Baramulla, July 5: The Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) on Sunday organized a workers' convention in the Zaingar Dooru area of Sopore in Baramulla district, marking what party leaders described as the return of political activity to the area after more than three decades. Hundreds of party workers and local residents attended the convention. The convention was presided over by SBSP Jammu and Kashmir State President Vivek Bali. He was accompanied by Political Advisor Dilawar Singh, North Kashmir In-charge Wajahat Raina, District President Kupwara Firdous Ahmad Wani, District Youth President Srinagar Bilal Ahmad, District Vice President Kulgam Bashir Ahmed Shah, District President Kulgam Shayaq Ahmad Raina, North Kashmir Co-In-charge Bashir Ahmed Najar, District Secretary Bashir Ahmed Mir, and Provisional District President Mohd Ramzan Ganie, among other party leaders. Addressing the gathering, Vivek Bali criticized the local elected representatives and the present National Conference (NC) government, alleging that the people of the area had been neglected for the past 70 years. He said the SBSP is committed to addressing the genuine concerns of the people and ensuring that their long-pending issues receive due attention. During the convention, local residents highlighted several pressing issues, including poor road connectivity, inadequate drinking water facilities, lack of quality healthcare services, and other developmental concerns. Responding to their grievances, Bali assured the gathering that all issues raised would be taken up with the concerned departments and higher authorities for their early redressal. Talking to the media on the sidelines of the convention, Vivek Bali said it was encouraging to witness political activity in Zaingar Dooru after a gap of more than 30 years. However, he expressed concern that despite the passage of time, the area continues to suffer from a lack of basic infrastructure and essential public services. He alleged that successive National Conference governments had failed to fulfil their promises, leaving the region underdeveloped. Bali claimed that people are now extending their support to the SBSP because they believe the party is genuinely committed to public welfare and development. Replying to a question regarding the recent book controversy, Bali termed it unfortunate and objected to the use of the names of spiritual personalities in a controversial manner. He demanded strict action against those responsible and called for accountability. Bali reiterated that the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party remains dedicated to the welfare of the people of Zaingar Dooru and pledged that the party would continue to work for the resolution of all their genuine grievances at the earliest.

Srinagar, June 28: Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of maintaining a "behind-the-scenes" understanding with the BJP and said the people of Jammu and Kashmir would not accept any covert political arrangement. In an interview with KNS, Altaf Bukhari said his party had been subjected to a propaganda campaign during the 2024 Assembly elections, with rivals portraying the Apni Party as the BJP's "B-team". "For the last six years, a narrative was built that we were the face of the Government of India or the BJP's B-team. That propaganda was spread against us," he said. Referring to the NC's recent political outreach, Bukhari said his party was not consulted before the programme was announced. "If they had discussed it with us, perhaps we would have participated. But they announced it as an NC programme without any consultation," he said. The Apni Party chief also questioned the NC's political stand, alleging that the party periodically raises issues such as plebiscite but does not pursue them consistently. Altaf Bukhari rejected allegations made by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti that he was close to the BJP leadership.  "I have never been to Nagpur, nor am I close to Nagpur. By the grace of Allah, we have the courage to speak the truth," he said. He also criticised the PDP's 2014 alliance with the BJP, calling the decision "wrong".  "People were played with. That decision was wrong then, and it remains wrong today," Bukhari said. He alleged that the NC was continuing to maintain ties with the BJP behind the scenes.  "If you have to work with the BJP, do it openly before the people. Doing it behind closed doors creates suspicion. Treat the BJP as a political party and be transparent," he said. Altaf Bukhari said political parties should maintain consistency in their stand towards the BJP before and after elections instead of changing positions after the polls. (KNS)

Srinagar, June 28: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone Sunday launched a fierce political offensive against the National Conference government over what he describes as a deeply compromised outsourcing regime in Jammu and Kashmir, promising explosive disclosures within a week. In a statement directed squarely at the ruling party, Lone declared, "To my friends in NC please be ready to answer a range of questions on Outsourcing. As promised within a week we will put every fact about outsourcing in the public domain." While stopping short of holding NC responsible for originating the outsourcing policy, Lone made the party's complicity unmistakably clear. "Agreed NC didn't start it. We knew that from Day 1. But you didn't stop it either. You went along with it. And in fact encouraged it," he stated, leaving no room for the ruling party to distance itself from the consequences of a policy it inherited but chose to sustain and expand. Lone then made his most serious allegation, one that goes beyond policy failure into the territory of outright wrongdoing. "Outsourcing is prone to corrupt collusion. And that corrupt collusion I can see very clearly," he said, signalling that his upcoming disclosures are backed by concrete information rather than political conjecture. Adding a documented dimension to his offensive, Lone revealed that he had formally raised a Starred Question before the General Administration Department during the last Assembly session, demanding full disclosure on the government's outsourcing activities. The question, a photograph of which he shared publicly, sought information on the total number of outsourced jobs across the government sector, the names and addresses of every outsourcing company currently engaged by the government, the total payments made to these companies across all departments, whether standardised salary guidelines exist for outsourced workers, and a complete department-wise breakdown of outsourced positions. The government responded only partially, and Lone pointed out that it chose to stay completely silent on the two most revealing and consequential parts of his question. It failed to respond to part (f), which asked, "What is the government's objective in outsourcing jobs? Does the government see outsourcing as means to reduce costs or as means to improve efficiency?" It equally avoided part (g), which asked, "Will government as a policy encourage or discourage outsourcing of government jobs?" Lone underlined the gravity of this silence, saying, "That remains unanswered and the devil is in the details," making clear that a government unwilling to state its own policy objectives on outsourcing has questions far bigger than administrative gaps to answer.

Sonmarg, Jun 18: President Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said that the Yatra should be seen not only as a religious journey but as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of trust, understanding, and shared belonging between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Addressing locals in Sonamarg, Mufti said that Kashmir has always been known for its tradition of hospitality, compassion, and respect for guests. “The people of Kashmir, especially those living in areas like Sonmarg and Pahalgam, have always welcomed visitors with warmth and dignity. This spirit of Kashmiriyat is our greatest strength and our biggest message to the world,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said the Yatra provides an important opportunity for people from different parts of India to experience the real Kashmir, a Kashmir of ordinary people, rich traditions, kindness, and humanity. “The Yatra is a bridge that connects hearts. It should bring locals and visitors closer, remove misunderstandings, and replace prejudice with understanding. Every devotee who visits Kashmir should return with memories of our hospitality, our culture, and the warmth of our people,” she said. She emphasized that faith should become a source of compassion and connection rather than division. “Hindus and Muslims, locals and outsiders, Kashmir and the rest of India, we all share a common human bond. The true strength of any society lies in respecting each other’s faith, identity, and dignity,” she added. While welcoming visitors, Mehbooba Mufti also highlighted the concerns of local communities who support and host the Yatra. She said that the people of Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and other Yatra-related areas must remain at the centre of tourism and development planning. “The people who open their homes, provide services, and contribute to making the Yatra successful deserve recognition and meaningful participation. Their voices must be heard,” she said. She stressed the need for sustainable development that benefits local communities, including improved infrastructure, better connectivity, support for small businesses, opportunities for youth, and protection of the fragile Himalayan environment. Mehbooba Mufti noted that local residents, pony owners, traders, transporters, guides, hoteliers, vendors, and workers raised several longstanding concerns regarding basic facilities and infrastructure in the Yatra areas. She said the pony track in Sonmarg is in poor condition and requires urgent development and maintenance to ensure the safety and convenience of both pilgrims and service providers. She also supported the demand for proper sheds and resting facilities for horses, as well as designated sheds for local vendors who provide essential services during the Yatra season. She urged the authorities to grant necessary permissions and create adequate infrastructure so that local communities can carry out their livelihoods with dignity and without unnecessary hardships. She said local traders, transporters, guides, pony owners, hoteliers, and workers are an important part of Kashmir’s tourism ecosystem and their livelihoods must be protected. “Development should not come at the cost of our environment or the interests of local people. Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and our mountains are our shared heritage, and we must preserve them for future generations,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said the success of the Yatra should not only be measured by the number of pilgrims who arrive but by the goodwill, friendships, and understanding that remain after they leave. “Our answer to prejudice should be hospitality, our answer to mistrust should be compassion, and our message should be the true spirit of Kashmir — peace, inclusion, and humanity. At the same time, the concerns of local communities must be addressed through practical measures that improve livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the people who sustain it,” she said.

'What stops BJP or RSS from doing the same?'; Holds CM Omar accountable for this constitutional impropriety Srinagar, June 6: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Saturday launched a stinging attack on former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over her chairing of a review meeting at AIIMS, calling it an "unconstitutional trespass" and demanding that she publicly admit it was an error of judgement. Lone warned that Mehbooba Mufti's act, carried out without holding any elected office, has set a dangerous precedent that could open the floodgates for other non-elected individuals to assume similar institutional authority in Jammu & Kashmir. "The chairing of the review meeting at AIIMS by a non-MLA was an unconstitutional trespass and will remain an unconstitutional trespass," Lone said. Directing his remarks pointedly at Mehbooba Mufti, Lone posed a direct question: if she can chair a review meeting of a central institution today without being an MLA, what stops an RSS or BJP non-MLA functionary from doing the same — especially when they can point to 28 MLAs against the PDP's four? "What stops Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sahib, Azad Sahib, or Nirmal Singh Sahib from chairing similar meetings? The list can go on and on," Lone said, underscoring that no such political entitlement exists anywhere else in India. He further questioned whether the elected political space in J&K was "destined to be a fish market," warning that by not admitting her error, Mehbooba Mufti had effectively opened the door for "all sorts of unelected and most likely politically undesirable species, especially in Kashmir, to chair similar meetings." Lone also turned his guns on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, holding him partly responsible for the situation. He argued that the CM's pattern of setting his ministers against opposition MLAs and eroding their authority had created the conditions for this constitutional impropriety to occur in the first place. "Had the CM not set his ministers against the opposition MLAs and eroded their authority, this event of constitutional impropriety may not have taken place," Lone said, demanding that the Chief Minister clarify these issues once and for all. Lone also pre-empted any argument that Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda's involvement or approval lent legitimacy to Mehbooba's chairing of the meeting. "Nadda Sahib is the honourable Health Minister of India. But he does not have the power to redesign constitutional roles," Lone said flatly, adding that whether Mehbooba called Nadda or not "hardly changes anything." PC President had earlier described the move as one "packed with audacity" and warned it amounted to "nothing short of a constitutional crisis." He had then questioned whether J&K was witnessing the rise of a third power centre, operating in the shadows of the elected government, and warned: "It is Mehbooba Ji today. It could be somebody else tomorrow." Lone made clear that he remains open to Mehbooba Mufti walking back the act by acknowledging it as a mistake. But if she does not, he warned, she would be leaving the door permanently open with consequences that could prove far more damaging to J&K's already fragile constitutional order than the AIIMS meeting itself. "It is imperative that she admits it was an error of judgement," he said.

Srinagar, June 5: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, on Friday raised a clarion call and criticism over PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti chairing a review meeting at AIIMS, terming the development a "constitutional crisis" and questioning the authority under which such a meeting was conducted. In a statement issued here, Lone said the episode represented yet another instance of institutional disempowerment in Jammu and Kashmir and accused the present administration of remaining silent despite what he described as a direct challenge to the constitutional competencies of the elected government. "Irony does a thousand deaths today on Kashmiri politics," Lone said. He expressed surprise that a former chief minister had presided over a review meeting of an institution functioning under the Union Government. He argued that constitutional powers vested in the elected government are, in essence, assets belonging to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and cannot be allowed to be diluted or bypassed. Questioning the legal and administrative basis of the meeting, Lone asked under what authority Mehbooba Mufti chaired the review.  He sought clarity on whether there had been any special notification, government order, or authorization from New Delhi permitting such an arrangement. "Constitutionally, a former chief minister cannot chair review meetings of departments functioning under the elected government, let alone institutions that fall under the Central Government. Chairing a review meeting of a Central Government institution is a constitutional impossibility," he said. Drawing comparisons with other states, Lone questioned whether former chief ministers such as Mamata Banerjee or M. K. Stalin would be permitted to conduct similar review meetings, and asked whether a "special arrangement" was now in operation in Jammu and Kashmir. He further wondered whether the region was witnessing the emergence of a "third power centre," suggesting that such developments could signal a new phase of political and administrative interference.  Lone cautioned that while reviewing public institutions is important, Jammu and Kashmir, already grappling with diminished institutional powers, cannot afford another round of disempowerment. "This is not just a review meeting. There is much more than meets the eye. Today it is Mehbooba Ji, tomorrow it could be someone else. Be prepared for a lot of theatre," he said. Lone also took note of the optics surrounding the meeting, referring to the presence of security personnel and describing the entire episode as reflective of a deeper constitutional and political concern that requires immediate clarification from the authorities.

Srinagar June 5: Minister for education Sakina Itoo on Friday took a dig at former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti saying that "they still behave as if they are in power." In a post on X, Sakina Itoo mocked at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti saying  "Some people seem to be suffering from political amnesia." "They still behave as if they are in powereven though they lost office in 2018 and have since been repeatedly rejected by the people," Itoo in her post on X said. The remarks came hours after Mehbooba Mufti along with MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Maik and MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Parra visited AIIMS Awantipora to "understand the progress being made on the project and engage with the concerned agencies on the ground." She convened a meeting with the officers and reiterated her commitment to supporting every effort aimed at the early completion of this important healthcare institution. Later in her post on X, Mehbooba Mufti said "Mufti sahab envisioned & laid the foundation for AIIMS Awantipora in 2015 & today I’m delighted to see his dream come to fruition." "Much progress has been made on this crucial institution - a project initiated by the PDP over a decade ago. AIIMS Awantipora has the potential to emerge as one of the leading centres of healthcare, medical education and research in J&K," the post reads. "Request Union Health Minister @JPNadda ji to kindly expedite completion of this vital institution so that quality healthcare services can reach the people of J&K at the earliest," it reads. Meanwhile, Sakina Itoo said the elected government today wass led Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. "Yet one wonders in what capacity former rulers are conducting reviews of the AIIMS Awantipora project," Sakina Itoo said. "More importantly, who is signalling them to undertake such exercises? Which power centre in Delhi is directing these actions?" the post reads. She said that it was ironic that those because of whom the AIIMS project moved at a painfully slow pace are now trying to claim ownership of its progress. "The fact is that the project is moving towards completion because of the focused efforts, monitoring and commitment of the present government under the leadership of CM Omar Abdullah," Sakina Itoo said. She said the people of Jammu & Kashmir are wise enough to distinguish between those who delayed development and those who are ensuring its delivery.

Umer Maqbool Srinagar, May 31: In a significant political development, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called a meeting of National Conference (NC) legislators on Wednesday to deliberate on what he has referred to as ‘matters of collective importance’ and ‘issues concerning public welfare.’ New agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reported that the Chief Minister has personally invited all party MLAs to attend the meeting. According to sources, Omar Abdullah has written to the legislators that the meeting will deliberate on matters of collective importance and public welfare. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Chief Minister’s Gupkar residence on June 3 at 10:00 AM. The meeting assumes significance as Omar Abdullah had earlier hinted at making a major political statement after Eid. Speaking at a function in Tangmarg on May 6, the Chief Minister said he wanted to “burst like a cloudburst” but added that he would speak openly at a public gathering after Eid. While the specific agenda of the meeting is not known, the mention of “matters of collective importance” in the invitation suggests that broader issues such as J&K's statehood could be discussed. CM Omar Abdullah had also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on May 11 and discussed issues related to the restoration of statehood, transaction of business rules, rationalisation of reservation, and other key matters connected to public welfare, well-being, and governance.

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.