The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti refuted rumours on Sunday that the PDP is opting out of the INDIA Bloc.

Speaking to the local news agency KNS, Mehbooba clarified that her absence from the recent INDIA Bloc meeting in New Delhi was due to her mother's eye surgery.

In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA Bloc allocated five seats in Jammu and Kashmir: two to the Congress in Jammu and three to the National Conference (NC) in the Kashmir Valley. The PDP, being part of the INDI alliance, ran separately in the race.

During the elections, the Congress actively campaigned for the National Conference but was notably absent from the PDP's roadshows and rallies, despite the PDP being part of the same alliance.

On Saturday, exit polls by several national TV channels showed the PDP winning one seat in the Kashmir Valley separately from the INDIA Bloc, sparking rumours of the party's exit from the alliance.

However, Mehbooba Mufti dismissed these rumours and reaffirmed the PDP's commitment to the INDIA Bloc.

NEW DELHI — People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that an FIR has been filed against her for flouting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

In a post on X, Mufti said that her protest was against the Government of India and local administration for detaining her party's workers.

"Amusing to find an FIR filed against me for apparently flouting MCC. This is the price PDP has paid for speaking truth to power. Our protest was against GOI in cahoots with local administration for detaining hundreds of PDP polling agents and workers in the hours leading to voting. Still not satisfied, the same administration went on to launch cordon and search operations in traditional PDP stronghold areas to terrorise our voters and prevent them from exercising their right to vote," Mufti said.

"Ulta chor kotwal ko daante," she added.

Earlier, on the day of voting in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat on May 25, Mehbooba Mufti sat in a protest alleging that the police had detained her party's polling agents and workers without any reason.

Mufti said, "PDP workers are being locked up in police stations without any reason. DG, LG, and all officials from top to bottom are involved in this. They have locked up PDP polling agents in police stations. You had said that there will be free and fair elections but you are doing all this. Complaints are being received from places where efforts are being made to tamper the machines (EVMs)."

On May 13, she also wrote a letter to the Election Commission to stop the alleged harassment and "illegal" arrest of the party workers.

Mufti is in the electoral fray for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat against National Conference (NC) candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad and Zafar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party.

According to the latest figure from the Election Commission, the Anatnag-Rajouri constituency recorded 54.3 per cent voter turnout. The voter turnout in the constituency was 14.3 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

SRINAGAR — J&K political leaders, including Sajjad Gani Lone and Altaf Bukhari, have raised concerns over the arrest and harassment of workers ahead of the polls.

Sajjad Gani Lone, President of J&K Peoples Conference, appealed to the Election Commission and administration to ensure fairness and impartiality, urging them not to target parties selectively.

Echoing his sentiments, Altaf Bukhari, President of the Apni Party, condemned the arrests of their workers and agents, labelling it as a blatant attempt to manipulate the elections.

Both leaders called for the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to stop the arrest spree and ensure free and fair elections, emphasizing the need for a level playing field for all political entities.

They accused rival parties like the National Conference and PDP of having deep connections with the administration and orchestrating the arrests to curtail fair competition.

The ongoing arrests have sparked concerns, with the Apni Party warning of a potential boycott if their workers are not released promptly.

Pertinently, Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the Peoples Democratic Party, also accused the UT administration of arresting and harassing their workers ahead of polls in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency.

SRINAGAR — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday levelled critical allegations on the government, saying “political Ikhwan is being thrusting in Jammu and Kashmir, and 1987-like poll rigging is being repeated”.

Addressing a press conference here in Srinagar, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, as per the news agency KNS, said that it is surprising that Section 143 has been imposed in district Pulwama ahead of Lok Sabha elections in the segment which is being held on May 13.

“It is unprecedented that Section 143 has been imposed in district Pulwama. For the past few days, our party workers who have participated actively in poll campaigning are being summoned to police stations and subsequently detained. Besides our 60 workers have been arrested in Poonch district after militants ambushed the IAF convoy in Sanai Top," she said.

"We want to ask the Election Commission of India (ECI) if you want to rig elections like rigged in 1987, then what for this whole drama is being created,” Mehbooba Mufti said.

She alleged that the government is trying to revive “Ikhwan” in Jammu and Kashmir to muzzle people’s voices in the region. “They (government) have constituted sooted-booted Ikhwan. They have formed political Ikhwan this time to throttle the voice of hapless people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

The PDP chief, who is herself contesting Lok Sabha elections from the southern Anantnag-Rajouri seat, alleged that PDP workers are selectively being targeted. She appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha that if the government was willing to do this, then what for this election drama was staged?

“Each and every institution of the Government of India is being used to help proxies of BJP in Jammu and Kashmir with an aim to throttle the real voice of J&K,” she alleged.

She said abundant graveyards have come into being after election rigging took place in 1987. She also said that due to the pro-people approach of Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the confidence of Kashmir’s on-vote chit was restored but the situation is being repeated today.

“You have jailed Kashmiri youth like Waheed Para, but we are making them to be ready to reach Parliament. You have stated militancy is over in Jammu and Kashmir, if it is a reality, then what for Section 143 being imposed,” Mehbooba stated.

SRINAGAR — Addressing several rallies across South Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti delivered a scathing critique of the escalating turbulence and fear gripping Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the current atmosphere of uncertainty far surpasses the tumult of past gun culture.

On this occasion, senior party leader Mohammad Sartaj Madni, Aijaz Ahmad Mir Ex-MLA, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat Ex-MLA, District President Manzoor Ahmad Zargar, Additional Spokesperson Mohammad Amin Dar, Zafrullah Wani, Muzaffar Ahmad Wagay, Nissar Ahmad, Sheikh Ghulam Mohiuddin, Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Mohammad Yaseen besides many others were also present and spoke to the gatherings.

Mehbooba said that since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured suffocation and widespread fear, likening the prevailing silence to that of a graveyard.

Despite the imposed silence, the PDP President declared her unwavering defiance, highlighting the consequences her family has faced at the hands of government agencies. “Post abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir when every single person was silenced, I preferred to speak truth to power as soon as I came out of the jail. Even though my family had to bear the consequences, my aged mother, my brother were hounded. But I didn’t surrender my voice and my stand,” Mehbooba said.

Warning against the consequences of silence, Mufti emphasized the importance of voting as a means to combat oppression. She denounced violence, affirming that guns and stones only lead to graves filled with lost lives and shattered families.

“If we remain silent today, we will have nothing left for our future generations. Voting not guns or stones is the answer to the prevalent oppression. Guns and stones only filled our graveyards, orphaned our children and widowed our women. I want to reiterate that we will not allow those immense sacrifices to go to waste but at the same time, we will have to understand that vote and voice are our weapons to fight for our rights and against this highhandedness,” she said.

The PDP President further underscored the continuous erosion of Kashmiri rights and resources, citing the issuance of new decrees akin to August 5, 2019. Expressing concern over the proliferation of drugs among the youth, she called for reflection on the origins of such substances.

She added, “August 5, 2019 should not be viewed in isolation. Every single day is August 5 for us. Everyday, new Shahi Farmans are being issued and they are eyeing our resources, our jobs, our forests, our hydroelectricity and our lithium reserves. They are throwing our youth into the menace of drugs. One must ponder where these drugs come from.”

Emphasizing unity beyond party lines, Mehbooba termed her struggle as one for the rights and identity of Jammu and Kashmir. She also highlighted the significance of the Congress party's manifesto, praising its focus on marginalized communities. “It is not the fight between PDP and NC but the fight for Jammu and Kashmir's rights and identity. We must fear that day when everything will be taken away from us if we do not act today.

She said that Congress's poll manifesto is the best one given out by any political party in the country since independence. "It talks about the poor and downtrodden, about women, youth and farmers. INDIA alliance is doing better in these polls and this is the reason for BJP's frustration and its polarising rants," Mehbooba said.

PULWAMA — In a significant political development, District Development Council (DDC) Member Javed Rahim Bhat, hailing from Rajpora/Pulwama-B, officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday amidst a fervent gathering at Zaigam village near Rahmoo diversion bridge. Despite heavy rain dampening the spirits of some attendees, hundreds of staunch supporters stood by, expressing solidarity with both Bhat and the PDP.

The event, held at a Zaigam playfield in Rahmoo village, witnessed a surge of attendees eager to witness Bhat's formal induction into the PDP ranks. The atmosphere was electrified as various party stalwarts, including the party President Mehbooba Mufti and Parliament Candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, graced the occasion with their presence.

Speaking to The Kashmir Pulse, Bhat highlighted his deliberative process in choosing a political affiliation, ultimately selecting the PDP due to its alignment with the people's concerns and grievances. He vowed to continue his developmental initiatives within his constituency, emphasizing his commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized.

Mehbooba Mufti, addressing the resilient crowd amid the rainfall, underscored the significance of the upcoming Parliament elections in amplifying the Kashmiri narrative. She called upon the electorate to vote en masse, positioning the PDP as the rightful advocate for the region's issues on the national stage. Mufti passionately advocated for the release of incarcerated youth and pledged to champion the genuine grievances of the Kashmiri populace.

Despite the inclement weather, the event served as a testament to the unwavering support for both Javed Rahim Bhat and the PDP, signalling a potential shift in the political turf of Pulwama district. As the political dynamics continue to evolve, Bhat's decision to join the PDP injects fresh momentum into the party's efforts to represent the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

PULWAMA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched its election campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir with a vibrant road show stretching from Tahab Crossing, Circular Road Pulwama to Sangam, Anantnag on Tuesday.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and party's youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Para led the rally, which drew hundreds of enthusiastic participants, predominantly comprised of youth and PDP supporters.

Addressing the media during the event, Mehbooba Mufti extended condolences to the families affected by the recent Batwara Srinagar boat capsizing incident.

She emphasized the historical support from Pulwama, asserting its significance as the starting point of their campaign. Criticizing the current administration, she lamented the alleged transformation of the union territory into an "open jail" under the BJP-led LG regime.

Mufti condemned the shooting of a tourist guide in Shopian, labelling it unfortunate. However, she contested the mass arrests of youth under Public Safety Act (PSA) charges, suggesting it was disproportionate to the incident.

The PDP's election strategy was outlined, with Mufti contesting from the remodelled Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, Para entering the fray from Srinagar-Pulwama, and Fayaz Ahmad Mir standing as the candidate from the north Kashmir constituency.

The PDP's decision to contest independently follows a public fallout with the National Conference despite their previous alliance in the INDIA coalition.

The upcoming polls, commencing on April 19, will witness prominent contenders including former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and veteran National Conference leader Mian Altaf.

Jammu and Kashmir's electoral landscape has undergone significant changes with the state's transition to a Union territory. The redrawing of constituencies, including Anantnag, aims at achieving parity in representation between Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

Mehbooba Mufti's stronghold in south Kashmir is pivotal for the PDP's electoral prospects, having secured parliamentary victories in 2004 and 2014. South Kashmir's allegiance to the PDP played a crucial role in the party's ascent to power in the 2014 assembly elections.

The Anantnag constituency, emerging from the delimitation exercise, will go to polls on May 7, reflecting the evolving political dynamics in the region.

Political observers anticipate a fiercely contested electoral battle, with each party vying to consolidate its traditional support bases amidst shifting demographics and geopolitical changes.

SRINAGAR — People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that the party will contest from all Lok Sabha seats of Kashmir, adding the list of the candidates will be made public within the coming days.

Addressing a press conference here in Srinagar, Mehbooba, as per the news agency KNS, said that PDP will contest from all Kashmir Lok Sabha seats.

She expressed dejection over remarks made by NC leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over PDP that the party exists nowhere on the ground and it will not field its candidates from Kashmir.

“There was a need to fight polls together because of the situation that emerged after August 5, 2019. Everyone has been restricted and no one is allowed to talk. PDP has been the prime target. So in such a situation what is left with us,” Mehbooba asked.

Expressing disappointment over remarks made by the former chief minister, Mehbooba said, “Had Omar Abdullah consulted with us, PDP would have considered the situation for the larger interest of Kashmir but he took the decision without taking us on board.”

She said that due to Omar Abdullah’s remarks against PDP, its workers were deeply hurt. “The workers of PDP are broken due to statements made by Omar Abdullah. PDP has attained power two times in the recent past but still Omar Abdullah is saying PDP is non-existent,” she said.

She questioned the role of Dr Farooq Abdullah with regard to the alliance, saying, “When you assign leadership responsibility to anyone, he should have delivered justice to all. But they have not left any space for us. We hoped NC would rise above the party affiliations this time but they proved us wrong. Omar Abdullah’s presser was unfortunate in that he spoke against our credibility. This was injustice with our party workers who are surviving in a tumultuous situation”.

Mehbooba, however, added that PDP will announce the list of candidates within a couple of days.

SRINAGAR — National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reiterated that NC and PDP are together and are part of the INDIA alliance.

He asked the media to expose the A team, B team and C team of BJP instead of questioning the National Conference and PDP unnecessarily over the alliance.

“When PDP President Mehooba Mufti Ji herself said that Farooq Sahib and we are united and are together to save the Constitution of the country and we will not break the alliance, then why you people are trying to make us fight here,” Omar Abdullah told reporters, as per the news agency KNS, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag.

He said, "You (media) should expose A, B and C teams of BJP instead of questioning NC and PDP over the alliance."

Speaking on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and others, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that it is unfortunate that opposition leaders are being arrested before the election. “It is a very sadistic situation that opposition leaders are being arrested. It will have serious results on the democracy of our India,” he said.

He appealed to the Supreme Court and Election Commission of India (ECI) to take strict note of the arrest of opposition leaders ahead of elections. “Supreme Court and ECI shouldn’t ignore this matter. They should intervene in it and using agencies during elections should be stopped forthwith,” Omar Abdullah added.

SRINAGAR — Union Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated a potential review of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the withdrawal of security forces from Jammu and Kashmir, stirring political discourse and varied reactions.

In an interview with Gulistan News, Shah disclosed the government's contemplation of revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing a perceived normalization of the situation in the region.

"We are expeditiously considering the removal of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir, signifying a state of change," Shah remarked, echoing sentiments of a positive shift in the territory.

Moreover, Shah outlined plans for the gradual withdrawal of troops from Jammu and Kashmir, intending to entrust law and order responsibilities primarily to the local police force post-elections. He lauded the evolution of the J&K Police, asserting its increased efficacy in handling diverse situations.

Reacting to Shah's statements, Peoples Conference president Sajjad Gani Lone welcomed the potential revocation of AFSPA, expressing optimism among Kashmiris. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized Shah's remarks, labelling them as misleading and raising suspicions regarding the government's intentions.

On the other hand, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti hailed Shah's comments as an essential step aligned with the party's Agenda of Alliance (AoA) with the BJP. However, she urged the government to fulfil its commitments, stressing the importance of tangible actions over mere rhetoric.

In response, BJP leader Kavinder Gupta reiterated the party's commitment to AFSPA revocation, dismissing criticisms from political opponents. He affirmed the BJP's trust in security forces and government assessments, condemning attempts to politicize national security matters.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written a letter to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Railways Minister, addressing a crucial matter concerning land acquisition for a railway project in the Reshi Pora, Zainpora area of Shopian district in Jammu & Kashmir.

In her letter, Mufti highlighted the significant impact of the proposed land acquisition on the livelihoods of individuals in the affected area. The land in question is primarily used for apple cultivation, which serves as the main source of income and survival for the residents.

Mufti expressed concern over the potential adverse effects of the land acquisition, emphasizing that displacement from their ancestral lands would cause immense hardship to the affected families, who rely on horticulture, agriculture, and allied activities for their livelihoods.

She urged the Indian Railways to consider altering the alignment of the railway line to minimize the impact on the affected communities. Mufti suggested that a slight change in the route could mitigate the adverse effects on the livelihoods of these individuals significantly.

In the event that altering the alignment is not feasible, Mufti stressed the importance of providing suitable and adequate compensation to those affected by the land acquisition. She emphasized the need for fair compensation packages to ensure that the affected families can sustain themselves and rebuild their lives elsewhere.

Acknowledging the significance of infrastructure development projects like railways in enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth, Mufti underscored the importance of prioritizing the welfare and rights of the communities directly impacted by such projects.

She requested urgent attention and intervention from Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to address the concerns raised by the affected people, seeking a mutually beneficial solution.

SRINAGAR — People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday alleged BJP government of empowering proxies in Jammu and Kashmir, saying “The saffron party does not want the voice of Kashmiris to reach to the Parliament”.

Talking to reporters in the southern district of Anantnag, the former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, as per the news agency KNS, alleged BJP of empowering proxies in Jammu and Kashmir in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

She said that the Ministry of Home Affairs led by Amit Shah want to achieve this aim by tampering with voter slips as they don’t want the real voice of Kashmir to reach the Parliament.

“BJP want to finish the voice of PDP. Now, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have only voting rights to seek what they want. Late Vajpayee Ji had restored people's trust in voting rights, but the current dispensation at the Centre is trying to temper with it, while empowering proxies in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehbooba said.

“The ultimate aim of the Centre is to suppress the real voice of Kashmir as the government wants to empower their proxy parties here that came into being after 2019 by breaking the PDP. They want to achieve this aim by tampering with voter slips as they don’t want the real voice of Kashmir to reach the Parliament,” Mehbooba added.

She also added, “All promises made by the country in 1947 were illegally abrogated in 2019, and later on, the entire Jammu and Kashmir was turned into a jail. Even my passport and my family members were restricted and my official residence was taken away.”

SRINAGAR — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged people to exercise their voting rights judiciously in response to what she termed as “contentious laws” like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and to thwart the “divisive tactics employed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).”

According to the news agency KNO, Mufti, addressing reporters at the party headquarters in Srinagar, cautioned against falling into the trap laid by the BJP, emphasizing that laws like the CAA are mere distractions orchestrated to divert attention from pressing issues such as unemployment, agrarian distress, and inflation.

Accusing the BJP of fostering communalism and exacerbating religious tensions in the country, Mehbooba underscored the need for vigilance and unity among citizens, particularly the Muslim community, to resist such “divisive agendas.”

Drawing attention to the repercussions of the CAA, Mehbooba lamented the demolition of mosques, searches in religious institutions, and targeted vilification of Muslims.

She urged the populace to remain calm and steadfast in the face of provocations, cautioning against reactionary responses that could exacerbate communal tensions. “Many mosques were demolished, idols were searched in every mosque, madrassas and houses of people were demolished. Namazis are being insulted. They (BJP) have tried every trick. When they saw that Muslims were still not coming out, the way they wanted, they used this trick called CAA,” alleged the PDP Chief.

Highlighting the significance of peaceful protests like the one at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi, Mufti expressed concern over the detention of numerous youth without bail, urging Hindus and Muslims alike to refrain from falling prey to the BJP's machinations. Instead, she advocated for continued engagement in democratic processes and emphasized the power of voting as a means to challenge “oppressive” laws and policies.

Mufti also denounced the BJP's attempts to undermine democracy and subvert the Constitution, warning against the erosion of secular values in the name of religious politics. She emphasized the importance of consulting experts and considering the ecological and economic implications before implementing projects like the proposed railway line in southern Kashmir's Shopian district, which could adversely impact the region's delicate ecosystem and economy.

“Jammu and Kashmir, especially the valley, is environmentally a fragile zone. Its ecosystem is delicate. Our economy is dependent on the fruit industry. If you plan a railway line through every village without thinking about it, thousands of trees will be damaged. This will prove disastrous for our economy,” Mehbooba said.

SRINAGAR — Mohammad Rafiq Pandit, a retired inspector renowned for his social activism, has joined People's Democratic Party (PDP) and was welcomed into the partyfold by party president Mehbooba Mufti.

The occasion was marked by a ceremonial event attended by District President Pulwama Bari Andrabi, Ghulam Mohiuddin Wachi, Youth President PDP Waheed ur Rehman Para, and former MLA Anjum Fazli.

Rafiq Pandit, hailed as a prominant activist in Karimabad Pulwama, emphasised the strategic significance of his decision, stating, "My allegiance to the PDP stems from a deeply rooted dedication to the welfare and progress of Pulwama's populace.”

Mehbooba Mufti, in her welcoming address, underscored the importance of Rafiq Pandit's entry into the PDP fold.

She said addition of Mohammad Rafiq Pandit to the party exemplifies commitment to inclusivity and grassroots representation.

In a separate programme, DDC member Behibagh in Kulgam, Ruby Jan, also joined the PDP in the presence of party's Vice President A R Veeri.

SRINAGAR — In a significant announcement, National Conference (NC) Vice-President Omar Abdullah declared that his party would not forge an alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This decision comes amidst discussions surrounding seat allocations in the Kashmir region.

Omar Abdullah stated during a press conference that the NC was prepared to surrender the Anantnag-Rajouri seat to the Congress but firmly rejected any possibility of supporting the PDP in the constituency. Citing the PDP's poor performance in the last parliamentary elections, where it secured the third position, Abdullah emphasized that the party lacked substantial support in the region.

"We have already finalized our candidates for all three seats in Kashmir and will extend our support to Congress on both Jammu seats as well as the Ladakh seat. I am ready with my candidates and will announce them at our convenience," Abdullah asserted.

Meanwhile, responding to Omar Abdullah's stance, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti expressed disappointment, suggesting that NC's decision undermined the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). She affirmed her determination to consult with Congress, a crucial member of the INDIA bloc, before reaching a decision.

"I am a fighter. We will talk to Congress in this regard and will make our decision public soon," Mehbooba Mufti stated during a press conference in Srinagar.

SRINAGAR — Leaders across political spectrums extended warm greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, celebrated as 'Herath' by Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing the festival's significance in fostering harmony and unity among communities.

Awami National Conference (ANC) President Khalida Shah and Senior Vice President Mr Muzzafar Shah conveyed their heartfelt greetings to Kashmiri Pandits, recognizing Maha Shivratri's religious and cultural importance.

Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, greeted people on the auspicious occasion, recognizing the festival's values of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. She echoed sentiments of unity and prayed for peace and prosperity.

In a statement, ANC also stated, "Maha Shivratri, which our Pandit brethren celebrate as Herath, is one of the auspicious festivals. It has both religious and cultural significance, keeping our composite culture alive." They wished for a prosperous celebration, hoping the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to all.

Similarly, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, extended greetings, highlighting the festival's representation of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. He emphasized its role in teaching unity among diverse communities, praying for peace and prosperity.

Director General of Police, J&K, R.R Swain, acknowledged Maha Shivratri's profound significance, symbolizing strength and resilience. He paid tribute to police personnel and martyrs, urging citizens to join hands in fostering a secure environment, emphasizing values of unity and justice.

SRINAGAR — As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir heats up ahead of parliamentary elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly pushing for Mehbooba Mufti to contest the Pulwama-Srinagar parliamentary seat, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Amidst escalating tensions within the political sphere, particularly regarding the fate of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), the PDP's move to nominate Mufti for the crucial parliamentary seat signifies a bold assertion of its position within the coalition.

In a bid to dismantle the PAGD and sideline the PDP, the National Conference has adamantly opposed any potential seat-sharing agreement with its coalition partner, intensifying the rift between the two parties.

Recent reports suggest that PDP activists hailing from Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal, and Srinagar have rallied behind the party president, urging her to lead the charge in the parliamentary elections and amplify their voices on the national stage.

A leader within the PDP, speaking to the news agency KDC, emphasized the party's substantial support base in Pulwama and Shopian, underscoring the strategic significance of contesting the Pulwama-Srinagar seat. "Given our strong foothold in Pulwama and Shopian, securing victory in this constituency could prove decisive for the party," the leader remarked.

The PDP appears to be actively pursuing this strategy, leveraging its grassroots support and regional influence to bolster its electoral prospects amidst mounting challenges and political discord.

PULWAMA — An alleged job fraud has left a youth from southern Kashmir’s Awantipora stranded in Russia, where he finds himself caught up in the conflict in Ukraine, fighting for his life.

Azad Yousuf Kumar (32), son of Mohammad Yousuf Kumar, a resident of Poshwan village in the Awantipora area of Pulwama district, is currently stuck at the Russian border, entangled in a war with which he has no connection.

According to Azad's family members, he had initially planned to seek employment in Dubai. However, after contacting a YouTuber named Faisal Khan from Mumbai, who purportedly assists Indian youth in securing jobs abroad, Azad found himself in a situation far removed from his intentions.

“In December last year, he (Azad) left home to secure a job in Dubai. However, a few days later, he informed us that he was in Dubai. It later came to the fore that the consultancy agent had made him sign a contract in Russian, following which he was taken to Russia to participate in their conflict,” his family lamented.

Despite being in contact with him through social media, Azad's family was shocked to learn that instead of finding employment in Dubai, he was thrust into the turmoil of war-torn Russia, where he claimed to have been shot and injured by the Ukrainian Army.

With a four-month-old baby at home, his family members are gravely concerned about his safety and well-being. They have appealed to the authorities to intervene in the matter and facilitate Azad's safe return home. They have specifically requested the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs in ensuring his safe repatriation.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, wrote on X: “Request @DrSJaishankar ji @MEAIndia to intervene in facilitating the return of Azad Yousaf Kumar from Awantipora forcibly deployed into the Russian army to fight against Ukraine. The family is extremely distressed & worried about his safety.”

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement issued on Monday assured that every such case brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy in Moscow has been strongly pursued with the Russian authorities.

It said the cases brought to the attention of the Ministry have been taken up with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, which have led to the discharge of several Indian nationals.

“We remain committed, as a matter of top priority, to actively pursuing with the Russian authorities all the relevant cases of Indian nationals for an early discharge from the Russian army,” the MEA said.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday said that PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, a Z+ category protectee, has an extensive and sophisticated security arrangement designed to ensure her safety at all times.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNS, a spokesperson said that her security detail includes a team of 34 personnel, led by a Chief Security Officer of the rank of an Inspector.

“The security posse includes Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and a Close Proximity Team of specially trained personnel in close combat. It also includes protection on the move to ensure her security on road journeys,” reads that statement.

The statement comes in the wake of concerns raised by Mehbooba Mufti’s party and several politicians after she had a narrow escape in a road accident in Anantnag district yesterday.

As per the statement, she is provided a double escort of eight personnel from the paramilitary. “Her residence at Khimber is guarded by a strong contingent of paramilitary guard personnel. Her security convoy comprises multiple vehicles, including a vehicle-mounted jammer to neutralize electronic threats.”

It reads that there was a swift response post-accident by the police. “An alternative vehicle was deployed within an hour. It is noteworthy that the accident happened at Bijbehara which is at a distance of approximately 50 km from Srinagar from where the Special BP vehicle was despatched,” police said.

It added that some of the claims made by the party in the open media about what is part of Z+ security are not factually correct. “Ideally security arrangements of senior protected persons are not discussed in the public domain. However, it has become necessary to reassure our protectees, including party functionaries of PDP, that the security arrangements for Ms Mufti were and continue to be very much in place.”

Police further said that accidents unfortunately are many a times due to unforeseen factors and the road behaviour of other users.

SRINAGAR — Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), narrowly escaped injury on Thursday when her vehicle was involved in an accident in the Sangam area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

According to officials, the incident occurred on the roadside in Sangam. Despite the mishap, Mehbooba Mufti emerged unharmed, while her driver sustained minor injuries to his leg.

"Ms Mufti’s car met with a terrible accident en route Anantnag today. Thanks to the grace of God, she and her security officers escaped unhurt without any serious injuries," her daughter Iltija Mufti said.

A police officer, confirming the incident, stated that authorities promptly responded to the situation. Mufti continued her journey safely to Khanabal, where she planned to meet victims of a recent fire.