The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — As the political turf of Jammu and Kashmir intensifies ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, the Youth Wing President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s candidate for the Pulwama constituency, spoke in an exclusive video interview on Saturday, offering insights into his political journey, the PDP’s future, and the issues closest to his heart.

Para, who will be contesting in the Assembly elections scheduled for September 18, detailed his motivations for joining the PDP. In conversation with Showkat Dar of The Kashmir Pulse, he explained how witnessing Mehbooba Mufti’s campaigning during a time of deep unrest in the Valley profoundly influenced his decision to align with the party.

“The Valley was gripped by an atmosphere of fear and arrests by the SOG wing of J&K Police, and it was Mehbooba Mufti's campaigns and her commitment to youth empowerment that drew me toward PDP,” Para recalled. He formally joined the party in 2013, recognizing the need to engage young people in a democratic process.

A Youth-Centered Political Vision

Para, who has become a prominent voice for the youth in Kashmir, emphasized that his political involvement stems from a desire to shift perceptions of young Kashmiris. "At a time when youth were often seen as stone-pelters or engaged in violence, I wanted to change that narrative and encourage democratic engagement," Para said.

He believes that while challenges remain, positive changes are beginning to take root. “I am convinced that we are witnessing a shift, and my work will focus on ensuring that this momentum benefits the youth of Kashmir.”

Para is confident that his work with the youth will remain a central part of his political career. "The welfare of the youth will continue to be my priority, as I feel we need to explore better democratic avenues to address the aspirations and frustrations they face."

Addressing the Competition

Regarding the competition he faces from Khalil Bhand, the National Conference (NC) candidate from the same constituency, Para admitted that the battle would be close.

“PDP has a strong base in south Kashmir, and we acknowledge that the competition is tough. However, we are confident that the work done by Mufti Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti during their tenures will be remembered by the people,” Para stated, noting that the party’s past governance has left a lasting impression.

In addition to discussing the Pulwama constituency, Para also addressed the recent split in Shopian, where several PDP leaders left the party, some joining other political parties and others opting to contest as independents.

“We have to take feedback from the ground, and sometimes, mistakes do happen,” Para said, acknowledging the party's internal challenges. “It is not always possible to keep every member equally satisfied when decisions are made. However, the PDP still has a strong base in Shopian, and efforts are underway to strengthen and unify the cadre.”

Impact of Independent Candidates and Small Parties

With the number of independent candidates and smaller parties, like the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), contesting in this election, Para admitted there could be an impact on vote shares. “It will certainly split the votes to some degree,” he said. “But it is also the right of every citizen in a democracy to contest, and we respect that right.”

A Vision for Pulwama

Para’s vision for Pulwama extends beyond just the electoral contest. He outlined his plans if elected, focusing on several key areas: addressing the cases of youth imprisoned for political reasons, improving the district’s health sector, ensuring that local residents benefit from the district’s mining contracts, and resolving longstanding drinking water issues.

“The cases of jailed youth (for political reasons) will be my top priority,” Para stated. “We need to work toward resolving these issues so that these young people can lead productive lives.”

Additionally, he stressed the need to develop Pulwama’s healthcare infrastructure, calling it a pressing concern for residents. “There are significant gaps in the health sector, and I will work to bridge those.”

In his vision for the district’s economic future, Para pledged to prioritize local involvement in the allocation of mining contracts, which he sees as a crucial avenue for economic empowerment. “Our people should be the beneficiaries of Pulwama’s natural resources,” he said.

Personal Reflections

The interview also veered briefly into Para’s personal life, touching on his marriage plans. “I have many cases filed against me and have only recently been released from jail,” Para said, alluding to the legal battles he has faced. “Once things normalize, I will be in a better position to make personal decisions in a calmer state of mind.”

Looking Ahead

Given that Waheed-ur-Rehman Para is preparing for the electoral contest in Pulwama, his message remains centered on the youth, their future, and the need for political and economic reforms. His journey from a young observer of Mehbooba Mufti’s campaigns to a key figure in PDP is an indication of the values he champions. Focussed on tackling the pressing challenges, Para is hoping to carry forward the legacy of the PDP, while also forging a path for a new generation of Kashmiri leaders.

PULWAMA — Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader and candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections in the Pulwama constituency, drew thousands of supporters to a campaign rally in Arihal village on Thursday.

The event saw a lively display of support, with chants of encouragement and women singing traditional folk songs, showering Waheed Para with candies as a token of their affection.

In his address, Para positioned himself as the "lone voice" advocating for the real issues faced by the people of Pulwama. He pledged to highlight the plight of political prisoners, particularly the youth, and to address the rampant unemployment and other challenges hindering a better quality of life for the current generation.

“If elected as an MLA, I will continue to listen to the people's issues by visiting village after village," Para said, pointing to his commitment to remaining accessible and responsive to the public's concerns.

The overwhelming turnout and spirited atmosphere at the rally signalled significant local support for Para, as he vowed to prioritize speaking of the people's issues and needs in his campaign.

SRINAGAR — Former State Secretary and spokesperson of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Rouf Bhat on Friday resigned from the party.

In his resignation letter, Bhat expressed deep disappointment over the party's treatment of sincere and dedicated workers who stood by during challenging times.

He criticized the party's preference for new entrants with vested interests, describing it as a repeat of past mistakes that have hindered the region's progress.

Rouf Bhat stated that he felt disrespected and found it necessary to step aside from his role within the PDP.

Reflecting on his journey with the party, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities and growth he experienced but emphasized that it was in his best interest to resign.

He extended his thanks to the leadership, colleagues, and supporters who were part of his journey.

SRINAGAR — In an important political development, former separatist leader Syed Saleem Geelani joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, as the party faced internal dissent with the resignation of its Zonal President for Bandipora, Peerzada Shareef-ud-Din Shah, over a ticket distribution issue.

At a ceremony attended by PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, Geelani announced his decision to join the PDP, stating that the party aligns with his views on resolving the Kashmir issue and addressing the plight of people in jails.

“I found no better platform than the PDP. I was inspired by the late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s focus on these issues,” Geelani said, adding that he takes pride in his past with Hurriyat and now with the PDP.

Mehbooba Mufti welcomed Geelani, highlighting that she had once proposed he run for office, but he declined, suggesting others be given the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Peerzada Shareef-ud-Din Shah, the PDP’s Zonal President for Bandipora, announced his resignation from the party’s basic membership, expressing dissatisfaction over the recent decision to grant a party ticket to Syed Tajamul in the Bandipora constituency.

Shah accused the PDP of sidelining dedicated party workers and failing to consider their input in the selection process.

“The party has not done justice to its workers and cannot be expected to do justice to the people,” Shah said.

He further claimed that the chosen candidate, Syed Tajamul, was not even a long-standing member of the party, “He has recently joined and was suddenly chosen as a candidate for the Bandipora constituency.”

SRINAGAR — Suhail Bukhari, former Chief Spokesperson of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has joined the Congress party. This move follows his resignation from the PDP on August 20.

Bukhari, who was seeking a nomination to contest the upcoming elections from the Wagoora-Kreeri segment, was dissatisfied with the PDP leadership’s decision not to endorse his candidacy. His departure from the PDP was driven by this setback.

The Congress party has welcomed Bukhari’s entry, viewing it as a significant boost to their prospects in Jammu and Kashmir. His switch is expected to impact the political dynamics, especially in the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency where he has considerable support.

PULWAMA — Peoples Democratic Party Youth President and Assembly election candidate for Pulwama constituency Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Sunday said that if Jamaat-e-Islami had approached the PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, she would have accommodated Jamaat-e-Islami candidates and given them tickets.

Para emphasized that the PDP has always prioritized inclusive politics and engagement with diverse groups, regardless of their ideological affiliations, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He emphasized that Mehbooba Mufti has always believed in dialogue, reconciliation and inclusion. "If Jamaat-e-Islami had reached out to PDP, we would have considered seat allocations to bring together all voices within the democratic framework. Even if it meant sacrificing many seats, we would have accommodated them."

Para asserted that the PDP's commitment is to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the party believes that every group or party, especially those representing significant sections of society, deserves a place at the table.

He added that the PDP’s approach has always been to bridge divides and ensure that all communities, irrespective of their backgrounds, have a say in shaping the future of the region. "If Jamaat-e-Islami wants to contest elections, it is a positive development. Democracy is a battle of ideas. The government should lift the ban on it. We would have accommodated them and provided sufficient space, seats and opportunities to contest."

Para added that if PDP comes to power, it will make efforts to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami. He reiterated that such an inclusive approach is essential for lasting peace, tranquillity, prosperity and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

PULWAMA — As the first phase of the Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir draws near, the Pulwama Assembly segment in southern Kashmir is set to witness a closely contested race. This seat is expected to see a tight battle between the National Conference's (NC) Mohammad Khalil Bhand, who has previously won this seat three times on a People's Democratic Party ticket, and Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, the youth leader of the PDP.

According to the news agency KNO, Bhand, a former minister in both PDP-led governments, secured the Pulwama seat in 2002, 2008, and 2014. However, he recently switched allegiance to the NC, and it remains to be seen how this move will affect his chances of winning.

Political analysts said that Bhand's work during his first tenure as Roads and Buildings (R&B) Minister in the 2002-2008 PDP-Congress government helped him maintain a stronghold on the seat. However, his performance from 2008-2014, when he was in opposition, and after 2014, was perceived as less effective, especially with several infrastructure projects left incomplete.

They said that during his third term as MLA, Khalil experienced internal conflicts within the PDP. Although initially given charge of the Agriculture Department, he was not appointed to a ministerial position, which led to disagreements, and he eventually shifted to the NC after the government collapsed.

The PDP has nominated Waheed Para, who garnered huge support in the Parliamentary elections for the Srinagar seat, with around 200,000 votes. Para received leads in both the Pulwama and Rajpora Assembly segments during those elections and is anticipated to provide a strong challenge to Bhand in the upcoming contest.

Notably, after delimitation, Para's native area, previously part of the Rajpora constituency, has now been included in the Pulwama constituency, while Litter Tehsil, where Bhand traditionally had a strong voter base, has moved to Rajpora.

Both Bhand and Para have been actively campaigning to attract voters, and political analysts suggest that Syed Bari Andrabi, the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson of Pulwama who recently resigned from the PDP, could play a decisive role in the election. Andrabi's endorsement could influence around 1,000 to 2,000 votes and impact the election outcome.

Talat Majeed Wani, a former member of Jamaat-e-Islami who is contesting as an independent after being associated with the Apni Party, might also attract a substantial number of votes that could sway the results, analysts believe.

Historically, the Pulwama seat has seen various representatives, including Master Sanaullah Sheikh in 1962, Sonaullah Dar of Congress in 1967 and 1972, Mohammad Ibrahim Dar of NC in 1977 and 1983, and Bashir Ahmad Nengro of NC in 1987 and 1996. Since then, Khalil Bhand has held the seat for the PDP.

The Pulwama Assembly segment, AC 34, consists of 99,555 voters, including 49,423 males, 50,130 females, and 2 transgender individuals. To ensure a smooth electoral process, 112 polling stations have been designated for this constituency.

SRINAGAR — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday released the list of constituency in-charges for 17 Assembly segments ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

As per the reports from the news agency KNO, the list was released by the party's parliamentary board.

As per the list, Mohammad Khursheed Alam has been appointed in-charge for Eidgah constituency while Abdul Haq Khan has been nominated for Lolab.

The nominations include Basharat Bukhari for Wagoora Kreeri, Javaid Iqbal Ganaie for Pattan, Sheikh Gowher Ali for Zadibal, Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo for Chanapora, Bashir Ahmed Mir for Ganderbal, Aga Syed Munatzir Mehdi for Budgam, Advocate Javid Choudhary for Surankote.

The official communication also reads that Mahroof Khan has been appointed in-charge for Mendhar constituency, Farooq Inqilabi for Gulabgarh, Syed Majid Shah for Kalakote-Sunderbani, Advocate Haq Nawaz for Nowshera, Master Tasaduq Hussain for Rajouri, Advocate Guftar Ahmed Choudhary for Budhal, Advocate Qamar Hussain Choudhary for Thannamandi and Syed Tajamul Islam for Bandipora constituency.

SHOPIAN — District President PDP and former MLA Wachi, Aijaz Ahmad Mir on Friday quit the party and is likely to contest the upcoming J&K Assembly elections as an independent candidate.

While talking to the news agency KNO, Mir, who is also a DDC member, said that he was shocked to know about party mandate being given to someone else.

He said that he was campaigning for the party for the last several months and even when he came to know about the mandate, he was interacting with workers in one of the villages of his constituency.

“If party had such intention, they should have at least contacted me and made any decision after taking me into confidence. Snatching mandate in such a way is humiliation and a man can bear anything but not humiliation, so I have decided to quit the party,” he said.

On being asked about his future plans, he said that he would fight elections but once again, he will sit with his workers and decide things after taking them into confidence.

“Mandates aren't decided by parties, but by people and I am hopeful that people give their mandate by voting in my favour,” he added.

It is likely that Aijaz Mir will fight elections as an independent candidate now. Notably, PDP has appointed Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani as the constituency in-charge for Wachi.

SRINAGAR — Suhail Bukhari, the chief spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), resigned from the party on Tuesday. He also confirmed his resignation to the news agency KNS.

Bukhari, who hails from Kreeri village in Sangrama constituency, joined the PDP in 2019 and took on the role of chief spokesperson in 2023.

His resignation follows the recent departure of Dr Harbaksh Singh, a senior PDP leader and District Development Council (DDC) member from Tral, who switched to the Awami Ittehad Party.

SRINAGAR — With the announcement of the long-awaited Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the region's political turf is rapidly evolving as major parties gear up for the first polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The elections, slated to be held in three phases starting September 18, have stirred intense political activity in the Union Territory.

The PDP, led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is holding a key meeting today to finalize its candidates for the Assembly polls. Speculation is rife that Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, is likely to be fielded from the politically significant Anantnag constituency in South Kashmir. Iltija's entry into the electoral fray could signal a strategic shift within the PDP as it seeks to reclaim its political stronghold in the region.

The Election Commission's announcement of the three-phased elections has been met with broad approval across the political spectrum. Leaders from various parties have welcomed the move, viewing it as a vital step towards restoring democratic governance in the Union Territory, which has been under Central rule for six years. The polling dates are set for September 18, 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 4.

However, the lead-up to the elections has not been without controversy. A significant reshuffle within the Jammu and Kashmir Police as well as the bureaucracy, announced on Friday, has raised concerns among some political figures about the impartiality of the upcoming elections. The reshuffle, which included the appointment of senior IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as the new Special Director General of Police, replacing R R Swain upon his retirement, has prompted criticism from PDP leaders.

Iltija Mufti, speaking to reporters, expressed apprehension about the fairness of the electoral process. "Our concern is that elections should be conducted free, fair, and transparent," she stated, pointing to the abrupt and extensive transfers within the police force just before the election announcement. She accused the Lieutenant Governor's administration of bias and favouritism towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which she claimed could undermine the integrity of the election.

Adding to the political flux, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, a prominent former PDP leader and ex-cabinet minister in the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government, joined the BJP on Sunday. His defection marks a significant shift in the UT's political alignments, particularly as the BJP seeks to consolidate its influence in the run-up to the Assembly polls.

Ali, who had previously won from the Darhal constituency in Rajouri district in the 2008 and 2014 elections on a PDP ticket, was also a founding member of the Apni Party, which was formed in 2020 by disgruntled PDP members.

The upcoming elections are set to be a litmus test for the PDP as it tries to tackle internal challenges as well as external pressures in a bid to regain its foothold in Jammu and Kashmir. With Mehbooba Mufti at the helm and Iltija Mufti poised to potentially enter the electoral arena, the PDP's strategy in this high-stakes political contest will be closely watched by observers and constituents alike.

SRINAGAR — Mehbooba Mufti was forced by the then Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to ally with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the government in 2016. She had no intention of joining the hands with BJP, this was stated by senior PDP leader Khursheed Aalam.

“I won’t absolve anyone, even I was among the leaders who were keen to form the government and pressurized Mehbooba Mufti, otherwise she was not willing to form the government with the BJP,” Aalam told the news agency KNT.

After the death of her father Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in 2016, Mehbooba Mufti did not want to form a government with the BJP and had put some conditions like getting back power projects, and land under the army and safeguarding special status but most of her colleagues pressurized her and some even threatened to split the party if she didn’t budge.

Mehbooba Mufti had herself clarified that she did not want to form a government with the BJP in 2016, but a potential split in her party forced her to do so. She had blamed some of the leaders, who have since quit the PDP, for forcing her hand by travelling to the headquarters of BJP's ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in Nagpur to convey their readiness to break the party to form a government without her.

“Mehbooba Ji has not greed for power. Her objective is not the chair but to mitigate the suffering of people. The people of Kashmir have been suffering a lot. They are being psychologically troubled, intimidated, harassed, and cowed down. Mehbooba Ji wants to ease the sufferings of the people,” Khursheed Aalam said.

PULWAMA — People's Democratic Party (PDP) Youth President Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Friday visited the family of Abid Manzoor Dar in Barsoo Awantipora area of Pulwama district. Dar's body was recovered from the river Jhelum after being missing for three days.

Parra extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of his full support during this difficult time. "I share the grief of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty to give them the courage to bear the loss."

During his visit, Para emphasized the need for a fair investigation into the incident and requested the authorities to intervene to ensure that the investigation reaches a logical conclusion.

He appealed to the authorities to constitute a team to probe the mysterious death of Abid Manzoor Dar and uncover the circumstances leading to his untimely death.

Para called for the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a fair and transparent probe. "The tragic loss of Abid Manzoor has left his family and the entire community in deep sorrow. It is important that we understand and know the truth behind his death. I urge the authorities to constitute a Special Investigation Team to investigate this matter comprehensively and bring justice to the grieving family," he emphasized.

He further added that the PDP stands with the family in their quest for justice and will continue to advocate for a thorough and unbiased investigation. He assured the family that all necessary support will be provided to them during this investigation.

Para urged the administration to initiate a prompt and impartial investigation so that the 'perpetrators' are brought to justice. "The culprits behind this heinous crime should be booked and given exemplary punishment," he asserted.

SRINAGAR — Senior People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Sartaj Madni’s son, Aroot Madni, passed away on Sunday after suffering a heart attack at his residence in southern Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti shared the tragic news on social media platform X.

“Pains me to write this. We lost Aroot Madni – Sartaj sahab’s son who passed away due to a heart attack earlier today. No words can suffice for how we all feel. We raised him like a son and will miss him terribly. This aching void can never be filled,” she wrote.

SRINAGAR — In their first major electoral battle, the candidates fielded by new parties launched in Jammu & Kashmir have lost their security deposit.

All the candidates fielded by Jammu & Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) have forfeited their security deposit in the Lok Sabha polls, the results of which were declared on Tuesday.

According to the details available with the news agency KNO, Muhammad Ashraf Mir and Zaffar Iqbal Manhas of JKAP have lost their security deposit as they failed to secure a minimum of one-sixth of the total valid votes polled in their respective constituencies.

While Mir polled 9.77 per cent of the total votes cast in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, Manhas secured 13.86 per cent of the total votes polled in Anantnag-Rajouri segment.

According to details, GM Saroori fielded by DPAP forfeited his security deposit as he managed to secure only 3.56 per cent of the total votes polled in the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat.

Two other candidates fielded by Ghulam Nabi Azad-led party also lost security deposit in their respective constituencies.

While Muhammad Saleem Parrey secured a meagre 2.47 per cent of the total votes polled in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, Amir Ahmad Bhat polled only 2.24 per cent of votes polled in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.

Interestingly, PDP candidate for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, Mir Muhammad Fayaz also lost his security deposit.

As per the Election Commission of India, Mir polled only 2.66 per cent of votes polled in the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat.