The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) has announced its list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Party chairman Sajjad Gani Lone will contest from two Assembly segments, Handwara and Kupwara, while Imran Reza Ansari will contest from Pattan constituency.

Advocate Bashir Ahmed Dar, a former legislator, has been given the ticket to contest from Trehgam, while Irfan Pandithpuri will contest from Langate. Dr Naseer Awan will contest from Karnah and Mudasir Akbar Shah will contest from Lolab.

The JKPC's candidate list comes as the region prepares for the upcoming elections, with political parties finalizing their contenders for the various Assembly segments.

Sajjad Lone's decision to contest from two constituencies is seen as a strategic move by the party to maximize its chances of winning.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) has unveiled its manifesto, outlining its vision for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, resolution of the Kashmir issue, and empowerment of its people.

The manifesto commits to fighting for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35-A, and statehood, and supporting all efforts to restore the pre-2019 constitutional position of J&K. It also promises to probe the 1987 election rigging and its aftermath, end the blacklisting of Kashmiris for jobs, passports, and contracts, and provide rehabilitation for conflict victims.

The JKPC manifesto, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, also vows to scrap draconian laws, release political prisoners, protect human rights, and de-criminalize dissent. It promises to restore the July 13 Martyrs' Day holiday, ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, and reintegrate former militants into society.

In addition, the manifesto outlines plans for economic empowerment, including providing free electricity to BPL families, regularizing daily wagers, enhancing the honorarium for contractual lecturers, and reviving human rights commissions. It also promises to promote public-private partnerships, improve infrastructure, and harness hydroelectric potential.

The JKPC has also outlined sector-specific plans, including measures to support farmers, promote tourism, and empower women. The manifesto promises to make the fruit industry a Rs 25000 crore industry, establish a dry port linking Sopore Fruit Mandi with other Mandis, and introduce a goods train and railway platform at Sopore.

Key highlights

• Restoration of Article 370, Article 35-A, and statehood
• Resolution of the Kashmir issue through engagement with all stakeholders
• Probe into the 1987 election rigging and its aftermath
• End to blacklisting of Kashmiris for jobs, passports, and contracts
• Rehabilitation policy for conflict victims
• Scrapping of draconian laws and release of political prisoners
• Protection of human rights and de-criminalization of dissent
• Restoration of July 13 Martyrs' Day holiday
• Return of Kashmiri Pandits and re-integration of former militants
• Empowerment of marginalized sections, including women, youth, and farmers

SRINAGAR — The Peoples Conference, led by Sajjad Gani Lone, has released its first list of seven candidates for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

The candidates include Abdul Gani Vakil from Rafiabad, Nasir Ahmed Laway from Kulgam, Abid Hussain Ansari from Zadibal, Irfan Matoo from Eidgah, Dr Bashir Ahmed Chalkoo from Uri, Asif Lone from Baramulla, and Muhammad Hamza Lone from Gurez.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are scheduled to take place from September 18, with almost 600 additional companies of security forces to be deployed for smooth conduct.

The elections will see a pre-poll alliance between the National Conference, Congress, and CPI (M), who will contest all 90 seats, with friendly contests on five seats.