Politics - News Of Kashmir

Without statehood J&K Assembly will be powerless: G H Mir

October 7, 2024 by NOK Desk

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir has urged all political parties to prioritize the restoration of statehood over government formation.

“Political parties in J&K should focus on pushing for the restoration of statehood before thinking about forming a government. Without statehood, the J&K Assembly will be powerless. Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have already promised it,” he told KNS.

He emphasized that all parties should unite in their efforts to restore statehood, regardless of who eventually forms the government.

“Whoever forms the government will be unable to provide any real relief without the restoration of statehood. Popular governments are meant to serve the people, but without statehood, the J&K government will be like a toothless tiger,” he added.

Mir also urged regional political parties to unite in their pursuit of statehood, the empowerment of the assembly, and the empowerment of the people. Instead, he pointed out, they are more focused on forming a government. (KNS)

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J&K Congress Chief Tariq Karra Expresses Optimism Ahead of Election Results, Criticises LG’s Role

October 7, 2024 by NOK Desk

A day before Jammu & Kashmir Assembly election results, J&K Congress Chief Tariq Hameed Karra expressed cautious optimism about the outcome while raising concerns about exit polls and the role of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in the nomination of Assembly members.

Karra acknowledged the exit polls but emphasized that they do not always reflect the true outcome.“Exit polls are fine in their place, but we hope that the exact poll will be even better than that. A clear-cut verdict has been given to the alliance,” he said.

“In some places, the exit poll projections are correct, but in others, they are manipulated. We believe more in the exact poll than the exit poll,” he said, reinforcing his confidence in the forthcoming results.

Karra remained hopeful that the alliance would emerge victorious, surpassing the expectations set by exit polls.In a pointed critique of the powers vested in the LG, Karra referred to the allocation of five seats by the LG as an overreach of authority.

He argued that the Indian Constitution does not allow for arbitrary nominations, even by the President in the Rajya Sabha.“The government is represented by the cabinet, and such appointments should be made on their recommendation. If the same is applied here, the arbitrary powers given to the LG are unconstitutional and undemocratic,” Karra asserted.

He questioned how an LG could be granted powers that even the President of India does not have“This is a clear violation of democratic norms, and such powers should not be vested in one individual,” he added.

When asked about potential alliances, particularly with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Karra stated that no direct contact was necessary.He reiterated his long-standing stance of aligning with any party or organization that seeks to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power.

“Every political party or organization on the same page, wanting to prevent BJP from entering the power corridor, is part of our broader objective,” he remarked.Karra concluded his remarks by expressing skepticism about the reliability of exit polls. (KNS)

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JKNC’s Tanvir Sadiq Says Verdict will come in favour of NC-Congress alliance

October 6, 2024October 6, 2024 by NOK Desk

Chief Spokesperson & Communication Incharge Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Tanvir Sadiq on Sunday expressed confidence that the election results will come out in favour of National Conference-Congress alliance on October 8, the day of counting.

“I will tell you honestly people have voted in large numbers.The verdict is in the electronic voting machines (EVMs). And we are hopeful that on October 8th, the result will come out in favour of National Conference-Congress alliance and we will be able to form a government,” Tanvir Sadiq told ANI.

The NC leader underscored the importance of a stable government in the Jammu and Kashmir.

“As far as the exit poll is concerned, you saw the fiasco that happend during the Lok Sabha polls. So not going into that. I am sure that people have voted for a strong vibrant government that should come post October 8. People now know how important it is to have a very stable government in Jammu and Kashmir, “Sadiq added.

The Axis My India has predicted a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir with the National Conference-Congress alliance slightly ahead and the BJP tailgating the opposition.

According to Axis My India, the NC-Congress alliance can win 35-45 seats whereas the BJP can win 24-34 seats. Notably, the majority mark to form the government in the Union Territory is 46 and the prediction has shown no one above the mark.

According to the predictions, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) can win 4-6 seats while Awam Ittehad Party-led by Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid can win 3-8.

The Axis My India has given Sajjad Lone’s People’s Conference 1-3 while others can get 4-10 seats. As per its prediction, the NC-Congress vote share can go up to 38 per cent while the BJP on 21. (ANI)

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Ahead of Election Results Farooq Abdullah says there is no Question of Forging an Alliance with BJP

October 5, 2024 by NOK Desk

National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that the party will never forge an alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Farooq Abdullah said that any party that will side with BJP will get vanished in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that there was no question of forging an alliance with BJP, saying that the vote in favour of NC was against the BJP.

“We cannot expect anything, but let the results be declared and decks will be cleared about who has done what in the elections,” he said while replying to the Exit Polls today.

Furthermore, he said that Congress will also emerge victorious in the Haryana assembly elections, saying that the people who have bore the brunt of present dispensation have decided to vote in favour of Congress—(KNO)

NC Party Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar Dismissed Rumours, says “No back channel talks outside BJP

October 4, 2024 by NOK Desk

Ahead of the vote counting process, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has categorically denied rumors suggesting “back channel” discussions with some parties and independent candidates outside the INDIA bloc.

In a statement, the party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said the party dismisses the claims made by some people about back channel talks other than INDIA alliance as baseless and urged the public to remain unaffected by such misinformation.

The JKNC said those anticipating their defeat have resorted to spreading false accusations to create confusion. “We urge the public, who have placed their trust in us, to disregard these false claims and not be swayed by rumor-mongering,” the party spokesman said.

He said, the party remains firm in its stance and commitment to the INDIA bloc, calling for calm as the vote counting process unfolds.The NC statement comes days before the big day – October 8, when counting of votes will be done for 90 seats of J&K Assembly. J&K witnessed elections after a decade that saw 69 percent voting. The BJP has already claimed that it will emerge as the single largest party and form the government on its own.

On the other hand, NC and Congress who fought in a pre-poll alliance, are sure about forming government in J&K. (NVI)

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BJP will Emerge As the single Largest Party in J&K on October 8: Ravinder Raina

October 3, 2024 by NOK Desk

Jammu and Kashmir chief of BJP Ravinder Raina on Thursday said that the way people voted in record numbers in all three phases of Assembly polls held after a decade suggests that BJP will win absolute majority on October 8.

Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Raina said that people from every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir came out in record numbers to exercise their right to franchise in all three phases.

“I am of the firm belief that the way people voted in record numbers, BJP will emerge as the single largest party in J&K on October 8. The new government will carry forward the vision and mission of Prime Minister Narendera Modi and take J&K to new heights of development, peace and prosperity,” Raina said addressing a press conference in Jammu.

He said the way people voted signals that people have expressed faith in democracy and also in the vision of Prime Minister Narendera Modi that entails—Sab Ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas and Sab ka Vishwas.

Asked whether BJP had finalised the Hindu CM candidate if the party wins majority, Raina said lets have some patience till October 8. “For us who is going to be the CM is not the priority. We hope to see BJP emerging as a party with absolute majority. I believe, the way people voted for BJP, we will come up with a full majority,” he said.

The J&K BJP chief said the massive campaigning of Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath and BJP national president J P Nadda in Jammu that saw massive participation of people, will bear fruit. “I am sure that not only in Jammu but also in Kashmir Lotus will bloom,” Raina said.

Asked whether BJP was mulling Hindu or Dogra Chief Minister in J&K, Raina dodged the question saying, “thoda intezar ka maza lijiye (let’s wait till October 8).

He thanked police, CRPF, BSF, SSB and other security agencies for ensuring smooth and peaceful elections in J&K. “I also thank the Election Commission of India (ECI) for making up to the mark arrangements in J&K for smooth conduct of polls. I also thank the Chief Electoral Office and LG administration for making elaborate arrangements for peaceful and hassle-free elections in J&K,” the BJP J&K chief said. “I also thank NGOs, school children and all those who played their part in creating awareness among voters across the J&K UT.”

Raina also extended Navrata greetings to people of J&K and rest of the country. “We will celebrate the festival with the grand victory of BJP in J&K polls on October 8,” he claimed. He evaded queries whether BJP will forge alliance with PDP or any other party if it falls short of seats, saying that let the results come first—(KNO)

Large Number of People are Voting in the Last Phase and Participated Wholeheartedly in this Festival of Democracy: Ravinder Raina

October 1, 2024 by NOK Desk

State BJP President and candidate from Nowshera Assembly seat Ravinder Raina said that a large number of people are voting in the last phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and voting percentage has been unexpected.

Ravinder Raina said, “A large number of people are voting in the last phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have participated wholeheartedly in this festival of democracy. These elections have been conducted very well. Polling percentage has been unexpected. This shows J&K is touching new heights and giving its contribution in strengthening new India. I would like to congratulate the security foces and EC for conducting the polls successfully.”

Former Deputy CM of J&K and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta was confident of BJP coming to power
“Elections are taking place in Jammu and Kashmir after 10 years and there is enthusiasm among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, people have shown their gratitude towards democracy and have expressed their faith in it, so I am sure that the government that will be formed will be in favour of democracy and in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he said.

According to the latest data issued by Election Commission of India (ECI), Jammu and Kashmir recorded 11.60 per cent voting in the initial voter turnout trend till 9 am on Tuesday.

Of the seven districts, Udhampur district is leading in the voter turnout chart with 14.23 per cent voting, followed by Samba at 13.31 per cent, Kathua at 13.09 per cent, Bandipore 11.64 per cent, Jammu at 11.46 per cent, Kupwara at 11.27 per cent and Baramulla at 8.89 per cent till 9 am.

The polls began at 7 am on Tuesday and will conclude at 6 pm. Voting will take place in 24 constituencies in the Jammu division and 16 constituencies in Kashmir amid strong security to ensure smooth and peaceful polls.

The intensive campaign for the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening. (ANI)
This election is notable as the first in a decade and the first since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

The three-phase election involves a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders.

The first phase of voting took place on September 18, and the second phase concluded on September 25.

According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases of polling recorded voter turnouts of 61 per cent and 57.31 per cent, respectively. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)

Nizamuddin Bhat Appeals Poll Body to Prevent any kind of mischief from anybody,Raises Concern over Booth Capturing

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Not Ready To Join Hands With BJP,Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Aim is to Bring Permanent Peace in Kashmir: Engineer Rashid

October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by NOK Desk

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid on Tuesday dismissed speculation about aligning with the BJP and asserted that the main aim of his party is to restore peace in Kashmir.

“Why will I join hands with the BJP? Power is a very small thing for me. I was an independent MLA and I would have joined any party. If power had been my priority I would have joined hands with PM Modi.

Many people have died in Kashmir. My biggest concern is to make sure that these killings should stop,” Sheikh Abdul Rashid said.

“Priority is how the leadership will work after getting the mandate of the public. Will they, like the traditional parties PDP, JKNC, INC, and BJP after winning elections roam like VVIPs…Kashmir has to go beyond that…Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) will aim to bring permanent peace to Kashmir,” he added.

Engineer Rashid said that the recent increase in voter turnout in Kashmir, attributing it to the state’s repression.

He emphasized that the people of Kashmir are eager for change and wish to express their feelings through democratic means.

“The voting percentage has increased because people have been victims of state repression…the voice of the people has been suppressed since the PDP came to power in 2014. People want to express their feelings and they want change because they have understood that they can achieve something only through democratic means. Violence has no place in society…the people of Kashmir have always believed in democracy. They also wanted a democratic solution to the Kashmir issue. I hope an era of reconciliation will begin after the voting,” Rashid said.

Abdul Rashid Sheikh, commonly referred to as Engineer Rashid, is a former two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Langate constituency in northern Kashmir.

Rashid, who had been arrested and faced charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), was granted interim bail from Tihar Jail in September. The special NIA court in Delhi approved the bail to enable Rashid to campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He is required to surrender on October 3.

Rashid gained significant recognition when he defeated two prominent candidates in Jammu and Kashmir during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Omar Abdullah from the National Conference and Sajad Lone from the Baramulla seat.

This victory took place while he was in jail, with his son, Abrar Rashid, leading the campaign on his behalf.

Rashid’s party, the Awami Ittehad party has fielded 34 candidates in the 2024 Assembly elections. His younger brother, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, is a candidate for the Langate seat in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began at 7am today with people queueing up at a polling station across 40 constituencies in seven districts of the Union Territory.

At least 415 candidates, including former deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand of Congress and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are contesting in the third phase. Mock polling also took place at various polling booths before the start of the polls.

The first phase of voting took place on September 18, and the second phase concluded on September 25. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)

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Jamaat e Islami Kashmir Stayed Away From Polls Since 1987 to Protest The Rigging of Elections: Hafiz Mohammad Sikander

October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by NOK Desk

Expressing a desire to serve the people democratically and describing participation in elections as a much-needed process, Hafiz Mohammad Sikander, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) backed candidate, stated that the banned organisation had stayed away from elections since 1987 to protest the rigging of polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

After casting his vote at the Gundpora polling station, he said: “JeI stayed away from polls since 1987 to protest the rigging of elections at that time by certain mischievous parties. Now, we consider participating in elections a much-needed process, as we want to serve the people democratically, addressing their voices and issues that have been ignored.”

The 32-year-old candidate said that JeI wants to serve the people and fight for justice, aiming to highlight their concerns on a larger scale.

With a GPS tracker attached to his ankle, Malik gained momentum in the final days of his campaign and noted that he faced many challenges due to doubts about the device. “They ran away from me, fearing it might record our conversations,” he said.

Regarding the current situation, he stated that conditions in J&K are much better now, but people have missed having elected representatives for over a decade. “With the elections held in J&K, we hope that elected representatives will address the common issues faced by the region,” he said.

The polling began today for the 3rd and final phase of General Elections to J&K Legislative Assembly in 40 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across seven districts of Jammu & Kashmir—(KNO)

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Nizamuddin Bhat Appeals Poll Body to Prevent any kind of mischief from anybody,Raises Concern over Booth Capturing

September 30, 2024 by NOK Desk

Except one particular independent candidate who is getting undue support to promote his chances at the hustings, the election process has run smooth enclosure of the campaign in Bandipora. Stating this, Nizamuddin Bhat, contesting candidate from Congress-NC alliance said that there are apprehensions being expressed that some of the candidates who see themselves strong at certain polling stations may try booth capturing.

In a statement, issued here, Bhat said if that is allowed to happen it will vitiate the electoral process much to the disappointment of the electorate.

“The youth of Kashmir in general and the youth of Bandipora in particularly have been active participants in the entire process, jettisoning the shadows of past when they were seen as stone pelters and spoilers. The current process is sure to come as a deep dismay if certain elements are allowed to indulge in malpractices and violence,” he said.

“We, therefore, make an appeal to the Election Commission of India and the state security agencies to prevent any kind of mischief from anybody whosoever he may be. We further hope that the electorate also will cooperate in conduct of the elections as smooth and fair,” Bhat stated.

He added that needles to say that one of the independent candidates in Bandipora is openly swearing administrative support with a notion that he is entitled to it. “Therefore, the onus is on the administration to disprove him,” Bhat said.

Politics

Old Alley of BJP Omar Abdullah Used to Negate killing of Kashmiris in Foreign countries: Sajad Lone

September 27, 2024 by NOK Desk

Sajad Lone, chairman of the Peoples Conference, Lone questioned Omar Abdullah’s motives, pointing out his shift from downplaying killing of people in Kashmir to criticizing foreign ambassadors’ visits.

Lone criticized Abdullah’s expulsion of Saifuddin Soz from the party for voting against the BJP, seeking clarity on the matter.He shared his personal struggles, including imprisonment and torture, and challenged those he called “chocolate boys” to lecture him.

On development, Lone touted his achievements, surpassing 40-year records of others development in just two and a half years.He reiterated his stance on Article 370, calling its removal “illegal” and opined that it can be restored through a different federal structure and rules our its restoration through UT assembly.

” I don’t want to lie to people,” he said according to KNS correspondent.Lone concluded by affirming his equidistant from both the INDIA alliance and NDA, preferring a secular alliance with a revised Kashmir policy that prioritizes development and truth.

He also clarified that he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.(KNS)

Politics

Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Four-Hour Speech in Parliament was a Historic Moment: Er. Nazir Yatoo

September 24, 2024 by NOK Desk

Er. Nazir Yatoo, General Secretary of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) for Kashmir Province, has issued a press statement highlighting the crucial role of Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman of DPAP, during the historic debate in Parliament over the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories.

Azad’s four-hour speech was a historic moment. He stood firm and emphasized that repealing Articles 370 and 35A will not alleviate the problems faced by the people in J&K. “We need love, not force, said Nazir

Nazir stated that Azad’s six lectures and protests in Parliament for our rights, along with his relentless advocacy, compelled Amit Shah to promise the restoration of statehood—a commitment born from the protests and opposition that Azad tirelessly led.

“How can we condone passing resolutions within the confines of Parliament while our citizens continue to endure curfews and restrictions? Is this the justice our Constitution upholds?” Azad’s voice resonated with the pain and struggle of our people, who feel abandoned and unheard, while other Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir remained silent and even laughed. It was Azad who stood firm, Yatoo added.

He further criticized the hollow promises made by those who failed to speak up when it mattered most. “Where were these voices when the fate of Jammu and Kashmir was being decided in Parliament? Today, they are making promises, but it was Azad Ji who stood up and fought for the people of J&K when no one else did.”

Politics

Narendera Modi Forgets “Kaam ki baat” No one is listening his“Mun Ki Baat”: Rahul Gandhi

September 23, 2024 by NOK Desk

Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi today took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendera Modi for talking about “man ki baat” and forgetting the “kaam ki baat” stating that J&K was not only downgraded to a UT but “this place is now ruled by outsiders against the wishes of people.”

Addressing a massive rally in the Central –Shalteng constituency of Srinagar, Rahul Gandhi said that J&K has not only been reduced to a UT from being a State but it has been ruled by the “outsiders directly.” “The Lieutenant Governor is Raja who is working against the wishes of people here. He doesn’t know how to work,” Rahul said.

He took a dig at PM Modi for talking high in his “Man ki baat” but forgetting the “Kaam ki baat. ” “Kaam Ki baat means to address the unemployment and to restore Statehood in J&K,” Rahul said, adding that the fact is nobody listens to man ki baat of PM Modi now.

He said before Lok Sabha polls, it was stated that Modi has a 56 inch chest. Earlier, he would speak with chest spread but INDIA alliance managed to break Modi’s psychology. Modi’s confidence is lost. He is the Modi of earlier days,” Rahul said.

“I see him very closely in the Lok Sabha while people see him on TV. His mood has changed and his face has changed. Credit goes to INDIA alliance for this,” he said.

He said BJP leaders spread hatred and pitched brother against brother. “They have spread hatred across the country. Hatred is not dealt with Hatred but with love,” Rahul said.

From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, Rahul said, he walked 4000 kms. “Wherever BJP had opened the shops of hatred, we closed them and opened the shops of love. We will continue to do the same,” he said as per KNO

He said this is for the first time that J&K as a state was downgraded to a UT. “We had seen UTs being converted into States. “We want Statehood to be restored as soon as possible so that J&K becomes a State again,” he said. “We wanted this to happen before elections but BJP didn’t.”

He said Congress will build pressure on BJP to restore the Statehood post polls. “If they don’t do it. I guarantee you that we will do it as it is your democratic right,” said Rahul.—(KNO)

Politics

BJP Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari challenged Congress to explain its position on Article 370

May 15, 2025September 19, 2024 by NOK Desk

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party on Thursday. His comments followed BJP President JP Nadda’s letter and a statement by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who claimed that the Congress party and the National Conference are aligned with Pakistan’s interests regarding the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bhandari accused the Congress of failure to address numerous insults directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and of displaying double standards and anti-national behaviour.

Speaking to ANI, Bhandari said, “Whatever JP Nadda has written is what the people of the country are also saying: Rahul Gandhi is a failed product.” He argued that the Congress party has repeatedly abused PM Modi without condemnation. “The country knows that Congress has abused PM Modi many times… But did Congress condemn all this?”

He highlighted past incidents where Congress leaders used derogatory language against Modi, including the term “maut ke saudagar” used by Sonia Gandhi, and criticised the party for justifying rather than condemning such remarks.

Bhandari added, “Rahul Gandhi was talking about inciting violence against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from a public forum, saying he would be beaten with a stick, a ‘Gutter-Ka-Keera’ (dirty drain worm) would be cut into pieces.”

Bhandari also questioned Congress’s stance on nationalism and its ties with anti-national elements. He said, “Today, it has been established from Nadda ji’s letter that the product the Congress party is trying to launch has failed in 2014, 2019, failed in 2024, and will fail in 2029 as well.”

Furthermore, Bhandari condemned Congress for allegedly aligning with Pakistan’s interests. He referred to comments by Pakistan’s Defense Minister about Congress’s position on Article 370 and accused the party of collaborating with Pakistan. “When Article 370 was in force, Pakistan used to spread terror in Jammu and Kashmir.

Today, it is clear that Pakistan is using Congress and the National Conference as a front,” Bhandari said.

He also challenged Congress to explain its position on Article 370 and its perceived alignment with Pakistan, adding, “Congress party and the National Conference want Jammu and Kashmir to go back to the dark days when separatism was the norm.”(ANI)

Politics

Ghulam Qadir Wani Head of Jamaat-e-Islami Votes in Pulwama, Advocates for Democratic Solutions

September 18, 2024 by NOK Desk

Ghulam Qadir Wani, the panel head of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, cast his vote on Wednesday at a polling station in Gusoo village, Pulwama district.

In a conversation with Rising Kashmir, Wani stressed that democratic processes are crucial for resolving all issues.“Democracy is the only way to achieve lasting solutions,” he said, urging voters to cast their ballots wisely.

He especially appealed to the youth, encouraging them to hold their chosen candidates accountable for their promises.Wani emphasised that the primary aim of participating in the elections is to ensure political stability, eradicate corruption, and combat drug abuse in society.

He expressed optimism that the elections will be transparent like the previously held parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Politics

In Upcoming J-K polls Taj Mohiuddin will contest as independent candidate

September 8, 2024 by NOK Desk

Senior political leader and former legislator from north Kashmir’s Uri, Taj Mohiuddin has announced that he will contest the upcoming elections as an independent candidate, sources said.

They also said that the Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended support to the former minister.

Politics

Only BJP can Restore Statehood To Jammu & Kashmir: Amit Shah

March 30, 2025September 7, 2024 by NOK Desk

Union Home Minister and BJP leader, Amit Shah Saturday questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and JKNC vice president Omar Abdullah over their claims of restoring statehood to J&K after they get to power in the upcoming Assembly elections in the region.

He said that he had promised on the floor of the parliament that J&K’s statehood will be restored at an “appropriate time.”Addressing a big gathering in Jammu, Shah said that JKNC’s manifesto advocates for talks with Pakistan, so “let me make it clear that there will be no talks with Pakistan until J&K becomes peaceful forever.”

While defending the central government’s move to provide reservation for Gujjar-Bakerwal and Dalit communities, Shah said that “no power can touch this reservation,” news agency KNO reported him saying.

Taking a jibe at the NC-Congress for claiming they will bring back the statehood to J&K, Shah said, “Perhaps, Rahul baba and Omar are unaware of my August 5, 2019 speech where I have clarified that statehood will be restored to J&K post polls at an appropriate time,” he said.

Shah questioned Rahul and Omar, saying “I wonder how they can bring back statehood. Can they clarify? It is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government that can give back the statehood to J&K.”

Asking the BJP workers to come along with four families early morning and finish voting by 11:30 am. Shah asked the workers to take a pledge that they will vote against Abdullahs, Muftis and Gandhis. He also raised the slogan: “Jahan Huway Balidan Mukherji, Wo Kashmiri Hamara hai.”

Lashing out at PDP for advocating cross LoC trade, Shah claimed that the profit earned out the trade would directly go into the pockets of “terror mentors.”

Sarjan Barkati Challenging Omar Abdullah Ganderbal for Elections After Nomination Rejection in Zanipora Shopian

September 4, 2024 by NOK Desk

After the Election Commission of India (ECI) rejected Sarjan Ahmad Wagay’s nomination from Zainapora in south Kashmir due to an incomplete application, the jailed cleric and separatist leader, known as Sarjan Barkati, is set to refile his nomination. Reports indicate that Barkati will now contest the Ganderbal Assembly seat in central Kashmir, challenging former Chief Minister and JKNC vice-president Omar Abdullah.

Barkati’s nephew, Rehbar Ahmad, confirmed to The Indian Express that Barkati will contest from Ganderbal, a constituency historically dominated by the Abdullah family. Omar Abdullah, who won the seat in 2008, is again running for the same position.

Barkati’s initial nomination papers were rejected on August 28 because he failed to provide a complete signed oath certificate in time. While his family initially planned to challenge the decision in court, they have now opted for Barkati to contest from Ganderbal.

The decision to enter the elections has surprised many in Kashmir. Barkati’s daughter, Sugra Barkati, had previously filed his nomination papers and campaigned for her father’s release, hoping that a successful election might lead to his bail.

Previously affiliated with Ummat-e-Islami, Barkati was arrested by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in August 2023 over alleged fundraising activities linked to money laundering and radicalism. He had gained prominence through his leadership in protest rallies following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016. Barkati was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in 2016, released two years later, and re-arrested in August 2023.

Politics

BJP’s Ram Madhav Accuses JKNC, PDP of Using Ex-Militants in Elections; Promises New Leadership for J&K

September 4, 2024 by NOK Desk

On Wednesday, BJP leader Ram Madhav accused the oldest political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, JKNC and PDP, of employing former militants as candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Addressing the media in Srinagar’s Khanmo area, where he was supporting a BJP leader during the nomination process, Madhav described this election as “historic,” marking a significant shift after a prolonged hiatus. He expressed hope that the long-standing parties responsible for the region’s hardships over the past three decades would face defeat and disgrace. Madhav emphasized that voters are expected to back new parties and leaders who prioritize peace and development.

“Our party is poised to form a strong government with substantial support,” Madhav asserted. He also highlighted the enthusiastic participation of J&K’s youth in the electoral process, which he believes will help liberate the region from entrenched dynastic politicians.

Regarding the unusual candidates entering the fray, Madhav stated that while all are welcome to run, militants and ex-militants are not permitted.

Ram Madhav, a key strategist for the Modi-led BJP, played a crucial role in securing the party’s victory in J&K in 2014. Recent reports suggest that Madhav has been entrusted once again with ensuring BJP’s success in the upcoming elections.

Politics

Congress District President (Ganderbal), Sahil Farooq threatenes to stand as an independent candidate against Omar Abdullah

September 3, 2024 by NOK Desk

In an unexpected turn of events, the Congress district president of J&K’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday threatened to fight as an Independent candidate against National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah if denied candidature by the party.

Omar Abdullah is fighting the Assembly elections from the Ganderbal Assembly constituency while Gujjar leader, Mian Meher Ali is fighting the election as the NC candidate from the Kangan (ST) constituency of the district.Both Kangan and Ganderbal are two Assembly constituencies in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district

As per the pre-poll alliance, the NC will fight from 52 seats and Congress from 31 seats in the J&K Assembly elections.

On Tuesday, Congress district president (Ganderbal), Sahil Farooq threatened to stand as an independent candidate against Omar Abdullah if the Congress doesn’t give him the party mandate.

“If we can fight a friendly contest on five seats, why not in Ganderbal as well? I am willing to contest the upcoming Assembly elections under the party’s banner if a friendly contest between the Congress and NC is permitted in the Ganderbal constituency similar to the arrangements in other constituencies,” Sahil Farooq said.

He, however, added that if his party does not allow such a contest, he will consider running as an independent candidate, though he will remain a loyal Congress worker.

He has expressed dismay over what he calls ‘continuous neglect’ of local leaders in Ganderbal.

“I am loyal to the party, but the people of Ganderbal are facing hardships,” he said.

Farooq alleged that Ganderbal has always been kept out of the decision-making process with outsiders often being imposed on the constituency.

“Why is Ganderbal always forced to accept outsiders? Our local leaders have never been given a fair chance. If the Congress leadership does not make a decision by this evening, I will proceed to contest independently, but my commitment to the Congress party will remain unchanged. I am doing this for my downtrodden people.”

He wanted the Congress leadership to give him a chance to represent Ganderbal in a friendly contest.

If he finally chooses to stand as an independent candidate against Omar Abdullah, that decision could affect the dynamics of the electoral alliance between the NC and the Congress.

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