First round of Tiprasa Accord dialogue held :::: Both sides to meet every two months to help expedite effective implementation

"Some said it will never happen but a historical process has started - this is the start ! First round of the Tiprasa accord dialogue held along with the officials of Home ministry and  state government has been held," posted popular Tipra leader Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma.

He also wrote: "A detailed discussion on ALL  points has been discussed. We have also agreed that we will meet every two months to Expedite the problems of our Tiprasa people . Today we spoke as a community and not a party".

"I will continue to strive to give our people dignity and a better tomorrow". 

It may be mentioned that Tipra Motha, which won 13 seats in its maiden Assembly polls last year, joined the BJP-led government after signing a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government. 

Under the Tripartite pact, it was agreed to amicably resolve all issues of indigenous people of Tripura relating to history, land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had invited Tipra Motha leaders to New Delhi for the first meeting of the working group on Friday, September 20, for implementation of the tripartite agreement signed in March.

Ruling and Opposition MPs fight it out at JPC meet on Waqf Board Amendment Bill :::: One Muslim organisation outright rejected "all amendments"

Slamming the stance of the Opposition MPs, the BJP Parliamentarians at the meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted to discuss the Waqf Board (Amendment) Bill expressed their anger and disappointment, accusing the opposition MPs of being silent if any Muslim organisation criticises the Bill and "creating a commotion" when the amendments are backed by any Muslim body.

Patna-based Chanakya Law University Vice Chancellor and Muslim intellectual Prof. Faizan Mustafa also presented his views on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during the fifth round of the JPC meeting on Thursday.

He termed the proposal to give authority to the DMs on matters related to Waqf "incorrect". Besides, he also opposed other provisions proposed in the Bill.

Mustafa urged the government to proceed with the Bill "on the basis of everyone's nod". During the meeting, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi wondered why Home Minister Amit Shah had been talking about the Bill even as it had been referred to the JPC for discussion.

The Opposition MPs even claimed that "the JPC is being put under pressure" over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

All these views and counter-views led to a heated exchange of words during the meeting.

In the course of the meeting, a BJP MP also spoke on the subject of documentation of Waqf properties, which led to another round of heated arguments in which even JPC Chairperson Jagdambika Pal was involved.  

At one point, even JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal got engaged in a heated exchange of words with the parliamentarians of the Opposition camp. 

The meeting concluded with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) submitting its views on the proposed amendments, while opposing the Bill.  

The AIMPLB presented a 200-page report in which it included the Board's points highlighting key points for opposing the Bill.

The AIMPLB particularly opposed the proposals on 'Waqf By User' and rights to be given to DM over matters related to the Waqf Board.

The AIMPLB presented a 200-page report in which it included the Board's points highlighting key points for opposing the Bill.

The AIMPLB particularly opposed the proposals on 'Waqf By User' and rights to be given to DM over matters related to the Waqf Board. AIMPLB representative said: "We reject all the amendments."

The AIMPLB also described the Bill as "anti-Islam and anti-Muslims". Its views on the matter were presented during the meeting by Board president Maulana Saifullah Rahmani, Qasim Rasool Ilyas and Advocate Samshad, among five others.

Among all, Shamshad spoke at length on the subject, underlining the reasons behind the AIMPLB's reasons behind opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Meanwhile, Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz extended its support to the proposed amendments to the Bill. Describing the Bill as "beneficial for 85 per cent Muslims", it also demanded including the Dalits and Adivasis of the Muslim community under its ambit.

However, there were frequent interruptions by the Opposition MPs while Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz was speaking during the JPC meeting in support of the Bill.

This led to heated arguments between the MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition MPs.

Speaking at the meeting, an AIMPLB representative said: "We reject all the amendments."

The AIMPLB also described the Bill as "anti-Islam and anti-Muslims". Its views on the matter were presented during the meeting by Board president Maulana Saifullah Rahmani, Qasim Rasool Ilyas and Advocate Samshad, among five others.

Among all, Shamshad spoke at length on the subject, underlining the reasons behind the AIMPLB's reasons behind opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Meanwhile, Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz extended its support to the proposed amendments to the Bill.

Describing the Bill as "beneficial for 85 per cent Muslims", it also demanded including the Dalits and Adivasis of the Muslim community under its ambit.

However, there were frequent interruptions by the Opposition MPs while Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz was speaking during the JPC meeting in support of the Bill.

This led to heated arguments between the MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition MPs.

So far, the committee has received responses from various quarters across the country via email and post. Over 95,00,000 emails have been received online, all of which are being sifted through for feedback.

The committee has travelled to several cities, including Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmednagar, to gather feedback and engage with stakeholders.

Naga talks : New Delhi must firmly say no compromise on Flag and Constitution

 "No Mizoram prism, remove insecurity of Chief Minister Rio"

New Delhi must firmly say no compromises on Flag and Constitution

New Delhi/Dimapur 

PM Narendra Modi needs to be firm. Peace emissary A K Mishra coming and having any number of meetings may not help much. 

A special emissary or interlocutor ideally should not matter much. They are responsible for breaking the ice and making two or multiple sides meet. Future course of discussions and the outcome depend on the two negotiating sides.

So, technically there may not be much of a difference between Swaraj Kaushal, who handled Mizo talks and was first interlocutor for Naga talks too, and the incumbent emissary A K Mishra.

A former cop from an intelligence background is more of a 'smarter' diplomat. 

They can conceal more and reveal less. Mr. Mishra flew to Dimapur and held talks with top NSCN-IM leaders Q. Tucco and Thuingaleng Muivah.

But what did they talk about? Who is calling it fruitful? Any CSO leader or a pro-NDPP analyst ?

Talks can be successful like the way it has been with the NNPG only when the umbrella organisation took a pragmatic stance and did not indulge in selling dreams. The Govt of India should yet again start/restart any parleys making it absolutely clear that it will pursue the Naga issue with prior conditions - no compromises on Flag and Constitution.

Instead of being 'insecure', Rio must aim Silver medal

'Nagaland Page'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to call out the bluff. A leader who abrogated Article 370 in J&K cannot suddenly allow himself become a 'weak or soft leader like Nehru' -- to use the phraseology from the BJP think tanks.

Mishra as an emissary has to discharge his duties as a patriot. Because things are complex; he also has to strike the right balance between the NNPG and the NSCN-IM.

New Delhi has to handle a few other issues. In 2024, it needs to shed the 'Mizoram prism' while resolving the Naga issue. The permanent fear that he will have to step down as Chief Minister if peace talks are successful and a pact is inked has made a 'brave' leader like Neiphiu Rio develop insecurity. 

This is notwithstanding the fact that Rio was courageous enough to take on his mentor and one-time powerful S C Jamir.

Ever since he became Chief Minister - with the help from a section of Naga groups - Rio is indebted to them too. Like a true 'son-in-law' he does not want to burn the bridges with his kins.

Every family man understands this logic.  

The Sept 12 resolution reflects growing nervousness in a man -- with whom even Nagaland Congress leadership has now grown soft. This new found Congress-Rio bonhomie will actually harm the Chief Minister more than it harms or derails the Naga talks.

The BJP leaders in Nagaland and especially deputy chief minister Y Patton need to be more serious when it comes to meetings like the one held on Sept 12. They should be more concerned about propriety and the prestige of the office of the PMO.

An analyst in Delhi says, "The issue of Nagalim or bringing all Naga contiguous areas under one roof is only a pipe dream. These days even NPF leader K Azo Nieunu has shown pragmatism unlike his predecessors and said such a thing cannot happen. Hence, New Delhi needs to change its approach too".

Another analyst and a former military officer endorses the same view and adds succinctly, "The Modi government understands that the 'Manipur mess' needs to be resolved sooner than later. New Delhi needs to ensure lasting peace in the Naga region of the state. 

Nagas have not joined the ethnic bitterness between Kukis and Meiteis. Now Nagas coming to New Delhi side would be a productive and forward looking concept".

The mandarins in the Home Ministry take some of these words with a pinch of salt.

"To be optimistic is good; but to be unreasonably hopeful about miracle is something discarded from the text book of administration," - is one refrain when it comes toissues like corruption-free Nagaland, wholesome development in the state and a lasting and a permanent solution to the Naga issue.

Kitovi of NNPG : Playing it hard with pragmatism

There is a general understanding that insurgency is also an industry and hence it knows how to survive braving odds.

But New Delhi appreciates the stance taken by Nagas of Manipur when it comes to the feud of 2023.

Nagas have their agreements and disagreements with both warring communities - Kukis and Meiteis. 

That way, they have so far remained neutral in the conflict without actively participating despite efforts by both communities to reach out to them which is appreciated by New Delhi.

This brings the debate to a more pertinent stage. The Naga population of Manipur has not given any blanket authorisation to any organisation, CSO or group.

They want peace and development. When it comes to political performance of the N Biren Singh government, they punished Biren Singh, the NPF and even the Modi government by voting in favour of Congress.

The Nagas of Nagaland -- the larger section one presumes - should come out of their pipe dream and emulate Naga brothers and sisters in Manipur state and focus on what is attainable and what is good for the future.

Look at the all-India level service including security forces - the percentage is quite high from the Nagas of Manipur. Probably 10-20 percent of that in eastern Nagaland would have made the history of that sub-region different.

Time everyone works in a unity of purpose. Amit Shah, A K Mishra, Neiphiu Rio his advisors (officially designated ones and even those unofficially known), all Hohos of Nagaland, all political parties including BJP and Congress and even fault finding media.

This may not ensure us the gold of immortality, but at least the bronze of recognition.

The Silver medal will go to Neiphiu Rio.

ends 

Rajnath, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal to work with other political parties for effective coordination to pass One Nation, One Election Bill

 The government has assigned three senior ministers Rajnath Singh, Kiren Rijiju, and Arjun Meghwal to consult with political parties across the spectrum to build consensus.  

Several ministers from parties like TDP and JD(U) lauded the decision.

“This is indeed a much-needed, much sought-after, long-pending reform and it is only for the cause of the people,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told colleagues in the meeting, sources said.

Several opposition leaders have called the push for simultaneous polls a desperate attempt to hang onto power. 

The Prime Minister is said to have told his cabinet colleagues that there is no need for anybody to look at it from the prism of politics. “This is not a politically motivated decision, nor is it for political benefit. It is to ensure that the welfare of the people takes centre stage”.  

Sources also indicated that the government is not in a hurry to bring this legislation into Parliament as being speculated through various quarters. It wants to open up a wider consultation so that various stakeholders, especially the common man, can also further give their opinions. “Consultations and meetings with various stakeholders and seminars across the country will be held,” Vaishnaw said in the cabinet briefing.

Since the government will be bringing amendments to the Constitution to get this legislation passed, the entire focus will be on consensus, the sources said. “Multiple numbers at multiple levels will be made to get consensus on the issue from political parties to legal representatives to the common man,” they added.  

The government also highlighted that:

Elections were held simultaneously between 1951 and 1967.

Law Commission 170th report (1999): One election to Lok Sabha and all legislative assemblies in five years.

Parliamentary Committee 79th Report (2015): Suggest methods for simultaneous elections in two phases.

The committee chaired by Kovind extensively consulted a broad spectrum of stakeholders including political parties and experts.

The report is available online at: https://onoe.gov.in

Extensive feedback has shown there is widespread support for simultaneous elections in the country.

Recommendations and the way forward as listed by the government include:

Implement in two phases.

In the first phase conduct Lok Sabha and assembly elections simultaneously.

In the second phase conduct local body elections (panchayat and municipalities) within 100 days of general elections.

Common electoral rolls for all elections.

Will initiate detailed discussions throughout the country.

Constitute an implementation group.

Speculative, misleading: India on report of diversion of ammunition to Ukraine

Speculative, misleading: India on report of diversion of ammunition to Ukraine

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected the claims made by news agency Reuters that artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers were diverted by European customers to Ukraine.  

India on Thursday, Sept 19. rejected the report which claimed that artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers were diverted by European customers to Ukraine.

Calling the report "speculative and misleading", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items.

"We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous. India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items," MEA said in a statement.

"India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end-user obligations and certifications," the ministry added.

In its report, Reuters claimed that the transfer of ammunition to aid Ukraine's defense against Russia has been ongoing for more than a year.

"Indian arms export regulations limit the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser, who risks future sales being terminated if unauthorised transfers occur," the report claimed.

It also alleged that New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade, even after protests from Russia. "Moscow has raised the issue on at least two occasions, including during a meeting in July between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar," it claimed.

Did you know ... When priest protested Amitabh-Jaya Bachchan's inter-caste marriage !!

 Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan got married on June 3, 1973. Jaya's father Taroon Coomar Bhadhuri shared the details of their wedding in a 1989 article, reports 'India Today'.  

In an article for the 'Illustrated Weekly of India' in 1989, Jaya's father Taroon Coomer Bhaduri mentioned that he was impressed with Amitabh and knew that he was not marrying his daughter because she was a big star.

“I felt he was not the run-of-the-mill Bombay film star. There were vicious people who said that Amitabh married Jaya because she was a big star, but it’s totally untrue. 

He waited for Zanjeer to be a success. But Jaya would have married him anyway. I know that for certain. She is not a fickle-minded person. 

She is a very determined individual, bent on having her way since childhood. It is difficult for me to say what drew them together,” he wrote.  

Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's wedding ceremony on June 3, 1973, was an intimate affair with only their family members and friends in attendance. 

Jaya’s father, journalist (onetime with 'The Statesman), Taroon Coomar Bhadhuri, in an article, shared how the Bengali priest at the wedding objected to the union of a Bengali Brahmin (Jaya) and a non-Bengali non-Brahmin (Amitabh). Taroon also put to rest the rumours of him being unhappy with Jaya's wedding to Amitabh.

Bachchans are Shrivastavas and are Kayasthas !!  

After they decided to marry each other, Amitabh called Jaya's mother and arranged for their travel to Mumbai. “And presto, we were in Bombay the next day to make arrangements for a ‘secret marriage’ on June 3, 1973. 

There is no point now in going into the details of how the whole affair was kept secret and the marriage arranged in the flat of friends of our family, the Pandits, at Malabar Hill. But there is something more to it,” Jaya’s father wrote.

Since it all happened quickly, they had difficulty finding a Bengali priest in Mumbai. Taroon continued, "A Bengali marriage is usually a long-drawn-out but highly interesting affair. The Bengali priest (who was located with great difficulty) at first protested against having to preside over a marriage between a Bengali Brahmin (Jaya) and a non-Bengali non-Brahmin (Amit). 

After a lot of hassle, this was sorted out. Amit went through all the rituals, offending no one, and the ceremony went on until early the next morning. 

He did with sincerity all he was told to do. The following day, they flew to London. On their return, I held a reception at Bhopal, and again Amit did whatever he was told to do,” Jaya’s father wrote.  

Addressing the rumours of him and his wife not being happy with Jaya's decision to marry Amitabh, he wrote, "I would like to know just one good reason why my wife or I would have been opposed to the Bhaduri-Bachchan alliance. 

Amitabh was, and is, a lovable boy. 

He struggled hard to come up in the world of films. Initial failures did not deter him, and with a Teutonic doggedness, he pursued his career. 

"He proposed marriage to Jaya only when the film Zanjeer clicked, and he has not looked back since. So, what reservations could we have? That he was not a Bengali and was a non-Brahmin? How ridiculous!"  

"Another daughter of mine too is married to a non-Brahmin, and if it is any consolation to my detractors, my second daughter is married to a Roman Catholic. Apart from my wife and me, my elderly parents also not only joined in the marriage celebrations but blessed all three couples, in view of scores of invitees. 

And my father was a very proud Brahmin. His words still ring in my ears: ‘It is their life. Who are we to throw a spanner in the works? If they are happy, so should we be’," Taroon concluded.

ends 

 

"I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting," says Foreign Secretary Misri about possible Modi-Donald Trump meet

On PM Modi's upcoming visit to USA, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says "PM Modi be visiting the US from the 21st to the 23rd of September. There will be interaction with a variety of foreign partners. There will be interaction with the large Indian diaspora in the US and there will be engagement with a host of business and industry leaders amongst others". 

The Prime minister's first stop will be Wilmington in Delaware, which as you know, is the hometown of President Biden that is also the venue of this 6th Quad summit that will be held there. From Wilmington, the Prime Minister will travel to New York to attend the Summit of the Future at the United Nations... 

On the 22nd, the Prime Minister will have an interaction with the Indian diaspora...India will host the next Quad leaders summit in 2025."

When asked if PM Modi will meet former US President Donald Trump during his upcoming US visit, Foreign Secretary oVikram Misri said: 

"...There are many meetings with the Prime Minister right now which we are trying to fix. Right now, I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting, whether the meeting has been fixed or not. 

"We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings."

"...This is also going to be kind of a farewell event in so far as the Quad is concerned for President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan and therefore, the Quad event provides the Prime Minister with an opportunity to thank both leaders for their leadership in giving momentum and salience to the Quad partnership," the Foreign Secretary said.

"There will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between Prime Minister and President Biden where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States which today covers almost every aspect of human endeavour through the 50 plus engagements and bilateral dialogue mechanisms that we have between the two sides... 

We also expect to have bilateral meetings with the leaders of Japan and Australia."

Jammu & Kashmir youth now carry books and pens, not stones: PM on record voter turnout

 J&K youth now carry books and pens, not stones: PM on record voter turnout

Jammu and Kashmir saw a voter turnout of 60.21 per cent in the first phase of polling for the Assembly election - the highest in the past seven elections.  

Emphasising the role of Kashmiri Pandits in advancing Kashmiriyat, PM Modi highlighted the deep connection between the Pandit community and the region's heritage. However, he pointed out that the self-serving politics of three prominent dynasties, referring to the National Conference, PDP and Congress, in Kashmir, has led to the displacement of Kashmiri Hindus from their homes.

Modi said:
"In the last 35 years, Kashmir remained closed for almost 3000 days, which means 8 years out of 35 years were spent in shutdown. Whereas in the last 5 years, Kashmir did not remain closed for even 8 hours. They want schools should be burnt again, cinema halls should be closed again, businesses should be closed again, rigging in jobs to start again...

These people have given nothing to Kashmir except destruction, whereas BJP has entered the elections with great intentions for the poor, farmers, youth and women." 

Modi also drew attention to the hardships faced by Sikh families in Kashmir, who have similarly endured violence and atrocities. 

He accused the three political families of being complicit in acts of injustice against both the Kashmiri Hindu and Sikh communities, suggesting that their actions and those of their associates have contributed to the suffering and displacement of these groups over the years.  

Reflecting on the transformation of Lal Chowk in Srinagar, PM Modi stated that once it was a place that symbolised danger for those attempting to hoist the tricolour flag.

In a veiled dig at the former Union Home Minister and senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde, PM Modi stated that for years, visiting Lal Chowk was fraught with fear, as people hesitated to enter the area due to safety concerns.

Earlier this month, while launching his memoir in Delhi, Shinde stated that he used to feel scared of venturing out in Kashmir while he held the post.

"Before I became the Home Minister, I visited him (educationist Vijay Dhar). I used to ask him for advice. He advised me not to roam around but to visit Lal Chowk (in Srinagar), meet people and go around Dal Lake," Shinde stated.

However, he remarked that the situation has changed dramatically. Today, the markets of Srinagar, including Lal Chowk, are alive with the vibrant celebrations of both Eid and Diwali, signalling a new sense of normalcy and communal harmony.

"If the BJP government is formed here, then instead of Rs 6000, Rs 10,000 will be deposited in the bank accounts of everyone every year. Rs 18,000 will be deposited every year in the bank account of the oldest woman of every family. 

Today every family of J&K has the facility of free treatment up to Rs 5 lakhs. If the BJP government is formed here, then free treatment up to Rs 7 lakh will be available...The central government is giving about Rs 80,000 to each family for installing a solar plant on the roof." - PM said. 

Blood brothers !! Congress alliance should hang its head in shame ... Now Pakistan Defence minister says Islamabad on 'same page' with Rahul-Omar axis

Pak minister on Article 370 restoration: On same page with Congress alliance 

"They (the National Conference-Congress alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A," said Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif.

Does it make Sickularism proud ? Can anything be more shameful ?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweets, "Pakistan's Defence Minister's statement about Congress and JKNC's support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda."

 

"For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen... Congress Party and Pakistan forget that there is Modi Government at the centre, hence neither Article 370 nor terrorism is going to return in Kashmir," Shah said. 

Asif has said that the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-National Conference alliance were on the same page on the issue of restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir !!

The remark comes in the midst of Assembly elections in J&K, the first since the erstwhile state's special status was scrapped on Aug 5, 2019.  

While the National Conference has vowed to restore Article 370, the Congress has been completely silent about it and has not even mentioned it in its manifesto. The Congress has, however, promised its commitment towards restoring full statehood status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The revocation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories has remained an emotive issue for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those in the Valley. The restoration of Article 370 has prominently featured in the manifestos of the National Conference and Mehbooba Mufti's PDP.

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir voted in its first assembly election in a decade on Wednesday, September 18. 

Voting began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm. The overall voter turnout in the Union Territory during the first phase of the assembly election was recorded at around 61 per cent. 

New Delhi or the BJP as the ruling party in the centre has been projecting the enthusiasm as a vindication of their policies and an indication that Kashmiris have given up their aspiration for separatism.

“The way people are coming forward in huge numbers, aspiring to cast their vote, speaks about the success of India’s democracy and India’s constitution,” said Nirmal Singh, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister of the region.

 “We have been able to finish terrorism … What could not be done in seventy years has been achieved in the last five years under the vision of prime minister Narendra Modi.” 

On the other hand, the remark from the Pakistani minister gave the BJP fresh ammo to hit out at Congress, saying the party was always seen on the side of those "inimical to India's interest".

"Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conference's position on Kashmir. How is it that, from (Gurpatwant) Pannun to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi and his Congress are always seen on the side of those inimical to India's interest?" BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya tweeted.

Recently, Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun endorsed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks on the "existential threat" to the Sikh community in India.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also pounced upon the Congress, saying "the cat is out of the bag". "Was there ever any doubt? For the sake of opposing PM Modi, they can even stand with Pakistan," he said. 

Analysts feel the good turnout in the first phase of polling has irked anti-India forces and hence the statement from the Pakistani Defence minister. 

The fact of the matter is due to abrogation of Article 370, all efforts and investment made in terrorism by Pakistan over four decades has come to a naught leaving Islamabad and especially the ISI and Pakistan's military establishment unnerved. 

Elections ..... First voting in Jammu and Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370 ::: Commentary and views .... some unfounded and uneasonable

For the first time in almost 40 years, Bashir Ahmad Thokar, a 75-year-old apple farmer, cannot wait to cast his vote. 

In the Himalayan valleys and mountains of Kashmir, elections have long been deemed a tainted affair, marred by rigging, boycotts and violence. 

But as Kashmiris go to the polls on Wednesday to vote for their first regional assembly in a decade, this time there has been a palpable buzz. 

- ran a piece in 'The Guardian', London 

“This is the first time since 1987 that the people of Kashmir are excited about the elections,” says Thokar.

The election, which will continue in phases until October 1, is being described as the most significant in the region for years. 

It is not only the first time since 2014 that Kashmiris will be able to vote for their own regional representatives, but is also the first vote since the region was stripped of its statehood by prime minister Narendra Modi in 2019. 

AFP report: 

Voters queued under heavy security in the three-phased elections, which will be staggered geographically due to security arrangements and logistical challenges in the mountainous region.

“After 10 years we are allowed to be heard,” said Navid Para, 31, among the first to vote in the cool morning mountain air of Pulwama, near the main city of Srinagar. “I want my voice represented”, he added.

About 500,000 Indian troops are deployed in the region, battling a 35-year uprising in which tens of thousands of civilians, fighters and soldiers have been killed, including dozens this year. PM Narendra Modi urged people to vote in “large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy”.

snap : AFP/Dawn newspaper 

Many in the Muslim-majority territory of 8.7 million registered voters remain bitter over the 2019 order by the Hindu-nationalist government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose control from New Delhi. - 

AFP   

'The  Guardian' reports :  

“This election is important because there is utter disillusionment amongst people,” said Iltija Mufti, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, whose party was once in alliance with the BJP. “We are at a crossroads in our history, people have not felt such deep alienation before. They feel disempowered and dispossessed.”

Historically, Kashmiris have reason to be wary of local elections. 

India and Pakistan since 1947 have fought three wars.

It was in 1987 that the Indian government, fearful of the sensitive region falling into the hands of those sympathetic to Pakistan, was accused of meddling in Kashmir’s elections to prevent pro-independence candidates from taking power. 

In response, a coalition of popular parties boycotted the elections. Several leaders crossed the border into Pakistan, where they went on to launch an armed revolt against India. It plunged the region into waves of violence and militancy from the 1990s onwards that continue to this day.

This time, however, the election has not been met with calls for boycotts, even by separatist and terrorist outfits. 

Instead, candidates from a multitude of parties, including those who favour greater independence for Kashmir, are taking part and many believe it could be the highest turnout in years. 

Political rallies have been packed, with many people turning up to demand that family members detained under authoritarian laws since 2019’s crackdown are released.

New Delhi has been projecting the enthusiasm as a vindication of their policies and an indication that Kashmiris have given up their aspiration for independence.

“The way people are coming forward in huge numbers, aspiring to cast their vote, speaks about the success of India’s democracy and India’s constitution,” said Nirmal Singh, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister of the region.

 “We have been able to finish terrorism … What could not be done in seventy years has been achieved in the last five years under the vision of prime minister Narendra Modi.”

Modi visiting forward areas during Covid Lockdown days of 2020

Economic woes: Cost of living has reached the sky.

Many Kashmiris are resentful of the restrictions on civil liberties imposed after 2019, and the BJP is only fielding candidates in a minority of seats concentrated in Hindu-majority areas.

Critics accused the BJP of encouraging a surge of independent candidates in Muslim-majority areas to split the vote.

A lack of jobs is a key issue. The area has an unemployment rate of 18.3 percent, more than double the national average, according to government figures in July. (AFP) 

Critics said that the central government has awarded major contracts, such as construction and mineral extraction, to firms outside the territory.

“My biggest concern is unemployment,” said Madiha, 27, a jobless graduate who gave only one name. She added, “The cost of living has reached the sky. “ 

Tradtional movers and shakers of Jammu and Kashmir: Will they be sidelined ?

Mohammad Rafiq, 45, a shopkeeper in the town of Bijbehara, was among those intending to vote for the first time, to send a direct message to the Modi government. In the autumn of 1993, his brother was among the 51 civilians who were killed by India’s border security force after they opened fire on protesters.

“When I saw the bloodied body of my brother, I promised that day to myself that I would never participate in these sham elections,” said Rafiq. “But now there is such a major assault on our identity that I am going to vote to keep the BJP away.” -- 'The Guardian' 

BBC:

On a bright September afternoon, a caravan of colourful cars, festooned with flags, arrives at a village in Indian-administered Kashmir for an election rally.

Iltija Mufti, a politician from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slowly rises from the sunroof of one of the cars.

“Yeli ye Mufti (When Mufti will be in power)," she shouts at a crowd that has gathered to hear the third-generation leader of one of the most influential political dynasties of the region. 

“Teli Tch’le Sakhti (Then the repression will end)," they respond in unison.

From a distance, army personnel in bulletproof jackets, armed with automatic rifles, stand watch, tracking every movement.  

Reuters report:

In the past, pro-independence militants have targeted elections in Kashmir, and voter turnout has been largely weak. 

The territory, however, recorded its highest turnout in 35 years in national (Lok Sabha)  elections held in April and May, with a 58.46% participation rate.

The contest this time is between regional parties promising to restore the special status, India's main opposition Congress party which has allied with a prominent regional group, as well as the BJP, which is pitching development and a permanent end to militancy.

The legislative assembly will have powers to debate local issues, make laws and approve decisions for governing the territory but cannot restore special status as that is the remit of the federal government.

ends 

Kolkata rape :::: Conspiracy angle and police playing 'cover up' ... come to the fore

CBI says, the role of volunteer Sanjay Roy in the "commission of crime had already emerged",
 But Kolkata Police caused an "unnecessary delay of two days" in seizing his clothes and other belongings. It could have resulted in strong evidence against him.  

Roy, a police volunteer, was arrested based on CCTV footage showing him entering the seminar hall of the college at 4.03 am on the day of the incident.

The central probe agency, which took over the case on August 14 following an order from the Calcutta High Court, has arrested former principal Sandip Ghosh and Tala Police station officer in-charge Abhijit Mondal in connection with the case.

Both were found to be evasive in their responses, it has been alleged.

Modi Hae toh Mumkin Hae !! It's possible only when Modi is running the show !!! One Nation One Election gets Cabinet nod , bill in Parliament winter session likely One Nation One Election: The bill for holding simultaneous polls is likely to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, sources said.

The "One Nation, One Election" proposal has sparked debate over its potential impact on India's democratic framework and federal structure.

The BJP-led NDA government, which has been a strong proponent of the concept, is pushing to move forward ... Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently supported the idea since his party's rise to power in 2014.

The much awaited bill for holding simultaneous polls is now set to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.  

One Nation One Election: - now looks Reality 

In a step towards simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, Sept 18, cleared the proposal for One Nation One Election. 

The winter session of Parliament is likely to see the big and historic event. 

The development came after the report of the high-level committee, which was headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind, was placed before the Union Cabinet.  

Several opposition parties, including the Congress, AAP and Shiv Sena (UBT), have opposed simultaneous polls, alleging that it would benefit the ruling party at the Centre. The NDA's allies like JD(U) and Chirag Paswan's party have backed the idea.

"A common electoral roll will be made for all elections... an implementation group will be formed to take forward the recommendations of the Kovind panel," Vaishnaw further said.

The Modi 2.0 government had constituted the panel to examine the feasibility of simultaneous elections, one of the key promises made by the BJP in its Lok Sabha poll manifesto. The panel submitted its report to the President in March this year.

 "Over 80 per cent of the respondents supported simultaneous polls. The opposition parties may face pressure from within to support it," Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. 

He also stated that One Nation One Election move would be implemented in two phases, stressing that the proposal received support from a large number of parties.

In its voluminous 18,626-page report, the panel has suggested simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step. For this, the approval of states is not required for the constitutional amendment.

The next step involves synchronising elections to municipalities and the panchayats with polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. This will be done in such a way that local body elections are held within 100 days of general elections. This will, however, require ratification by not less than one-half of the states.

The panel has recommended as many as 18 constitutional amendments for One Nation One Election to become a reality.

'ONE NATION ONE POLL IN MODI 3.0 TENURE'

In recent weeks, the BJP has intensified its pitch for a One Nation One Election, which also found a mention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech.

Saying that simultaneous polls were the "need of the hour", PM Modi contended that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress.

Earlier this week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah doubled down on the issue, saying One Nation One Election would be implemented within the NDA's current tenure.

Several countries hold simultaneous elections. In South Africa, both national and provincial elections are held every five years, with municipal elections scheduled two years later. Similarly, Sweden conducts national, provincial, and local elections every four years. 

The UK has a regular election schedule established by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011.  

Benefits of One Nation, One Election

Governance: Frequent elections often lead to a shift in focus from governance to campaigning. By holding elections simultaneously, governments can concentrate on policy and administration without the distraction of repeated election cycles.

Reduced Cost and Resources: 

The financial burden of frequent elections has grown substantially. 

For instance, while the first general elections in 1951-52 cost around Rs 11 crore, the 2019 elections incurred an estimated cost of Rs 60,000 crore. ONOE could reduce these costs and streamline the use of resources, including law enforcement personnel, who are heavily involved in election duties.

Political Corruption: Frequent elections fuel the need for continuous fundraising, which can foster corruption. ONOE could reduce this by minimizing the number of election campaigns required over a five-year term.

Simplified Voting Process: Conducting simultaneous elections could streamline voter registration, reducing issues such as missing names from electoral rolls.

The proposed new system ONOE might conflict with the federal nature of India’s political system, reducing the autonomy of state governments. 

The Law Commission has earlier expressed doubts about the feasibility of simultaneous elections under the current constitutional framework.

ends