13, an earthquake of magnitude 3.3 on the Richter scale struck Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh region.
“Earthquake of Magnitude:3.3, Occurred on 13-04-2024, 20:38:40 IST, Lat: 30.19 & Long: 80.43, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand,” the NCS posted on X

Ladakh: Earthquake of 3.2 magnitude strikes Kargil

Agencies — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:32:50 +0000

Ladakh : An earthquake of 3.2 magnitude struck the Kargil district of Ladakh on Thursday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said.
According to the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake occurred at 4:33 pm at a depth of 10 km.
“Earthquake of Magnitude: 3.2, Occurred on April 18, 16:33:50 IST, Lat: 33.28 and Long: 76.84, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Kargil, Ladakh, India,” the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) posted on X.
Earlier, an earthquake of magnitude 3.4 struck the Kargil district of Ladakh on April 7, the NCS said.
As per the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake occurred at 10:55 pm at a depth of 10 km.

LS Elections 2024: All 654 teams reach designated polling booths in Udhampur Distt

K H News Service — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:32:23 +0000

Udhampur: As many as 654 polling teams were on Thursday dispatched to the four Udhampur Assembly constituencies, of AC-59 Udhampur West, AC-60 Udhampur East, AC-62 Ramnagar, and AC-61 Chenani for smooth conduct of polling in Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency being held tomorrow.
District Election Officer Udhampur, Saloni Rai, oversaw the dispatching of the polling parties to far-off destinations, ensuring they were equipped with necessary poll materials and EVMs. The crucial operation was conducted from Government Degree College (Boys) and Government College for Women Udhampur amid heavy security arrangements.
The DEO engaged with the polling parties, stressing the importance of coordination among Zonal and Sector Magistrates, as well as Police Officers, to facilitate effective polling on April 19th, 2024.
The District Election Officer also urged Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), Zonal and Sector Magistrates to ensure timely arrival of poll parties at their designated locations.
The event was attended by senior officials including SSP Joginder Singh, alongside AROs and other key civil and police personnel, underscoring the significance of this electoral process.

LS Elections 2024: Police Observer arrives Rajouri to review security scenario in Border Distt
Rajouri: Police Observer for Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency Akhileshwar Singh reached Rajouri on Thursday to review the security preparations related to Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
District Election Officer Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amrit Pal Singh and Additional Deputy Commissioner Sunderbani, Rajeev Magotra alongwith other officers associated with elections ,welcomed the Police Observer.
He chaired a meeting with the key stakeholders and took a comprehensive review of Election preparedness in Sunderbani. with a steadfast commitment to excellence, the Observer meticulously reviewed the security preparedness for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The occasion served as a platform to deliberate on various facets crucial to the conduct of free and fair elections. Discussions centered on strategies for maintaining law and order, enhancing security and other measures being put in place for the smooth conduct of the upcoming elections.
The District Election Officer and Senior Superintendent of Police provided a comprehensive briefing to the Police Observer, encompassing meticulous arrangements for logistics, security, and voter facilitation.
The Police Observer reiterated the importance of adherence to ECI guidelines by all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
As the Lok Sabha Elections draw near, the district administration, in tandem with law enforcement agencies, is making all out efforts to facilitate a smooth and transparent electoral process.

LS Elections 2024: 607 polling parties dispatched in GPS-Fitted Vehicles for Polling in Kathua
Kathua: As many as 607 poll parties were dispatched on Thursday to five assembly segments of Kathua District viz Basohli, Billawar, Hiranagar, Jasrota and Kathua- all part of 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, which is going to polls tomorrow.
The polling parties were dispatched in 322 GPS-fitted vehicles to navigate through the terrain effectively.
The whole exercise was executed under the supervision of District Election Officer, Dr. Rakesh Minhas alongwith SSP, Shivdeep Singh Jamwal and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) from Kathua, Hiranagar, and Jasrota.
The dispatch operation saw the mobilization of 322 GPS-fitted vehicles to ensure the prompt and secure transportation of polling personnel to their designated stations. With the collaborative efforts of the electoral administration and law enforcement, every precaution has been taken to facilitate a fair and transparent voting process.
Of notable significance, Kathua district boasts 701 polling stations, underscoring the scale of logistical coordination required for successful elections.
Earlier on Wednesday, 94 polling parties were dispatched to the Bani assembly segment, fortified with adequate security measures to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process.
While speaking on the occasion, DEO Kathua said “We have spared no effort in organizing and coordinating this massive logistical operation to ensure a smooth and fair electoral process. The deployment of GPS-fitted vehicles and the collaboration between various authorities demonstrate our commitment to ensure polling process as per the ECIs mandate to uphold the transparency and security”
These polling teams were equipped with mandatory polling related logistics, EVMs besides Umbrella, masks and sanitizers to execute their duties while adhering to all safety precautions.
The district Kathua is part of Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency is slated to go for poll on 19 April from 7 AM to 6 PM under phase 1 of the Lok Sabha Elections-2024.