The new Z-Morh tunnel, built using state-of-the-art technology, will make the scenic Sonamarg tourist resort in Jammu and Kashmir accessible throughout the year. It will also reduce travel time and allow vehicles to travel at faster speeds. The project, which faced setbacks due to financial stress, was finally completed after a decade and was inaugurated by PM Modi along with other top officials. Named after late BJP leader Z-Morh, the tunnel is a major feat of engineering in the picturesque valley of Kashmir.
After deciding to vacate the Budgam Assembly seat, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has officially announced that he will be representing the Ganderbal constituency. He expressed his gratitude towards the people of Budgam and promised to continue working for them over the next five years. This move marks the end of the six-year period when J&K didn't have an Assembly and the NC, with support from other parties, will continue to hold the majority in the 95-member Assembly.
In yet another tragic incident, two non-local labourers were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district. The attack occurred while the labourers were working on a key infrastructure project, and it is the second such attack on non-local workers in the past two days. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has strongly condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the victims' loved ones. This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region and the need for heightened safety measures for non-local workers.
Two migrant labourers from a company constructing the Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, were killed and several others were injured in a suspected militant attack at their camp. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and the injured have been taken to hospital. The tunnel project aims to provide all-year connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg and falls in a district with little militant presence. BJP has also made a surprise change to its candidate for the Pimpri-Chinchwad Assembly seat.
On the eve of the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, polling officials can be seen leaving for their respective polling stations. This phase will see the fate of many prominent political faces being sealed, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC vice-president, who will face a tough challenge from 16 and 7 contestants respectively in Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies. Other key candidates to watch out for are JKAP founder Altaf Bukhari, contesting for the first time from Chanapora, and PCC president Tariq Hameed Karra, fighting against 12 candidates in Central Shaltengh. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Sugra Barkati, daughter of jailed contestant Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, has managed to garner significant support in Shopian's Beerwah constituency.
After previously stating he would not compete for a seat in the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah has changed his tune and will now run for the Ganderbal constituency. This comes after a list of 32 candidates was released, including Abdullah's name for the Ganderbal segment where he served as the chief minister from 2009 to 2014. Speaking on the matter, Abdullah explained that his decision to reconsider his previous stance was prompted by the realization that he cannot urge the public to vote for an assembly that he himself isn't willing to be a part of.
A 50-year-old man was viciously attacked by a black bear in the Lar area of Kashmir's Ganderbal district, leaving him critically injured. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, sheds light on the difficulties faced by the local media in covering conflict situations in the region. Despite these challenges, the Kashmir Observer remains a trusted source of news for the community, offering an effective platform for advertising and promoting various causes.
The National Conference released its second list of candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, with the most prominent name being former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Abdullah will be contesting from the Ganderbal assembly constituency, previously represented by his father and grandfather who have also held the position of Chief Minister. The NC, in alliance with Congress and other parties, will be contesting in 85 of the 90 assembly seats, with five seats having a "friendly contest." This marks the party's progress in declaring candidates for the three-phase elections.
The National Conference has announced that former chief minister Omar Abdullah will be contesting from the Ganderbal constituency in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. The constituency has traditionally been a strong hold for the party, with three generations of the Abdullah family being elected there in the past. The announcement came as the party released its second list of candidates, and amidst an alliance with the Congress in the union territory. In other political news, the speaker of the Odisha assembly has called for an all party meet after opposition parties caused a ruckus over reservation issues. Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the rape case involving a doctor has led to protests, with police resorting to using lathi-charges and tear gas to control the situation.
The fourth phase of general elections saw a record turnout in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with 36.58% of eligible voters casting their ballots. This is the first election in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370 and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Despite heavy security, enthusiastic voters of Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian showed up in large numbers to exercise their democratic right. The Election Commission has also made provisions for Kashmiri migrant voters to participate in the elections, further ensuring fair and inducement-free voting.