Politics - NEWS Of KASHMIR

Farooq Abdullah Visits Pahalgam, Affirms Kashmir’s Unity with India Amid Trade Ban on Pakistan

May 3, 2025 by NOK Desk

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday met tourists in Pahalgam and asserted Kashmir was and will always be a part of India.

Speaking to reporters, after the Pahalgam terror attack, the biggest message is that the tourists are “not scared.”

“The people who wanted to spread fear have lost. They (terrorists) have lost. It has been proven today that we are not going to get scared. Kashmir was and will always be a part of India. People want terrorism to finish. It has been 35 years since we have seen terrorism; we want progress. We want to move forward. We will become a superpower one day,” Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah refused to give importance to the statements made by former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, saying that the country can’t move forward if attention was paid to Bhutto’s remarks.

“If we go by Bilawal Bhutto’s statements, we cannot move forward. I have been saying for a long time that the Indus Water Treaty should be reviewed again. Our rivers and we are the ones who are deprived,” Abdullah told reporters here.

Abdullah’s remarks came after former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto acknowledged his country’s tango with terror operatives, saying that Pakistan has a past.

The JKNC chief and NC MLA Altaf Kaloo also met Hyder Shah, the father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local who died in the Pahalgam terror attack while trying to save the tourists.

“Farooq Abdullah shared our grief and gave us courage in our sorrow, which is helping us move forward,” Hyder Shah said.

Earlier today, India has imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status, effectively halting bilateral trade flows, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Commerce and Industry’s Gazette notification issued on Saturday reads, “In exercise of power conffered by Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with Paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Polivy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central government hereby inserts a new Para 2.20A in the Foerign Trade Policy, 2023 as follos with immediet effect.”

The move comes amid the growing tension between India and Pakistan following the dastardly attack in Pahalgam in which 26 tourists lost their lives.

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides.

India has also halted the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960 in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. (ANI)

Politics

Farooq Abdullah Backs PM Modi Amid Pahalgam Attack Tensions, Warns Pakistan Over Nuclear Provocation

April 30, 2025 by NOK Desk

Farooq Abdullah Speaking With media on India Pakistan War

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday voiced strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid rising tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

Calling for national unity and cautioning Islamabad against further provocations, Abdullah said, “We have given our full support to the prime minister. After that, we should not be questioned. The prime minister should do whatever work he necessary.”

Responding to Pakistan’s repeated assertions of being a nuclear power, the veteran leader reminded them of India’s own capabilities.“We also have nuclear power, and we had it even before them,” he said.

Asserting India’s stand of being non-aggressive, he said, “India has never attacked anyone first. It all started from there (Pakistan), and we responded. Even today, we will not use it (nuclear weapons) unless they do. But if they use it, we have it too. May God never let such a situation arise”.

On the Congress party’s criticism of the Prime Minister, including posters claiming he is “missing in action”, Abdullah dismissed them.

“Where is he missing? I know he is in Delhi,” he said.

The former J&K Chief Minister strongly condemned Pakistan for repeated terror attacks on Indian soil.

“There was the Mumbai attack, and it was proven they did it. The Pathankot attack, they did it, the Uri attack, they did it. They attacked in Kargi, and I was the chief minister at that time. They said they were not involved, but when we took strong action, they ran to the US President asking for help.”

“If they want friendship, then such things cannot continue. It must stop. But if they want hostility, we are ready, and so are they,” Abdullah said.

Sajad Lone Welcomes New Political Party Formed by Former Jamaat-e-Islami Members

April 27, 2025 by NOK Desk

Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Sunday welcomed the formation of a new political party by former members of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Describing the development as “very good news,” Lone emphasized the importance of a diverse electoral landscape that reflects a wide range of ideologies.

“The electoral arena should be exhaustive and represent all viewpoints,” he remarked.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the members in their journey thus far, Lone lauded their perseverance. “Their journey till here has not been painless. Wishing them all the best,” he concluded.

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Former Members of Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir Launches New Political Party

April 27, 2025 by NOK Desk

In a major political development, Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir (JeI) has officially launched a new political party named The Justice and Development Front. The announcement was made today at the party’s headquarters in Nowgam, Srinagar, marking what leaders described as “a new beginning dedicated to justice, progress, and empowerment.”

Party representatives highlighted that the formation of the Justice and Development Front comes after careful deliberations on the political aspirations and needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the launch event, leaders expressed their vision to work towards a future that ensures social justice, economic progress, and protection of fundamental rights for all citizens.

“Today is not just the launch of a new political party; it is the launch of a new hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said one of the senior members at the event. They emphasised that the Front aims to bridge the gap between governance and the grassroots, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, youth employment, and community empowerment.

The newly formed party pledged to maintain a non-violent and democratic approach in its political activities, firmly rooting its ideology in peaceful progress and constructive dialogue. Leaders also stressed that the Justice and Development Front would strive to unite communities and build a strong, resilient society based on equality and fairness.

The launch of this new political entity comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape is undergoing significant changes. Observers believe that the Justice and Development Front could offer a fresh option to the electorate, especially among young voters looking for development-driven leadership.

As the Justice and Development Front begins its journey, it has called upon the people to join hands for a brighter, stronger, and more just future for Jammu and Kashmir.

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Omar Abdullah Slams Indus Water Treaty as ‘Unfair’; India Moves to Amend Pact After Pahalgam Attack

April 25, 2025 by NOK Desk

Expressing strong disapproval over the Indus Water Treaty, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the pact which was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 is the “most unfair document” to the people of the Union Territory.

Addressing the media, Omar Abdullah said, “The government of India has taken some steps. As far as J-K is concerned, we have never been in favour of the Indus Water Treaty. We have always believed that the Indus Water Treaty has been the most unfair document to the people of J-K.”

Chief Minister also discussed assurances received from the Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the safety of J-K residents in other states.

“It is regrettable that this attack took place and we ensured that whatever issues that were kept in front of us in the meeting, we will work on them. During this meeting, I spoke with the Union Home Minister and he assured me that all steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the people of J-K who are staying in other states…An advisory will be issued by the Home Ministry and the Union Minister also spoke with the Chief Ministers of many states,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a meeting regarding the Indus Water Treaty at his residence in the national capital on Friday evening.

Besides the Home Minister and the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Paatil, other senior government officials will attend this meeting.

Sources told ANI, “India has formally notified Pakistan in writing about the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.”

Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, as informed the Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources, Syed Ali Murtaza, about this decision of the Indian government through a letter. India has issued a notice for changes in the treaty. The letter states that the Indian government has given notice to the Pakistani government for amendments to the treaty.

This decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held on April 23, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.

This comes after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured. (ANI)

Politics

Rahul Gandhi to Visit Kashmir Friday After Pahalgam Horror

July 14, 2025April 24, 2025 by NOK Desk

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will visit Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Rahul Gandhi, who was on an official visit to the United States, cut his trip short and returned to New Delhi early Thursday morning.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also shortened their trips to Saudi Arabia and the US, respectively, in response to the attack in Pahalgam.

Earlier in the day, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack.

Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post.

India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours.

The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release.

Meanwhile, families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Last rites of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, were performed at his native place in Karnal. Shivamogga resident Manjunath Rao was killed in the terror attack. Family friend Dattatreya urged the government to take strong steps against terrorists.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)

Politics

Mehbooba Mufti Questions Farooq Abdullah’s Role in Article 370 Abrogation, Seeks Clarity from NC,Dulat’s Remarks About Late Mufti Not Significant

April 21, 2025 by NOK Desk

In a significant political development, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has raised serious questions about the role of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference (NC), in the events leading up to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Speaking at a press conference at the PDP headquarters, Mehbooba urged the NC leadership to publicly clarify their position in light of revelations made by former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief A. S. Dulat.

A.S. Dulat’s Revelations Spark Controversy

A.S. Dulat, a former intelligence chief known for his close association with Dr. Farooq Abdullah, recently claimed that the senior NC leader was disturbed not because of the abrogation of Article 370 itself, but because the BJP did not take him into confidence before executing the move. According to Dulat, Farooq had even suggested that he could have helped the BJP accomplish their objective of removing Article 370 through the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

These revelations have stirred political debate in the Union Territory, with Mehbooba Mufti terming Dulat’s claims “very serious in nature” and a matter that deserves public explanation. “Dulat is not someone who would say such things to harm Farooq Sahib’s interests. He is close to him. What he has said seems more like an attempt to bridge the gap between the BJP and Farooq Sahib,” she stated.

Mehbooba Dismisses Comparisons to Her Father

Mehbooba also responded to comments made by NC vice president Omar Abdullah, who had earlier tried to equate Dulat’s remarks about Dr. Farooq with his past comments on the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba’s father and PDP founder. She dismissed these comparisons, saying the remarks about her father were “minor issues,” whereas the claim involving Dr. Farooq and Article 370 touches the very core of Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity.

“Article 370 was the soul of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, and any suggestion that a prominent Kashmiri leader was willing to collaborate in its removal is extremely serious,” Mehbooba said.

Demands for Public Accountability

During the press interaction, Mehbooba demanded that the National Conference and its leadership come forward and clarify what role, if any, Dr. Farooq and Omar Abdullah played in the lead-up to the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. She questioned their presence at a meeting with the Prime Minister just two days prior, on August 3, 2019, and demanded transparency on what transpired.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to know the truth. What were Farooq and Omar Sahib doing with the Prime Minister two days before the abrogation? Why is there silence from the NC on such a critical issue?” she asked.

Concerns Over Statehood Narrative

Mehbooba further criticised the National Conference for aligning, knowingly or unknowingly, with what she termed the “BJP narrative” on statehood. “It’s the BJP that promised the return of statehood. Even the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister have committed to it. But what has not been promised, what is being ignored, is Article 370. That’s what matters the most,” she said.

She expressed disappointment that the NC, which once held 50 seats in the legislative assembly, is no longer pushing for the restoration of Article 370. “We had hoped they would take a firm stand, but they have avoided even mentioning it. This silence is troubling,” Mehbooba added.

Political Implications

Mehbooba Mufti’s pointed remarks come at a time when political activity in Jammu and Kashmir is gradually gaining momentum amid ongoing legal and administrative battles. Her statement also reflects growing unease among regional parties over the BJP’s policies and the perceived shift in priorities among former allies and political opponents.

The controversy surrounding A.S. Dulat’s comments has opened up a new front in the political discourse, one that could redefine alliances and narratives as the region awaits clarity on its future status and governance structure.

Conclusion

By questioning Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s alleged willingness to assist the BJP in removing Article 370, Mehbooba Mufti has thrown a spotlight on a politically sensitive issue that continues to shape the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Her demand for transparency and accountability may force the National Conference to break its silence, as political parties prepare for the next phase in the region’s ongoing struggle for identity, rights, and representation.

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Altaf Bukhari Urges Immediate Launch of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Amid Highway Closure

April 21, 2025 by NOK Desk

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday urged the immediate commencement of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to support the people during the ongoing weather crisis, which has led to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway — the Valley’s only surface link to the rest of the country.
Pertinently, the recent heavy rainfall, flash floods, stormy winds, landslides, and shooting stones at various locations — particularly in the Ramban district — have forced the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu road, leaving a large number of people, including tourists, stranded on the highway.
In this backdrop, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has urged the government to roll out the Vande Bharat Express to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and continuous tourist flow.
He wrote on his X handle: “At a time when the Srinagar-Jammu highway is closed due to weather calamity, and the Valley’s surface link with the rest of the country is disrupted, it is highly advisable to start the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on an urgent basis.
He further said, “Since this high-speed train service, aimed at boosting regional connectivity and tourism, is already set to begin, the government should launch it immediately to ensure connectivity and allow the ongoing tourism season—currently at its peak—to continue without hindrance.”
“The fanfare for the formal inauguration of this special train service can be held at a later date. Thankfully, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is already set to commence, as it was scheduled to be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on April 19, before being postponed. Therefore, starting the service now would be an appropriate step to support the people during this time of crisis,” Mr Bukhari added.(KNS)

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Ramban Cloudburst: AAP’s Safeer Choudhary Blames Corruption and Negligence, Demands Accountability

April 21, 2025 by NOK Desk

The recent cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district has left behind a trail of devastation — claiming lives, washing away homes, and damaging vital infrastructure. But as the region struggles to cope with the aftermath, questions are being raised over what many believe was a preventable tragedy.

Addressing a press conference at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) office in Jammu, senior party leader Safeer Choudhary blamed “years of criminal negligence” for setting the stage for the disaster.

“Ramban has been looted in the name of development. This is not just a natural accident, it is the result of unchecked corruption and administrative apathy. We demand justice, not mere sympathy,” Choudhary told reporters.

The cloudburst has wiped out entire villages, submerged roads, and left the National Highway — considered the region’s lifeline — in ruins. Critics argue the damage points to deep-rooted failures in governance.

Environmentalists and local communities have long voiced concerns over unplanned development in the region, highlighting issues like deforestation, unsafe tunneling, and ignored ecological assessments. According to Choudhary, these warnings were dismissed time and again.

“Why were large infrastructure projects approved without proper slope stability or drainage designs? Why were early warning systems not installed, despite repeated disasters in the past? And why has the National Highway project been sublet multiple times, compromising its safety?” he questioned.

While emergency teams continue rescue and relief operations, residents are stepping in to support each other, providing shelter and organizing aid. Despite the tragedy, Ramban’s people are showing resilience, vowing to rebuild and demanding accountability.

As the floodwaters recede, one message grows stronger: Ramban will no longer stay silent.(KNS)

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Mehbooba Mufti Criticises NC-Led Government, Accuses It of Failing Public Expectations and Siding with BJP

April 20, 2025 by NOK Desk

Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday expressed her disappointment with the working of incumbent government headed by Omar Abdullah, drawing parallels between the National Conference-led government and the Lieutenant Governor-led administration.

Mehbooba Mufti stated that present popular government headed by NC is providing basic amenities like water and power to the people which LG administration was already doing, perhaps in a better way.

There were some other expectations from popular government but everyone is disappointed and things like termination of services of employees and detentions of people are going on, she said.

She further criticized the government, saying, “We cannot expect a government to fulfill its promises in just 6 months, but there should at least be some efforts in the process for fulfilling the promises, which are nowhere in sight.”

She also accused the government for focusing on power struggle and not public issues accusing the government of being more concerned about its powers, particularly regarding transfers, rather than addressing pressing issues.

She pointed out that the recent meeting of legislators on the issue of powers of transfers affected by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration highlights the government’s priorities.

Mehbooba, who is also a former chief minister of J&K claimed of NC-BJP ties on Waqf (Amendment) Bill and other aspects saying that recent statement by former RAW chief A S Dulat on Dr Farooq Abdullah’s role in the abrogation of Article 370 seems like an attempt to catalyze ties between the NC and BJP.

“Everyone is surprised about NC’s role in avoiding any stance on Waqf (Amendment) Bill at a time when Muslims from country were eying on J&K being lone Muslim majority state but NC seemed to have stood with BJP on the matter, which deeply hurt sentiments of Muslims across the country.” said Mehbooba Mufti.