Handwara, Oct 30:Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday described senior party leader Chaudhry Mohammad Ramzan’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha as a recognition of his decades-long loyalty and dedicated service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a public gathering in Handwara, Omar said the decision to send Ramzan to the Upper House was based on merit, commitment, and seniority.

“There are many capable people in our party, but Chaudhry Mohammad Ramzan was chosen because of his capability, seniority, close relationship with the people, and unshakable loyalty to the National Conference,” Omar said. “Whether he wins or loses an election, he has always stood with the people and the party.”

The Chief Minister noted that Handwara constituency was among the areas most affected by the recent delimitation, which he said cut nearly 20,000 votes from Ramzan’s traditional strongholds.

“Even after such a major cut, he lost by only 600 votes,” Omar said. “If just 300 more votes had been in his favor, he would have been the MLA, perhaps even a minister in my government.”

Omar said the nomination was not only a tribute to Ramzan’s perseverance and humility but also a message to party workers that the NC values loyalty and consistency.

Highlighting the NC’s tradition of sending strong voices from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi, Omar remarked that from Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to Dr. Farooq Abdullah and now himself, the party has always ensured that J&K’s concerns are raised at the highest level.

“We have always sent our best people to Delhi to represent our state, but some of them got affected by Delhi’s pollution and lost touch with their roots,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the newly elected three Rajya Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir would continue the legacy of representing the people with honesty and conviction.

Reiterating the NC’s commitment to fulfill its election promises, Omar said the government is focused on substance over slogans.

“We are a promise-making party, and we will fulfill every promise we made to the people,” he said.

Omar also emphasised youth empowerment, education, and collective responsibility among party workers.

“We take tough and timely decisions because we are responsible to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We do not shy away from challenges; we face them with resolve,” he added

Srinagar September 17 : Senior BJP leader, State Working Committee Member and former BDC, District President Baramulla Ghulam Mohiuddin Sofi known for his contribution for national integrity from last three decades has decided to file Criminal defamation suit against AAP MP Sanjay Singh against what he has termed as baseless and malicious propaganda.

      Pertinent to mention here is that Sanjay Singh had held a press conference in Srinagar wherein he had named certain leaders of BJP who had been associated with terrorists in the past. Among those names he had named GM Sofi a veteran nationalist. Known for his straight forward Nationalist political ideology has strongly negated this nonsense from a Rajya sabha member. 

       "This propaganda is a continuous campaign designed by urban naxalite to tarnish image of patriotic people".

Sofi added that there is evidence-based reality that, infact I was the only leader who used to hoist Indian Flag and hold the ceremony on 15th August and Republic day in my Tehsil during peak time of militancy, much before I joined BJP. "Because of this I became victim of terror many times. During volleys of bullets were fired at me thrice. Thanks to Almighty I survived these attacks" added Mr Sofi.

        Terming the statement of Sanjay Singh as unsound statement from an Unsound leader Sanjay Singh, Mr Sofi also retriated that such actions must be probed as a sinister camphalage . "I have decided to take up this issue with Chairman Person of Rajya Sabha as well" added BJP leader Mr Sofi. Besides sending him the notice I am filing a defamation suit and will contest the case politically as well. Legal notice has been send to Sanjay Singh Today by my lawyer.

Budgam, Sept 1 2025

PDP leader Aga Muntazir Mehdi has strongly criticized the administration for failing to implement the AMRUT 2.0 water supply scheme in Budgam, despite repeated assurances.

In a post on X, Mehdi said that the people of Budgam have been struggling for decades due to the lack of clean drinking water, yet even the district headquarters remains deprived of this basic necessity.

He reminded that during the Muharram review meeting on June 19, 2025 — attended by the Deputy Commissioner Budgam and Minister for Jal Jeevan Mission, Javed Dar — assurances were given that the project would be started soon. “Till today, no work has been initiated. Why is the district administration silent?” he questioned.

Mehdi further alleged that the people of Budgam were being treated like “stepchildren,” pointing out that despite repeated promises, both the government and the local administration had failed to act. He urged Javed Dar to honor the commitments made in the meeting and ensure the timely start of the project in the interest of the people.

Srinagar, June 28:Senior BJP Leader and DDC Member Er. Aijaz Hussain, along with Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Central Waqf Board, today visited Imam Baras at Pandrethan and Balhama to assess the arrangements ahead of Muharram and interact with the local Shia community.

During the visit, the leaders listened to public grievances, interacted with the residents, and reviewed the arrangements made by the civil and police administration for the upcoming Muharram processions. They assured the public that all genuine issues raised would be promptly addressed in coordination with concerned departments.

Later, the BJP delegation also made their maiden visit to the Yatra Bhawan at Panthachowk, where they interacted with Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and inspected the arrangements related to accommodation, sanitation, medical care, and overall security measures.

Officials from the civil and police administration were present during the visit. DySP Panthachowk Zohaib Hassan and SHO Panthachowk G.M. Rather accompanied the delegation and briefed them about the preparedness and coordination efforts in place for both Muharram and the Yatra.

Er. Aijaz Hussain expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and appreciated the administration for its proactive efforts in ensuring seamless facilitation for both religious occasions. He prayed for a peaceful and successful conduct of both Muharram processions and the Amarnath Yatra, symbolizing communal harmony and spiritual unity in the region.

Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi also expressed hope that both Muharram and the Yatra will conclude peacefully, reflecting the resilient spirit and shared cultural values of Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit reaffirmed BJP’s commitment to public outreach, interfaith respect, and coordination with civil society during significant religious events across the Union Territory.

Srinagar, Apr 25 : Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in Kashmir following the deadly Pahalgam attack, strongly condemned the killings and called for national unity in the face of such “nasty actions.” During his visit to Srinagar on Friday, Gandhi met one of the injured victims and held discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to understand the situation firsthand.

“It is a tragedy. I came here to get a sense of what’s going on and to help in any way I can,” Gandhi told reporters, adding that his party would fully support any action the government takes in response to the attack. “I assured both the Chief Minister and the LG that myself and my party are going to support fully.”

The Congress leader emphasized the importance of standing together, especially at a time when attempts are being made to divide society. “This idea of violence is designed to make brother fight brother. We must stand united and defeat terrorism once and for all,” he said.

Referring to the communal backlash being reported in some parts of the country, Gandhi said, “It’s sad to see that some people are targeting my brothers and sisters from Kashmir elsewhere in the country. That is not the way forward. We all must remain united.”

Although most of the injured victims had been shifted back, Gandhi managed to meet one of them during his hospital visit. “I couldn’t meet everyone who was injured or the families of those who lost their lives, but I want to send my love and affection to all of them. The entire country is standing with you.”

He also noted that people across Jammu and Kashmir have strongly condemned the attack, further adding that the unity shown by the public should be a message to those who try to spread hatred.

Rahul Gandhi revealed that he attended the all-party meeting convened by the government in Delhi yesterday. “The united opposition has condemned this brutal act and extended its complete support to the government in taking decisive action,” he said. [KNT]

Srinagar, Apr 17 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday slammed the Jammu and Kashmir administration for its silence on the Wakf Bill, saying the government failed to stand by the Muslim community. However, she added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir and her party firmly support Muslims across the country on the issue.

Mehbooba said that despite the government's indifferent stance on the Wakf Bill, “the PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir extend full solidarity with Muslims across India who are concerned about the future of Wakf properties.”

Commenting on former RAW chief A.S. Dulat, Mehbooba said it was no secret that he shares close ties with the Abdullah family and the National Conference. “They treat him like a family member,” she claimed.

Referring to revelations made in Dulat’s book, Mehbooba said Farooq Abdullah’s stand on Article 370 had already been exposed. “The book only confirms what many of us have known — that National Conference leaders have been in touch with the BJP behind closed doors since 2014,” she alleged.

 Mehbooba also voiced hope that the Supreme Court will rule in favour of Muslims in the Wakf Act case. Drawing a comparison with the execution of Afzal Guru, she said, “There was no concrete evidence against Afzal, yet the court ordered his hanging citing the ‘collective conscience’ of the nation. We now hope that the same collective conscience will guide the court to protect the rights of Muslims in the Wakf matter.” [KNT]

Srinagar, Apr 15 : PDP leader Iltija Mufti Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference, accusing it of having a "tactical understanding" with the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir. She alleged that the NC has repeatedly compromised on the interests of the people for political convenience and power.

Speaking to reporters, Iltija, who is the daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said the National Conference has no moral high ground to speak about public rights or autonomy. “They are power-hungry and care a fig for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Everyone knows the level of corruption that existed in the Auqaf. It was Mufti Muhammad Sayeed who brought transparency to the Wakf Board,” she said.

Responding to recent remarks by NC leaders on the restoration of statehood, Iltija said that the PDP’s struggle was about much more than just statehood. “We don’t belong to a mere Union Territory asking for statehood. We are a people who had our own constitution and flag. Reducing our aspirations to statehood alone is an insult to our history,” she said.

Iltija also took strong exception to NC patron Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s recent statement, where he backed the Speaker's decision not to allow a discussion on the Wakf law on the grounds that the matter is subjudice. “When Article 370 was being discussed in the Supreme Court, that didn’t stop them from holding rallies and making noise. But now they’re using the court as an excuse to stay silent on the Wakf issue. It’s a lame and dishonest argument,” she said.

The PDP leader alleged that the NC’s silence on critical issues and its selective positioning on matters of public interest indicated a deeper political arrangement with the BJP. “NC and BJP are hand in glove. It’s no secret that Omar Abdullah enjoyed his time with Kiran Rijiju, the very man who tabled the controversial Wakf Bill in Parliament,” she said, accusing NC leaders of playing a double game. [KNT]

Srinagar, Apr 14: National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah Monday welcomed the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker to block a discussion on the amended Waqf law. He reasoned that since the matter is under judicial consideration in the Supreme Court, it would be inappropriate to debate it in the House at this stage.

Speaking to the media, Farooq Abdullah raised serious objections to the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, asserting that the law runs contrary to the Constitution.

“This law is unconstitutional. The Speaker made the right call in not allowing discussion while the case is before the Supreme Court. Once the verdict comes, we can deliberate on it,” Abdullah said.

He also took aim at the opposition benches, alleging that their approach lacked substance. “They are opposing for the sake of opposition, without offering any meaningful critique,” he added.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on April 2 and passed the Rajya Sabha the following day. It received presidential assent on April 5, making it a law.

The legislation has already been challenged in court, and the Supreme Court’s verdict is expected to have significant implications for the administration and regulation of Waqf properties across the country. [KNT]

Jammu, April 9, 2025 — The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed tumultuous scenes today as members clashed over the proposed discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025. The uproar led to the House being adjourned until 1 PM.

The commotion began when National Conference (NC) MLAs vociferously demanded a debate on the Waqf Act. Speaker of the Assembly, citing that the matter is sub-judice, ruled out any discussion on the bill. This decision did not sit well with the NC legislators, resulting in heated exchanges and physical confrontations within the Assembly premises.

Sajad Lone, chief of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Speaker's stance. He stated, "We demanded that the Speaker either goes back to his chambers temporarily and Mubarak Gul take over for the time being and our work will be done. We also brought in a no-confidence motion. If he persists, then I think the no-confidence motion should be successful... Discussions on the Waqf bill will be held if they (NC) want.”

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik alleged that he was assaulted by certain Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers within the Assembly premises. Malik accused the police of complicity, claiming they allowed BJP supporters and workers into the Assembly premises, facilitating the assault. [KNT]

Srinagar, April 07:* Former Minister and J&K Peoples Conference General Secretary Molvi Imran Reza Ansari today accused NC leadership of colluding with BJP at the expense of J&K's Muslim population, particularly regarding the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025.

"From day one, my party and I have been clear — this is a fixed match between NC and BJP, a scripted drama played at the cost of the people of J&K," Ansari declared in his statement.

Ansari highlighted what he described as a telling incident, stating, "While a bill of immense importance to Jammu & Kashmir's Muslim majority — the Waqf Amendment Bill — was being pushed for discussion, where were the top NC leaders? The Chief Minister and his father were busy smiling in tulip gardens with Kiren Rijiju — the same BJP minister tasked with 'minority affairs' and who tabled the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025."

He emphasized the irony of the situation, saying, "While the rights of their own people were being compromised, these so-called champions of J&K were posing for pictures." He then referenced scripture, adding, "But as the Quran says: 'They plan, and Allah plans — and Allah is the best of planners.' (Quran 8:30)"

JKPC General Secretary expressed strong criticism of the legislative proceedings surrounding the bill, emphasizing that, "To add insult to injury, the Speaker of the Assembly—himself a Muslim in a Muslim-majority Union Territory—had even refused to allow a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill."

"The same bill that sailed through several Muslim-minority states was blocked from discussion in a place where Muslims are the majority," he added.

Concluding his statement with a sharp rebuke of the NC leadership, Ansari warned, "When history delivers its verdict on this betrayal, no flower garden photo-op will hide the stain."

Jammu, Apr 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed high drama and heated exchanges after the Speaker disallowed an adjournment motion moved by the National Conference seeking a debate on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025. The Speaker ruled out any discussion on the matter, stating that the issue is sub-judice as it has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

Trouble began as soon as the budget session resumed, with NC legislators rising from their seats and demanding a discussion on the Waqf Bill recently passed by the Parliament. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq questioned why a law like GST could be debated in the House but not the Waqf Bill, especially in a Muslim-majority region like Jammu and Kashmir.

“There should be a discussion on the Waqf bill in this House. If a central law like GST was open for deliberation, then why is this bill being treated differently?” Sadiq asked while pressing for the adjournment motion.

However, the Speaker cited sub-rule (7) of Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House, stating that any matter under judicial consideration cannot be debated in the Assembly. He therefore announced his decision to reject the motion moved by NC and independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed.

The Speaker’s ruling immediately sparked loud protests from opposition parties including the NC, Congress and PDP. Amid anti-government slogans and chants of “Waqf Bill Na Manzoor,” opposition legislators attempted to storm the well of the House. Marshals had to intervene to prevent them from reaching the Speaker’s podium.

The commotion led to the Speaker adjourning the Assembly proceedings for 15 minutes — the first such adjournment in the ongoing budget session.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 has been a contentious issue since its passage in Parliament, with many regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir claiming it infringes on religious and administrative autonomy. The NC has openly opposed the bill, citing the state's Muslim-majority character and arguing that local institutions should retain control over religious endowments and properties.

Tensions are expected to remain high as opposition parties have vowed to continue resisting the bill. Political analysts believe the ongoing row could further deepen the divide between regional parties and the ruling establishment over religious and legislative autonomy in the region. [KNT]

Srinagar, Apr 4 : Peoples Conference (PC) chairman Sajad Lone has launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC), questioning its effectiveness in Parliament while extending full support for any proposed legislation on Waqf matters in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

In a post on X, Lone assured unconditional backing for any Waqf-related bill introduced in the Assembly. “If NC has any such intentions, we will support it,” he wrote.

However, he did not shy away from criticizing NC’s role in Parliament, calling its performance weak and submissive. “Can they answer one simple question? Why was their delivery in Parliament so lacklustre and apologetically servile?” he asked.

Lone further stressed that Jammu and Kashmir, as the only Muslim-majority region in India, needed stronger representation at the national level. He lamented that NC’s parliamentarians failed to raise their voice effectively, stating, “They should have roared like lions, not meowed like cats.” [KNT]