As the holy month of Ramzan unfolds, residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) are struggling with soaring prices of essential goods, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to afford basic necessities, TNN Stories reported.

Despite government efforts to control prices before Ramzan, the administration’s regulations have not been effectively implemented, leading to frustration among the public. In PoJK, particularly in Muzaffarabad, the capital of the region, prices of essential commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and meat have surged significantly.

Social worker M Altaaf Butt expressed concern, highlighting that while 2025 has arrived, little has changed in terms of alleviating the economic challenges faced by the people. “The prices of mutton and other groceries have skyrocketed, and the situation is getting worse. Shopkeepers claim they have to purchase commodities at inflated prices from Rawalpindi and Mansehra,” Butt said.

The rising cost of living is causing severe hardships, especially during Ramzan, a time when many rely on these items for their daily iftar and suhoor meals. Ordinary people are bearing the brunt of the price hike, facing significant challenges in affording basic goods, TNN Stories reported.

Authorities have been blamed for neglecting the issue, with accusations that they are indifferent to the hardships faced by the public. As the holy month progresses, there is growing demand for increased accountability from both market regulators and officials to ensure that essential items remain affordable and accessible to all.

In a similar incident, residents of Karachi are also grappling with a significant rise in the prices of essential goods, making it challenging for many to afford basic necessities. Local shopkeepers are being criticised for allegedly taking advantage of the situation, as the prices of dry fruits, spices, and crockery have skyrocketed, making them unaffordable for many, reported TNN Stories.

The sharp increase in prices has caused widespread frustration, with many wondering if the authorities will step in to support struggling communities during the holy month. (ANI)

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Questions have been raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly regarding the allotment of land to former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan’s company, Ceylon Beverages.

The Jammu and Kashmir government found itself in a contentious situation on Saturday following allegations of a 25-acre free land allotment to Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan’s company, Ceylon Beverages.

The company plans to establish an aluminium can manufacturing and beverages filling unit in the Bhagthali industrial estate in Kathua district adjoining Punjab, with an investment of ₹1,642 crore.

The issue came to light after CPM MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami raised a question in the Legislative Assembly, seeking clarity on the land deal. However, Agriculture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar feigned ignorance when questioned, admitting that he had no knowledge of the land allotment to Muralitharan’s company.

The controversy centers on the fact that the 25 acres of land were reportedly allocated to Ceylon Beverages free of charge as part of Jammu and Kashmir industrial policy, introduced after the abrogation of Article 370. The land allotment has sparked concerns among locals, especially those claiming that they had proprietary rights over the land and were allegedly evicted to make way for the project.

Muralitharan’s company already operates a plant in Karnataka and now seeks to expand into Jammu and Kashmir. The lease for the land was reportedly signed on June 14 last year. According to the company’s online profile, Ceylon Beverages is Sri Lanka’s largest beverage processing, filling, and exporting entity, providing contract filling services to major international clients like Coca-Cola and Nestle.

J&K industrial policy, which was launched on April 1, 2021, offers incentives like subsidies on capital investment, GST rebates on plant and machinery purchases, and financial assistance for working capital loans. This policy aims to attract large-scale investments and create jobs within the region.

Since its inception, the UT administration has received interest from a range of companies, including Dubai-based Emaar Group and India’s Kandhari Beverages Pvt Ltd, with proposed investments worth over ₹1.23 lakh crore.

Kathua district, due to its proximity to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, has become a focal point for many industrial projects.

Tarigami brought up the issue during a discussion on satellite townships being developed across the Union Territory. “What are these townships about? Who will be residing there? A Sri Lankan cricketer has been allotted land without being charged a paisa,” he remarked.

Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmed Mir echoed Tarigami’s concerns, calling the situation a “serious issue” that warranted a thorough discussion in the Assembly.

Responding to the concerns of the legislators, Agriculture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar acknowledged the matter but said it falls under the Revenue Department’s jurisdiction. “We will look into the matter to verify the facts,” he said.

This is not the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 that questions have been raised regarding land allotments in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the involvement of a high-profile foreign figure like Muralitharan has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.

In defence of the land deal, a senior government official emphasized that Muralitharan’s investment aligned with the administration’s larger strategy to turn Jammu and Kashmir into an industrial hub. The official stressed that such foreign investments are crucial for the region’s economic growth and the creation of much-needed jobs. (Deccan Herald)

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In Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), tensions are escalating as the region’s “illegal” government seeks to undermine the fundamental rights of its citizens through a contentious “presidential” ordinance. This ordinance imposes strict penalties on what it deems ‘illegal’ public gatherings, rallies, and protests in PoJK. It closely resembles the Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Act of 2024, which the federal government introduced in Islamabad last September. Both pieces of legislation grant the authorities extensive powers to approve or deny permits for public assemblies and enforce severe penalties for violations. Due to this stringent law, considerable unrest has erupted in PoJK, leading to a nearly complete wheel-jam and shutter-down strike throughout the region. Recent months have witnessed numerous protests, reflecting a growing resistance against the unlawful Pakistani governance in PoJK.

The ongoing protests are led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a coalition of civil society activists advocating for rights in PoJK. Local citizens are coming out in large numbers to reject the draconian ordinance, which the PoJK Supreme Court has reportedly annulled. However, the organizing committee does not trust the Court’s ruling and demands the complete repeal of the law. The PoJK administration has dismissed the key demands of JKJAAC and warned of strict actions against the civilians. The unrest in PoJK followed a call for protests from some groups against the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024,” which was promulgated on October 29 and continued into November.

On November 22, at least 30 people were injured in clashes between police and protesters in the southern town of Kotli in PoJK. Protests also occurred in Rawalakot, led by local factions of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), the National Awami Party (NAP), and the National Students Federation (NSF). Demonstrators burned copies of the ordinance, prompting police to file complaints against 25 individuals and 200 unidentified people. Four individuals were arrested during these peaceful protests. The Pakistani government did not foresee such a significant response from local groups and residents of PoJK regarding the draconian ordinance.

Tahira Toqeer, a leader of the JKLF, accused police of using unwarranted excessive force. Officers discharged tear gas into shops where people sought safety and initiated a harsh baton charge, with videos circulating on social media. Some protesters claimed online that police had set vehicles on fire at the Public Works Department (PWD) Rest House to “frame” demonstrators. Interestingly, Pakistan’s mainstream media has largely ignored the ongoing protests in PoJK. However, social media showcases numerous videos and images of the strike, indicating widespread public anger. The local administration is now advocating for serious legal action against the protesters, while the JKJAAC intends to amplify the civilian movement until the ordinance is repealed. While strike supporters echoed the cabinet’s view, others noted that the Supreme Court only suspended the ordinance’s enforcement until the case is finally adjudicated, rather than repealing it.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a key member of JKJAAC, expressed, “Our initiative is focused on safeguarding the citizens’ fundamental rights in this state, rights that are compromised by this law. A peaceful strike will send a strong and unambiguous message about the people’s dedication to civil liberties.” He also claimed that the PoJK government plans to withdraw the benefits on electricity and wheat. Earlier this year, the region witnessed violent protests against rising electricity costs and reductions in subsidies for essential food items like wheat.

The Pakistani government has been illegally exploiting PoJK’s natural resources, specifically water and electricity, directing them towards projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Experts believe that China uses Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) and PoJK as part of a wider geopolitical strategy. Over the years, Beijing has cultivated a lopsided economic and trade dependence on Islamabad. Many Chinese companies are also building dams and major infrastructure projects in PoGB and PoJK, which has greatly impacted the local communities, who are facing a severe unemployment crisis in the occupied territories.

Many Kashmiri human rights activists have expressed serious concerns about the ongoing human rights abuses in PoJK. Reports indicate that activists involved in the May protests—demanding lower electricity bills and the restoration of subsidies for essential items like flour—were systematically targeted by Pakistani authorities. Moreover, incidents of enforced disappearances have sharply increased in PoJK. The abduction of family members, activists, and locals has driven people to protest in the streets. One notable case involved Raja Mudassir, a resident of PoJK, who was kidnapped by Pakistani security agencies during Ramadan, with his whereabouts still unknown. This incident sparked significant protests throughout various parts of the occupied region. In light of the recent civilian unrest, local organizations have warned that they will escalate their protests by blocking access to the occupied region from neighboring provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

The PoJK people feel strongly about the measures taken to control their liberties, and the strike’s success suggests a larger confrontation may be brewing. One organizer stated, “Our campaign is for the fundamental rights of the citizens of this state, which this law compromises. A peaceful strike will send a loud and clear message about the people’s commitment to civil liberties.” It should be noted that JKJAAC also held large protests earlier this year, ultimately forcing the local PoJK administration to accede to its demands. Pakistan’s military establishment is concerned that their attempts to exert control over the occupied territory forcefully have triggered strong responses from the local population.

One JKJAAC member accused the local administration of “stubbornness” for refusing to release detained activists and repeal the “black law,” claiming these actions are part of a military establishment agenda to create unrest in PoJK. As civil groups plan to expand their movement on the ordinance issue, the likelihood of targeted attacks, false charges, and enforced disappearances of activists by federal agencies in PoJK is increasing. The region is heading for greater instability in the coming weeks. (Daily Asian Age)

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Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha while addressing a press conference after the union territory’s 2023-24 Budget said 500 new startups have come up during the last past three years.

On Monday, Parliament passed the ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation (No 2) Bill, 2023’.

The Budget size of Jammu and Kashmir for 2023-24 was Rs 118, 500 crore. Of which, capital expenditure is pegged at Rs 41,491 crore.

The budget for 2023-24 was totally growth-oriented and GDP is estimated to be 10 per cent. It aims to double of GDP in the next five years.

Last year, the union territory has witnessed economic growth of 14.64 per cent and tax revenue growth of 31 per cent, Sinha said.

“The law and order situation has improved appreciably in J-K and this year highest number of 1.88 crore tourists visited J-K,” said Sinha in the press conference.

Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir have been among the top performers in the country for the implementation of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Amrit Sarovar, SVAMITVA Scheme, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and Renewable Energy Development. Also, most of the social security schemes have been saturated in J-K.

Speaking about the unemployment rate, he said it has marginally reduced and added the UT plans to cover around three lakhs in various self-employment schemes next year.

The LG added a holistic agriculture development plan will be rolled out, with 29 proposed projects at an outlay of Rs 5,012 crore over a period of five years.

Honey production will be tripled over the next five years. Milk production will be taken to 45 lakh tonne from 25 lakh tonne over the next five years.

About the flagship Amrit Sarovar initiative, 2,420 are already completed in the UT and the remaining are to be completed by August 15, 2023. (ANI)

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The makers of Burj Khalifa on Sunday marked their formal entry into Jammu and Kashmir, performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the first foreign direct investment in the Union territory — a shopping mall and a multipurpose tower in the outskirts of Srinagar.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rs 500 crore project that envisages creating over 10,000 jobs in the valley. This is the first FDI project in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 was repealed by the Centre in 2019.

The CEO of EMAAR group, Amit Jain, Bollywood actors Vivek Oberoi and Neetu Chandra were among those present at the ‘Bhumi Pujan’ and foundation laying ceremony. Sinha asked the EMAAR group — the makers of Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, to look at the possibility of completing project ahead of the three-year deadline.

“If the Parliament complex can be completed within 1.5 years, we can certainly expect this to be completed earlier,” Sinha said.

Jain said his company’s investments in Jammu and Kashmir will have a ripple effect. He said every rupee invested will bring in nine rupees of more investments. This Rs 500 crore investment should lead to Rs 5,000 crore investments. Asked if his company was looking at investing in other sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, Jain said there are other companies from the Gulf which are looking at those possibilities.

“The Dubai World is looking at setting up logistics centres. There is Emirates airlines which might be setting up centres here,” he said.

Jain said this project was just beginning and can bring in investors from other countries like Saudi Arabia.

Asked if Kashmir can be the next Dubai, Jain said: “Why not? Sky is the limit and that’s what we should aim for.” He said the company will be employing locals. “These are hardworking people. The hospitality of Kashmir and known world over,” he added.

Neetu Chandra, who had acted in Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘Garam Masala’, said it was her first visit to Kashmir and she has been mesmerized by the beauty.

“As a film producer, I am looking forward … I will do recce here, I am planning two films with my brother who is also a producer,” she said.

Vivek Oberoi said EMAAR is a global brand which is investing in Kashmir in a big way.

“EMAAR is a global brand from the UAE. They are making a huge investment here which is going to create more than 10,000 jobs for locals. I wish there is increase in economic activities,” he said.

Oberoi said Kashmiri youth are talented, loving, caring and famous for hospitality.

“I am already investing in Kashmir in education. We have a company here called Aspire which helps train people for competitive exams. I feel there are a lot of amazing things happening here,” he said. (Indian Express)

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