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2 17.80 Lakh Voters To Decide Fate Of 22 Candidates in Jammu Highlights Assembly segments: 18 Total registered voters: 17,80,835 Male: 9,21,095 Female: 8,59,712 Transgender: 28 Service Voters: 37,822 Polling stations: - 2416 Observer News Service Jammu: Over 17.80 lakh voters will decide the fate of 22 candidates contesting from 5-Jammu Parliamentary Constituency in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls to be held on April 26. The Jammu parliamentary constituency is spread over 18 Assembly segments in four districts including Reasi, Samba, Jammu and Rajouri. According to the figures provided by the office of Returning Officer 5-Jammu Parliamentary Constituency, there are 17,80,835 registered voters in Jammu PC including 9,21,095 male, 8,59,712 female and 28 transgender electors. Among these 37,822 (37,025 male and 797 female) are service voters. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 2416 polling stations across the constituency including 18 Green Polling Stations, 46 Pink Polling Stations and 18 PwD manned polling stations. Reasi district with three Assembly Constituencies, including Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, has 23,52,62 voters including 12,33,23 male, 11,19,36 female and three transgender voters. Among these 1393 are service voters (1364 male, 29 female). The ECI has set up 425 polling stations across the district including 97 vulnerable and 16 critical. Samba district, comprising three Assembly Constituencies including Ramgrah (SC), Samba and Vijaypur has 2,59,198 voters, including 1,32,861 male, 1,26,336 female and one transgender voter. Among these 10,269 (10,073 male, 196 female) are service voters. The ECI has set up 365 polling stations in the district, including 72 critical. Similarly, Jammu district, comprising 11 Assembly Constituencies including Bishnah (SC), Suchetgarh (SC), R S Pura-Jammu South, Bahu, Jammu East, Nagrota, Jammu West, Jammu North, Marh (SC), Akhnoor (SC) and Chhamb has 11,89,389 electors, including 6,13,988 male, 5,75,378 female and 23 transgender voters. Among these are also 24,315 service voters (23,768 male, 547 female). The ECI has set up 1488 polling stations across the district, including 38 vulnerable and 15 critical. Likewise, Rajouri district with only Kalakote-Sunderbani Assembly Constituency falling in Jammu PC, has 96,986 voters (50,923 male, 46,062 female) and one transgender voter. Among these 1845 (1820 male, 25 female) are service voters. The ECI has set up 138 polling stations in the Assembly Constituency, including 88 vulnerable and 14 critical. The R S Pura-Jammu South Assembly Constituency has the highest number of 1,24,744 voters (64,687 male, 60,054 female), three transgender voters including 1592 service. The EC has set up 147 polling stations across this AC. Similarly, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly segment of Reasi district has the lowest number of 55,737 voters (29,340 male, 26,397 female including 271 service voters) and the election authorities have set up 91 polling stations across the segment. 3 'Battle for Dogra Heartland' Srinagar: The political landscape in the historic Dogra land of Jammu is poised for a gripping electoral showdown as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locks horns with a formidable alliance comprising the Congress, National Conference (NC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Following the recent delimitation, the contours of the Jammu Lok Sabha seat have been redrawn, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle. Once a bastion for the BJP, the Jammu Lok Sabha seat has now emerged as a symbol of prestige for the party, particularly in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370. The fervor surrounding this election stems from the historical significance of Jammu, where the Praja Parishad spearheaded the movement to abolish Article 370. With the BJP rallying behind the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the party aims to retain its stronghold in the region. However, the electoral landscape has witnessed a significant realignment with the formation of an alliance between the Congress, NC, and PDP, presenting a formidable challenge to the BJP's dominance. The alliance is banking on the support of influential figures such as NC chief Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who has thrown his weight behind the Congress candidate. The inclusion of Reasi district and the creation of a new assembly seat named after Mata Vaishno Devi have added a new dimension to the electoral calculus. The contest in this region is expected to test the acceptance of the BJP, particularly in light of its development initiatives and the changes implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Crucially, the election will also highlight the aspirations of marginalized communities, including West Pakistani refugees, residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and members of the OBC community. These constituencies hold significant sway in determining the electoral outcome, with issues such as reservation, land ownership rights, and access to basic amenities taking center stage. Candidates representing various parties have articulated their visions for the region, with BJP candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma emphasizing the development work undertaken by the Modi government. Conversely, Congress candidate Raman Bhalla has criticized the BJP's track record, highlighting concerns over unemployment and deteriorating tourism. In this charged electoral atmosphere, Ankur Sharma of the Ekam Sanatan Dal Party has positioned himself as a proponent of political change, advocating for the rights and dignity of the Dogra community. 4 PDP’s Parra, Apni Party's Mir File Nomination from Srinagar Press Trust Of India Srinagar: PDP youth president Waheed Rehman Parra and Apni Party leader Mohammad Ashraf Mir on Wednesday filed nomination papers from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir which is going to polls in the fourth phase of elections on May 13. Accompanied by senior party leaders, including PDP general secretary Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, Parra filed the nomination papers before Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, who is the returning officer of the constituency. Talking to reporters later, Parra said the PDP will raise the voice of people of Kashmir in the Parliament. “In this election, our endeavour is that the people of Kashmir will make Mehbooba Mufti’s team successful so that we raise your voice in the biggest institution and represent your issues there,” Parra said. “PDP is the only party which has raised the voice of people in the last five years. Our endeavour is to take this voice to New Delhi, Parliament and to the people of the country,” he added. Asked about National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah’s jibe that PDP is the ‘C’ team of the BJP, Parra said, “We do not want to lower the political discourse. We also appeal them to balance the discourse. The people here are in distress, they have no interest in such arguments and accusations. They want to know what we can give them.” “PDP will give voice to the people and we hope we will win all three seats,” he added. Earlier, Parra travelled from Pulwama district of south Kashmir to Srinagar with hundreds of his supporters. He then reached the deputy commissioner’s office here after making a brief stopover at the historic Clock Tower in the city centre. Apni Party leader Mohammad Ashraf Mir also filed his nomination papers from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency Accompanied by party leaders, Mir submitted his papers to Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, the returning officer of the constituency. Talking to reporters later, Mir said his party's agenda is to restore "the honour and dignity that we have lost after 2019". He was referring to the abrogation of Article 370 by the Centre on August 5, 2019. "Those enjoying there (in the Lok Sabha) for five years were trying to save their chair. They have lost the confidence of the people... I am confident about our victory," Mir said. Without naming the NC and PDP, the Apni Party leader said people have understood the politics of these parties. "They have only done things for their own benefit. No one has listened to the people and even today, people are yearning for electricity, water and roads. We will not do the politics of lies and deceit. We will do the politics of honesty," he added. Earlier, Mir led a roadshow of his supporters from the party's headquarters at Sonwar to the deputy commissioner's office. The last date for filing nominations for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency is April 25, while it goes to polls on May 13. == 5 Sajad Lone Seeks Support Of Muzaffar Baig Srinagar: People's Conference chief and party's candidate from the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, Sajad Lone has sought the support of former Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig for his candidature. Lone called on Muzaffar Hussain Baig and his wife Safina Baig, who is the District Development Council (DDC) chairperson, Baramulla, at their residence here on Tuesday. "It was a pleasure to call on @Muzaffar__Baig sahib and @SafinaMBaig ji. As the conversation predictably veered towards elections, I stressed that I have a right. And seeking their support is my right," Lone said on X on Wednesday. Muzaffar Hussain Baig was the deputy chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2005 to 2008 when Ghulam Nabi Azad was the chief minister and the Congress and PDP shared power. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, a Padma Bhushan awardee and co-founder of the PDP, was made the party's patron following Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's death in 2016. However, he quit the party in 2020 and was tipped to join the People's Conference. While his wife Safina joined Lone's party, the former Lok Sabha member from Baramulla did not make any official announcement about his status. Although he attended a function organised by the PDP to commemorate the eighth death anniversary of Sayeed in the Anantnag district on January 7, it is not clear whether he is still in the PDP or not. Meanwhile, Safina said Muzaffar Hussain Baig shares a decade-long relationship with Lone. "Whenever Beigh sahib and I host Sajad sahib at our residence, it inevitably reminds all of us of the decades long that we share. Beigh sahib has seen him grow and evolve. And yes @sajadlone sahib is correct when he says he is here by virtue of a right," she posted on X. PTI 6 2 Soldiers Injured In Bandipora Encounter Agencies Srinagar: Two army soldiers received bullet wounds in an encounter in Ranji forest area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday. A police officer said that two army soldiers sustained minor injuries during the initial exchange of fire. Both are stable and are being treated in a hospital, the officer said. “A contact was established between #terrorists and security forces in the early morning in Renji forest area of Aragam, #Bandipora,” Kashmir Zone Police said on X. Similarly, Chinar Corps - Indian Army on their X handler wrote, "Based on specific intelligence by agencies regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched from 21 Apr onwards by IndianArmy and Jammu Kashmir Police in general area Mulkhyama Forest, Bandipore". "The area was cordoned & search conducted, resulting in a firefight in the early hours this morning. Operations in progress". Meanwhile, reliable sources said that helicopters have been pressed into service while more forces have been rushed to the spot to track down hiding terrorists. “A massive search operation is still going on in the area to track down the terrorists,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bandipora, Lakshay Sharma said, adding that the details will be shared accordingly. The encounter was ongoing at the time this report was filed. 7 Human-Wildlife Conflict: 264 Lives Lost In 17 Yrs In Kashmir Highlights Key Contributors Unplanned urbanization Growing dog population Human encroachment Deforestation Agencies Srinagar: Unplanned urbanisation, rising dog population and the surge in the local intrusion into the wildlife habitat has forced the wild animals especially leopards and bears to enter into residential areas of Kashmir. The frequent entry of wild animals in the residential areas of the valley has resulted in an increase in the human-animal conflict besides leaving huge challenges for the wildlife department to deal with. Figures reveal that from 2006 to March 2024, 264 individuals have fallen prey to the man-animal conflicts, with hundreds getting injured. "The toll is staggering. As 14 deaths and 65 injuries were recorded in 2022-23, 16 deaths and 182 injuries were reported from 2023 to March 2024 alone,” an official from the wildlife department said. Experts believe that the encroachment of wildlife habitats by humans has led to an increase in such incidents. Rao Farman Ali, a researcher, said that the areas once exclusively inhabited by wild animals are now being encroached upon by human populations, resulting in attacks on humans. “The unplanned urbanization and governmental negligence in implementing proper procedures to protect wildlife and forests are contributing factors," he said. He said that deforestation over the decades has significantly impacted wildlife, whereas in ancient times, people used to coexist with animals with fewer incidents. “There is a need to protect forests and catchment areas should be made free from human interference. There is an importance of raising awareness among the public to avoid encroaching on wildlife zones and ensuring that animals have their own habitats,” Ali said. Intisar Suhail, senior wildlife expert and wildlife warden in Baramulla district said that they have covered almost all the areas where they received reports of leopard attacks or livestock damage. However, there are still several areas close to forests where leopards attack and then retreat back into the forests. He said that to address the issue, the department has installed cages in two or three areas, and “we are hopeful to gain control over the situation as soon as possible.” Suhail also expressed concern for the people living near the forests, emphasizing that they are vulnerable and lack protection. “Most of the attacks take place in the dark,” he said. The officer said that they haven’t ensured proper security measures for the livestock, which might be why leopards are easily able to attack them. He said the department has conducted awareness programs in many areas to educate people about the importance of self-protection and safeguarding their livestock. Suhail said that they have received calls from various locations and their teams are actively working to address the issue and protect the livestock. Regarding human habitats, he said that the department is prioritizing its safety. “We are facing challenges, particularly in villages located within the forests. Nonetheless, efforts are being made to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said. Divisional Commissioner, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, has called for a well-coordinated strategy to tackle attacks by wild animals, particularly leopards and bears, across the valley. He emphasized the need for a centralized helpline to receive timely information for a swift response. Bidhuri has directed the Wildlife Department to strengthen the capacity of its staff, enhance logistics and operate Control Rooms at the district level. The Divisional Commissioner also urged police personnel to assist wildlife teams when needed, ensuring crowd management and the safety of civilians. He emphasized the importance of coordination between district administrations, police, wildlife department, community leaders, lumberdars, chowkidars, and shepherds in capturing wild animals and processing factual information. To prevent leopards from venturing into habitations, Bidhuri advised people to keep areas clean and dispose of waste properly, preventing stray dogs from being attracted to residential areas. He also urged residents not to leave their children unattended during dawn and dusk and advised them to move in groups in confirmed wild animal sitting areas Regional Wildlife warden Pradeep Chandra Wahule said that Leopards are protected animals and need to be preserved. “But things change when they attack humans. We have to tranquilise them or kill them as per the requirement,” he said. “It is the humans who are forcing the leopards to change their behaviour. Leopards love to eat dogs. When we leave food, especially waste food scattered around our homes, that invites dogs. When the dog population increases, Leopards change their behaviour and enter residential areas as they love to taste dogs.” He said, “If we deal with the garbage disposal properly, there will be no easy access of food to wild animals. So we need to dispose of the food waste properly to prevent the entry of leopards into residential areas.” As far as the bears, he said that they love to eat fruit from the nearby orchards. “When there is population explosion as we see residential houses near the orchards, after eating the fruit, bears enter the residential areas,” he said. Chandra said that there are a lot of steps that the department has taken to prevent the entry of wild animals into residential areas. “There is a need for collective effort,” he said.(KNO) Pull Quote - "Proper disposal of wet waste can help prevent wild animals from entering into residential areas" 8 India On The Path To Become 'Vishwa Guru': LG Sinha Urges People To Create A Society Based On Equality, Justice Observer News Service Uttar Pradesh: India is on the path to become Vishwa Guru and the cultural awakening today is inspiring one and all to serve humanity with dedication and devotion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday. The LG was speaking at a symposium on cultural heritage, values and principles of Sanatan Dharma. The event was organized by Utthan Foundation Trust at Devkali, Ghazipur. Sinha said that today India is shedding the vestiges of colonial past and people are taking pride in the glorious heritage. The LG, in his keynote address, commended the endeavour of the Utthan Foundation and highlighted the role of Sanatan culture in building a progressive society. He said, the cultural heritage, values and principles of Sanatan Dharma continue to guide the citizens towards an egalitarian society where everyone is able to realise their full potential. He called upon the people to work towards securing a just and equitable society. "Sanatan culture is eternal, inclusive and inspires people to tread the path of humanism. Sanatan culture emphasizes on virtuous living and equality, equanimity, brotherhood and compassion for all," the LG said. The LG recalled the teachings of service of Sanatan Culture and urged people to create a caring society based on equality and justice and contribute in the development journey of the country. "This is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together for all-inclusive development. Every individual must contribute to build progressive and prosperous nation," the LG further added. 'Citizen Participation Essential For Inclusive Development' J&K Lieutenant Governor on Wednesday addressed a Conference on the ‘Role of Citizens in Holistic Development’ organized at Rainbow Modern School, Ghazipur. In his address, the LG highlighted the significant contribution of Jan-Bhagidari in the progress of the nation. “Citizen Participation is essential for holistic, inclusive development and to create a new future for the society. Active citizens strengthen the bond between the government and the society and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all sections,” the LG said. The LG called upon the people, especially youth to come forward and generate awareness on duties and responsibilities. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure the weaker section of society enjoy social justice and equality and strive to our utmost for the realization of the dream of making India a Developed Nation by 2047,” the LG said. He said India is emerging as a global economic power and it is crucial every citizen discharges its duties and contributes towards nation-building. The LG further stressed upon the common commitment of nation building and urged the people to work with dedication to make the 21st century India's century. ==================================== Regional Campaigning Ends For Phase 2 Of LS Polls Press Trust Of India New Delhi:The curtains came down Wednesday evening on a high-voltage campaign for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls in 89 seats across 13 states on April 26. Staggered over seven stages, the first phase of the elections held last Friday for 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories saw a voter turnout of around 65.5 per cent. Polling is scheduled in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 7 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Among the prominent contestants are Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Thiruvananthapuram), BJP's Tejasvi Surya (Karnataka), Hema Malini and Arun Govil (both Uttar Pradesh), Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi (Wayanad) and Shashi Tharoor (Thiruvananthapuram), Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh (Cong), former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS). During the campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra kicked up a row on Sunday while addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara. Slamming the Congress manifesto, he alleged that the opposition party was planning to give people's hard-earned money and valuables to "infiltrators" and "those who have more children" and referred to former prime minister Manmohan Singh's speech in 2006 to contend he had said that Muslims have the "first claim" on the country's resources. The Congress was quick to react, saying that after facing "disappointment" in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister was resorting to "lies" and "hate speech" to divert people from the real issues. The party also urged the Election Commission to take action against Modi for his remarks, alleging they were 'divisive', 'malicious' and targeted a particular religious community. The next day, Modi again accused the Congress of planning to redistribute people's property if it is voted to power, but stopped short of saying that the wealth would go to Muslims. Addressing a rally in Aligarh, a western Uttar Pradesh constituency with a sizeable Muslim population, Modi further said he wanted to "alert" people about the "intentions" of the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc. As campaigning was drawing to a close, remarks by Congress leader Sam Pitroda on inheritance tax gave enough fodder to Modi and other BJP leaders to launch an all-out attack on the issue of "wealth redistribution". In his poll rallies on Wednesday, Modi framed Pitroda's comments in his wider onslaught against the Congress, asserting that they have exposed its hidden agenda and that the party has become so removed from the country's social and family values that it wants to legally rob people of their assets and lifelong savings they want to bequeath to their children. The Congress swung into damage control, distancing itself from the comments of the US-based president of its overseas wing. After Friday's phase, polling will be over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). In 2019, the NDA had won 56 of these 89 seats and the UPA 24. Six of these seats have been redrawn as part of the delimitation exercise. Authorities in these constituencies have been directed to ensure that no outsider remains in these areas 48 hours before polling. Any form of electioneering, public meetings, press conferences by political parties, interviews and panel discussions in electronic or print media have been strictly prohibited. The second phase of polling for 94 seats in 12 states and Union territories will be held on May 7. LOCAL 'Job Scam': Erstwhile J&K Legislative Council Official Sacked Agencies Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government terminated a Watch and Ward Assistant of the former J&K Legislative Council for taking Rs. 5 lakh from a person promising a government job. As per the details available, the assistant, identified as Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, faced serious charges after allegedly receiving a hefty sum of Rs. 5 lakh from a person namely Dilawar Manzoor from Berthipora, Shopian. The money was reportedly taken under false pretenses of securing a government job for Manzoor. Bhat was served with a memorandum outlining the charges against him and was given 15 days to respond. The charges included the accusation that Bhat unlawfully accepted Rs. 5 lakh from Dilawar Manzoor, part of which was deposited into his bank account, with the remainder paid in cash. The alleged action was carried out with the promise of securing a government job for Manzoor. Such conduct was deemed a violation of Rule-3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971. The investigation into the matter revealed that Bhat's actions tarnished the image and reputation of the institution. Following a thorough inquiry, the charges against Bhat were substantiated, leading to his dismissal from service with immediate effect. The dismissal, in accordance with Clause (viii) of Rule 30 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, also renders him ineligible for future employment.(KNS) == J&K HC Orders Release Of 2 PSA Detainees M Ahmad Srinagar: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has quashed detention orders under Public Safety Act against two detainees, one of them a 21-year-old youth, and ordered their release forthwith if not required in any other case. “It is clear that there has to be a live and proximate link between the past conduct of the detenue and the activities alleged to be prejudicial to the maintenance of Security of the State,” a bench of Justice (M.A.Chowdhary said while quashing detention order under PSA, passed by District Magistrate Pulwama, against Sahil Farooq Mir of Chakoora, at present, Noorpora Awantipora, on 25 October 2023. “In the instant case, the said link is completely missing as the time between the order of detention and the incident(s) referred to in the grounds of detention is far too large to presume such a link”, the court said. Subsequently, the court directed release of the 21-year-old from the preventive custody “forthwith provided he is not required in connection with any other case.” Meanwhile, the court also quashed detention order, passed on 24 June 2022 by District Magistrate Kupwara, against Fareed Ahmad Chouhan of Reshiwari Awoora Trehgam area of the north Kashmir district. “The requirement of law is that whole of the record, on which the detention order is based, has to be made available to the detenue in the language that he understands,” the court said, adding, “There is nothing like execution report on the record to suggest that material relied upon to base detention has been furnished to the detenu in his language, so as to make an effective representation.” The failure on the part of the detaining authority to supply material renders detention illegal and unsustainable, the court said. “Respondents, including Jail Superintendent concerned, are directed to release the detenu (Fareed) forthwith provided he is not required in any other case(s).” Dol Col Or Box (Waheed Parra's Weath) To Be Filed By Auqib Shortly Biz REC Okays 1,869 Cr Loan For Kiru Hydro Project Agencies New Delhi: REC Limited, a Maharatna public sector company and a leading NBFC, has signed an agreement with Chenab Valley Power Project Private Limited (CVPPPL) for providing a term loan of Rs 1,869.26 crore. The loan will be utilised for the development, construction and operation of the greenfield Kiru Hydro Electric Project (4x156 MW) on Chenab river located in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. Kiru Hydro Electric Project (624 MW), is a run-of-river scheme proposed on Chenab and is about 42 km from Kishtwar. The project envisages the construction of a 135-metre-high dam and an underground powerhouse with 4 units of 156 MW each. The agreement was signed in the presence of CVPPPL Managing Director Ramesh Mukhiya, and Deputy General Manager Rishabh Jain from REC Limited. CVPPPL is a Joint Venture Company between NHPC (51 per cent) and JKSPDC (49 per cent) formed at the initiative of the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Central government to harness the vast hydro potential of Chenab river. The company was incorporated in 2011.

Incessant Rains Pummel Kashmir Valley

Rains lashed plains of Kashmir while higher reaches received fresh snowfall for the second straight day on Friday. The downpour brought the mercury down in the...

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