The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — J&K Peoples Conference (PC) President Sajjad Lone on Saturday hit out at Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah during a rally at Beerwah in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Lone, according to a statement, emphasised the urgent need for positive change, urging voters to cast their ballots in favour of the "Apple" symbol, representing growth, prosperity, and the collective identity of Kashmiris.

"I assure you that every vote cast in my favour will fill you with pride, contrasting with the regret many feel for supporting Omar Abdullah. His inward-looking approach stands in stark contrast to the aspirations of Kashmiris, who share an unfortunate history of oppression and suffering under NC's rule," he affirmed.

Expressing disappointment in the NC's track record, Lone lamented their consistent “failure” to deliver significant developmental projects for public welfare.

"This level of apathy and shamelessness is astounding. Despite repeated failures to fulfil the public mandate, Omar has the audacity to seek votes. He has lost credibility among the very people he once oppressed so cunningly. His propaganda against me and my party is as feeble as a cobweb, destined to be shattered by the votes of my beloved constituents," he asserted.

Addressing the gathering, DDC Chairman Budgam Nazir Ahmad Khan implored his supporters to wholeheartedly and fervently support the PC, delivering a resounding response to those stained with the blood of innocent Kashmiris.

"Let us stand united and resolute in our support for the PC and Sajad Sahib, sending a clear message to those responsible for the suffering of our people. Together, we will pave the way for dignity and progress in our beloved Kashmir," he said.

Notable leaders, including PC Senior General Secretary Imran Reza Ansari, senior leader Abid Ansari, Provincial President Kashmir Khurshid Alam, Political Secretary Tasaduq Yaseen, Vice President Central Kashmir and Incharge Khansahib Constituency Manzoor Wani, District President Mushtaq Lone, District Vice President Showkat Wani, District Secretary Budgam Ghulam Mohiudin Dar, and Coordinator North Kashmir Hilal Parvez, graced the occasion, symbolizing the unified front of the party, reads the statement.

PC decries EC's notice over song shared by JKPC President

The Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference on Saturday expressed its deep concern and disappointment over the recent notice, served by the Election Commission, “targeting” a song shared by PC President Sajjad Gani Lone on Twitter.

As per the news agency CNS, the JKPC in a statement said, "The video in question is not an official song of the party but rather a creation by Kashmiri youth. It embodies the heartfelt sentiments of the Kashmiri people, vividly portraying the enduring pain and suffering experienced in the region over decades. We firmly believe that sharing such a song, which reflects the painful history of the region, should not be seen as a violation of electoral norms.”

The party further urged the Election Commission to apply the rules uniformly and desist from selective scrutiny. “The fairness and equality are indispensable in preserving the integrity of the electoral process,” the JKPC said, adding, “It is disconcerting to observe a pattern where the Election Commission singles out our party for scrutiny while displaying leniency towards others. We firmly assert that mistakes of the past, such as those in 1987, characterized by biased approaches of the administration, should not be repeated.”

The JKPC further said that a level playing field must be extended to all political entities without prejudice.

“The Election Commission must avoid disparate treatment of political parties. Rules applied to JKPC should be uniformly applied to all political entities, including the NC,” the statement concluded.

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SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (PC) on Monday declared its president Sajad Gani Lone as the Lok Sabha candidate from North Kashmir.

In a statement, issued to the news agency KNO, the party's General Secretary Imran Raza Ansari said that the decision has been taken after extensive discussions with party leaders and workers over the past two weeks.

"It is with great pleasure that I formally announce that Sajad Lone has acceded to the demand of the party. He will be the candidate of the party from Baramulla Parliamentary seat," he said.

He stated that the party leadership wishes him the best and believes that the fiercest speeches on the floor of the Parliament, advocating the just cause of the people will finally be delivered by Sajad Lone after a painful wait of seven decades. "The people of J&K will finally get the chance to roar," he said.

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SRINAGAR — Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, President of the All JK Shia Association, has taken decisive action against recent derogatory remarks targeting the Shia community, filing an official complaint with the Station House Officer of Zadibal.

In the complaint, Mr Ansari addresses the dissemination of hateful rhetoric that has caused distress within the Shia community and has the potential to ignite tensions in society. He specifically cites a live video uploaded on Facebook by a user named Mudasir Aziz, wherein derogatory comments were made referring to the Shia community as "Rafizi."

Such language not only infringes upon the fundamental rights of individuals to practice their beliefs in peace but also perpetuates the marginalization and victimization of the Shia community, Mr Ansari asserts.

In his letter to the Station House Officer of Zadibal, Mr Ansari urges prompt and resolute action against those responsible for propagating hate speech. He underscores the importance of holding journalists and individuals accountable for their words and actions, particularly when they contribute to the marginalization of any community.

Mr Ansari calls for a thorough investigation into the incident and requests that appropriate legal measures be taken against the perpetrators. He also implores authorities to provide reassurance to the affected community and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In stressing the significance of upholding principles of tolerance, respect, and inclusivity, Mr Ansari expresses his confidence in law enforcement's commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

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