April 2024

Srinagar, Apr 23: People’s Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday took a dig at the former chief minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah for his remarks against him and other political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir.
Farooq had targetted Lone, DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad and Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, accusing them of supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also prayed that they may be “guided to the right path”.
Addressing a press conference here, Sajad said that Abdullah should focus on practising Islam at home before advising others on religious matters. He suggested that religious scholars should be the ones to determine who qualifies as a Muslim.
The PC chief accused Farooq of being paid to stir up controversy and questioned his sincerity in criticising him, Bukhari and Azad regarding their stance towards the BJP.
Lone mentioned the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, where thousands of Muslims lost their lives. He highlighted the involvement of the BJP and Shiv Sena in the demolition, questioning Abdullah’s past association with these parties when Omar Abdullah served as Foreign Minister. Now, with the BJP allied with Shiv Sena, Lone raised doubts about their commitment to Muslim interests.
Asserting his pride in Islam and respect for all religions, Sajad criticised the former chief minister for participating in Hindu religious practices like singing bhajans, which are not part of Islamic tradition. He accused Abdullah of promoting a “new brand of Islam” and called for religious scholars to determine authentic adherence to the faith.
Lone also accused the NC chief of playing the politics of polarisation, citing a statement Abdullah made during the Bihar elections stating people here support China. “Farooq’s silence after the elections implies a political agenda rather than genuine concern,” he said.
In a direct jab at Abdullah’s credibility, Sajad insisted that Abdullah should introspect on his own household’s practice of Islam before lecturing others. He rejected the idea of being a fraction of a Muslim, asserting that one must be fully committed to the faith.
He concluded by accusing Abdullah of harming Kashmiri Muslims in the past and now extending this harm to Muslims across India through digital means. “Farooq Abdullah has betrayed the interests of Muslims for his own gain,” Lone said.

Kulgam, Apr 23: Former Chief Minister and Vice President of National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah asserted on Tuesday that People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mehbooba Mufti is receiving support from the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing the recent statement of BJP leader Syed Mushtaq Bukhari. Omar made these remarks while addressing a rally in Kund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Bukhari urged members of the Pahari community to vote for Mehbooba Mufti in the ongoing Lok Sabha election. The Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary seat is going for polls on May 07 and the PDP President is among several political leaders who are fighting elections from there.

“We are very thankful to BJP for granting reservation to Paharis. The Narendra Modi-led government shaped our future and our 30 years of struggle paid off,” Bukhari told media persons.
However, he cautioned the community to remain vigilant from the nefarious designs of those who used the Pahari community for their political gains and appealed to them to vote for Mehbooba Mufti. “I think it is better to vote for Mehbooba Mufti as she is the only political leader who speaks for the Pahari community,” he said.
Omar questioned why the PDP candidate was targetting the NC more in her speeches rather than criticising the BJP, which he accused of bringing destruction to Jammu and Kashmir.

“I received an answer to my question yesterday and was surprised, although not entirely, as we knew what was brewing inside the PDP. I wasn’t sure if this would become clear to the public. I am thankful to Surunkot leader Mushtaq Bukhari, who openly stated that the BJP is supporting Mehbooba Mufti and that a similar transition is being followed as in 2014,” he said.

A similar thing happened in 2014 when the PDP urged people to vote against the BJP and in their favour. “Later, the party joined hands with the Saffron party. Now, the reality has come to light,” he said.
The former CM further said, “Altaf Bukhari, who now leads his own party, was a very close colleague of Mufti Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti back then. Bukhari has also revealed that before the elections, Mufti and Narendra Modi had joined hands and promised to support each other. Now, in 2024, ten years later, their relations remain the same. It’s not just me saying this, but BJP’s senior leader Mushtaq Bukhari is also saying so… and now there’s nothing to hide,” he said, adding, “Now Mehbooba will go to Delhi and try to force Bukhari to change his statement, but changing the statement wouldn’t benefit anyone, and now the truth is in front of the people.”

Abdullah highlighted the plight of parents who can’t afford to travel to jails to meet their sons. He promised the people that after the parliamentary elections, when assembly elections would be held in August or September, every youth imprisoned in jails would have their cases reviewed, and the process of releasing them would begin. “The atmosphere of fear and threat would be dismantled,” he said.
The NC leader said people should not fall into the “trap of falsehoods” from the previous government, claiming they couldn’t accomplish anything. He cited the renovation of the Zirayat Sharif Kund, saying that the previous two MLAs failed to complete it. He promised the people of Kund that he would complete the renovation, where the NC government, during its rule, had left off.
Later in the afternoon, Omar addressed another rally at Dooru, where he told reporters that Mushtaq Bukhari’s statement has unequivocally revealed PDP’s alignment as the “C team” of BJP.

Pulwama, April 23: People’s Democratic Party Youth President and Parliament Candidate for Srinagar- Pulwama Constituency Waheed Ur Rehman Parra here on Tuesday urged Kashmiri Youth to recognize the power of their vote in safeguarding our future, our soil, our resources, our voices, and our identity.

Addressing Scores of Public meetings in Pulwama district, Parra said that Your vote is your voice – the only voice that truly counts. Make it heard.

He said that, Under the leadership of our party president, Mehbooba Mufti, we are reaching every doorstep in Kashmir to bring forth the concerns and aspirations of our people. Through this process, we listen the issues faced by Kashmiris on a daily basis and assure them to represent these concerns in the parliament if voted to power.

He said that, Since August 5th, 2019, our people have endured immense challenges concerning their identity, land, dignity, resources, language, and employment opportunities. It is important that the voices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir reach the highest institution of democracy in India – the Parliament and for that we seek your support in making this a reality, Parra said in Pulwama

Parra asserted that, We understand the strong apprehensions felt by our people, and we are committed to addressing them. Our mission is to ensure that the concerns of every citizen are heard and acted upon in the Parliament. We urge the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth and students, to exercise their right to vote in this crucial election.

For the betterment of our future, for the protection of our land and dignity, and to support genuine candidates who will represent our interests in the Parliament, we appeal to you to vote for all the candidates of People’s Democratic Party (PDP). We must unite this time to safeguard our future, our identity, and our rights. Vote for PDP candidates, especially Party President who will fight for our cause in the highest legislative body of our nation, he added.

Jammu, Apr 22: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) high command has decided to extend support to candidates contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress in the three Lok Sabha seats of Kashmir, according to highly placed sources within the party.
A reliable source within the BJP, who requested anonymity, informed that the party will soon issue an official appeal urging the people of Kashmir to vote against candidates fielded by the NC, PDP, and Congress. The appeal will encourage voters to support candidates contesting against these parties.

This official appeal from the BJP can be seen as support for parties such as Jammu Kashmir Apni Party led by Altaf Bukhari, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) led by Ghulam Nabi Azad and People’s Conference led by Sajad Lone, whose candidates will be contesting against the NC, PDP and Congress.

Earlier, reports had exclusively revealed that the BJP would not field its candidate for the newly created Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Instead, the party will support candidates from other parties for the Srinagar and Baramulla Lok Sabha seats as well.

The Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag seat was formed after delimitation, with Rajouri and Poonch previously being part of the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat. The BJP had secured victories in the erstwhile Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Lok Sabha seat in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and senior NC leader Mian Altaf have already filed their nominations from the Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag seat.
It is worth mentioning that elections for the 5 Lok Sabha seats of Jammu and Kashmir UT will be conducted in 5 phases, with the first phase already held for the Kathua-Udhampur-Doda seat on April 19.(RK)

This versatility and adaptability are common traits among “fauji kids,” who often need to adjust to new environments due to frequent relocations.

In an inspiring achievement, Kashish Bakshi, daughter of Major General Praveen Bakshi, secured the 54th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023. This remarkable feat brings her one step closer to her childhood dream of becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

Kashish’s aspiration was fostered by her family’s background in both the military and civil services, with her mother’s lineage rooted in law and judiciary, while her father’s side is predominantly army officers.

Kashish’s journey toward this success began after her graduation when she committed herself to UPSC preparation. The results highlight her dedication, as well as the supportive environment in which she grew up. Coming from a typical armed forces family, Kashish experienced life across multiple locations, having studied in 10 different schools spanning seven states, including Army Public Schools.

Kashish’s educational path was as diverse as her family’s background. For her senior schooling, she attended Delhi Public School (DPS) in Bhopal, where she completed her Class X and Class XII. Her academic record is exceptional, having scored a perfect 10 CGPA in Class X and achieving 95% marks in Class XII. Such academic prowess is a testament to her discipline and commitment to excellence.

Besides her strong academic performance, Kashish is also well-rounded in co-curricular activities. She has excelled in various fields, reaching the finals in national and international mooting and debating competitions. This versatility and adaptability are common traits among “fauji kids,” who often need to adjust to new environments due to frequent relocations.

The announcement of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 results brought forth other notable achievers, including Aditya Srivastava, Animesh Pradhan, and Donuru Ananya Reddy. Aditya Srivastava, the Lucknow topper, aims to use his position as an IAS officer to bring about systemic change. His desire to make a difference at the grassroots level reflects the passion and commitment that drives candidates through the rigorous UPSC examination process.

Overall, the UPSC 2023 results have shortlisted 1016 candidates for various prestigious positions, including IAS, IFS, and IPS. The achievements of individuals like Kashish Bakshi demonstrate the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in such a challenging examination. Aspirants can access the marks of top scorers on the UPSC website, providing insights and inspiration for future candidates.

The growing menace of drug addiction in Kashmir has begun to impact us all in one way or another. Kashmir, known to the world for its beauty and the hospitality of its people, is witnessing a decline reminiscent of a path from which returning will be immensely difficult for us all if we do not address it with seriousness and concern. It is the responsibility of those living within society to halt the spread of emerging evils. However, when we observe the burgeoning epidemic of drug abuse within Kashmir, we find ourselves silently witnessing spectacles that could bring destruction and devastation upon us all in the future.

According to a survey conducted by the BBC in 2022, more than a hundred thousand people in Kashmir, especially in the vicinity of Srinagar, are entangled in the web of drug addiction. Shockingly, among them, over seventy thousand individuals are ensnared in the grip of heroin, a substance notorious for its destructive nature. Similarly, a government report presented in the parliament revealed that the number of drug abusers in Jammu and Kashmir stands at nearly one million, constituting around eight percent of the entire population. If this percentage continues to rise unchecked, the day is not far when we, along with our children, might also fall victim to this scourge.

It is imperative that we take concerted measures to combat this epidemic. The steps we need to take must be collective, involving all members of society, and we must compel those in positions of authority to declare war against this epidemic. Otherwise, this scourge will devour us all.

A few days ago, a tragic incident in Rafiabad, Sopore, shook us all when a son, in a state of drug-induced delirium, brutally murdered his own mother. Such incidents are not isolated; they are becoming increasingly frequent, serving as grim reminders of the dire situation we face.

As everyone knows, Kashmir has endured three decades of relentless conflict, causing immeasurable loss of life and property. It is a reality born out of a treacherous struggle and conspiracy. Fuelled by this conflict, the drug trade was imposed upon Kashmiri youth, and it was only through the sacrifices of our security forces and the relentless efforts of the Kashmir police that it was partially contained. Today, peace prevails in Kashmir, and tourists from all over the world are flocking to its beautiful valleys and picturesque locales without fear or apprehension.

To maintain this peace, the central government has introduced measures aimed at further stabilizing the region. Among these measures, the appointment of Mr. Swain as the new DGP of Kashmir, along with his dedicated team, has been significant. They are tasked with eradicating the drug mafia that has infiltrated Kashmir, with an estimated turnover exceeding ₹12000 crores, much of which is derived from middle-class families.

It is worth mentioning here the stringent drug laws enforced by various countries around the world, which serve as a deterrent to drug abuse. Countries like Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Iran, and Thailand have severe penalties, including death, for drug-related offenses. Similarly, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Indonesia have strict laws against drug trafficking, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to execution.

In India, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been at the forefront of the fight against drug abuse. The NCB, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has initiated a special campaign for the destruction of seized drugs. Additionally, the Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established to facilitate effective coordination among various ministries, departments, and law enforcement agencies dealing with narcotics. This multi-tiered approach, involving apex-level committees down to district-level committees, ensures a comprehensive strategy to tackle the drug menace.

The people of Kashmir fervently desire to see their homeland free from the clutches of drug abuse. To achieve this goal, we must utilize all available resources and power to enact strict laws against drug peddlers and ensure mandatory rehabilitation for drug addicts. Exposing the drug mafia and prosecuting them under anti-terrorism laws will help cleanse our society from this vile menace.

In conclusion, the rising drug abuse crisis in Kashmir demands urgent and concerted action from all stakeholders. It is a threat not only to individual lives but also to the fabric of society and the future of our youth. By implementing stringent laws, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and promoting awareness campaigns, we can safeguard our beloved Kashmir from the scourge of drug addiction and pave the way for a brighter, drug-free future.

Srinagar, Apr 21: Mouzam Jeelani, son of Ghulam Jeelani Wani, Managing Editor of the daily English newspaper Kashmir Images passed away on Sunday morning.

Mouzam, a class 9th student at Tyndale Biscoe Higher Secondary School in Srinagar, breathed his last
at SMHS Hospital, leaving behind a wave of shock and sadness among his family, friends, and relatives.
Mouzam, a resident of Tangmarg, was presently staying at Budshah Flats at Jehangir Chowk in Sri-
nagar.

The funeral prayers of Mouzam Jeelani were held at the family’s ancestral graveyard at Chandiloora in Tangmarg.Team JK Revolution, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) and former President of Employees
Joint Action Committee (EJAC), Abdul Qayoom Wani expressed profound grief and shock at Mouzam’s untimely departure.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir, BJP chief Ravinder Raina will miss voting for his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the party has not fielded any candidate from his hometown, which falls in the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency.

The reshaped Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat will go to polls on May 7 in the third phase of general elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has also not put up any candidate from Srinagar and Baramulla constituencies, where polling will be held on May 13 and May 20 respectively. Facing criticism over not fielding candidates on the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, Raina said decisions are made to achieve a goal and the BJP is supporting parties.

“We were desirous of fighting the elections from all the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir on our own strength. But sometimes different decisions are made to achieve a goal by setting aside personal interests,” Daily Excelsior Raina quoted as saying.

“We are supporting those parties which are patriotic, working for betterment of Kashmir, strengthening peace and brotherhood and are eager to serve the society,” Raina had said. He said they will soon meet BJP national president J P Nadda and other Central leaders to discuss the strategy and will reveal the names of such parties or candidates who the party workers and supporters can support and vote for.

In the absence of the party candidate, Raina who hails from Nowshera area of Rajouri, will exercise his democratic right in favour of a non-BJP candidate in accordance with the party’s strategy. PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference leader Mian Altaf are in direct contest from the constituency.

Prominent among 19 candidates in the fray include Mohammad Saleem Parray of Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and JK Apni Party leader Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas.

Srinagar, April 21: People’s Democratic Party here on Sunday organized several public meetings in different areas of Srinagar District.

The meetings were held in Buzuhama, Habak, and other areas of Hazratbal Constituency. PDP Youth President and candidate for the Srinagar-Pulwama parliamentary constituency, Waheed ur Rehman Parra addressed the public meetings. He was accompanied by senior leader and former MLA Asiya Naqash, along with other party functionaries.

In his address, Waheed ur Rehman Parra said that people are silent, but they are not happy with the way New Delhi is dealing with and looking at Kashmir. There is extreme silence among people, and the future of young and next generation is uncertain. He emphasized that the youth of Srinagar need to set a trend by voting in large numbers this time, which will spread across the valley.

He urged the youngsters to exercise their voting rights to bring about positive change in the Valley. He stressed the importance of seizing the opportunity to shape their futures, cautioning against the repercussions of abstaining from the electoral process. He emphasized that boycotting the elections could exacerbate the challenges faced by the Kashmiri populace, particularly the educated yet unemployed youth.