The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed the visit, clarifying that it symbolizes India’s commitment to the SCO Charter. He said, “India is fully committed to the SCO Charter, and the primary purpose of the Foreign Minister’s visit is to fulfill obligations under this charter.” He further stressed that this visit should not be seen as an attempt to improve bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that the trip is solely within the context of the SCO and should not be interpreted politically.

Pakistan had extended invitations to all member nations for this SCO meeting. In August 2024, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, announced that an official invitation had been sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. This sparked speculation about a potential visit by Modi to Pakistan. However, S. Jaishankar made it clear that the time for dialogue with Pakistan had passed, stating, “The time for talks with Pakistan is over.” He also added that since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, the issue no longer exists, and India is not in a position to consider any relationship with Pakistan.

Both India and Pakistan are members of the SCO, and officials from both nations have participated in meetings under this organization. In July 2023, India hosted a virtual SCO summit, where Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated online. Additionally, in May 2023, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Goa, marking a rare occasion of a visit to India. However, tensions between the two nations were evident even then.

The SCO was established in 2001 and is known for discussions on security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The organization has eight permanent members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became permanent members in 2017. Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have always been tense, with issues like terrorism, Jammu & Kashmir, and border tensions complicating ties. Despite this, platforms like the SCO are important as they offer opportunities for officials from both countries to come together.

Modi also reassured that Jammu-Kashmir will be granted statehood again. He reiterated this promise in Parliament and mentioned that the state would regain its status. He criticized Congress and NC, stating that Pakistan has exposed these parties as their agendas align with Pakistan’s. The Prime Minister remarked that following the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism and separatism have weakened. He also referenced the recent attack on devotees and paid tribute to martyr Vijay Kumar. Modi emphasized that Jammu-Kashmir is progressing towards lasting peace and will be completely free of terrorism.

Addressing the people of Reasi and Udhampur, Modi accused Congress, NC, and PDP of stalling the file for the construction of the Chenab Bridge. He noted that this bridge, approved during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, has now become a significant facility and attraction. Attacking Congress further, Modi claimed the party is engaged in vote-bank politics and is undermining the Dogra heritage. He labeled the Congress royal family as corrupt and described it as the root of corruption in India. Modi also criticized a member of the Congress royal family for making derogatory remarks about deities abroad.

Modi praised BJP’s achievements, stating that the party has eliminated decades-old discrimination and has worked to honor Jammu-Kashmir’s faith and culture. He criticized Congress for continually jeopardizing faith and culture for electoral gains.

The visit marked the Prime Minister’s first since the Supreme Court, in December, upheld the abrogation of Article 370. The court also ordered the restoration of statehood and instructed the Centre to hold Assembly elections by September 2024. The party convened the inaugural meeting of its state election committee in the Union Territory and conducted a workshop on its nationwide “Gaon Chalo Abhiyan”.

He urged people to support the BJP and NDA in elections, emphasizing the need for a strong mandate to continue the region’s progress. On Tuesday, the PM inaugurated AIIMS, Jammu; the world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab; and north India’s first river rejuvenation project — the Devika River project — in Udhampur. The 1.3 km-long rail bridge, located 359 meters above the Chenab, is 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and forms a crucial link in the 111-km Katra–Banihal stretch.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated his commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that a developed Jammu & Kashmir is essential for achieving a developed India. During a ‘Viksit Bharat’ programme, he expressed that his relationship with the region spans over 40 years, highlighting the central government’s numerous developmental projects dedicated to transforming this vision into reality.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for transformative projects worth ₹32,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. Among the key projects inaugurated was the commissioning of the  Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, which features the usage of Ballast Less Track (BLT) all along the route, providing a better riding experience to the passengers. Additionally, the prime minister flagged off the first Electric Train in the valley and also the train service between Sangaldan station and Baramulla station.

PM Modi also handed out appointment orders to approximately 1500 newly recruited government officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to job creation and economic development in the region.

In his address, PM Modi expressed unwavering confidence in the potential of Jammu and Kashmir, vowing to fulfill the dreams of its people with the vision of ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir’. He highlighted the significant reduction in incidents of terrorism, citing a 75% decrease, and the end of appeasement politics, which has empowered marginalized communities.

In a significant boost to the railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi is set to lay the foundation for 550 ‘Amrit Bharat’ stations. Additionally, during a virtual event spanning over 2,000 railway stations, he will also initiate the groundwork for approximately 1,500 road overbridges and underbridges across various states. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and infrastructure development, marking a crucial step in the country’s transportation progress.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union minister Jitendra Singh were also present at the event, lauding the remarkable reduction in incidents of terrorism and the end of appeasement politics, respectively.The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the importance of a developed Jammu & Kashmir in achieving a developed India, and the government’s dedication to realizing this vision.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir unit chief, Ravinder Raina, announced on Wednesday that PM Modi aims to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple developmental projects valued at over Rs 30,500 crore, covering diverse sectors such as health, education, rail, road, aviation, and developmental projects and address a public rally at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu.

The education and skilling infrastructure projects, collectively valued at Rs 13,375 crore, will see the inauguration of permanent campuses for institutions like IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IIT Jammu, and IIITDM Kancheepuram. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate 3 new IIMs and few Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya buildings.

In the transportation sector, notable improvements are expected as the Prime Minister lays the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Jammu Airport. Various rail projects, including the new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and the electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section, will also be dedicated.

Key road infrastructure projects, such as the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Jammu to Katra, the second phase of four-laning of Srinagar Ring Road, and upgrades to the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01, will witness the initiation of foundation stones. Construction of bypasses in Kulgam and Pulwama on NH-444 will also commence.

Moreover, the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Common User Facility (CUF) Petroleum depot at Jammu, boasting a fully automated system with a storage capacity of about 100,000 KL for various fuels, will be laid.

In the realm of civic infrastructure and public facilities, projects worth over Rs 3,150 crore will be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid. These include road projects, bridges, grid stations, receiving stations, transmission line projects, sewage treatment plants, degree college buildings, an intelligent traffic management system in Srinagar city, a modern Narwal Fruit Mandi, a Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua, and transit accommodations at Ganderbal and Kupwara. A major highlight will be the inauguration of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu, contributing to comprehensive tertiary care health services for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.These initiatives underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to significantly boost economic growth, connectivity, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life in the region.

In road infrastructure, the foundation stone will be laid for key projects like the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Jammu to Katra, the second phase of four-laning of Srinagar Ring Road, and upgrades to the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01. The Prime Minister will also initiate the construction of bypasses in Kulgam and Pulwama on NH-444.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a Common User Facility (CUF) Petroleum depot at Jammu, a state-of-the-art, fully automated depot with a storage capacity of about 100,000 KL for various fuels.

In a bid to enhance civic infrastructure and public facilities, projects worth over Rs 3,150 crore will be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid. These include road projects, bridges, grid stations, receiving stations, transmission line projects, sewage treatment plants, degree college buildings, an intelligent traffic management system in Srinagar city, a modern Narwal Fruit Mandi, a Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua, and transit accommodations at Ganderbal and Kupwara.A major focus will be on healthcare with the inauguration of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu, providing comprehensive tertiary care health

The comprehensive range of projects underscores the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir and is anticipated to significantly impact the region’s economic growth, connectivity, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.

This visit is widely perceived as an attempt by the BJP to strengthen its electoral position in the region and enhance prospects for the upcoming general elections. The party, aiming to secure all five Lok Sabha seats in the Union Territory, sees this visit as a crucial step in bolstering public support.

The decision, confirmed by the party’s leadership in a press conference held in Srinagar earlier today, comes amid heightened tensions and uncertainty in the region following the Abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special autonomous status.

In the wake of the controversial move by the Indian government, several mainstream political parties in the region had faced a dilemma over their future course of action. While some chose to collaborate with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its allies, others opted to maintain a distance, citing concerns over the erosion of the region’s autonomy and identity.

Farooq Abdullah, the veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that the decision to contest elections independently was taken after thorough deliberations within the party. He stated, “We have always stood for the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our decision to go solo in the upcoming elections is a reaffirmation of our commitment to safeguard the interests of our people.”

Mr. Abdullah categorically dismissed the possibility of forming alliances with other opposition parties, affirming that his party would participate in the forthcoming elections independently. The National Conference’s decision to go solo in the Lok Sabha polls follows similar moves by Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, hinting at internal discord within the 28-party-led INDIA bloc.

Last month, Mr. Abdullah voiced his apprehensions regarding the absence of agreement on the India bloc’s seat-sharing arrangements. His concerns surfaced amidst growing tensions within the coalition over the distribution of electoral constituencies.

Recently, Mr. Abdullah found himself summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning purported financial irregularities at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. This case revolves around accusations of funds being diverted to unrelated parties’ personal bank accounts and unexplained cash withdrawals from the association’s financial holdings.

Observers note that the decision by Farooq Abdullah’s party to chart its own course in the upcoming elections could further complicate the political landscape in the region. With multiple parties vying for power and support, the electoral dynamics are expected to be highly fluid and unpredictable.

The announcement by the JKNC has drawn mixed reactions from various quarters. While supporters of the party have welcomed the move as a reaffirmation of its commitment to the region’s autonomy and self-determination, critics argue that it could fragment the opposition and inadvertently benefit the ruling dispensation.

The development comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with a range of challenges, including security concerns, economic downturn, and social instability. The region has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence and unrest, underscoring the urgency of finding a lasting political solution that addresses the grievances and aspirations of its people.

BY – KASHISH JAIN 

The passage of these bills reflects a broader effort to empower local institutions and facilitate greater participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their own governance. It signals a new era of governance and development in the region, fostering a sense of hope and optimism among its residents.

1. Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : Spearheaded by Minister of State of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to introduce reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies within the Union territory. This legislative initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity and representation in governance structures. Currently lacking provisions for OBC reservation in panchayats and municipalities, the bill seeks to address this gap and promote equitable participation of marginalized communities in local governance processes, thereby fostering social justice and empowerment in the region.
2. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : It has been introduced with the purpose of including four communities – Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group – in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir. This legislative measure holds significant importance as it represents a crucial step towards recognizing and safeguarding the rights of these communities. By including these communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes, the bill aims to provide them with access to various benefits, protections, and opportunities that are specifically reserved for Scheduled Tribes under government schemes and policies. In response to the discussion on the bill, Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda emphasized that it aims to provide justice to communities that have long sought Scheduled Tribe status. He noted that the repeal of Article 370 has enabled the enactment of these laws.
3. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : Initiated by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, aims to include the Valmiki community as an equivalent to the Chura, Balmiki, Bhangi, and Mehtar communities in the Scheduled Castes list in Jammu and Kashmir.. This amendment seeks to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order of 1956 to ensure the inclusion and recognition of the Valmiki community. By incorporating the Valmiki community into the list of Scheduled Castes, the bill intends to provide them with access to various benefits, reservations, and protections provided by the government to Scheduled Castes. This legislative measure acknowledges the historical discrimination and social challenges faced by the Valmiki community and seeks to address them by granting them official recognition and representation within the legal framework of Jammu and Kashmir.

Opposition members expressed reservations regarding the three legislations. Neeraj Dangi of the Congress raised concerns about formulating reservation policies without sufficient data on reserved categories. He questioned the feasibility of crafting policies in the absence of such essential information. Similarly, Sandosh Kumar P of the CPI stressed the necessity of having an elected state assembly in Jammu & Kashmir. He also questioned the rationale behind the OBC reservation, citing the lack of available data to support it. While acknowledging the importance of OBC reservation, he emphasized the importance of substantiating such decisions with credible data.

Nityananda Rai emphasized that the removal process of the state election commissioner would adhere to constitutional provisions. He highlighted that removal could only occur under circumstances akin to those of a judge of a high court. With the passage of these bills, the government is poised to implement comprehensive reforms that will promote growth, prosperity, and overall well-being in Jammu and Kashmir. This milestone underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of the people and building a brighter future for the region.

By Kashish Jain