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J&K: Some schools reopen – teachers come, students stay away

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J&K: Some schools reopen – teachers come, students stay away

Some of the schools – less than one-fourth, according to a report – re-opened in Srinagar today (Monday, Aug 19) along with several others in the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.

Students’ attendance was thin, and all private schools remained shut for the 15th consecutive day over apprehensions about security situation. Only Police Public School at Bemina and a few Kendriya Vidyalayas saw a handful of students turning up, PTI reported.

According to an NDTV report, restrictions were back in parts of Srinagar after clashes overnight and internet and mobile phones in parts of Jammu had been blocked again amid concerns about the spread of rumours.

The report quoted J&K principal secretary Rohit Kansal as saying that restrictions would be relaxed for longer hours after an assessment of the situation. He admitted that two or three incidents had taken place but he added that only two were injured.

Officials in Baramulla district said schools in five towns remained closed while schools were opened in the rest of the district, according to reports.

A senior Srinagar district official said a few schools on the periphery were opened but in the old city and in civil lines areas, they remained shut due to violence over the past two days.

Authorities had planned to open schools up to primary level and make all government offices functional from Monday.

Markets in the Valley were shut while public transport remained off roads. The movement of private vehicles in the city increased after restrictions were eased.

On Sunday, barring a few areas, the communications blackout continued across most parts of the Valley.

While fixed-line telephone connections in some areas of Srinagar and other parts of the Valley including tourist resorts were restored, major telephone exchanges in the region remain shut. In Jammu, mobile Internet services in five of ten districts were suspended again, 24 hours after being restored.

The state has remained under an unprecedented communications blackout since August 5, when the Centre moved to end the special status of the state and bifurcated J&K into two Union Territories.

Also Read: Truck-Bus collision takes 15 lives, more than 35 injured in Maharashtra

Hundreds of politicians, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, remain in custody. Yesterday, an AFP report citing government officials said yesterday that at least 4,000 people were arrested and held under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Kashmir over fears of outbreaks of unrest after the BJP government stripped of the special status to the State two weeks ago.

“Most of them were flown out of Kashmir because prisons here have run out of capacity,” the report quoted a magistrate as saying. The report said the officer told AFP that he had used a satellite phone allocated to him to collate the figures from colleagues across the State amid a communications blackout imposed by authorities.

The government’s main argument has been that the curbs were intended to prevent loss of lives. K Vijaya Kumar, the adviser to Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik, told NDTV, “In 2010, around 110 people died. This time, we were sure we wanted to save as many lives as possible.”

Asked about restrictions that prevented many from celebrating Eid last week, he said: “There were greater restrictions in 2016. Wherever the bigger congregations were likely, we restricted them.”

He also said landlines had been restored in two-thirds of the Kashmir Valley and it will touch 100 per cent soon, adding that the government’s priority was to prevent the spread of fake news.

India News

Trouble for AAP Government in Punjab: Congress drops hints

Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa hints at the possible collapse of the AAP government in Punjab. With BJP’s alleged involvement and corruption claims, the political tension in the state is rising.

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Pratap Singh Bajwa, leader of the opposition in Punjab, has sparked major political speculation, hinting at a possible collapse of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Bajwa claimed that more than 32 MLAs of the AAP are in contact with him, and some may even be in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he stressed that the Congress will not be responsible for toppling the government. Instead, he pointed fingers at the BJP, suggesting it would orchestrate the downfall.

In an exclusive interview, Bajwa made it clear that the Congress, despite its claims, will not take steps to destabilize the AAP government. He explained that Congress wants the AAP to complete its five-year term so that the public can judge its performance. “The BJP will handle the rest,” Bajwa said, distancing his party from any direct involvement in the collapse.

Bajwa also accused the AAP of being involved in corrupt practices, with allegations of money laundering through hawala channels. He claimed that crores of rupees have gone to foreign destinations such as Australia under the AAP’s rule. Additionally, the Congress leader alleged that the Delhi model employed by AAP encourages looting.

In a strong rebuttal, the AAP accused Bajwa of already securing a ticket to join the BJP. AAP leader Neel Garg alleged that Bajwa had met senior BJP leaders in Bengaluru and warned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to keep a close eye on him.

The AAP government has come under intense scrutiny since its defeat in Delhi earlier this month. Amidst this, the Punjab government has ramped up its anti-corruption initiatives, dismissing 52 police officers for corruption. Senior officers, including Varinder Kumar and Rajesh Tripathi, have also been suspended or reassigned as part of the government’s effort to clean up corruption in its ranks.

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A captivating evening of literature: Dr Karan Singh discusses his novel, The Temple of Shiva

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Dr Karan Singh book The Temple of Shiva

Parchment Publications hosted an engaging literary discussion on Saturday at Kunzum Bookstore, featuring Dr Karan Singh, statesman, scholar, and philosopher, as he delved into the themes and inspirations behind The Temple of Shiva, his first and only work of fiction.

In conversation with journalist and writer Sanjula Sharma, the evening offered profound insights into literature, philosophy, and storytelling. Published by Parchment Publications, The Temple of Shiva intricately blends history, mythology, and devotion, creating a rich narrative around faith and self-discovery.

During the discussion, Dr Singh shared a fascinating insight into his protagonist, Ashok, describing him as an alter ego—what he might have been, had he not been born into his current circumstances. “Your first novel,” he reflected, “always reflects the inner life of the author.”

Adding to the evening’s charm, when asked about the secret to his youth and energy, Dr Singh wittily held up the Shiva bracelet on his wrist, calling it his “secret weapon” that keeps him going. His deep spiritual connection was further reflected in his discussion of the novel’s characters, particularly Maharaj, the Mahant of the Temple of Shiva. Inspired by two real-life individuals whom Dr Singh had known, Maharaj serves as a conduit for many of Shiva’s teachings that resonate throughout the book.

Speaking on the occasion, Shubhi Arya, Founder of Parchment Publications, said, “Publishing The Temple of Shiva is a privilege and a deeply personal honour. Dr Karan Singh’s wisdom, depth, and storytelling deserve to reach younger generations, inspiring them to explore India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.”

The event was made possible with the support of Ajay Jain, the owner of Kunzum Bookstore, and Shivam, the event manager at Kunzum, whose contributions helped create a welcoming space for literary discussions. Parchment Publications is committed to bringing thought-provoking literature to readers, and this event was yet another step in its journey of celebrating distinguished voices in writing.

The Temple of Shiva is available for purchase on Amazon.

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Overcrowding in Prayagraj: Locals urge devotees to halt their visits to Maha Kumbh

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Mahakumbh

As the Maha Kumbh draws to a close, Prayagraj residents are facing an overwhelming surge in crowds, and many are pleading for relief. In a public appeal posted on Reddit, a local resident expressed frustration at the massive influx of pilgrims, which has overwhelmed the city and disrupted everyday life. With only days remaining in the grand religious event, the plea for a break from the chaos is growing louder.

The resident shared their experience of the city’s transformation for the event, where major infrastructural upgrades such as new roads and flyovers were made to accommodate the crowds. However, what was once seen as an opportunity to showcase the city’s development has now turned into an exhausting ordeal.

Overcrowded roads and tensions rise

According to the post, the streets of Prayagraj are now so congested that even basic tasks like commuting have become nearly impossible. The city’s highways, public transport, and even narrow lanes are jammed with an unrelenting flow of people and vehicles. Locals are feeling trapped in their own city as they struggle to navigate through the chaos.

In an incident shared by the user, they recounted a moment when they were blamed for the congestion while trying to take a break from the chaos. “Aap logon ki wajah se jam lag raha hai!” (The traffic is because of you), they were yelled at by strangers, despite being residents of the city. The frustration and exhaustion are palpable in the community, with tensions running high as the local population feels the strain of hosting such a large gathering.

A desperate plea for mercy

In a heartfelt conclusion, the user made a desperate appeal to devotees: “Please, for the love of God, STOP COMING. Ganga ji aur Sangam kahin nahi ja rahe. (The Ganga and Sangam aren’t going anywhere). You can come peacefully later. Have some mercy on this city and its people. We are begging you.”

This plea underscores the toll that the Maha Kumbh is taking on the locals. Not only are the streets congested, but there are reports of pilgrims littering and disregarding basic civic norms. While Prayagraj welcomes visitors, the burden of such a massive gathering is beginning to feel unbearable for those who call the city home.

The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering, began on January 13 and is set to conclude on February 26. While the event is a spiritual and cultural highlight for millions, the ongoing surge in visitors is threatening to overwhelm the city’s infrastructure and residents.

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