Added attraction at Dal Lake

A musical fountain and laser show has become an added attraction at the popular tourist spot, Dal Lake. Inaugurated last week, the shows are witnessing a huge rush of locals and tourists in the evenings. The musical fountain is presently running two shows, each of 15 minutes, from 6 pm every day at the back lawns of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. There is a seating capacity for 200 persons for one show. After getting a good response, the tourism department is now planning to start a third show during the day soon. The show was inaugurated on April 10 and no fee is being charged for the first 15 days. M Aamir Khan

BR Ambedkar remembered

Various organisations of Jammu celebrated the 128th birth anniversary of architect of the Constitution Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar with enthusiasm and zeal. Floral tributes were paid to him at functions in the city, which threw light on his life and teachings. Hundreds of people who participated in the functions hailed Ambedkar for his contribution to waging a life-long struggle for a modern India free of caste and other prejudices, ensuring equal rights for women and weaker sections. His contribution towards the uplift of the Dalits and struggle against untouchability and caste discrimination was also highlighted. Vikram Sharma

BJP mum after RSS leader’s killing 

Killing of RSS leader Chander Kant Sharma at Kishtwar has rattled the BJP as the party is finding it difficult to shift blame on others. As J&K is under President’s rule and the Centre is indirectly ruling the state through the Governor, the BJP leadership could not gather guts to blame it on administrative failure. Secondly, the BJP leadership had deputed officers — both civilian and police— of its own choice in this highly sensitive belt of Jammu province after the killing of Parihar brothers on November 1, 2018. After the killing of the RSS leader, top BJP leadership has maintained a guarded silence. Dinesh Manhotra 

Campaign fight

The Congress and the BJP, two principal national parties and political rivals, are engaged in intense campaigning in the state to attract voters. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted two major rallies in Jammu for the party’s candidates, Congress relied on Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to reach out to voters. The high voltage election campaign was mostly confined to personal attacks rather than issues of development, changing the entire narrative. Sumit Hakhoo

BJP supporters hurl abuses at candidates

During the first phase of elections on April 11, many BJP supporters were seen hurling selective abuses at local party leaders as well as the candidate for the Lok Sabha seat. The BJP cadre was annoyed at the arrogant style of working of their leaders and candidate, who remained inaccessible for five long years. Interestingly, on one hand the supporters were hurling abuses at their leaders while on the other they were swearing to vote in favour of the party only to ensure a second term for Modi. Amit Khajuria 

Need to empower Dalits: Faesal 

Jammu  and Kashmir Peoples’ Movement president Shah Faesal on Sunday called for the political empowerment of Dalits and other marginalised sections of society. “Besides reserved constituencies, it is important that parties field Dalit candidates from other seats also so that their adequate representation isn’t seen as a  matter of compulsion but a matter of duty towards society,” he said while addressing a public meeting here in connection with the  birthday celebrations of BR Ambedkar. M Aamir Khan