The Typewriter, House No 144-B Bye Pass Kunjwani Road Opp Vishal Mega Mart Jammu., Jammu (2026)

14/10/2026

Trust Talks with Sehar Khan is a young leader, research scientist, environmental activist.

14/10/2026

Punjabi Language Morcha: Parvinder Singh Welcomes Government’s Invitation for Talks, Appeals for Unity

THE TYPEWRITER || JAMMU, OCTOBER 14
Parvinder Singh has welcomed the government’s invitation to hold discussions with representatives of the Sikh community on the long-standing demand for the recognition of Punjabi as an official language in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

An 11-member delegation representing the Sikh community of Jammu and Kashmir has departed for Srinagar to meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister and discuss the matter. Before proceeding, the delegation sought the blessings of Mahant Manjeet Singh Ji, reflecting the community’s hope for a constructive outcome through dialogue.

Welcoming the government’s initiative, Parvinder Singh said the invitation to the Sikh delegation was a positive development and an opportunity to address the long-pending demand for official recognition of Punjabi. He expressed hope that the proposed meeting would lead to meaningful discussions and a clear way forward on the issue.

He acknowledged the collective efforts of the Sikh Sangat, Gurdwara management committees, religious organisations and Sikh youth groups for their continued support of the Punjabi Language Morcha. He also appreciated the role of TS Tony and various religious organisations in bringing community members together to pursue the common demand.

According to Parvinder Singh, the formation of the 11-member committee reflects the collective intention of the Sikh community to engage with the government and seek a resolution through peaceful and constructive dialogue. He expressed optimism that the discussions would help advance the demand for due recognition of Punjabi in Jammu and Kashmir.

Appealing to the Sikh Sangat to remain united, Parvinder Singh urged Gurdwara management committees, Sikh youth organisations and community members to continue extending their support to the Punjabi Language Morcha. He emphasised the importance of maintaining patience, mutual understanding and a constructive approach while awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

He further stated that the government’s invitation marks an important opportunity for dialogue, while the community’s demand for official recognition of Punjabi remains the central objective of the movement. He called upon all stakeholders to continue their peaceful efforts until a formal decision is announced.

Parvinder Singh reiterated that the Sikh community remains committed to pursuing the recognition of Punjabi through collective efforts and engagement with the authorities. He expressed hope that the forthcoming discussions would bring the community closer to achieving its long-standing demand and contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir.

14/10/2026

SIR and the voter roll controversy: separating verification from disenfranchisement

The Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has become a contentious test of public confidence in India’s electoral institutions. Supporters see it as a necessary exercise to identify deceased, duplicate, shifted and otherwise ineligible electors. Critics fear that a process intended to clean voter lists could exclude eligible citizens, particularly migrants, poorer households and people unable to navigate documentation requirements. Both concerns deserve scrutiny.

SIR is not a new mechanism. The ECI has historically undertaken intensive revisions, while the ordinary process of updating electoral rolls continues between elections. Under Articles 324 and 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Commission administers elections, while eligibility to register as a voter depends on statutory conditions, including Indian citizenship, age and ordinary residence. The ECI’s constitutional independence, however, does not exempt its decisions from judicial review or its procedures from public scrutiny.

The numbers explain the present controversy. In Delhi, the draft roll published on August 31, 2026, contained approximately 97.53 lakh electors, against a pre-revision electorate of 1.45 crore. Around 47.56 lakh names did not appear in the draft list, a reduction of nearly 33%. The ECI’s enumeration process classified missing forms under categories including absent, shifted, deceased, duplicate and other cases. These are provisional exclusions from the draft roll, not proof that every person concerned was an illegal voter. Nor does the absence of an enumeration form, by itself, establish that an individual is ineligible.

The distinction matters when interpreting claims about illegal immigration and electoral fraud. A duplicate entry, a deceased elector, a person who has moved and a non-citizen are different categories requiring different evidence. As of October 9, 2026, the available figures cited here do not establish a verified nationwide count of illegal immigrants conclusively identified through SIR.

Treating the total number of names missing from draft rolls as the number of fraudulent or foreign voters would therefore be misleading. Equally, assuming that every excluded name belongs to an eligible citizen would go beyond the evidence.

The Commission has introduced measures to address concerns, including online services through its voter portal, claims and objections procedures, verification by electoral registration officials and additional enrolment drives. In Delhi, more than 10.28 lakh notices had been disposed of by early October, while special camps and additional assistance were being arranged for people left off the draft list.

These steps demonstrate that correction mechanisms exist, although their effectiveness must be judged by how easily eligible voters can actually restore their names. Yet serious questions remain. On October 5, the Supreme Court sought explanations from the ECI and the Union government over challenges to the revision.

The following day, it clarified that it had not approved a modified version of Form 6 and sought records concerning the authorisation of changes to the online form. The ECI has maintained that the statutory form itself was not amended and that the disputed declaration was a separate SIR-related requirement. The issue now requires documentary clarification, not competing political assertions.

There are also practical concerns. Migrant workers may be away when Booth Level Officers visit; homeless people and residents of informal settlements can be difficult to locate; and discrepancies in names, ages or family records can trigger notices. The fact that appeals are available does not eliminate the risk of wrongful exclusion. A remedy is meaningful only when citizens receive clear notice, understand what evidence is required and can access an official without disproportionate expense or delay.

Opposition parties are therefore justified in demanding transparent criteria, independently auditable figures and safeguards against arbitrary deletion. Allegations of deliberate political manipulation, however, must be substantiated rather than inferred from aggregate totals alone.

Former Solicitor General Harish Salve and former Kerala High Court judge P.N. Ravindran have argued that constitutional institutions should not be delegitimized through unsubstantiated allegations and that aggrieved voters should use established remedies. Their arguments reinforce an important principle: institutional criticism must be evidence-based. But resort to legal remedies and public accountability are not mutually exclusive. The ECI must also explain its decisions clearly enough to sustain public confidence.

The test of SIR is not simply how many names are removed. It is whether every removal is supported by lawful grounds, whether eligible voters can challenge errors effectively, and whether the final rolls are demonstrably more accurate. Electoral integrity requires both preventing ineligible voting and protecting every eligible citizen’s franchise. Neither objective should be sacrificed to the other.

13/10/2026

Ram Niwas Sharma visits Border Schools in Kathua Under Vibrant Village Programme

THE TYPEWRITER ll KATHUA, OCTOBER 13 Commissioner Secretary Education, Ram Niwas Sharma, today visited Government High School Kadyala, a border-area school in Kathua district, under the Vibrant Village Programme.

The visit focused on reviewing the academic environment, infrastructure, teaching-learning practices and overall functioning of the institution.
Bhawani Rakwal, Project Director, Samagra Shiksha; Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua; Anil Salgotra , Joint Director VSK; Kewal Krishan, Chief Education Officer, Kathua; Phulail Singh Bandral, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Hiranagar; Anoop Kumar Tehsildar, Hiranagar and other senior officers of Education Department and Samagra Shiksha, along with representatives of other concerned departments, were also present on the occasion.

During the visit, Commissioner Secretary reviewed the academic activities, student attendance, quality of teaching and overall administrative functioning of the school. He interacted with the teaching staff and offered valuable guidance for further strengthening academic standards and improving the overall functioning of the institution.

The officer also interacted with students, encouraging them to remain focused on their studies and make optimum use of the educational facilities available to them. The teachers shared their views regarding classroom teaching, students’ learning needs and the measures required to further improve the academic environment.

As part of the visit, Ram Niwas Sharma also visited Government Higher Secondary School Chakra, another border-area institution, where he reviewed the academic activities and functioning of the school and interacted with students and staff.

The visit reflects the Department’s continued focus on strengthening educational infrastructure, improving the quality of education and ensuring better learning opportunities for students in border villages under the Vibrant Village Programme.

13/10/2026

Akib Chaya Organises ‘Swing in Autumn’ Caddy Golf Tournament at Kashmir Golf Course, Promotes Youth Employment and Golf Tourism

THE TYPEWRITER || SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 13
In an initiative aimed at recognising the contribution of golf caddies, encouraging youth participation in sports and promoting golf tourism in Kashmir, prominent hotelier and entrepreneur Akib Chaya, under the banner of Hilltop Hotels, organised the Swing in Autumn Caddy Golf Tournament at the Kashmir Golf Course (KGC), Srinagar.

The tournament brought together caddies, senior golfers, prominent personalities from the hospitality and tourism sectors, and distinguished guests in a celebration of sportsmanship, opportunity and community participation.

Salman Sagar and Ehsan Pardesi graced the occasion as Guests of Honour, extending their encouragement and support to the participating caddies and the initiative.

The event was also attended by several respected senior golfers, including Ashraf Bakshi, Javed Bakshi, Sohail Kirmani, Ghulam Rasool Guroo, Usman Fazil, Manzoor Abbas and Sameer Bhat, whose presence added significance to the occasion.

Prominent dignitaries from various organisations included Mushtaq Chaya, President, Hoteliers Club; Tariq Ghani, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Sheikh Feroz, President, J&K Hajj and Umrah Services; Sameer Baktoo, President, Eco Tourism; Nasir Hamid Khan, Honorary Secretary, Amar Singh Club; and Murad Kapra, Joint Secretary, Hoteliers Club.

Speaking about the initiative, Akib Chaya emphasised that the tournament was not merely about competitive golf but about recognising the invaluable role played by caddies in sustaining and developing the sport.

“Golf has given me tremendous joy, and having learnt the game at Kashmir Golf Course myself, I feel a personal connection with this place and the people associated with it. Our caddies are an integral part of the golfing community, and they deserve recognition, encouragement and opportunities to grow.”

Chaya further highlighted the potential of golf as a meaningful avenue of employment for Kashmir’s youth.

“At a time when we must work collectively to steer our younger generation away from the menace of drug abuse and unemployment, golf offers an opportunity to learn a skill, earn an honest and dignified livelihood and build a long-term career. A young person starting out as a caddy today can aspire to become a professional golfer, a certified instructor, a course professional or even pursue opportunities in the international golfing industry.”

He also stressed the enormous untapped potential of golf tourism in Kashmir, stating that the region’s magnificent golf courses, natural beauty and hospitality infrastructure could help establish Kashmir as a leading golfing destination.

Chaya observed that golf is among the few sports capable of connecting people across generations, from children as young as eight to senior citizens well into their eighties, making it a unique platform for community engagement, mentorship and healthy living.

The distinguished guests and senior golfers appreciated Akib Chaya’s efforts in organising the tournament and extending support to the caddy community. They acknowledged the importance of such initiatives in creating opportunities for young people, recognising the contribution of those working behind the scenes in golf and strengthening Kashmir’s sporting culture.

The event concluded with a message of collective responsibility towards empowering local youth, supporting the caddy fraternity and positioning Kashmir as a premier destination for golf and sports tourism.

The initiative reflected Akib Chaya’s commitment to promoting tourism, youth empowerment and sustainable employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.

13/10/2026

DC Pulwama reviews progress of Agriculture & Allied Sectors in district
Calls for accelerated implementation of HADP and timely disposal of applications

THE TYPEWRITER ll PULWAMA, OCTOBER 13 Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Agriculture and Allied Sectors at the Meeting Hall of the Administrative Complex, Pulwama, to assess the physical and financial progress of schemes and review the implementation of key interventions across the district.

During the meeting, the officers of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries departments gave detailed presentations highlighting the physical and financial achievements under their respective sectors, status of applications, beneficiary coverage, credit linkage, expenditure and implementation of various schemes.
Important interventions undertaken, interventions requiring support from the District Administration and field visits conducted by the concerned officers were also reviewed.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned officers to ensure time-bound disposal of pending applications, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and closely monitor scheme implementation at the field level.
He stressed effective utilisation of funds, timely completion of ongoing works and ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach eligible farmers and beneficiaries without delay.

The DC further directed departments to identify key interventions requiring support from the District Administration and submit concrete proposals for prompt resolution. He also called for regular field inspections, close monitoring of physical and financial progress and timely corrective measures, while emphasising coordinated efforts to achieve targets under HADP and other flagship schemes within prescribed timelines, with focus on improving service delivery, promoting mechanisation, strengthening allied activities and enhancing income opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Pulwama, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat; Chief Planning Officer, Pulwama, Aashiq Khanday; DSEO, CAO, CHO, CAHO, DSHO, LDM J& K Bank, DDM, NABARD, AD Fisheries, AMO, Horticulture (P&M), Pulwama, besides other concerned officers.

13/10/2026

Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi on the Recent Contr*oversy Over Sermons

13/10/2026

Punjabi Language Morcha Enters Day 13; Omar Abdullah Calls for Dialogue, Delegation to Meet Government Representative in Srinagar

THE TYPEWRITER ||JAMMU, OCTOBER 13
The Punjabi Language Morcha, initiated by the All J&K Sikh Sangat, entered its thirteenth consecutive day on Tuesday, with growing support from political representatives, religious institutions, educational bodies and social organisations across Jammu and Kashmir for the demand to grant Punjabi official language status in the Union Territory.

A key development came with Rajya Sabha MP S. Gurwinder Singh Oberoi extending an invitation on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to the All J&K Sikh Sangat, District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) representatives and other community stakeholders for a consultation meeting scheduled to be held in Srinagar on October 14, 2026.

According to the invitation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated the National Conference government's commitment to the recognition of Punjabi as an official language in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the commitment was also included in the party's election manifesto. The MP has been authorised to coordinate with representatives of the Sikh Sangat and other stakeholders to discuss the issue and explore the way forward.

The proposed meeting has raised expectations among community representatives that constructive dialogue may help advance the demand through appropriate administrative and legislative measures.

To ensure that the community's views are presented effectively during the discussions, Taranjit Singh Tony has constituted a delegation led by former minister Manjit Singh. The delegation includes Ranjit Singh Tohra, Surjit Singh, Balvinder Singh, Jagpal Singh, Gurmeet Singh Tara, Verinder Singh Sonu, Paramjit Singh Sodhi, Gurjeet Singh Kingi, Sandeep Kour and Pavneet Kour.

The delegation will coordinate consultations, compile suggestions from community representatives and present their views regarding the recognition and promotion of Punjabi in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Jammu and Kashmir, under the leadership of its Acting President S. Imaan Singh Maan, has expressed support for the demand. In a letter submitted on October 13, the party backed the ongoing Punjabi Language Morcha and called for appropriate steps towards granting Punjabi official language status in the Union Territory.

Political support has also come from Peoples Democratic Party MLA from Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Para. In a letter dated October 12, Para supported the inclusion of Punjabi among the official languages of Jammu and Kashmir, describing its recognition as an important step towards acknowledging the region's linguistic and cultural heritage and the contribution of the Sikh community.

Several social and educational organisations have also expressed solidarity with the campaign. Bhim Kranti Sena, Jammu and Kashmir, led by its president Sahil Kundal, supported the demand for the preservation, promotion and official recognition of Punjabi, while emphasising respect for the linguistic and cultural identities of all communities.

The United Forum of Megh/Kabir Panthi Samaj also extended its support, highlighting Punjabi's contribution to the region's cultural, historical and literary traditions. The forum expressed its willingness to cooperate with other organisations working towards the recognition and promotion of the language.

The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Educational Society (BRAES) endorsed the demand, pointing to Punjabi's longstanding historical and literary connections with Jammu and Kashmir. The society appealed to the Central Government and the Union Territory administration to consider the matter and take appropriate steps towards official recognition.

Batwal Sudhar Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, also submitted a letter supporting the inclusion of Punjabi among the official languages of the Union Territory and urged the authorities to examine the demand through the relevant legal and administrative processes.

The All India Sikh Students Federation, under the leadership of its president, Manjeet Singh Peerpuri, expressed support for the campaign and called for official recognition of Punjabi along with the necessary administrative measures to promote its use.

Religious institutions have continued to add their voices to the initiative. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Greater Kailash, Jammu, through its management committee, formally supported the demand in a communication dated October 13. The Sabha highlighted the language's historical, cultural and religious importance and urged the authorities to take constructive steps towards its recognition and promotion.

Support has also been expressed by Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sarwal New Plot, Jammu; Gurdwara Guru Singh Sabha, Chardi Patti, Dablehar, R.S. Pura; and Gurdwara Pahli Patshahi, Dablehar, R.S. Pura. Their communications highlighted Punjabi's close association with Sikh religious traditions, community heritage and the wider cultural history of the region.

The growing number of endorsements reflects increasing engagement by political representatives, religious institutions, educational organisations and social bodies with the demand for Punjabi's official recognition.

The All J&K Sikh Sangat has reiterated that its campaign is peaceful and democratic and is being pursued through constitutional means. The organisation has maintained that its objective is to secure recognition for Punjabi while respecting all other languages and the communities that speak them.

The Sangat has appealed to the Omar Abdullah-led government to take the necessary steps to advance its stated commitment and consider the measures required to grant Punjabi official language status in Jammu and Kashmir.

The proposed consultation in Srinagar on October 14 is expected to provide an opportunity for the delegation and other stakeholders to place their suggestions before the government's authorised representative and discuss possible next steps.

With the Morcha entering its thirteenth day, the All J&K Sikh Sangat has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing peaceful and constructive engagement until meaningful progress is achieved towards the official recognition of Punjabi in Jammu and Kashmir.

13/10/2026

Grand Shobha Yatra marks third day of Navratra Festival 2026 in Katra
THE TYPEWRITER ll KATRA, OCTOBER 13: The third day of Navratra Festival 2026 was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in the holy town of Katra. A grand Shobha Yatra was taken out from Suraj Palace amid participation of a large number of devotees.
Chief Executive Officer Patnitop Development Authority Rakesh Dubey graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Shobha Yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from devotees, locals and visitors, adding to the festive atmosphere in the town during the ongoing Navratra celebrations.
The Shobha Yatra featured beautifully decorated Jhankis depicting religious and cultural themes, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional dhol. The colourful tableaux, traditional music and enthusiastic participation of devotees reflected the region’s rich cultural heritage, religious traditions and deep-rooted faith.
Speaking on the occasion, Rakesh Dubey highlighted the religious and cultural significance of Navratra Festival and appreciated the efforts being made to preserve and promote the region’s spiritual heritage. He observed that such festivals play an important role in strengthening social bonds, promoting communal harmony and showcasing the cultural identity of Jammu and Kashmir. He also emphasised the importance of promoting religious and cultural tourism, noting that such events provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the region’s spiritual traditions and vibrant cultural legacy.
The Shobha Yatra further enhanced the festive atmosphere in Katra, reaffirming the town’s significance as a major pilgrimage destination associated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Navratra Festival 2026, being celebrated from October 11 to 19, features a series of religious, cultural and tourism-related activities for devotees and visitors.

13/10/2026

District Admin Kulgam organises Census 2027 Quiz Competition
Aims to raise awareness about Census 2027 and digital data collection
THE TYPEWRITER ll KULGAM, OCTOBER 13: The District Administration Kulgam today organised a quiz competition on Census 2027 at the Auditorium, Mini Secretariat, Kulgam, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, who is also Principal Census Officer, Shahzad Alam, with the aim of raising public awareness about Census 2027.
The competition was preceded by an online quiz in which 70 participants from different sections of society took part. Of these, 15 shortlisted participants qualified for the face-to-face competition held today.
The participants were divided into five teams and competed in three rounds, including the Oral Round, Placard Round and Visual Round. After a close contest, Team D secured the highest marks and emerged as the winner.
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Vikar Ahmad Giri, distributed mementoes among the members of the winning team and certificates to all participants. The winners will also be awarded cash prizes in recognition of their performance.
The competition aimed to enhance public awareness about Census 2027 and encourage greater understanding and participation in the census process among different sections of society.

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