Political Activities
Announcement of Assembly Elections: The Election Commission has officially announced the dates for the first Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. These elections will take place in three phases: September 18, 25, and October 1 of 2024.
Political Reactions to Election Announcement: Political parties across the region, including the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), welcomed the move, calling it a significant step towards restoring democracy. Leaders like Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti expressed hope for a peaceful and transparent election process .
Security Measures: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ramped up security ahead of the elections, deploying additional forces to sensitive areas to ensure peaceful polling. Security agencies are focusing on counter-terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley .
BJP’s Preparations: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its campaign, with senior leaders holding strategic meetings to plan their outreach in Jammu, which has traditionally been a BJP stronghold. They are also trying to make inroads in the Kashmir Valley.
Gupkar Alliance Meeting: The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), led by NC and PDP, held a crucial meeting to discuss their strategy for the upcoming elections. They aim to present a united front against the BJP and other national parties.
Reservation for SC/STs: In a bid to appeal to marginalized communities, the central government confirmed the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the upcoming Assembly elections, a move welcomed by regional parties.
Congress Campaigning: The Congress Party is mobilizing its grassroots workers, especially targeting young voters. Senior Congress leaders have been conducting rallies and meetings in both Jammu and Srinagar.
AIMIM’s Outreach: Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM is also eyeing seats in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on minority-dominated regions. They have organized local gatherings and public speeches to boost their presence.
Communist Party’s Agenda: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a public event in Srinagar, discussing workers’ rights and condemning the dilution of Article 370. They aim to secure seats through a focus on social justice issues .
Public Engagement on Social Media: Political leaders have been actively using social media platforms to engage with the electorate. Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, and BJP leaders are regularly posting campaign updates, reaching out to first-time voters.
Law & Order
Kupwara Encounter: In Kupwara district, one Pakistani terrorist was killed, and a soldier lost his life in an encounter with terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) as the Army foiled an infiltration attempt by Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT).
Attack in Doda District: An encounter in Doda’s Gandoh area between terrorists and security forces left one policeman injured. This marks the fourth terror-related incident in three days.
Chattergalla Checkpost Attack: Militants attacked a joint security forces checkpost in Chattergalla, injuring five soldiers of the Rashtriya Rifles and a Special Police Officer (SPO). An operation is ongoing to track down the terrorists.
Infiltration Bid in Rajouri: Security forces launched a search and cordon operation in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri after spotting suspicious movements, indicating a potential infiltration attempt by terrorists.
Release of Terrorist Sketches in Doda: The Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of four terrorists suspected to be involved in recent attacks in the Bhaderwah, Thathri, and Gandoh areas. The police announced a reward for information.
Suspicious Movements in Kalal: A search operation was initiated in Kalal area of Rajouri following reports of suspicious movement by two individuals suspected to be terrorists.
Kashmir Border Gunfight: Another gunfight was reported along the Pakistan border in which two infiltrators managed to escape back to Pakistan, but security forces continue their operation.
Kathua Encounter: Security forces neutralized two Pakistani terrorists in Kathua district after a long-drawn encounter. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was martyred in the operation
Traffic Disruption on Bhaderwah-Pathankot Road: Due to ongoing security operations after a terror attack, traffic on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot highway was suspended to ensure public safety.
High Alert in Poonch: Security forces have been placed on high alert across Poonch and Rajouri districts following intelligence inputs about potential terrorist attacks in these areas.
