Politics

News / Politics

AIP Criticises J&K Budget, Calls for Statehood and Engineer Rashid’s Release

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AIP Criticises J&K Budget

The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Sunday held a meeting of its Working Committee. While addressing the members, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi urged the cadre to ensure strong participation in AIP’s upcoming Jantar Mantar programme demanding restoration of statehood and resolution of other key issues.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The meeting also demanded the immediate release of Party Supremo and MP Baramulla Engineer Rashid, along with all political prisoners and expressed concern over the lack of any provision for regularisation of daily wagers. Addressing the media, AIP State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq said the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2026–27, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is disconnected from ground realities and fails to address unemployment, economic slowdown and business distress. Sheikh Ashiq termed the effective withdrawal of the ₹2 per litre diesel rebate a regressive step that will burden farmers, transporters, traders and daily wage earners, leading to higher transport costs and inflation. He said the move is unjustified when the government is simultaneously seeking funds for official vehicles and Darbar Move allowances, exposing hollow claims of austerity. On employment, Sheikh Ashiq said the budget offers no credible job-creation plan and pointed out that nearly 23,000 jobs have been outsourced in the past two years, converting secure public employment into insecure contractual work. He said daily-rated and casual workers have again been pushed into uncertainty, with the budget talking of committees instead of regularisation.

Sheikh Ashiq said the budget ignores the ongoing economic slowdown, offering no stimulus, working-capital support, interest subvention, or tax relief for traders, transporters, hoteliers, artisans and small manufacturers, despite losses caused by security disruptions and natural calamities. Criticising the neglect of handicrafts, industry, and MSMEs, he said allocations are merely token and lack concrete measures such as export promotion, credit support, incentives or interest relief. He also flagged worrying fiscal indicators, including a rising fiscal deficit and weakening revenue base. While acknowledging infrastructure spending, Sheikh Ashiq said the budget focuses on long-term projects while ignoring immediate demand-side measures needed to protect livelihoods.

The meeting was presided over by AIP Vice Chairman Adv G N Shaheen and was attended by General Secretary Prince Parveez, senior leaders Firdouse Baba, Parveez Jamaal, Adv Dawood, Adv Shahnawaz, Parveez Ahmad Bhat, Khursheed Ahmad Dar, Dr Suhail, Auqib Mushtaq, Tauseef Ahmad, Zameer Dakroo, Showkat Ahmad Pandit, Riyaz Majid, Ajaz Thakur, Muzaffar Dar, Inayat Bhat, Shabir Ahmad, and Farooq Ahmad Shah. ”

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Politics

Jammu Militancy Surge Questions Article 370 Abrogation Claims, Says Nazir Gurezi

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Nazir Gurezi

Senior National Conference leader and Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi has sharply criticised the Central Government. He says the recent rise in militancy in Jammu division proves that scrapping Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 did not end terrorism, as the government had promised.

Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during recent debates, Gurezi pointed out that violence has moved from the Kashmir Valley to areas in Jammu that were mostly peaceful for over a decade. Districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Reasi are now seeing more attacks. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The government told everyone that Article 370 was the main reason for terrorism,” Gurezi said. “If that was true, why is Jammu facing so much trouble now? The claim of full normalcy does not hold up when our soldiers and civilians are still at risk in places that used to be safe.”

Main Points of Criticism

Gurezi focused on three key broken promises:

  • Security Shift: While the Kashmir Valley has tight security, militants have moved to the Pir Panjal area and other parts of Jammu. This shows they changed tactics rather than being defeated.
  • Lack of Development: Remote places like Gurez still feel ignored. For example, the promised upgrade of the Bandipora-Gurez road to National Highway status has not happened, despite big talk of a development boom after 2019.
  • Loss of Trust: Removing J&K’s special status without local agreement has widened the gap between people and Delhi. Gurezi believes only restoring statehood and key protections can bring real, lasting peace.

The Bigger Picture

These comments come as the National Conference, which leads the current government, pushes for resolutions to bring back special status. Debates in the Assembly often turn heated, with BJP members arguing that security has improved overall. They call the Jammu incidents a sign of “desperation” from across the border, not a failure of the 2019 changes.

The situation highlights ongoing political differences: the opposition sees the shift in attacks and continued violence as proof that promises were not met, while the Centre points to progress in the Valley and efforts to handle remaining threats.

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Politics

PDP MLA Urges CM to Prioritize Kashmiri Safety, End Harassment in Talks with Amit Shah

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MLA Waheed Para

In a significant move during the ongoing Assembly Budget Session, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, has called upon Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to place the issue of “systemic harassment” of Kashmiris at the forefront of his high-level deliberations with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the session, Parra stressed that while discussions on administrative matters and the restoration of statehood are critical, the immediate physical safety and dignity of Kashmiris—both within the Union Territory and across other Indian states—must not be sidelined.

The MLA outlined a multi-faceted concern, citing a “disturbing trend” of identity-based targeting. He highlighted recent incidents of hate crimes and physical assaults against Kashmiri students, traders, and laborers in states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. To press for an urgent legislative discussion on these attacks, Parra has formally moved an adjournment motion in the Assembly, arguing that such violence fosters an “atmosphere of fear and insecurity.”

Beyond street-level violence, Parra trained his focus on structural issues, criticizing what he termed “collective punishment.” He specifically pointed to the practice of “deep-vetting” and the issuance of “adverse police reports” for government jobs and passports, which he claims unjustly targets the relatives of former militants or protesters. He urged the Chief Minister to press the Home Ministry to end this “profiling.”

“The Chief Minister must use his mandate to seek a ‘healing touch’ policy from New Delhi,” Parra stated, advocating for a shift away from what he described as an “iron-fist approach” to one that restores the self-respect and trust of the youth.

In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has acknowledged the gravity of the concerns. His office pointed to his recent personal intervention following an assault on a Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand, where he spoke directly with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure swift arrests. Abdullah has publicly stated the contradiction in asserting Kashmir is an “inalienable part of India” while its citizens face fear elsewhere, and has previously urged the Home Ministry to sensitize other state governments.

The issue has forged a rare consensus in the often-divided J&K Assembly, with both the ruling National Conference and the opposition PDP uniting in their demand for decisive central action to safeguard Kashmiri citizens nationwide. The coming talks between CM Abdullah and Home Minister Shah are now being closely watched for a substantive response to these cross-party appeals.

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News / Politics

BJP Condemns Assault on Kashmiri Shawl Sellers

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Person speaking to media microphones.

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ashok Koul on Friday strongly condemned the assault on a minor Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand, calling the incident unfortunate and completely wrong.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Koul said every citizen of India has the right to travel freely and do business anywhere in the country. He added that such incidents should never happen in a united nation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Koul said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have already condemned the incident, and the BJP has also denounced it clearly.

“Our country is one, and these incidents must not take place,” he said.

He further said that Omar Abdullah has spoken to his Uttarakhand counterpart regarding the matter, and the BJP has also raised the issue with its state unit there.

On the demand for a separate Jammu state, Koul firmly rejected any such proposal. He said the party believes Jammu and Kashmir is one entity and will remain united.

“There is no proposal to divide Jammu and Kashmir. Statements by a few individuals do not reflect the party’s stand,” he said, adding that the BJP will not allow any division of the region. ( Meia Agencies)

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News / Politics

Omar Abdullah Inaugurates ₹18.53 Crore Multi-Storey Bus Stand in Samba

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Bus Stand in Samba

Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-storey bus stand at Thandi Khui here. The state-of-the-art facility, built at a cost of ₹18.53 crore, is set to significantly enhance passenger convenience and regional connectivity.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Abdullah emphasized the project’s role in modernizing public infrastructure. “This bus stand is not just a building; it is a vital asset that will improve the daily commute for thousands, boost local commerce, and provide a dignified travel experience for the people of Samba and surrounding areas,” he stated.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The new bus stand features separate arrival and departure gates, dedicated parking zones for buses and private vehicles, passenger waiting halls, ticketing counters, and administrative offices. It is designed to streamline transport operations and reduce congestion in the town center.

Mr. Abdullah was accompanied , Mr. Nasir Sogami; District Development Council Chairman Samba, Mr. Keshav Dutt Sharma; and MLA Vijaypur, Mr. Chander Parkash. The dignitaries collectively highlighted the project as a testament to the government’s focus on developmental works in the region.

“This project addresses a long-pending demand and will serve as a growth catalyst for the entire district,” said DDC Chairman Keshav Dutt Sharma.

The bus stand’s construction was completed by the Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC) and is expected to become a major transit hub, improving connectivity to Jammu, Kathua, and other parts of the region.

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Developing Story / Politics

Patiala House Court Allows Custody Parole for Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid to Attend Parliament

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MP Engineer Rashid

The Patiala House Court on Saturday granted custody parole to jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh. This will allow him to attend the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.

The order was passed by Prashant Sharma, an Additional Sessions Judge. The court allowed Rashid, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, to take part in the Budget Session of the Lok Sabha starting January 28. He will remain under custody during his visits. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Engineer Rashid is an undertrial in a terror funding case. The court also clarified that the issue of who will pay the travel and security expenses during his custody parole will depend on the final decision of the Delhi High Court, where his appeal is still pending.

In November 2025, the Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict on Rashid’s plea. He had requested a change in the condition that required him to pay nearly ₹4 lakh towards travel and police deployment costs for attending Parliament.

Justice Vivek Chaudhary rejected the plea, while Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani allowed it. Due to this difference, the matter was referred to Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya for further administrative directions.

Rashid’s lawyer argued that forcing an elected MP to pay daily custodial travel costs, including police salaries, limits his right to represent his voters. He said that while Rashid is ready to pay reasonable expenses, adding police salaries goes beyond the Delhi Prison Rules.

However, the Delhi Police defended the charges. They said the amount covers security arrangements, logistics, and deployment needed to escort an undertrial MP safely to Parliament.

Engineer Rashid is the chief of the Awami Ittehad Party. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from jail and won by a huge margin. He defeated Omar Abdullah, Vice-President of the National Conference, by more than two lakh votes.

Rashid is the sitting MP from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency. He continues to remain in judicial custody while facing allegations in a terror funding case.

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Jammu / Politics

Return of Kashmiri Pandits Essential for Kashmir’s Harmony: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary

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Return of Kashmiri Pandits

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday stressed the importance of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits, saying their return is crucial for restoring Kashmir’s beauty, harmony, and social balance.

Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Choudhary referred to the long-standing position of senior National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Dr Farooq Abdullah has always said that if Kashmiri Pandits are rehabilitated in Jammu and Kashmir, there is no doubt that the beauty and harmony of Kashmir will return,” Choudhary said. He added that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is essential for rebuilding trust and strengthening brotherhood in the region.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the centuries-old tradition of communal harmony in Kashmir can only be fully revived when Kashmiri Pandit families return to their homeland with dignity, security, and confidence.

He emphasised that lasting peace and social unity in Jammu and Kashmir depend on inclusive rehabilitation efforts that address the concerns and aspirations of displaced communities.

Choudhary’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on reconciliation, rehabilitation, and long-term peace in the Union Territory, with political leaders repeatedly calling for concrete steps to facilitate the safe and honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits.

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News / Politics

Mehbooba Mufti Seeks Division Status for Pir Panjal, Says Region Faces Long-Standing Administrative Neglect

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mehbooba

PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday renewed her demand for division-level status for the Pir Panjal region, saying it is essential to end years of administrative hardship faced by the people.

Speaking at the party’s citizen outreach programme Gal Baat in Jammu, Mehbooba Mufti said residents of the Pir Panjal belt, including Rajouri and Poonch, are forced to travel repeatedly to Srinagar or Jammu even for basic official work. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

She said granting Pir Panjal its own division, with a Divisional Commissioner and senior administrative officers posted locally, would bring governance closer to the people and reduce unnecessary difficulties.

“The people of Pir Panjal should not have to run from pillar to post between the two capitals for routine administrative issues,” Mehbooba said. “A separate division with its own officers will give real relief and dignity to the region.”

The demand for division status for Pir Panjal is not new. The region, known for its difficult terrain, border location, and scattered villages, has long complained of neglect in administration and development. Similar demands gained momentum after Ladakh was granted separate division status in 2019.

At that time, Mehbooba Mufti had welcomed Ladakh’s elevation but questioned why regions like Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley were left out, despite facing similar geographical and administrative challenges.

During the Gal Baat event, which focused on open and non-political interaction with youth, Mehbooba praised young participants for openly discussing local problems. She used the platform to underline that Rajouri and Poonch are too large and complex to be managed with limited administrative machinery.

The Pir Panjal region is home to diverse communities, including Gujjars, Paharis, and others, many of whom live in remote border areas with poor connectivity, harsh weather, and security concerns. Leaders supporting the demand say division status would help improve planning for healthcare, education, roads, and employment.

Mehbooba’s remarks have been widely shared on social media by Peoples Democratic Party supporters, with many residents hoping the government will take serious note of the long-pending demand.

For people in Pir Panjal, a separate division is seen not just as an administrative change, but as a step towards fairer governance and equal development in Jammu and Kashmir.

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News / Politics

PDP Leader Naeem Akhter Calls Mosque-Related Actions an Attack on Religious Freedom

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Naeem

Former minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Akhter on Friday said recent steps involving mosques and religious institutions amount to an attack on religious freedom and should be reconsidered by the government.

Responding to questions about alleged pressure on imams and mosque managements, Akhter said his party’s stand had already been clearly stated by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti a day earlier.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said the move raises serious concerns about the right of Muslims to practise their religion freely. “This is an attack on our religion, our religious freedom, and our legal rights,” Akhter said, questioning whether Muslims are being allowed to follow their faith without interference.

Akhter said mosques are not only places of worship but also important social spaces where people meet, discuss issues, and try to find solutions to problems affecting society. “These are sacred spaces where people come together and engage with community concerns,” he added.

He questioned the need for what he described as unnecessary measures involving mosques and said there was no justification for such actions in the present situation. He appealed to the government to review and rethink its approach.

Referring to donations collected in mosques, Akhter said these contributions are made voluntarily, especially on Fridays. “Someone gives five rupees, someone ten, fifty or five hundred. Everyone knows where the money comes from,” he said, adding that such matters should not be used to create fear or pressure.

He warned that continued interference could discourage people from managing mosques. “If this continues, mosques may be left without caretakers, as administrators will step away,” he cautioned.

Akhter also raised concerns about administrative issues in Bandipora district. He said nearly half of the officers in the district collectorate were holding additional charges, while several key posts remained vacant. He pointed out that the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s post has been vacant for about a year and that even the medical superintendent is holding additional responsibility.

“This is disturbing. When posts remain vacant, people suffer,” he said, adding that delays are affecting development work and essential services, including healthcare and education.

The PDP leader urged the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to fill vacant posts to ensure smooth functioning of public services.

Notably, senior PDP leaders attended a party workers’ meeting in Kehnoosa, Bandipora. The meeting was attended by Zonal President Bandipora Er. Mir Naseer Ahmad, Mohammad Abdullah Wani, Abdul Majeed Rahi, Mudassir Hussain, Abdul Hameed Dar, Abdul Rasheed, and others, according to KNS.

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Kashmir / Politics

M Y Tarigami Says Profiling Mosques in Kashmir Is Unwarranted, Warns Against Religious Interference

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Yousuf Tarigami

Central Committee member and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday said that profiling mosques in Kashmir is “unwarranted” and only adds to the existing sense of discontent among people.

He stated that authorities must avoid targeting or controlling places of worship belonging to any specific community. According to him, such steps amount to interference in religious matters and weaken the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Tarigami warned that these actions risk deepening public alienation and damaging trust between citizens and the administration.

In a post on X, he reiterated his stand, saying that profiling mosques is unnecessary and harmful. He stressed that respecting religious freedom is essential for maintaining harmony and public confidence in Kashmir.

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