Politics

Politics

NC-Led Alliance Warns Centre to Respect Mandate, Opposes Waqf Bill and LG’s Officer Transfers

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Alliance Warns Centre

For the ‘last time,’ the National Conference (NC) led ruling alliance on Friday warned New Delhi against pushing them to the wall, urging the Centre to respect the mandate of the elected government.

The warning came after a two-hour closed-door meeting of NC legislators and its key allies, including Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and independents. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alongside NC president Farooq Abdullah, came amid the brewing standoff with the Raj Bhawan over the transfer of 48 middle-rung officers in Jammu and Kashmir.

The legislators discussed a range of pressing issues, including key restoration of statehood and the Waqf bill, besides the delay in clearance of Business Rules by the Home Ministry.

Addressing a hurried presser after the meeting, National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, alongside Congress legislator Nizamudin Bhat, said the alliance has passed two resolutions, including opposing the Waqf amendment bill and demanding the central government to respect the people’s democratic mandate.

“This Waqf Bill is against Muslims and minorities in the country. We oppose it,” he said. “Another critical issue was the mandate given by the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the NC-led government. We once again reiterate that the Government of India respects the mandate. It is non-negotiable,” said Sadiq.

The draft rules meant for the demarcation of powers between Raj Bhawan and the elected government have been pending with the Home Ministry since March, with the government expecting these rules to remove the faceoff like the one over the transfer of 48 middle-rung officers this week.

“We are making this appeal for the last time not as a request but as a firm warning. Do not push us to the wall and respect the people’s mandate, which the Prime Minister and Home Minister always praise,” said Sadiq, who is an NC MLA from Srinagar’s Zadibal.

Also, he said they saw the Waqf Amendment bill passed by the Parliament as a direct attack on Muslims and their faith in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our coordination with the Lieutenant Governor and New Delhi should not be misinterpreted. We are trying to maintain dignity in governance, but that should not be taken as a sign of political weakness or submission,” Sadiq added.

The second stint of the J&K Assembly session will begin in Jammu next week, with the Alliance supporting two resolutions, including one for pressing the Centre for restoration of statehood to J&K and another opposing the controversial Waqf Amendment bill to be moved in the House.

Interestingly, National Conference legislator and the chief minister’s close aide Tanvir Sadiq has also moved a private member’s bill in the Assembly against the Waqf Amendment bill passed in the Parliament.

Though it could not be officially confirmed, it is expected that the session might be extended to accommodate discussions on these issues.

On Wednesday, the Chief Minister sent letters to the Home Minister and the J&K Chief Secretary regarding the bypassing of the ‘competent authority,’ which is the Chief Minister himself, in the transfer of officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services. Their transfer, according to the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, falls within the ambit of the Chief Minister. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, however, oversees the All India Services.

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NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Waqf Bill Process, Says Muslims Silenced in Parliament

Politics

NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Waqf Bill Process, Says Muslims Silenced in Parliament

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Aga-Ruhullah-Mehdi

National Conference Member Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Friday expressed strong discontent over being denied the opportunity to speak on the Waqf Bill.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a statement, Mehdi said the time allotted to his party for discussion on the bill was utilised by NC’s floor leader, at both the introduction and passage stages, leaving him no space for intervention.

“As a Muslim MP from Kashmir, I was not even allowed to speak. Time was taken at both the introduction and passage of the bill by floor leader of JKNC, leaving no space for my intervention,” he said.

Member Parliament south Kashmir Mian Altaf is NC’s floor leader in Lok Sabha.

Mehdi, as per statement, described this as “structural marginalization,” which, he said, has caused deep anguish among the people he represents.

He slammed the BJP-RSS regime, stating that India has entered a “dark era of brute majoritarianism” where “minority rights are being ignored”.

“Today India has moved into a dark era of majoritarianism where minority rights have been shown the door. With the passing of the bill in the din of the night, the BJP- RSS regime has strongly reaffirmed it’s anti- Muslim, anti- minority intent. A party that doesn’t have a SINGLE Muslim MP has NO moral or political right to speak for Muslims. In the “temple of democracy” the lived realities of Muslims were ignored and humiliated,” he said—(KNO)

Politics

Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Waqf Bill as State-Sponsored Dispossession of Muslims

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Aga Ruhullah

Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, has strongly condemned the recently passed Waqf Bill, calling it an act of “state-sponsored dispossession” against Muslims in India.

In a statement issued on April 4, Mehdi accused the ruling RSS-BJP government of reaffirming its “anti-Muslim and anti-minority intent” by passing the Bill in what he described as “the den of the night.” He argued that a party without a single Muslim MP has “no moral or political right” to speak for Muslims.

He further criticized the proceedings in Parliament, stating that as a Kashmiri Muslim voice, he was denied the opportunity to speak.

He blamed the floor leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) for monopolizing the discussion, leaving no space for his intervention. Mehdi described this as “structural marginalization,” which, he said, had caused deep anguish among his constituents.

Expressing concerns over the impact of the legislation, Mehdi stated that taking away Waqf autonomy, abolishing “Waqf by user,” and allowing land grabbers to claim Muslim properties amounted to targeted displacement.

“My fight against this belligerent and bigoted attack on Muslims will continue to grow stronger,” he affirmed. (KNS

Politics

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Sparks Political Clash Over Religious Control: MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone

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Sajad Lone

Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, stated on Wednesday that the state should not interfere with religion and that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a matter of religion.

“The Waqf property is collectively owned by the Muslims of the country. It is the right of the Muslims to decide on these (properties) by using their institutions and systems. The state should not have any interference with the religion. We do not advocate with any religion and neither with our religion. It is gross interference. It is our matter,” Lone told ANI.

“It is a matter of our religion,” he asserted, adding “We do not know what are they (Central government) are up to? Who are they looking to appease?”

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill and lashed out at the BJP, stating that a party which do not have a single Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha is ironically going to protect the rights of the minorities.

Speaking during a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, DMK MP A Raja said, “The irony is that the rights of the minorities are going to be protected by a party which has no member of a Muslim community.”

“Today, it is a remarkable day for the Indian Parliament to decide our destiny whether this secular country is going to travel in the path which was well written by the forefathers of the Constitution or a negative path decided by the communal forces in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned why Waqf properties haven’t been used to develop the nation and Muslims. There is no Muslim MP to introduce the Bill. They are not able to produce as single member of Muslim community and they are giving morals as how secularism can be protected.”

Rijiju said that India has the highest number of Waqf properties in the world and questioned why they haven’t been used for the education, medical treatment, skill development, and income generation of poor Muslims.

“When our country has the largest Waqf property in the world, why hasn’t it been used for the education, medical treatment, skill development, and income generation of poor Muslims? Why has no progress been made in this regard so far?” Rijiju said in Lok Sabha.

Rijiju also questioned the Opposition’s objections to the PM Modi-led government working for the betterment of Muslims.

Rijiju also noted that the number of Waqf properties has doubled in the country, and their income has also increased.

Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha.

The bill was earlier presented in the Lok Sabha last August, and a Joint Parliamentary Committee, headed by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, had examined it.

The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995, and improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. (ANI)

Politics

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari Warns of Community Losing Control

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Altaf Bukhari

As the Union government tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for discussions and passage on Wednesday, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that if the bill is passed, it will deprive the Muslim community of control over Waqf assets as well as their administration.

He strongly opposed the controversial amendments to the existing law (Waqf Act, 1995) and stated that the ongoing legislation is completely unnecessary.

In his statement, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “The government claims that this amendment bill is intended to improve the administration of Waqf properties and ensure transparency. No one opposes measures for better management and transparency, but such legislation is not necessary. Improvement and transparency can be achieved without amending the existing Waqf Act.”

He added, “Once the Waqf Amendment Bill is passed, Waqf boards will be required to register their properties with district collectors to ensure accurate valuation. Additionally, all members of the Waqf board will be appointed by the government. Clearly, once the bill becomes law, the community will lose control over Waqf boards, allowing the government to take over their administration—an outright interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community.”

Politics

NC to Oppose Waqf Amendment Bill, Confident JD(U) & TDP Will Join Opposition

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Waqf Amendment Bill

National Conference (NC) MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi on Tuesday said that NC MPs will oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill during voting in Parliament, following directions from party president Omar Abdullah.

Larmi expressed confidence that other parties, including those led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, will also oppose the bill.

“CM Omar Abdullah has already directed NC MPs to participate in the voting and oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill.

I am sure that JD(U) and TDP will also stand against it,” Larmi said.

The bill has sparked debate across political circles, with several opposition parties raising concerns over its implications. The NC has been vocal about protecting the interests of Waqf properties and ensuring transparency in their management.(KNS)

Politics

J&K BJP Leaders Welcome New Members, Highlight Modi Government’s Development Vision

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J&K BJP

Sat Sharma (CA), President, J&K BJP and Ashok Koul, General Secretary (Organization), J&K BJP held a meeting with newly inducted members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Srinagar.

J&K BJP Secretary Dr. Farida Khan, Spokesperson GM Mir, Publicity Secretary Kashmir Arif Raja, senior leader Mudassir Wani were also present in the meeting, which provided an opportunity for the leadership to engage with the new members, emphasizing the party’s vision, values, and commitment to the development of Jammu & Kashmir.

Sat Sharma while addressing the new entrants, said that the party welcomes them with the open arms with an impression that their presence in the party will further strengthen the party’s position in the region with their sheer hardwork. While lauding the efforts of Modi government and the dedication of BJP activists alike, he stated that the BJP has successfully carved a niche in the hearts of entire Jammu & Kashmir residents.

Sharma added that for the first time in history, the people of Jammu and Kashmir along with the rest of the country, have sensed the peace and progress along with the fast-paced development in the region. He termed the Modi government as the true representative of the common masses. He said that the unprecedented development has taken place in the Kashmir valley, hence a common Kashmiri has developed a sense of faith in the Modi government.

Ashok Koul welcomed the inductees, highlighting their role in strengthening the party’s presence and advancing its objectives in the region. He said that this meeting reflects the BJP’s ongoing efforts to connect with individuals dedicated to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Politics

AAP MLA Mehraj Malik Reacts to Non-Bailable Warrant, Focuses on Assembly Duties

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Mehraj Malik

AAP MLA Mehraj Malik has responded to the non-bailable warrant issued against him by a Jammu court, stating that it is a personal issue and he is focused on his duties in the assembly.

“I am an MLA; you may ask me about what is going on in the assembly. This (non-bailable warrant) is a personal matter. You may ask about anything other than that… I don’t want to speak on that matter; the people will look after it,” Malik said.

He further added, “Those who taught me politics will now also teach me the law… I don’t know what the warrant is. I am busy in the assembly with people’s issues… It is a non-bailable warrant. I may get arrested and get bailed. What more can happen? I have not killed anyone… There may be some minor issue; I don’t know about it.”

Despite the legal proceedings, Malik emphasized the larger issue at hand, focusing on the state’s governance.

“The main issue is that a government has been formed in J&K and what it is doing in the House… Are they fulfilling the promises made to the people during the elections?” he questioned.

Mehraj Malik won the Doda seat in the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir which were held from 18 September to 1 October 2024 in 3 phases to elect 90 members of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehraj Malik had triumphed over BJP’s Gajay Singh Rana in Doda.

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal had also congratulated Mehraj Malik on his victory during a video call, expressing that “all Aam Aadmi Party workers across the country are thrilled that we now have an MLA in a fifth state/Union territory”

The NC-Congress alliance won the assembly polls in J-K held after a gap of ten years. JKNC won 42 seats while the Congress managed to win six.

The BJP put up an impressive performance, bagging 29 seats. The People’s Democratic Party won three seats and one each by the People’s Conference, CPI-M and AAP. Seven seats were also won by the Independents.

The results of the three-phased elections in Jammu and Kashmir were declared on October 8. This was the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)

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PDP’s Waheed Para Calls for Dignified Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, Advocates Reintegration

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waheed

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para on Wednesday emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits, moving beyond relief and rehabilitation.

He stressed that the community has suffered greatly, and their issues are deeply rooted in pain, trauma, dignity, and identity.

“We have raised an issue about Kashmir pandits that the government should not see this as an issue of rehabilitation relief for consumers. Kashmir pandits have lost so much. This is an issue of pain and trauma for a community; they need respect, they need dignity. There is an issue of dignity and identity of Kashmir pandits, and we need to address the pain,” told Para to ANI.

Para urged the government to increase district-level coordination with Kashmiri Pandits and ensure constant engagement to address their concerns on a faster basis.

He also highlighted the importance of reintegrating Kashmiri Pandits into society beyond segregation and not viewing them solely as migrants.

“District-level coordination with Kashmir pandits and the government should increase, and there should be constant engagement. It should be addressed on a faster basis, and the larger point is again that we should not see Kashmir pandits as a migrant issue… we should work towards the reintegration of Kashmir pandits beyond segregation,” said Para.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra asserted that dialogue can solve any problem.

“I neither want to make it country-specific nor party-specific nor person-specific. I believe that in any war, any bad relations or any such cross-border conflict, the last resort for everything is dialogue. According to me, the door of dialogue should never be closed, and dialogue should continue. It is the final solution to any issue,” Karra said.

On February 3, All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), led by its president Ravinder Pandita, met with Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, in New Delhi.

According to a press release, during the meeting, AIKS presented a memorandum seeking the declaration of Kashmiri Pandits as a minority community and the establishment of a dedicated commission to address their concerns within the Jammu & Kashmir region.

Pandita discussed the current situation of Kashmiri Hindus, pointing out the irony that they are considered a minority in Jammu & Kashmir but a majority in the union territory as a whole.

As per the release, Pandita emphasized that the demand has become more significant following the abrogation of Article 370 and the unification of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the importance of these issues in the current political landscape.

The release stated, “In recognition of the minister’s time and consideration, AIKS presented Kiren Rijiju with a Sharda shawl and a portrait.”

The Indian government has taken various steps to support the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, including the creation of 3,000 additional state government jobs and 6,000 transit accommodations in the Kashmir Valley, at a cost of Rs. 1,080 crore and Rs. 920 crore, respectively. (ANI)

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MLA Salman Ali Sagar Criticizes LCMA, Demands Reforms in Hazratbal Development

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Salman Ali Sagar
  • Castigates LCMA’s Harassment in Rural Hazratbal, Calls Out Smart City Mess
  •  Advocates for Conversion of Chatterhama Ward into Rural Block
  •  Demands Amnesty for BPL Families
  •  Calls for Reservation for OM Category
  • •Pushes for Revival of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
  •  Stresses Promotion of Craft and Pashmina Institute in Sher-e-Khaas
  • Seeks Land Allocation Under Housing for All for BPL Families
  •  Prioritization of SRO PDD Employees Who Lost Lives on Duty
  • Demands Ownership Rights for Residents of Section 4 Land in rural Hazratbal.

Hazratbal, March 18: MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people within the next five years.

Addressing public concerns, he strongly criticized the harassment of rural Hazratbal residents by LCMA and pointed out the mismanagement under the Smart City project.

He emphasized the need to convert Chatterhama Ward into a rural block to facilitate better governance and development. An amnesty for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families was also a key demand to provide relief to the underprivileged.

Further advocating for social justice, he called for reservations for the Other Marginalized (OM) category and underscored the importance of reviving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to support youth employment. He also pressed for the promotion of Kashmiri crafts and the Pashmina industry in Sher-e-Khaas to preserve the region’s cultural identity.

To ensure housing security, he demanded land allocation under the Housing for All scheme for BPL families. Additionally, he called for prioritizing the families of PDD employees who lost their lives in the line of duty. Lastly, he insisted that residents living on Section 4 land should be granted ownership rights.

MLA Salman Ali Sagar reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to addressing public grievances and pushing for holistic development in Hazratbal.

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