The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — In a significant political development, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah affirmed on Thursday the readiness of the National Conference (NC) and Congress to jointly contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir. This alliance, aimed at consolidating electoral prospects, signifies a cohesive approach between the two parties.

Addressing media representatives during a youth conference in Nawa-e-Subh Srinagar, Omar Abdullah highlighted the collaborative effort between NC and Congress, with both parties nominating candidates across various constituencies. While Congress has put forth candidates for two seats in the Jammu division, NC plans to field candidates for three seats in the Kashmir region.

Further emphasizing unity, Omar Abdullah disclosed plans for joint nominations across all constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring a concerted effort towards electoral success.

Meanwhile, the electoral battleground for the Jammu parliamentary seat is witnessing a surge in activity, with 17 candidates vying for the position as the nomination deadline ends. The diverse field includes candidates from political parties like the BJP, Congress, and Jammu Kashmir People's Conference, as well as independent contenders, reflecting the complexity of the electoral battle.

Amidst this backdrop, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah rallied support for the Congress party during his campaign visit to Katra. Advocating for unity to safeguard the Constitution of India, Farooq Abdullah urged collective action against divisive forces, particularly criticizing the BJP's alleged attempts to dismantle constitutional principles.

"The BJP's agenda threatens the very essence of our Constitution. We must stand together to defend the values enshrined in it," Farooq Abdullah asserted, calling for a united front to confront such challenges.

As the political battle unfolds in the Kashmir Valley, Farooq Abdullah expressed confidence in the National Conference's prospects in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, amidst differing stances with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) regarding seat-sharing arrangements.

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for May 11, are poised to witness intense political manoeuvring as parties strive to secure electoral victory amidst a backdrop of shifting alliances and strategic alliances.

SRINAGAR — National Conference President and Member of Parliament, Farooq Abdullah stated that they would contest the upcoming elections as part of the INDIA alliance and are in talks with Congress for seat sharing.

He said that there is a need to strengthen the alliance to safeguard the nation. "Discussions with Congress are ongoing, and a decision on seat sharing will be announced soon," he said.

Abdullah acknowledged the necessity of a coalition with Congress to bolster the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. He addressed concerns about former NC members joining the BJP, stating that it's a regular part of elections and won't impact the National Conference.

Responding to BJP's claim of NC losing all three Parliament seats, Abdullah said it's for the people to decide.

He expressed the desire for early Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the delay despite Parliamentary elections being conducted.

SRINAGAR — President of the J&K National Conference (JKNC) and Member of Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah, emphasized the importance of a stable Pakistan for the entire Indian subcontinent during a press conference in Srinagar on Thursday.

In remarks reported by a local news agency, Dr Abdullah highlighted the significance of Pakistan's stability for India's overall well-being. "Stable Pakistan is good for the whole of India and unstable Pakistan is not good for us," he asserted, addressing a query from a reporter.

Additionally, Dr Abdullah urged the Central government to exercise wisdom in addressing the ongoing farmers' demand for a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) to prevent further loss of lives.

Addressing electoral matters, Dr Abdullah ruled out the possibility of pre-poll alliances for the National Conference ahead of Parliamentary elections. "NC won't go for pre-poll alliance ahead of Parliamentary elections," he affirmed during the interaction with media persons in Srinagar.

Expressing optimism, Dr Abdullah hoped that both Parliamentary and Assembly elections might be conducted simultaneously.

Regarding summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), he maintained NC's firm stance, asserting that the party would not succumb to tactics. "If they think NC will finish with the arrest of Dr Farooq Abdullah, then they are wrong. I am going to appear before ED soon," he stated.

Dr Abdullah, who recently performed Umrah, shared that he prayed for peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir during his pilgrimage. "I prayed for peace and tranquillity for Jammu and Kashmir. I also prayed that may our neighbour understand the importance of peace as it is inevitable to live a peaceful life," he added.

SRINAGAR — National Conference President and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, has once again failed to appear at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Srinagar, marking the second instance within a month.

Sources disclosed that despite being summoned by the department, Abdullah did not attend the scheduled questioning session at the ED office.

The Enforcement Directorate had called the NC president for interrogation regarding alleged financial irregularities within the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) on Monday evening.

This absence follows a similar incident on January 11, 2024, when Abdullah was also summoned but did not attend.

In 2022, a chargesheet was filed against Farooq Abdullah in connection with a money laundering case related to alleged financial irregularities in the JKCA.

The Enforcement Directorate, responsible for filing the chargesheet, has previously interrogated Abdullah multiple times. Additionally, the three-time chief minister had recorded his statement in the same case back in 2019.

SRINAGAR — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Dr Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference and former Chief Minister, for questioning regarding purported financial irregularities within the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

According to reliable sources quoted by a local news agency, the summon instructed Abdullah to appear at the ED office in Srinagar tomorrow.

This summon comes in the wake of a chargesheet filed in 2022 against Farooq Abdullah in a money laundering case linked to alleged financial discrepancies within the JKCA.

Abdullah has been previously questioned by the Enforcement Directorate multiple times, with the agency having recorded his statement in connection to the case as far back as 2019.

MUMBAI — National Conference patron and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and incumbent parliament member Dr Farooq Abdullah, whose unexpected comments usually snowball into a controversy, in a shocking revelation at an event in India’s commercial capital Mumbai while justifying his father’s over-a-decade-long incarceration said that he never blamed Jawaharlal Nehru for this.

Abdullah, as per the news agency KNT, virtually justified the arrest of National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, saying that Nehru might have arrested him in the national interest and he never blamed or talked about this arrest.

“Nehru might have a better understanding and he might have known it well why he arrested my father and I never blamed him for his arrest,” Abdullah said while speaking at an event in Mumbai to commemorate birth centenary celebrations of Madhu Dandavate who was an Indian physicist and socialist politician, who served as Minister of Railways in the Morarji Desai ministry, and as Minister of Finance in the V P Singh ministry.

In 1953, the then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was arrested from Gulmarg for alleged anti-India activities. Following the dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah, his associate Mirza Afzal Beigh formed the Plebiscite Front on August 9, 1955, demanding a plebiscite to decide the accession of Jammu and Kashmir and the unconditional release of Sheikh Abdullah.

National Conference stalwarts frequently blame Nehru for his arrest and term it as ‘undemocratic and unconstitutional’. It’s probably the first time that Dr Farooq Abdullah has justified his father’s arrest at the hands of India’s first Prime Minister in 1953.

Abdullah at the event, which was graced by top-notch politicians, showered a heap of praises on Nehru and Indira Gandhi, calling them the architects of modern India.

He said the contributions of Nehru and Indira are being ignored and more stress is laid on religion and regionalism which according to him is not in the interest of developing India.

SRINAGAR — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Jammu on Wednesday morning to personally evaluate the situation prevailing in the Rajouri-Poonch region following the recent ambush that claimed the lives of four soldiers in Dera Ki Gali, Rajouri district.

An unnamed official, quoted by the news agency KNO, said that Singh, accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande, was received by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha upon their arrival.

After landing in Jammu, the Defence Minister, along with senior officials, left for Rajouri to assess the ongoing anti-terror operation and the security landscape in the area.

Rajnath Singh urges amiable relationship with civilians

Meanwhile, during his visit to Rajouri, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the significance of maintaining harmonious relations between the military and the civilian populace.

Addressing soldiers during his interaction, Singh underscored the importance of avoiding civilian casualties during counter-militancy operations and acknowledged the pivotal role of soldiers in combating militancy.

He reassured the soldiers, stating, "Every soldier is part of our family; your efforts are instrumental in winning battles and eradicating militancy. We will endeavour to win the hearts of all citizens. You (soldiers) all have a huge responsibility on your shoulders, and for that, we will always be grateful to you."

However, amidst these deliberations, the region continues to grapple with the suspension of mobile internet services.

Farooq Abdullah expresses doubts ahead of Rajnath Singh's visit

In a contrasting perspective, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah expressed scepticism regarding Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Jammu, particularly in addressing recent incidents, such as the civilian deaths in Poonch.

Speaking in Kulgam, Abdullah stated, "I have no expectations from his visit. Can he bring back the dead? Does he have that power? But he can do this much that such injustice is not repeated."

Abdullah expressed his anticipation for the Defence Minister to offer solace to the affected families. Additionally, he touched upon the need for talks between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to ensure friendly relations between the two nations.

While addressing concerns about the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine, Abdullah highlighted the criticality of international intervention for the cessation of conflicts and the desire for peaceful resolutions.

SRINAGAR — National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday urged India and Pakistan to get connected through dialogue and resolve disputes that cost the lives of innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters here, Dr Farooq said dialogue is the only way forward to resolve lingering issues. He said if India and Pakistan do not realise the situation and take imperative measures for peacebuilding, then the day is not far when J&K will become a place like Gaza and Palestine.

He recalled Late Vajpayee's mantra that friends can be changed but neighbours can't and urged both nations to come forward for confabulation to resolve issues. "Late Vajpayee had said that friends can be changed but not neighbours. If we maintain good relations with our neighbours only then we can move forward. Even PM Modi had said that war is not an option."

"So if voices of dialogue come from Pakistan today, why we are not responding to them? If we do not resolve our issues through dialogue, God forbid the day is not far when our situation will be like Gaza and Palestine," Dr Farooq Abdullah said, as per the news agency KNS.

He said if we maintain good relations with our neighbours, both India and Pakistan will prosper.

He added, "Nawaz Sharif is about to become the PM (of Pakistan) and they are saying that they are ready to talk (with India), but what is the reason why we are not ready to talk? If we do not find a solution through dialogue, we will meet the same fate as Gaza and Palestine."

ANANTNAG — National Conference President and former chief minister J&K, Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Friday said that every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir wants statehood back.

"Not only me, but every resident of Jammu and Kashmir wants statehood back," Dr. Farooq Abdullah said while speaking to the news agency KNS exclusively on the sidelines of a party function held in southern Anantnag.

Notably New Delhi on August 5, 2019 took away the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and 35-A and downgraded the erstwhile State into two Union Territories - Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah expressed happiness over the verdict of the Supreme Court regarding Delhi that Lieutenant Governor has no power or right to control bureaucracy. "I appreciate SC's verdict regarding Delhi that LG has no right to control bureaucracy. I am happy about the decision. Each and every citizen of J&K wants statehood back," Dr. Farooq Abdullah said.

He hoped that GoI will take into consideration the emotions of people and will fulfill sooner than later the demand for restoration of statehood to J&K. He appealed to workers to strengthen the party at the grassroots level and press every effort for the larger interest of the people of J&K.

"I appeal to my people to exhibit unshakable unity as everything can be achieved only by remaining together," he said.

Farooq Abdullah asks youth to offer Salah, recite Quran

National Conference leader Dr. Farooq Abullah on Friday said that everyone in Jammu and Kashmir wants statehood to be restored so that they can elect their own government.

Farooq Abdullah, as per the news agency KNT, said that there is unemployment, inflation, and anarchy in Jammu and Kashmir.

He appealed to people especially youth to pray, recite the Holy Quran, and follow the Islamic teachings in letter and spirit.

“Those who can’t recite the Holy Quran should at least listen to it,” he said and added it was the love of people and the will of the Creator that he performed Umrah despite being frail and feeble.

SRINAGAR — National Conference leader and Parliament member Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that an unstable Pakistan is quite dangerous for India. He said he hopes Imran Khan will be released and not harmed.

While reacting over the prevailing situation in Pakistan after the arrest of Imran Khan, Farooq Abdullah said that it’s been a tragedy for Pakistan for a long time, unfortunately, they have a checkered history right from the time of independence.

“The first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan was also assassinated. There is a constant history of assassinations. Prime Minister Zulfqar Ali Bhatto was also hanged. His daughter Benazir Bhutto was also assassinated. Unfortunately for us in India, unstable Pakistan is dangerous,” Farooq Abdullah said, as per the news agency KNT.

While talking to reporters, Farooq Abdullah said, “We need a stable Pakistan which is essential for peace in the subcontinent. Now with the present situation that they are in, economically in very desperate condition. Also, recent floods in Balochistan have put that country in a miserable situation. I can’t tell you the condition of the people in Balochistan. What we see from the media, because I am not there, it is very vital that the country must stabilize itself.”

Farooq Abdullah added, “Today the ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is very popular as there is no doubt about it, has been arrested. He is asking for an election in that country which will be probably in four months’ time, I hope it does. I hope he is released and I hope he is not harmed. The most important thing is that I hope his life is saved. We would wish that country well. It’s our neighbour and we hope something better will come and the people of that nation will have a peaceful life.”

JAMMU — In a show of unity by Jammu & Kashmir’s opposition parties, National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Congress Working President Raman Bhalla on Thursday turned up at a rally organized by the Panthers Party on its foundation day in its stronghold of Udhampur.

Reports reaching the news agency KNO said that National Conference president and former chief minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Congress Working President Raman Bhalla have arrived at the function organized by the Panthers Party to observe its 41st Foundation Day.

It was not known whether any Peoples Democratic Party leader was invited by the Panthers Party.

Pertinently, the Panthers Party was founded on March 23, 1982 by Prof. Bhim Singh.

SRINAGAR — A bank security guard was killed by suspected militants in Achan area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday morning.

A senior police officer told the news agency KNS that militants fired upon a Kashmiri Pandit identified as Sanjay Pandith, a resident of Achan, this morning. "The injured was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries," he said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Kashmir, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, said the police are acting swiftly to investigate the matter of the killing of the minority community member and promised to bring justice.

He said that the incident took place around 10:30 AM. "Terrorists fired upon a member of a minority community when he was going towards a market along with his wife. We are searching for the terrorists and we will neutralize them as early as possible," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the dastardly attack and said that the administration has given free hand to the security forces to deal with the militants.

LG said the administration is standing strong with the bereaved family. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," he said and added that the administration has given a free hand to the security forces to deal with the militants. "We will continue to combat such acts of militancy firmly and decisively."

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed his condolences over the death of the Kashmiri Pandit in Pulwama. “I'm deeply pained. This bloodshed must end. Unfortunately, Kashmiri Pandits continue to be targeted. I will appeal to Muslims in the valley to protect Kashmiri Pandits. We have to face Allah one day. What will we say to Allah if we fail to protect our Pandit brethren,” said Abdullah.

Farooq Abdullah added, “I urge the government not to force Kashmiri Pandit government employees to return to the valley. Sadly, the situation is not conducive to the survival of the Pandits in the valley. Pandit employees must be adjusted in Jammu and their salaries should be released.”

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti blamed the BJP-led Centre for failing to protect Kashmiri Pandits. The former chief minister also hit out at the perpetrators of the attack.

Talking to reporters here, she said, "A few days ago, right-wing terrorists killed two Muslims in Rajasthan. Today, you have killed a Hindu. What is the difference between you and them?"

Mufti accused the BJP government of endangering the lives of minorities in Kashmir while projecting a picture of normalcy in the valley.

Meanwhile, a pall of gloom descended on the victim's village. "The gunman martyred our brother. Whosoever killed him, we condemn this brutal killing. This attack is not on individuals but on our brotherhood and attack on Ganga-Jamni Tehzeeb. The entire village condemned the killing of our brother," locals of the area said.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) President and Member of the Parliament Dr. Farooq Abdullah joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra near Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

The NC party president joined the second leg of the Yatra which resumed today. Led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Yatra has covered 3122 kilometers so far from Kanyakumari to New Delhi.

The NC patron appreciated the Congress MP for promoting the cause of national integrity and strengthening democratic values through the Yatra. “The Yarta celebrates the country's incredible diversity, pluralism, and democratic values which were bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of our nation. The Yatra has brought forth the real issues concerning the people and blunted the weapons of communalism by sharpening the message of unity in diversity," he said.

He added, "I pass on my best wishes to Rahul Ji and his associates who are on the march to spread awareness among fellow countrymen on issues that should concern us all.”

SRINAGAR — Various parties across Jammu and Kashmir today set up a 14-member committee to chalk out the future strategy on the issue of any attempt at manipulation and inclusion of non-locals in the revised electoral rolls of J&K.

Senior Political Leader M Y Tarigami said Senior National Conference leader and Member Parliament Hasnain Masoodi will be convenor of the committee and includes senior leaders of PDP, DSSP, DS Sabha, ANC, CPIM, Shiv Sena,
IDP, JKPM,

He added that "As decided in the meeting attended by senior leaders of various political parties under the chairmanship of Dr Farooq Abdullah at Jammu on 10th September, 2022 to set up a committee to chalk out future strategy on the issue of any attempt of manipulation and inclusion of non-locals in the revised electoral rolls of J&K."

After mutual deliberations and consultations, the committee consisting of following leaders has been constituted with Justice Hasnain Masoodi MP as convenor.

The members include Raman Bala INC, Sheikh Ab Rehman former MP, Rattan Lal Gupta JKNC, Hasnain Masoodi JKNC, Dr Mehboob Beg PDP, A S Reen PDP, Gulchain Singh Charak DS Sabha, Chowdhary Lal Singh DSSP, Manish Sawhney Shiv Sena,Hari Singh CPI(M), G.M Mizrab CPI, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah ANC, I D Khujuria IDP and. Dr. M Hussain JKPM.

SRINAGAR — President People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said that the decision on fighting Assembly elections jointly or alone by the constituent members will be taken once the polls are announced in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The office of PAGD will never be closed,” Farooq Abdullah, who is also the president of the National Conference and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, told reporters here, according to the news agency GNS.

Asked about the National Conference’s provincial committee resolution regarding contesting elections on all 90 seats in the Assembly polls, he said, “True. It is a democratic party. A democratic party can pass a resolution but the final decision will be taken once elections are announced.”

Asked about his party claiming unfair treatment by some of the constituents of the PAGD targeting it through “statements, audio jingles and speeches”, Farooq said: “Statements will come. Tolerance and patience are important. One should have patience. If you cannot be patient, you won’t be able to do anything for people,” he said, adding, “Remember two things. One is patience and the other is a readiness to sacrifice.”

Asked what advice he has for his son and party’s vice president Omar Abdullah in whose presence National Conference’s provincial committee called for going alone in the Assembly polls, Farooq said, “I cannot advise Omar sahib.”

Farooq reiterated that the decision regarding contesting the elections jointly with the PAGD will be taken once the elections are announced. “The decision will be based while considering the situation at that time.”

The PAGD among others includes NC, PDP, the CPI(M) and Awami National Conference as constituents and the alliance had contested DDC polls together. It seeks restoration of Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution as well as statehood to J&K as was the case before August 5, 2019.

The NC in a statement on Wednesday last had said that the participants present in the provincial meeting expressed “dismay over the recent statements, audio jingles and speeches made by some of the constituents of the PAGD, targeting JKNC. They felt that it does not contribute to the overall unity of the amalgam.”

“They denounced the unfair treatment meted out to JKNC in PAGD. The participants demanded immediate course correction from PAGD constituents,” the party spokesman had said in a statement to the news agency GNS.

The provincial committee members unanimously resolved that JKNC should prepare and fight all 90 Assembly seats, the spokesperson had said.

SRINAGAR — National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called an all-party meeting on Monday over the recent decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to allow non-locals to vote in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to the news agency KNO, Abdullah said that the all-party meeting will be held at his Gupkar residence on Monday (11:00 AM) to discuss the latest ECI decision.

He said that all the parties except Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been invited to discuss the future course of action.

Pertinently, the PDP president earlier in the day had said that she contacted Dr Farooq and asked him to call an all-party meeting to discuss the future course of action.

Notably, the Election Commission has allowed non-locals, living ordinarily in J&K, to cast votes in the Union Territory.

SRINAGAR — Presidential opposition candidate, Yashwant Sinha on Saturday said that if he was elected, his priority will be to persuade the government to resolve the Kashmir issue permanently.

Addressing a press conference, Sinha, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, demanded the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and also said that free and fair Assembly elections must be conducted at the earliest.

“I am opposed to the forcible and manipulative changes in J&K. The Central government has failed to fulfil its promise to create an atmosphere for the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits. The promise must be fulfilled. J&K people have suffered a lot and their desire for peace must be fulfilled,” Sinha, who is campaigning for the presidential elections, said.

He said that if he is elected as president, one of his priorities will be to urge the government to take necessary steps to resolve the Kashmir issue permanently and restore peace, justice, normalcy, democracy and end the hostility towards J&K.

Sinha, who was accompanied by National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and other political leaders said that for the second time, the people in J&K would not be able to participate in the presidential polls.

“My campaign would have been incomplete in case I could not have visited Kashmir. I get disappointed when I see the situation here, which is contrary to the government claims,” he added.

He also said that there is no state in the country where elections have not been conducted for the period of four years and where the people have been deprived of representation. “Jammu and Kashmir is facing injustice and only a limited number of people are knowledgeable about the fact that the limited democracy that existed in J&K has also been murdered.”

He said that his visit to J&K was to express solidarity with the people of J&K. “It is very regrettable that the Supreme Court has not even heard the case related to Article 370 and Article 35-A nearly three years after the Constitution was repealed,” he said, adding that long pendency of the case in the court erodes the credibility of the apex court.

SRINAGAR — National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that the People's Alliance of Gupkar Declaration will contest elections together in Jammu and Kashmir.

"PAGD will contest elections together in Jammu and Kashmir," he said in reply to a query about their stand regarding the upcoming elections.

"If elections took place during the 2014 floods, why not now," Abdullah questioned. "Almighty will get us out of trouble. Our faith must be right," he said.

"We want peace, we want to get out of hatred. We want to move forward in brotherhood. May Allah guide those who are against brotherhood," the NC chief added.

About "Har Ghar Tiranga", Abdullah said that through decrees, the tricolour can never raise. "The tricolour should be in the heart, then it will matter," he said.

About Amarnath Yatra, the NC president said that Kashmiris have always welcomed pilgrims.

SRINAGAR — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has served a notice to the Member Parliament and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah in connection with a case, sources said.

They told news agency Kashmir Dot Com that the summon served to Farooq Abdullah, who is in his late eighties, has asked him to appear before the ED's Srinagar office on May 31.

“Enforcement Directorate will question Abdullah in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rs 94.06 crore when he was the chairman of J&K Cricket Association,” they said.

Earlier, in October 2020, Farooq Abdullah, Member of Parliament from central Kashmir and President National Conference was summoned twice by the financial probing agency in the alleged Cricket Association scam.

SRINAGAR — A day after senior National Conference leader and former MLA Javed Rana dubbed Sajad Lone as a “former militant”, Peoples Conference on Wednesday said that NC president and former CM Dr Farooq Abdullah’s “partnership” with Ikhwan and what he got them to do under the table would put a third grade Bollywood villain to shame.

In a series of tweets, according to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), PC lashed out at NC for dubbing Sajad Lone as a “militant”. “This is typical of them. They call us a New Delhi man in Kashmir; they call us a militant in Jammu; and when in Delhi, they call us a Pakistani man,” PC tweeted.

The PC’s remarks came a day after NC leader Javed Rana called Sajad Lone a “former militant” in Omar Abdullah’s presence.

The PC alleged that NC has got hundreds of Kashmiris killed or jailed through a slander campaign. The party asked NC if that wasn't Dr Farooq Abdullah who held a joint rally with Ikhwan founder Kuka Parray.

“If the NC wants a debate on who has killed who, we are ready for it. Was it not Dr Farooq Abdullah who held a joint rally with an Ikhwani by the name of Kuka Parray. Is it not the same Kuka Parray who has dozens and dozens of murders to his name,” the party tweeted.

The party said that Farooq Abdullah’s partnership with Ikhwan would put a third grade Bollywood villain to shame.

“What Dr Farooq Abdullah ordered as a CM and how many Kashmiri Muslims he killed is a different matter. But his partnership with the Ikhwan and what he got them to do under the table would put a third grade Bollywood villain to shame,” the party tweeted.

The PC said that they are part of the mass tortured Kashmiri and have condemned violence in all its forms and manifestations.