Politics - News Of Kashmir

After Engineer Rashid Gets Bail extension Sajad Lone Calls For Equal Treatment in Bail cases

October 21, 2024October 15, 2024 by NOK Desk

People’s Conference Chief, Sajad Lone, has made an impassioned appeal to the judiciary, urging for fairness and consistency in granting bail, particularly to individuals accused in cases similar to those involving a Member Parliament .

In a tweet posted on X (formerly Twitter), Lone expressed concern over what he perceives as unequal treatment in the legal system.

Referring to recent developments in a case involving a sitting Member of Parliament, he pointed out that while a VIP accused had been granted bail, other individuals facing similar charges, including the elderly and those with severe health issues, were still languishing in jail.

“Two people died in jail in similar or same cases. No bail was granted. Most of the other accused are old, have multiple diseases. And they too need some relief.They have families too. They have domestic issues too. They are humans too,” Lone stated in his tweet. He emphasized that fairness and compassion should guide the judiciary’s decisions, calling for the same “magnanimity” shown to high-profile individuals to be extended to others as well.

The tweet also highlighted that investigative agencies had not contested the bail extension for the MP and that this leniency should be applied universally. “The onus of measuring up to the highest judicial standards and fairness falls on the courts in question and the investigating agencies,” he added.

Notably, In a major relief for Awami Itehad Party (AIP), the interim bail of Er Rashid, the Member Parliament North Kashmir Lok Sabha seat was today extended up to October 28. (KNS).

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National Conference are now hardly seeing the restoration of Statehood after coming into power: Er Rashid

October 14, 2024 by NOK Desk

Member of parliament North Kashmir Engineer Rashid on Monday in Bandipora questioned Omar if BJP rule continues for 50 years does people have to wait that time for restoration of Article 370 in the valley.

Speaking with the reporters on the sidelines of a review meeting in District headquarters Bandipora Rashid said that PM Modi has changed his goal post in which most of the political leaders of Kashmir were trapped.

Rashid also takes review of developmental works in Bandipora where he listens to several public delegations and assures them of early redressal for their grievances.He also opened the grievance cell office for people of Bandipora and released the helpline numbers for people to register their grievances.”I appeal to PM Modi and LG Sinha to support the elected government now for the benefit of the people added Kashmir has suffered for the last five years.”

“National conference who were saying they will restore 1953 status are now hardly seeing the restoration of statehood after coming into power, which is also not his priority now.” (KNS)

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People of Jammu and Kashmir Should Support New Government: M Y Tarigami

October 14, 2024 by NOK Desk

Senior CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami on Monday said that National Conference-led coalition, supported by parties such as Congress, CPI(M), AAP, and independents, will form a government that will truly represent the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Tarigami said that the long wait for an end to President’s Rule is finally over, and the mandate of the people will soon be fulfilled.”It has been a long time coming, but the people’s mandate will now be respected,” Tarigami said.

He said that after years of political uncertainty and a suspended assembly since 2018, the time has come to revive the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. “A new government will be formed, and we hope the voice of the people will be heard once again in the legislative assembly.”

Tarigami said that there are challenges ahead but they are confident that, with the support of the people and other democratic forces, the new government will advocate for the rights of the people. “There are definite challenges, but we will raise our voice for the people’s rights and work with other forces to strengthen this cause,” he added.

Tarigami also said that since the BJP came into power at the center in 2014, Jammu and Kashmir has faced many obstacles, including a coalition government that struggled to function effectively. “We had warned that the BJP’s approach was not in the best interest of the region, and unfortunately, that proved true with the assembly being suspended in 2018,” he said.

Tarigami further said that the Supreme Court, opposition parties, and democratic forces across the country played a key role in pushing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly.”The Supreme Court’s guidance, combined with the persistent efforts of opposition parties, has finally led to the resumption of the democratic process,” he said.

Tarigami also said that Omar Abdullah has been elected as the leader of the National Conference’s Legislature Party, with the backing of other parties, including Congress, CPI(M), AAP, and independents. “This is a people’s mandate. A real government will be formed, with the support of all these parties,” he said.

Tarigami said that there are ongoing challenges, such as the continued authority of the Lieutenant Governor over certain matters like public order and the transfer of IAS and IPS officers. “Public order and the transfer of officers remain with the LG, an unelected nominee of the Government of India. We want to be part of the democratic process, but there are still obstacles,” he said.

He said that they will work together, regardless of community or background, to ensure justice is done for Jammu and Kashmir. “We want our constitutional rights to be upheld, and we will continue to raise our voices until that happens,” he said.

Tarigami called on the people of Jammu and Kashmir to support the new government and urged other democratic forces across the country to stand with them. “We seek the support of democratic forces across the country so that Jammu and Kashmir can fully benefit from the democratic process and address the people’s problems,” he added.(KNS)

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Start The Process to Reclaim what the People of J&K Lost in the last 7 Years: Waheed Para

October 14, 2024 by NOK Desk

People’s Democratic Party leader Waheed Para, said the revocation of the President’s rule from Jammu-Kashmir is the start of the process to reclaim what the people lost in the last 6-7 years, adding that people’s mandate was for restoring their dignity and protecting their identity.

The PDP leader said that people have pinned a lot of hope on the National Conference, and affirmed hope that the party will fulfil its promises.

Waheed Para said, “People of Kashmir have voted for dignity. They have voted for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood. They have voted to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir which was robbed on August 5, 2019. This vote is not only to remove Presidential rule but to restore their dignity and protect their identity. I hope this is a start to the process to reclaim what we have lost in the last 6-7 years.”

“People have a lot of expectations from this government. We hope that the coming government will fulfil all the promises that they have made in their manifesto on which they have taken votes,” he added.

The President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir was revoked on Sunday, clearing the way for the formation of a new government following the recently concluded assembly elections in the Union Territory.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification in this regard on Sunday.

This development comes two days after National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Friday to stake claim for government formation. Abdullah submitted letters of support that the NC received in the recently concluded assembly elections.

After his meeting with LG Sinha, Abdullah said that the swearing-in ceremony could take place on Tuesday (October 15) or Wednesday (October 16), as the LG conveyed that completing the necessary paperwork would take 2-3 days.

NC President Farooq Abdullah said on Saturday that the new government’s primary goal would be to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Congress formally extended its support to the National Conference for forming the government by submitting a letter of backing on Friday.

Support from the Congress, independents, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has paved the way for the National Conference to stake claim to form government in Jammu and Kashmir.

This will be the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the former state into two Union Territories.

The 90 seats in the erstwhile state went to polls in three phases, and the results were announced on October 8. The NC-Congress alliance secured 48 seats, with the NC winning 42 seats on its own, and Congress managing only six seats. (ANI)

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NC MLA Surinder Chaudhry Accuses BJP of Ruining Jammu with Divisive Jammu vs Kashmir Narrative

Politics

NC MLA Surinder Chaudhry Accuses BJP of Ruining Jammu with Divisive Jammu vs Kashmir Narrative

October 12, 2024 by NOK Desk

The National Conference MLA Surinder Chaudhary on Friday lashed out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying that it was treating Jammu as its personal property and the division created by the BJP devasted Jammu all these years.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting a Gupkar, Chaudhary said that BJP has no right to say that Jammu belongs to them.“They destroyed Jammu with their narrative of Jammu versus Kashmir. Have they been given any affidavit by the people of Jammu that the region belongs to BJP. National Conference or any other party has equal right over Jammu,” he said.

He asked BJP leadership to do away with creating division by peddling narrative of Jammu versus Kashmir.“By raising slogans of Jammu and Kashmir, BJP has devastated our Jammu region. Our Special status is gone, statehood is gone. Why Himachal did not lose its special status and Bihar is still seeking special status from the government of India,” NC MLA said.

He said people should not fall prey to the agenda of BJP which is aimed at dividing Jammu and Kashmir. “Jammu and Kashmir belongs to us, we are Indians and India belongs to us. Nothing more than this,” he said.

When asked about the priorities following the formation of new government after 6 years, Chaudhary said that the issue of unemployment will be addressed on priority.“The biggest problem today is the unemployment of children. In every house, educated youth are unemployed,” he said.He said the BJP leaders face wrath from the people for its failure to address the issue of rising unemployment.

“Besides unemployment, electricity supply and drinking water, schools, health sector are other basic issues which need to be included in the priority list,” he said.He said the condition of tourism sector was contrary to what was being claimed by BJP.

“There are so many issues which need to be addressed as we move forward. A vacuum has been created in the last 10 years by the BJP. It will take time to address all the issues in J&K,” he said.

He said the NC leadership is committed to implement its manifesto in letter and spirit.Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Wagoora-Kreeri Advocate Irfan Hafeez Lone said that INDI alliance defeated the agenda of BJP and RSS across the country.

“The BJP had a dream that they would secure over 400 seats, but it was the Congress party that politically shattered that dream into pieces and prevented them from reaching the 400-seat mark. Instead, the BJP was confined to just around 240 seats,” Lone said.

He said that BJP tactfully tried to win seats in Kashmir, but the people showed wisdom and prudence by placing their trust in the alliance for a larger cause.

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iltija Mufti Insults Voters Who Strongly Supported the NC Candidate in the Constituency: Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri

October 12, 2024 by NOK Desk

The National Conference (NC) legislators have hit out at People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti for accusing them and their workers of resorting to hooliganism in south Kashmir parts after assembly election result.

In a video message, NC MLA from D H Pora Sakina Itoo while rebutting the allegations said that information shared by Iltija Mufti was completely wrong.“You are not politically mature as you appear to be in the media,” Itoo asked Iltija Mufti and “advised” her to check the facts again.

“Before the election, I asked all my workers, voters to celebrate within limits. All my statements are still available. I belong to a political family,” she said.The PDP leader and the media adviser to chief Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti on Thursday accused the J&K National Conference (NC) hooliganism in the south Kashmir parts saying that the NC workers have wreaked havoc in south Kashmir.

Sakina Itoo said that she represents everyone in Noorabad, DH Pora without considering which party the people voted for.“Even if they vote against us I am their representative, I want to tell Iltija Mufti that a surrendered militant who is now a PDP worker was being given a free hand by the party to create havoc in the constituency,” she said.

Sakina Itoo said whenever he (surrendered militant) visits Dhamal, Hanjipora he uses unparliamentarily language.“Many times people raised objections and said we will not let him use this language wrongly here, but I never allowed them to take any wrong step,” Itoo said.She further alleged that some PDP workers are always seen throwing stones at NC workers, abusing them and threatening people in her constituency.

“Yesterday I saw it myself, some PDP workers abused women, and NC workers. But I say it with confidence that none of the NC workers in my constituency has lit a single cracker. You have leveled allegations that NC workers throw firecrackers at PDP workers, you need to prove it with evidence,” Itoo asked Iltija Mufti.

Sakina Itoo further advised Iltija Mufti to come with facts whenever she addresses the media.“I want to clarify it again that I am not the representative of only those who voted for me but I also represent the people who did not vote for me,” she said.

She asked Iltija to teach politics to his worker (surrendered militant) before any action was initiated against him.“I wanted to take action against him, but the police department assured me that the matter will be resolved,” Itoo said.

NC MLA from Bijbehara-Srigufwara Bashir Ahmad Veeri also reacted to the allegations of Iltija Mufti saying that using unparliamentary language by the latter was an insult to the people of the area.

“I would advise this girl to stop doing such things. The way you are using this un-parliamentary language is an insult to our people,” Veeri said.Veeri said that Iltija Mufti was insulting the people who overwhelmingly gave the NC candidate the mandate from the constituency.

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One MLA of Aam Admi Party extends support to Jammu and Kashmir National Conference

October 11, 2024 by NOK Desk

Aam Admi Party (AAP) on Friday said that it will extend support to Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) after the NC-Congress alliance emerges victorious in the recently concluded assembly election in the Union Territory.The formal letter of support has been submitted to the Lt Governor by the party.

Jammu and Kashmir has one MLA from AAP. Party candidate Mehraj Malik has won the Doda assembly constituency by 4538 votes against BJP’s Gajay Singh Rana.

In Jammu and Kashmir National Conference-Congress alliance secured an absolute majority in the Union Territory by winning 49 seats, with the former taking 42 and the latter 6 seats.

On Thursday, The JKNC unanimously elected Omar Abdullah as the leader of its Legislative Party.

Speaking about his election, Omar Abdullah, vice president of JKNC, said, “There was a meeting of the National Conference’s Legislative Party, and the Legislative Party decided on its leader. I am deeply grateful to the National Conference legislators for reposing faith in me, trusting me, and giving me the chance to go to Raj Bhavan and stake a claim to form the government.”

He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Congress for their letter of support. “Talks are going on to get the letter of support from the Congress. Four independent MLAs have also extended their support to the National Conference,” Abdullah added.

He also assured that the future government would work for all citizens, including those who voted for the BJP and those who abstained from voting. “We are not the type to seek revenge on those who didn’t vote for us. The upcoming government will represent the Congress, the National Conference, the BJP, and even those who abstained from voting. In Srinagar, only 20 per cent voted–should we ignore the remaining 80 per cent? They too deserve the benefits of governance. Similarly, the people of Jammu, who voted for the BJP, also have the right to benefit from the government,” he said. (ANI)

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Getting Complaints that BJP workers in Bijbehara Khiram, Dachinipora and Wagama are being beaten by NC Bullies: Tarun Chugh

October 11, 2024 by NOK Desk

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh today warned the National Conference against playing hooliganism in J&K by targeting people and places that did no go in its favour in the last Assembly elections.

Chugh said it was a shameful demonstration of democratic verdict when the Abdullah’s let lose a reign of terror in the union territory.

Chug said the BJP respects the people’s mandate and is ready to work diligently for the development and growth of J&K. But subversive elements which are backed and supported by the Abdullah family must not try to disrupt law and order in J&K to invite their mentors from across the border.

Addressing the question on the statehood of the J&K, Chugh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already clarified on it many times. He said the NC must not try to create a political atmosphere against the nation simply because it has been dancing to the tunes of Pakistan ISI.

Chugh expressed serious concern over NC members playing havoc in different parts of J&K.

“My question to Omar Abdullah is that has NC got this majority for hooliganism. Has it come to wreak havoc? For the past three days, I have been getting complaints that the workers in our Bijbehara, Khiram, Dachinipora and Wagama are being beaten. The elected MLAs have resorted to hooliganism under the guise of celebrating NCs victory,” Chugh said.

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Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Urges Government to Secure Release of Political Prisoners and Repeal Draconian Laws

October 11, 2024 by NOK Desk

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while addressing Friday congregation at Jama Masjid today, said that in the recently concluded elections, people sent a unanimous and clear message that in every manner available to them, they will resist attempts to subjugate and disempower them.

” This time, through a consolidated ballot, they registered their strong disapproval of the drastic unilateral changes made in August 2019, since when they have been systematically disempowered, deprived, and their voices stifled,” he said in a statement issued to KNS.

“I hope those voted to power are respectful of the voters’ message and fulfil the promise they made to restore the legal safeguards and the rights snatched from them in 2019. The ownership of our land and resources, the constitutional commitments reneged on, our very identity, and dignity were further undermined by the 2019 Commandments,” he added according to the statement.

“While we (Hurriyat) peacefully strive for those rights never given to us for almost the last eight decades, for which we are constantly struggling and being sent to jails, we have been constantly appealing to the GOI for engagement and the release of political prisoners which include political leaders , lawyers, human rights activists and youth As promised to the people, the incoming government should urgently take up the matter with the Government of India and help secure the release of all political prisoners and youth languishing in jails for years and decades, some even without trial, and push for the withdrawal of the draconian laws, including UAPA and PSA, under which they themselves were incarcerated in 2019,” it reads

“These laws have destroyed people’s lives. The medical condition of many prisoners in jail is very worrying. There is an urgent humanitarian need to reunite them with their families, so this matter demands immediate attention and should be addressed on priority,” it also said.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz also announced that, as per tradition, he will driver a religious gathering of sermon at the shrine of Hazrat sheik Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) in Khanyar on Sunday, September 13, after the Zuhr prayers. Before that, at 10:00 am, the foundation stone of the historic Bazaar Masjid will be laid. He appealed to the people to ensure their participation in these blessed programmes. (KNS)

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We Failed to Stop BJP in Jammu, Neither NC nor Congress could do anything There: Ghulam Ahmad Mir

October 11, 2024 by NOK Desk

Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Friday acknowledged that both Congress and the National Conference (NC) struggled to make an impact in Jammu and curb the BJP’s influence.

Mir was discussing the results of the recent Jammu and Kashmir elections, where he said the main reason Congress allied with NC was to challenge the BJP in its dominant areas.

“The tough fight was in Jammu, where NC could win only two to three seats and didn’t succeed. We joined the alliance to stop the BJP in its stronghold, but we too failed – neither the NC nor Congress could do anything there,” he said.

Mir also emphasised that the priority and matter of utmost importance is the restoration of the union territory’s statehood.

The Congress leader said, “The government that will be formed, its priority will be the restoration of statehood. If the PM restores the statehood without any demand, his goodwill will be created, as he is a man of commitment, as promised during the election.”

He also highlighted the alliance’s success in the Kashmir Valley, and added, “If you see, proportionately, we did better in the Kashmir Valley, which means Congress leaders influence Kashmir. It’s a different thing that NC was contesting for more seats and hence they got more mandate in the valley.”

On Thursday, National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah thanked the people of the union territory for giving the NC-Congress alliance the mandate to govern Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted the priorities of his party.

He expressed hope that they would be treated fairly by the Union government and that discussions on the restoration of statehood could begin soon.

“Our priority is to address all the issues faced by the people here. There are a lot of problems that we need to resolve, and we hope the central government treats us well and we restore statehood. The restoration of Article 370 will take time, but our first task is the restoration of statehood. Along with that, I hope they (the central government) will support us in every way because Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India. If the crown shines, then India shines. I also hope that our MLAs will walk the right path and work towards these goals,” the NC chief told ANI.
He reiterated that while the restoration of Article 370 might take longer, the immediate priority was statehood.

“The restoration of Article 370 will take time because we have to approach the courts, but our priority is restoring statehood so that work can proceed. Today, Omar (Abdullah) has been made the leader, and we will soon talk to Congress to decide when to take the oath. After that, cabinet ministers will be appointed. Since we are currently a Union Territory, ministers cannot be appointed right now, but once statehood is restored, the powers of the ministers will increase,” he added.

He further urged the Union government to provide maximum support to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, highlighting the region’s strategic importance as it shares borders with nuclear powers. “J-K shares borders with atomic powers like Pakistan and China. The Centre needs to realise this. I hope we receive full support for administering the UT, for its development, and addressing the difficulties faced by people here,” he said.

The NC’s legislature party in a ‘unanimous’ decision picked party Vice President, Omar Abdullah, as its leader.

Speaking about his election, Omar Abdullah, president of JKNC, said, “There was a meeting of the National Conference’s Legislative Party, and the Legislative Party decided on its leader. I am deeply grateful to the National Conference legislators for reposing faith in me, trusting me, and giving me the chance to go to Raj Bhavan and stake a claim to form the government.”

This was the first election in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories. (ANI)