The Indian Army has successfully foiled an infiltration attempt by terrorists on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district. The operation, codenamed "OP TIKKA," is currently ongoing and has resulted in the elimination of two terrorists in Uri Nala. Heavy firing between security forces and the infiltrators has been reported, along with the recovery of a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.
Two earthquakes, measuring 4.9 and 4.8 on the Richter scale, struck the Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir, causing panic and sending residents out of their homes. The tremors were felt throughout the Valley, leading to an overload of phone calls to authorities seeking updates on the safety of loved ones. Thankfully, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage from the dual earthquake.
Residents of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir were caught off guard as an earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck the region at 12:26 PM on July 12. According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 KM. The website Pugmarks also shared news of the quake, urging its subscribers to stay updated with their newsletters and bulletins.
One terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday. The encounter took place in the Gandoh area and was confirmed by a top police official. This comes after a series of terror-related incidents in the state, including the killing of two terrorists in Baramulla district earlier this month. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed security agencies to work in a mission mode and ensure coordinated responses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recently chaired a high-level meeting to assess the current security landscape in the region.
The Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a record turnout of 59 per cent in the 2021 elections, the highest since 1996. According to J&K's CEO P.K. Pole, this turnout not only reflects the people's faith in democracy, but also their belief that development and progress can only be achieved through the democratic process. Despite security concerns, voting was peaceful and violence-free thanks to the efforts of over 8,000 poll staff and 10,000 CAPF personnel. Additionally, the Sopore segment, which recorded a low 4 per cent turnout in 2019, saw a jump to 44 per cent this year, indicating a positive trend in the state's democratic history.
Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency defied its past history of being militancy-infested and recorded a remarkable 59% voter turnout. This was the highest recorded in the constituency since the first parliamentary polls in 1967. The Union territory's chief electoral officer PK Pole announced that the day also witnessed zero violence, making for a peaceful and successful polling day. The constituency has 17,37,865 registered voters and 22 candidates in the fray.
Indian football star Sunil Chhetri's impact on and off the field continues to be felt, as he now stirs up the upcoming Baramulla election from prison. Known for his maverick nature and leadership skills, Chhetri's support and representation of all Kashmiris in jail has caused a stir in the political landscape. As his popularity among voters and his legacy grow, Chhetri proves to be a force to be reckoned with in Indian sports and politics.
With the candidacy of Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, from the Baramulla constituency, the contest for a seat in the Indian Lok Sabha has intensified. Rashid joins two other prominent leaders from the Kupwara district, Sajad Lone and Fayaz Mir, who are also vying for the same votes. However, Rashid's absence from his constituency due to his imprisonment and his party's lack of registration may harm his chances of winning, despite potential sympathy votes. In the 2019 polls, Rashid was a strong contender, securing more votes than the PDP and Congress candidates.
The National Conference has announced that former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah will be contesting from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, while influential Shia leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi will contest from Srinagar. This comes after Omar Abdullah renounced contesting elections until the state's special status was restored. With the constituency witnessing a change in dynamics after delimitation, the fight is expected to be mostly between NC and PCM chief Sajad Gani Lone. Abdullah is expected to garner support from Shia dominated areas within the constituency.
The Centre has approved a total of Rs. 2000 crore for various highway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, announced by Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday. The projects include the widening and strengthening of a strategic route connecting Baramulla and Kupwara districts, development and maintenance of a ropeway in Srinagar district, and upgrading and strengthening of the Nashri-Chenani section of National Highway-244. These initiatives aim to improve the logistics and economic growth in the region while also enhancing tourism.