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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pahalgam attack casts shadow on turnoutat Kheer Bhawani
The Pahalgam terror attack has cast a shadow on the annual festival of Zyestha Ashtami at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. According to official figures, the first batch of Kashmiri Pandit devotees, who have come from several parts of the country to Kashmir for the festival, has fallen to 2,500 this year compared to around 4,500 last year. In total, over 30,000 devotees paid obeisance at the temple last year. Additional security However, a subdued response to the key festival of Kashmiri Pandits is evident in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. Extra security arrangements have been made this year for the festival, officials said. Congress leader Karan Singh on Monday (June 2, 2025) urged devotees to attend the festival in large numbers. 'All necessary security arrangements are in place in Kashmir, especially in Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district, home to the Kheer Bhawani temple,' Mr. Singh, who paid obeisance on Monday, said. 'This place is a great blessing of the Goddess. We must not be afraid and must show the world that we are strong in our faith. People of Kashmir have suffered the most during the conflict. All need to rise above fear and support the region's revival by participating in religious and cultural events,' he added. The Kheer Bhawani festival falls on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshta Ashtami and is being organised at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Devsar and Manzam in Kulgam and Logripora in Anantnag. Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said, 'The festival has historically been a remarkable example of communal harmony. Even during the challenging years following the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, local Kashmiri Muslims took on the responsibility of maintaining and protecting the Kheer Bhawani shrine, ensuring its sanctity was preserved. This act of care and devotion underscores the deep ties of mutual respect and coexistence that have defined the relationship between the two communities.' With a sense of fear looming large this year post-Pahalgam attack and the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, local politicians have come forward to encourage Pandits to visit the Valley temples. 'The festival has historically been a remarkable example of communal harmony. Even during the challenging years following the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, local Kashmiri Muslims took on the responsibility of maintaining and protecting the Kheer Bhawani shrine, ensuring its sanctity was preserved. This act of care and devotion underscores the deep ties of mutual respect and coexistence that have defined the relationship between the two communities,' former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said. J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said the Kheer Bhawani Mela has been the symbol of Kashmir's pluralistic ethos for centuries. 'This sacred festival has played a vital role in fostering communal harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect among the diverse communities,' he said. Officials said the district administration has made elaborate facilities for devotees. 'To cater to the food and water needs of the pilgrims, langar services and drinking water points have been ensured. Health facilities including the presence of medical teams and ambulances remain on standby throughout the Mela. Moreover, mobile ATMs have been made available to ensure financial convenience for the devotees,' an official said.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
A homecoming for 3 PDP turncoats in J&K
Three leaders who had deserted the PDP — ex-MLAs Aijaz Ahmad Mir and Noor Mohammad as well as Raja Waheed — returned to the party like the prodigal son on Saturday. And they were duly welcomed back by none other than party president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti. While Noor had quit the PDP after the abrogation of Article 370 and crossed over to Altaf Bukhari's J&K Apni Party, Aijaz had left before the Assembly polls last year, as he was denied a mandate from the Shopian Assembly seat. Many PDP turncoats had also returned to the party fold before the Assembly elections. Most of them, however, failed to win over voters. Shut down unauthorised websites: Govt to depts In view of growing cyber attacks, the J&K government has asked its departments to shut down all their privately hosted and unauthorised departmental websites. An order issued in this regard by the Commissioner Secretary to Government highlighted the risks associated with unauthorised digital platforms, outdated hardware or software infrastructure and a rise in incidents of phishing. The directive stated that no future departmental websites be developed or hosted on non-government domains. It further stressed that, no official communication shall be made or responded to if transmitted from non-government email accounts.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delegation of Apni Party meets J&K L-G Sinha
A delegation of leaders of J&K Apni Party (JKAP) led by Mohammad Dilawar Mir, chairman, parliamentary affairs committee, on Sunday had a detailed meeting with J&K's lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan. In the meeting several issues related to J&K were discussed, especially in the backdrop of Pahalgam attack and recent India Pakistan confrontation and Operation Sindoor. The delegation, comprising of senior leaders, highlighted various issues of public importance, including welfare of families affected due to Pak shelling, promotion of tourism sector and strengthening of disaster management mechanism. 'We discussed range of issues about political and security situation in J&K with Lt governor today,' said Rafi Ahmad Mir, chief spokesman of Apni Party. He said the delegation also discussed important matters pertaining to the smooth conduct of Muharram. Sinha, the government spokesman said, assured the delegation that appropriate action will be taken to address the issues projected by them during the interaction.
