Handwara, May 22: Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone on Friday accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of being “hand in glove” in the demolition drive carried out at Sidra in Jammu. Talking to reporters in Handwara after visiting residence of MP north Kashmir Er Rashid to offer condolences to the family on demise of his father, Sajad Lone alleged that the administration was selectively targeting people while ignoring corruption at higher levels. He launched a scathing attack on the Omar Abdullah-led government, and said he had raised the issue during the recently concluded Assembly session and urged the government to stop the forest department from carrying out demolition drives. He alleged that several ministers in the present government were involved in corruption and questioned the functioning of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). “If a public representative raises allegations of corruption against a minister, it becomes the moral responsibility of the ACB to seek details and investigate the matter,” Lone said. He claimed that anti-corruption agencies were only acting against lower-rung officials while avoiding action against influential politicians. “It is easy to catch patwaris and low-level officials. I dare the ACB to act against corrupt ministers as well,” he said. Lone also alleged that the Omar Abdullah government was “missing on the ground” and claimed that the chief minister was more occupied with public events rather than addressing pressing public issues.

Srinagar, May 20: A grand joining programme was organised on Wednesday at Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, where hundreds of people, including youth and prominent workers from the National Conference (NC) and other political parties, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The joining programme was held in the presence of BJP J&K UT General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board (Minister of State) Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, BJP J&K UT General Secretary Mohammad Anwar Khan, and other party functionaries. Among those who joined the BJP were Danish Riyaz Dar (NC), Shabir Langoo, Mohammad Yousuf Zargar, Vice President of Bhartiya Krishak Samaj J&K, Tariq Sofi, and Sanoor Choudhary. Welcoming the new entrants into the BJP fold, Ashok Koul said that the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially the youth, have lost faith in the ruling National Conference due to its politics of corruption, misgovernance, and failure to work for the welfare and development of the common people. He said that the BJP has emerged as the only party committed to transparency, development, good governance, and equal opportunities for all sections of society. He further added that the growing support for the BJP across Kashmir reflects the people’s trust in the policies and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Darakhshan Andrabi and other senior leaders also welcomed the new members and appreciated their decision to strengthen the hands of the BJP for peace, development, and progress in Jammu & Kashmir. The newly joined members expressed confidence in the BJP leadership and stated that they were inspired by the developmental initiatives and people centric policies of the party.

Srinagar, May 20: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari criticised the demolition drive in Jammu’s Sidhra during which authorities demolished more than two dozen hutments and temporary structures, triggering protests by affected families who alleged that the drive was unjustified, ruthless, and biased against a particular community. In his statement, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “The manner in which the Sidhra demolition drive was carried out is deeply concerning. How could the authorities allow such a brutal and arbitrary demolition of the residential dwellings?” He further said, “Reports suggest that the operation continued for nearly four hours in an area largely inhabited by members of the nomadic Gujjar community, with homes and shelters demolished in a ruthless manner. Under what law can officials carry out such forced evictions without due process?” “Many of the affected families claim they had been living there for years. If that is the case, the matter should have been handled with great care and strictly in accordance with the law and established guidelines,” he added. Apni Party chief went on to say, “I have seen videos in which affected people clearly state that they were not even served prior notices before the demolition was carried out. If this is true, it raises extremely serious questions about the legality of the entire exercise.” Expressing his concern over the allegations that the drive was conducted in a biased manner, targeting a particular community, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “The most disturbing aspect is the growing perception that this drive was carried out with bias, targeting a particular community. This may not be true, but even such a perception can damage our social fabric and the hard-earned peace and normalcy in the Union Territory.” “I am deeply disturbed by this incident — not only because families allege they were rendered homeless and left on the roads without shelter, but also because such harsh and insensitive actions send a deeply troubling message to the people,” he added. Urging Chief Minister to intervene into the matter, Mr Bukhari said, “I urge the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene in this matter without delay, order a fair and transparent inquiry, ensure justice for the affected families, and take concrete steps to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.” “After all, the fact remains that this so-called anti-encroachment drive was jointly carried out by the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, and Revenue Department — all functioning under the elected government. Therefore, a government carrying a public mandate cannot evade accountability and responsibility for this disturbing action,” the statement added.

Srinagar, May 17: Former JK chief minister and President Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti Sunday sought release of prisoners ahead of Eid ul Adha saying it will be the first Confidence Building Measure (CBM). Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, Mehbooba Mufti said Delhi will have to listen to the voice of Kashmiris. She stressed that the solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution. “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity," she said. Mufti said Pakistan must also respond positively to India’s outreach efforts. Referring to the Prime Minister’s past attempts to engage with Pakistan, she said efforts were made to open dialogue and improve ties, but “the response from the other side was not appropriate.” She appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that development alone was not enough. “Development is good, but talks can make you a statesman for peace in the region and South Asia. Peace in Kashmir can show the way forward,” she said. She further said the atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and that the youth deserve dignity and hope. “Hate must end,” she said, adding that the message of peace spoken about by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through confidence-building measures. Calling for the release of detainees ahead of Eid, Mufti said freeing prisoners would be the first real confidence-building measure and would send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir.

Slams decision to handover chairmanship of 8 out of 9 House committees to MLAs of ruling alliance Jammu, May 13: Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Wednesday said that Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s decision to hand over the chairmanship of eight out of nine House committees to MLAs of the ruling National Conference-led alliance smacks of a move to turn the J&K Assembly into the National Conference’s headquarters, Nawai Subah. In a statement, Sunil Sharma said that the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that the BJP will resist any move to turn it into the fiefdom of any party. “The decision to appoint eight MLAs of the ruling party as heads of the committees is totally unjustified and an insult to the mandate of people of J&K ” he said, adding that the universally accepted principle of proportional representation has been trampled by the Speaker. He said the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly empower the Speaker to nominate chairmen of House committees, but discretion must be exercised fairly in all decisions. “The first-time MLAs from the ruling party have been appointed as heads of different committees, while senior legislators from the opposition have been ignored,” he said. He said the ruling alliance, with 54 MLAs, will head 8 committees, while the BJP, with 29 MLAs, has been allotted the chairmanship of only one committee. “Out of the eight committees allotted to the ruling alliance, five will be headed by the National Conference, which has 41 MLAs,” he said, adding that the move reflects a sinister design to turn the J&K Assembly into the headquarters of the ruling party.

Addresses workers’ convention in Pattan, slams NC government over failure to address rising unemployment in J&K  Srinagar, May 3: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, on Sunday accused the government of lacking a comprehensive plan to tackle rising unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the ruling party misled the public during election campaign by making false promises of providing one lakh jobs soon after assuming power. Apni Party President made these remarks today while addressing a workers’ convention in Pattan of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Reiterating his demand for dialogue between the Union government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that “it is of utmost importance that the Centre initiates talks as promised by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. He stressed that the trust deficit between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir must be bridged,”  “Whether or not New Delhi talks to Pakistan is not our issue, but it must talk to its own people—especially the youth—to address their pressing issues,” he asserted. Calling for the release of detainees, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that numerous leaders and young people have been jailed for an extended time. “How long will they remain behind bars?” he asked, asserting that those not facing grave charges must be freed to return to normal life with their families. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari further said, “New Delhi has to understand that our youth are enduring many hardships and problems that need to be addressed. They have no jobs, and no employment generation measures are being taken. Even our youth are not being given passports to travel abroad for better livelihood opportunities. People are deeply disappointed. On one hand, J&K was stripped of its special constitutional status, statehood, and other privileges on August 5; on the other hand, people are being left high and dry, with their pressing issues and grievances unaddressed. Where will they go? How does New Delhi expect people here to remain content with the Centre?” “That is why I repeatedly urge the Centre to initiate a dialogue with the people and address their concerns,” he added. Accusing the elected government of misleading people with false promises during the 2024 assembly election campaign, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “They (the ruling party) misled people by claiming that they would create one lakh jobs soon after assuming charge of the government. Where are those jobs? They have neither a plan nor a policy to address the grave issue of unemployment in J&K.” He added, “We understand that not everyone can be given a government job, but that does not mean the elected government should remain idle and do nothing about rising unemployment. What is their plan, and what have they done during the past one and a half years in power?” “During the election campaign, they misled people. They promised free electricity, but instead they have increased electricity charges. Where are the free cooking gas cylinders and the enhanced ration quota they had promised to the people?” “Have they made the daily wagers permanent, as they had promised to the people?” he asked. Addressing the occasion, the party’s Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir, accused the elected government of deliberately depriving people of their right to choose their representatives through Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections. He said they know these elections will empower people at the grassroots level, and they do not want such empowerment. "They do not want democracy to strengthen here because they are unwilling to share power with the common people. They seek only their own empowerment and wish to rule through unchecked and continuous authority. That is why this government is not allowing Panchayat and ULB elections to be held here," he said. He raised the issue of mineral extraction and said that many local people have been earning their livelihood by manually extracting building materials from rivers and nallahs. This source of livelihood has been taken away from them. “We raised this issue with the central government and convinced them that traditional methods of mineral extraction should continue as they used to. We were assured that permissions for extracting sand, bajri, etc., from rivers would be granted to Panchayats, which would be authorised to decide who should receive the contracts. But unfortunately, the local government is not allowing these bodies to be elected here.” Mir said that the Apni Party wants genuine development in Jammu and Kashmir. “We want a better future for our youth and a dignified life for them. They should not be summoned to police stations or put in jails. We must transform Jammu and Kashmir into a truly peaceful, stable, and developed region.” He said that in the 2024 Assembly elections, the people have given the Apni Party the role of the opposition, and it will leave no stone unturned to perform its duties effectively “We will raise pressing public issues and grievances time and again, ensure they are addressed, and continue striving to hold this government accountable for its misgovernance before the people.” Addressing the workers’ convention, the party’s Chief Coordinator, Returning Officer, and District President Kulgam, Abdul Majeed Paddar, urged people to wake up and play their role in holding the elected government accountable. “You have given your mandate to this government, and it is accountable to you. It is your right to hold them accountable,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, State Youth President and Spokesperson Yawar Dilawar Mir said Apni Party is committed to striving for the peace, prosperity, and development of Jammu and Kashmir. "We will ensure that Jammu and Kashmir and its people receive all the rights they deserve, like any other citizen of the country. This party will continue to fight to restore people’s rights," he said. He urged the public to support the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party so that it can effectively implement its pro-people agenda and policies. The prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included party’s State Secretary & Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin, Provincial Vice President Kashmir Hakikat Singh, District President Baramulla Shabir Ahmad Shah, Constituency In-charge Pattan Sheikh Riyaz, Syed Muzaffar Rizwi, and others. 

Says 'highly improbable they didn’t know rules. Unfortunately, the Joke is on people' Srinagar, April 29: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA from Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday sharply criticised BJP, National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, accusing them of colluding in what he described as match fixing during the Rajya Sabha elections. Drawing from personal experience, Lone recalled his participation in the 2015 Rajya Sabha vote. "I remember in 2015 I cast my vote in Rajya Sabha. Our party did not have a candidate, but the ruling alliance requested us to have an agent of their choice," he stated. He confirmed that the appointed person was a non-MLA who proceeded to verify his vote and that of his colleague and fellow MLA, Advocate Bashir Ahmed Dar. Lone questioned the conduct of both NC and PDP, expressing serious doubts over their claimed ignorance of election rules. "It seems highly improbable that PDP or NC did not know the rules," he said, underlining that the appointment of polling agents is among the most critical procedural steps in Rajya Sabha elections. Citing election rules recently highlighted by journalist Umer in a widely-circulated tweet, Lone emphasized that the regulations carry no ambiguity. "A party can appoint an agent, whether the party fields a candidate or not. The only time when you cannot appoint an agent is when the party does not want to appoint one," he said. Pointing to what he called deliberate inaction, Lone said: "That NC did not insist on the appointment of agents, and PDP simply did not appoint agents, hints at a much bigger spread in match fixing." He further noted that an RTI filed by journalist Umer strongly indicates that at least three parties BJP, NC and PDP were part of the Rajya Sabha match fixing, and that the BJP could not have won the Rajya Sabha seat without the active support of NC and PDP. Lone rebukedthe political establishment while reserving his concern for the electorate. "Good luck to the people of Kashmir. Unfortunately, the joke is on them," he said.

Kolkata, Apr 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday accused the BJP of trying to "rig" the West Bengal assembly elections, alleging that central forces and election observers were acting at the behest of the saffron party. The BJP, however, dismissed her allegations, accusing her of "trying to create confusion sensing public anger against the TMC". Visiting several polling booths in her Bhabanipur assembly constituency where voting is underway, Banerjee alleged that democratic norms have been severely compromised by the authorities this assembly election. The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls. "BJP wants to rig this election," she told reporters. Stating that elections are held in West Bengal in a peaceful manner, Banerjee asked, "Is there goonda raj here?" West Bengal has had a tradition of poll-related violence with the Calcutta High Court having ordered CBI investigations into post-poll violence after the 2021 assembly elections. Alleging that TMC workers and leaders were facing atrocities at the hands of police and CAPF personnel, Banerjee said her party cadres "were ready to die". The TMC supremo, who usually steps out of her Kalighat residence in the afternoon on polling day to cast her vote at Mitra Institution School, went out before 8 am and visited several polling stations in the constituency, including those in the Chetla area of south Kolkata. She later sat outside a polling station at Chakraberia in Bhabanipur and spoke to reporters, alleging irregularities and accusing the BJP of trying to influence the polling process through central forces and observers. "Several observers have come from outside and are acting as per the BJP's directions. People are supposed to cast their votes -- can voting take place like this?" Banerjee said. She also alleged that all TMC party flags had been removed beforehand and claimed that outsiders were interfering with the polling process. "They are not allowing the councillor of ward number 70 to step out. They are picking up all our boys. Abhishek and I stayed awake the entire night," she said. Banerjee further claimed that some people from outside the state were trying to create disturbances in the constituency and sought immediate intervention from the Election Commission. The BJP, however, dismissed her allegations, claiming that the ruling party was trying to create confusion after sensing public anger against it. Adhikari said the CM will lose the election. The LoP offered prayers at two temples in the constituency's Khidirpur area. Adhikari said people are coming out in large numbers to vote, with the Election Commission making proper arrangements for ensuring free and fair election. "Does not matter, she will lose," Adhikari told reporters about the TMC chief venturing out on polling day early in the morning in a departure from her practice of going out only in the afternoon to cast her vote. The party's de facto second-in-command Abhishek Banerjee, on the other hand, asserted that the TMC will win with a higher number of seats than in 2021. The Diamond Harbour MP, after casting his vote at Mitra Institution, accused the poll observers of highhandedness in different places. "But these things will not matter, we will win by a higher number of seats this election," he told reporters. Voting is underway in 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections amid unprecedented security arrangements. Polling began at 7 am with voters lining up outside booths across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman -- districts that together form the political and electoral core of the state. The outcome of this phase is expected to be crucial as it covers south Bengal, considered the TMC's traditional stronghold, where the BJP is seeking major inroads. Polling will continue till 6 pm. The first phase of the assembly elections on April 23 had recorded a turnout of 93.19 per cent -- the highest ever in the state. Counting of votes will take place on May 4. (PTI)

Srinagar, April 27: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Monday welcomed the quashment of the Public Safety Act (PSA) against Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, calling it a necessary correction that restores faith in institutional integrity. In a statement, Inam Un Nabi questioned the very basis of invoking PSA against an elected legislator. “What did those who slapped PSA on a legislator actually achieve, other than demeaning the institution itself?” he asked. He said the decision to quash the PSA underlines the importance of restraint and accountability while using stringent laws. “When such measures are misapplied, it not only affects individuals but also erodes public trust in democratic institutions,” he added. Drawing a parallel, Inam Un Nabi expressed concern over the continued incarceration of Member of Parliament Er Rashid, who has been in jail for the past seven years. He said the contrast calls for introspection and a more humane approach, especially when Er Rashid’s father is critically ill. With his bail plea listed tomorrow before the Delhi High Court, Inam Un Nabi said the party remains hopeful. “We believe justice will prevail and that Er Rashid will be granted relief, allowing him to be with his family in this crucial time,” he said. He also noted that several religious and political leaders cutting across party lines, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Syed Altaf Bukhari, Bilal Gani Lone besides Parliamentarians and legislators, civil society members have visited the hospital and expressed concern, with many openly demanding Er Rashid’s release on humanitarian grounds. Inam Un Nabi said such gestures reflect a shared human concern that goes beyond politics. “Democracy is strengthened when there is respect for the mandate of the people and dignity of their elected representatives. The people of Baramulla chose their representative with trust and hope and that choice must be respected in both letter and spirit,” he said. He added that upholding democratic values means ensuring that representation is meaningful and humane. “Institutions earn credibility when they protect not just the law but also the spirit of justice. We remain hopeful that the coming hearing will reaffirm both,” he said.

Verdict raises hope regarding continued incarceration of Er. Rasheed: Firdous Baba Srinagar Apr 27: Senior Leader and spokesperson Awami Itihad Parety (AIP) Firdous Baba Monday termed the decision of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to quash the PSA of MLA Doda Mehraj Malik as a significant and welcome development. In a statement issued here, he said the decision reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding constitutional safeguards and ensuring that preventive detention laws are not misused or applied arbitrarily. "This judgment is a reaffirmation that justice must prevail over procedural excesses and that individual liberty. Justice cannot be curtailed without strict adherence to legal principles," the statement reads. He said such decisions strengthen democratic institutions and restore public confidence in the rule of law. “This verdict raises a hope regarding the continued incarceration of Er. Rasheed. The principles applied in Mehraj Malik’s case must equally guide the consideration of Er. Rasheed’s matter pending before the High Court of Delhi," he said. He said both-Mehraj Malik and Er Rashid are public representatives and represent their respective constituencies and people have posed their trust in both of them. Firdous Baba urged the High Court of Delhi to extend the same legal scrutiny, fairness, and constitutional protection to Er. Rasheed’s case which is scheduled to be discussed April 28 of 2026. "Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in all cases, without exception," the statement reads.

Budgam, April 14: Former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday stressed the need for sustained dialogue and deeper public engagement, while raising concerns over growing distress among youth and a range of pressing issues affecting Budgam. Speaking during a “Kath Ba’ath” interaction in Budgam, she expressed gratitude to participants, including youth and elders, for openly sharing their concerns. She described the gathering as a reflection of collective awareness and active public participation. She reiterated that meaningful dialogue remains the only viable path forward while invoking the approach of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and said that engagement and communication are essential to address grievances, find closure, and work towards lasting peace. Latee talking to reporters, she said the initiative was not politically driven but aimed at listening to people, especially the youth, whom she described as feeling “under pressure,” “disillusioned,” and “constrained” in the prevailing atmosphere. “It was important to hear young voices. If PDP can contribute in any way to easing their challenges, it would be a step in the right direction,” she said. She said that the discussions brought forward a wide spectrum of concerns—from local developmental issues and social challenges to broader perspectives, including views on international developments shared by participants. Mufti also voiced concern over incidents related to cow vigilantism, urging restraint and caution. She appealed to the BJP to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and harmony in the region. “This is Jammu and Kashmir, and its sensitivities must be respected,” she said. On foreign policy, she questioned India’s positioning as a neutral mediator in global conflicts, suggesting that its ties with Israel may influence international perceptions.  

Assam, Feb 12: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and BJP Election Co-incharge for Assam, Sunil Sharma, addressed a massive Mahila Sammelan in Silchar, energising party cadres and women supporters ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. According to a statement issued here, addressing the Sammelan, Sunil Sharma emphasized that women are no longer passive beneficiaries but decisive stakeholders in nation-building, asserting that their rising participation is strengthening democracy and reshaping India’s socio-economic landscape. The Modi government has empowered women with opportunities, confidence and respect, and the Union Budget further strengthens this resolve, he said. Sunil Sharma highlighted the pro people and women centric initiatives of the BJP led government, stating that the Union Budget reflects the party’s firm commitment to inclusive growth, women empowerment and economic development. He emphasized that women are playing a decisive role in strengthening democracy and driving social change across the country. Expressing strong confidence in the BJP’s prospects, Sunil Sharma said that the people of Assam, especially in the Barak Valley, are fully aware of the BJP’s development-oriented governance model, which has delivered stability, infrastructure growth, welfare benefits and transparent administration. He said that the party’s deep grassroots connect and performance-driven politics have earned the trust of every section of society. Sunil Sharma categorically declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party will form the government in Assam for the third consecutive term with an even bigger and historic mandate.  He said that the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the organisational strength of the BJP, and the tireless work of party workers have positioned the party for a resounding victory. Calling upon women to play a pivotal role, Sharma said that Mahila Shakti will be the backbone of BJP’s third victory in Assam, urging them to take the message of development, good governance and nationalism to every household. “The BJP’s victory in Assam is not just an electoral outcome, but a reaffirmation of the people’s faith in Modi ji’s policies and vision. The third term will mark a new chapter of accelerated growth and empowerment,” he added.