Mohammad Shafi Pandit
(August 15, 1947 – September 19, 2024)
Kashmir mourns the loss of Mohammad Shafi Pandit, a trailblazer and the region’s first Muslim IAS officer, who passed away at 77 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. His passing marks the end of an era for Kashmir’s civil service and public welfare efforts. Pandit made history in 1969 when he became the first Kashmiri Muslim to qualify for the Indian Administrative Service, securing the fifth rank nationwide. This achievement was a moment of immense pride for the region and inspired generations of Kashmiri youth to pursue careers in public service. The then Chief Minister, GM Sadiq drove to airport to receive him after he joined IAS.
Born in 1947, Pandit’s early academic brilliance was evident. He completed his MSc in Geology from the University of Kashmir and briefly served as a lecturer before his career took a remarkable turn with his entry into the IAS. During his distinguished service, he held several pivotal positions, including Deputy Commissioner of Doda, where he introduced the single-line administration concept, and Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, where his governance reforms included enforcing guest control to curb lavish spending at weddings.
In his central government role as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Pandit played a key part in rolling out the Mandal Commission, a landmark in India’s affirmative action policies. He was instrumental in boosting Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s stature by advocating for the direct deposit of government salaries into bank accounts, enhancing financial management in the region.
Despite his stellar career, Pandit never rose to the post of Chief Secretary, a role many believed he merited. Post-retirement, he focused on social activism, notably as a patron of the HELP Foundation, which worked to support vulnerable families and preserve Kashmir’s cultural heritage. His quiet strength and commitment to civil society were also evident in his work with the Concerned Citizens Group.
Prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, paid tributes to Pandit, remembering him for his integrity, his contributions to public service, and his unwavering dedication to his community. His legacy as a reformer and role model will continue to inspire future generations.
In the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s first Assembly elections post-Article 370 abrogation, 49 out of 238 candidates have declared criminal cases, with 37 facing serious charges, including crimes against women and attempt to murder. Major parties like BJP, PDP, Congress, and NC have candidates with such cases, making eight constituencies red alert zones.
KASHMIR
More than 25 ex-militants, separatists, and banned Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) members are participating in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, reflecting a major political shift. Candidates include former separatists like Zaffar Habib Dar and ex-militants such as Farooq Ahmad Dar, the latter now contesting on a Samajwadi Party ticket despite his past as a JKLF commander. JeI, although banned, has fielded candidates in around 15 constituencies across north and south Kashmir. Zaffar Dar, contesting under the JK Apni Party banner, advocates for resolving regional issues through the democratic process. Farooq Dar, after years in militancy, now regrets his past actions, urging voters to reject Pakistan’s interference. Meanwhile, JeI member Sayaar Ahmad points to past election rigging as the reason for the group’s previous absence from the electoral process, but now sees elections as the way forward for addressing Kashmir’s problems.
SRINAGAR
During a poll rally in Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video story of Irshad Hussain Naikoo, a farm labourer from Anantnag. Naikoo, who had admired Modi since 2013, saved money for years to gift the PM a traditional Kashmiri pheran. Unable to personally deliver the gift, Naikoo couriered it, along with a heartfelt letter. Days later, he received a call from the PMO, informing him that Modi wore the pheran while addressing a rally in Kashmir. Overjoyed, Naikoo expressed his admiration for Modi and his hopes for similar development in Kashmir as seen in Gujarat.
DELHI
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board (J&KPCC) to provide details on actions taken against those polluting and destroying wetlands in the union territory. It also requested data from the UT’s Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department, including the total number of wetlands, their geo-coordinates, and pollution sources. The NGT expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of wetlands, noting particularly severe pollution in Pulwama’s Freshkoori wetland. It criticised the lack of conservation details in the existing reports and set a three-month deadline for J&KPCC to submit further action taken on violations, with the next hearing scheduled for December 23.
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks, suggesting the Congress and National Conference (NC) share Pakistan’s stance on restoring Article 370 in Jammu Kashmir, sparked criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders. Modi accused the Congress-NC alliance of pushing Pakistan’s agenda, urging voters to reject them in the ongoing assembly elections. Home Minister Amit Shah echoed the same, stating that Congress and Pakistan have aligned intentions regarding Article 370. BJP leaders, including Ram Madhav, further condemned the alliance, while Congress and NC distanced themselves from Asif’s remarks, warning Pakistan against meddling in India’s internal affairs.
JAMMU
A retired principal, Sanjay Kumar Chandel, and his wife Veena Devi were found dead under mysterious circumstances at their residence in Talab Tillo, Jammu. The bodies were discovered by a relative, prompting a police investigation. Initial findings revealed signs of a struggle, with Chandel’s body on the bed and his wife’s on the floor. The couple lived alone as their daughters resided outside Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, Deepak Singh alias Sonu, a family acquaintance for eight years, was arrested for the murder. Desperate for money, Sonu planned the robbery and killed the couple. CCTV footage proved instrumental in solving the case.