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.

PM Modi asked the public if Congress’s sole objective was to put Modi and BJP leaders in jail. He condemned the statement, calling it unethical and undemocratic. This comment was in direct response to Kharge’s earlier remark, where he had claimed that if Congress had won 20 more seats, BJP leaders would have been imprisoned. PM Modi also took aim at the regional parties that have traditionally dominated politics in Jammu & Kashmir, such as the National Conference and the PDP. He accused the three families (Gandhi, Abdullah, and Mufti) of having wronged the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “They shattered the spirit of both the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir and the Constitution of India, which was drafted by Baba Saheb. For years, two constitutions were being enforced here, an attempt to hide their misdeeds,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister also assured the public that only a BJP government would restore full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. He urged the people to be wary of leaders who had long deprived them of their rights. Modi emphasized that this election would determine the future of Jammu & Kashmir, and urged the public to make a wise decision. Modi took sharp digs at Congress, recalling how bad things were during their rule, with the government’s Home Minister even fearing to visit Lal Chowk. “You all remember the time when an unofficial curfew would be imposed as soon as the sun set,” Modi remarked. He stated that the current situation had completely changed, crediting BJP’s governance and firm policies.

A few days earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while addressing a public rally in Jammu & Kashmir, had stated that if Congress had won 20 more seats, all major BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would have been jailed. He said, “BJP used to boast about winning over 400 seats, but this time, they were reduced to just 240. If we had 20 more seats, BJP leaders would have been in jail, which is where they belong.” Reacting to Kharge’s statement, PM Modi questioned, “Is this Congress’s main agenda? Are they just in politics to put us and BJP leaders in jail?” Modi criticized this as being against the spirit of democracy and urged people to think carefully before allowing parties like Congress to return to power.

The MHA’s order regarding Mr. Prabhat’s appointment states: “Consequent upon joining the AGMUT [Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory] Cadre on inter-cadre deputation from Andhra Pradesh Cadre, Sh. Nalin Prabhat, IPS (AP:1992) is hereby posted to Jammu & Kashmir as Special Director General (SDG), Jammu & Kashmir Police with immediate effect and till 30.09.2024.” Mr. Prabhat is no stranger to the challenges posed by insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir. With a career spanning over three decades, he has accumulated extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. His prior postings in J&K include serving as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of South Kashmir’s Operations Range and holding key positions in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), such as the Inspector General (IG) of the Kashmir Operations Sector. These roles have equipped him with deep insights into the security landscape of the region.

During his earlier tenure in J&K, Mr. Prabhat earned a reputation for his effectiveness in handling militant activities and was commended for his efforts by a former Chief Minister of J&K. His contributions to maintaining peace and security in the region have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak, the Police (Special Duty) Medal, and Bar in J&K. Mr. Prabhat’s return to J&K as the head of the police force comes at a time when the region is facing a renewed surge in militancy. Since June 2024, more than 18 gun battles have been reported in various parts of J&K, with militants demonstrating advanced skills in jungle warfare. These developments pose significant challenges for the security apparatus in the region, necessitating a robust and coordinated response from the police and other security forces.

The increase in militant activities can be attributed to several factors, including the infiltration of well-trained militants from across the border, the resurgence of local militant groups, and the evolving tactics of insurgents who are increasingly utilizing sophisticated weaponry and communication methods. The situation is further complicated by the rugged terrain of J&K, which provides a natural cover for militant hideouts and operations. Given the current security scenario, Mr. Prabhat’s appointment as the DGP of J&K is seen as a strategic decision by the central government. His prior experience in the region, coupled with his familiarity with the local populace and security forces, positions him as an ideal candidate to lead the counter-insurgency efforts in J&K. His leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on intelligence gathering, community policing, and collaboration with other security agencies to effectively combat the militant threat.

Moreover, Mr. Prabhat’s track record of working closely with local communities and building trust between the police and the public will be crucial in addressing the root causes of militancy and fostering long-term peace in the region. His approach is likely to emphasize not only the enforcement of law and order but also the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the people in J&K.

Around 11 PM on Monday, in the jungles of the Desa area of Doda, an encounter between the army and terrorists resulted in the sacrifice of an officer and four soldiers. This was the fourth encounter in the Doda region in the past 35 days. On Monday, suspicious activities were also observed in the Jammu and Kathua districts. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti also reacted to the incident. She said that despite the loss of five soldiers, no one is being held accountable. She remarked, “By now, heads should have rolled. The DGP should have been dismissed.” Mehbooba Mufti accused the current DGP of being busy with political maneuvers and harassing people and journalists.

The soldiers who were martyred in the encounter have been identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, and soldiers Bijendra and Ajay. The Indian Army expressed condolences to the families of their fallen comrades and stated that the army stands with the bereaved families in this time of grief. This incident is part of the increasing trend of terrorist attacks targeting the Jammu division, following the Kashmir Valley. In the past 32 months, around 50 soldiers have lost their lives, yet no concrete steps have been taken. Meanwhile, security forces continue their campaign against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, but the political climate remains heated.

In her response to Pakistan, Singh highlighted three ‘reds’ that she claimed Pakistan was “soaked in.” She referred to the red of bloodshed from terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, the red of its debt-riddled national balance sheets, and the red of shame felt by its people for their government’s failure to serve their actual interests.

Singh emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, and the constitutional measures taken by the Indian government in these Union territories are internal matters. She also pointed out Pakistan’s institutionalized persecution of its minorities and its abysmal human rights record, contrasting it with India’s progress in economic development and social justice.

Singh highlighted incidents of persecution against minorities in Pakistan, including the August 2023 Jaranwala issue where 19 churches were gutted, and 89 Christian houses were burnt down. Singh also condemned Pakistan for hosting and celebrating UNSC-sanctioned terrorists, while discussing India’s pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials.

Regarding Turkey’s support for Pakistan’s comments on Jammu and Kashmir, Singh issued a warning, expressing regret for Turkey’s remarks and hoping that it would refrain from making unsolicited comments on India’s internal matters in the future.

India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of its territory and that any discussion on the region should be conducted bilaterally between India and Pakistan. The country has also emphasized the need for an atmosphere free of terrorism and hostilities to have normal ties with Pakistan.

The response at the UN Human Rights Council comes at a time when India is facing various financial challenges, including a high depreciation of its currency, inflation, and decreasing forex reserves. Despite these challenges, India remains steadfast in its commitment to defending its interests and promoting peace and stability in the region.

India’s response serves as a reminder of its commitment to defending its interests and promoting peace and stability in the region.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

Satya Pal Malik, a former BJP leader, has been vocal in his criticism of the Narendra Modi government on various issues. He has accused the government of using the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to exploit the sacrifices of soldiers and has alleged that he was asked to remain silent when he sought an investigation into the Pulwama attack. Reacting to the raids, Malik stated that he is not afraid and will continue to stand with the farmers of the country. 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered two separate cases in April 2022 regarding alleged irregularities in two projects in Jammu and Kashmir during Malik’s tenure as the Governor. The first case pertains to the award of a contract for the J&K Employees Health Care Insurance Scheme to a private company, along with the release of Rs 60 crore in the year 2017-18. The second case involved the contract worth Rs 2,200 crore for civil works of the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project to a private firm in 2019.

In October 2021, Malik claimed that he was offered Rs 300 crore in bribes to clear two files, including one related to a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader. They booked Anil Ambani’s Reliance General Insurance Company (RGIC) and officials of Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd (CVPPPL), among others, in the two cases.

The Kiru Hydel Project, whose cost is estimated to be Rs 4,287 crore, has been marred by allegations of sub-standard work and its failure to provide jobs to local unemployed youth. The ACB probe into the matter observed that the project’s tender had been canceled in the 47th Board Meeting of the CVPPPL, but was revived in the 48th Board Meeting and awarded to Patel Engineering.

The former Governor’s criticism of the Modi government and his stance in support of farmers have added a political dimension to the raids, with Malik asserting that he will not be intimidated. The outcome of the CBI’s investigations will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for the political landscape in the region.

By – Kashish Jain

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