The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi declared on Monday at a rally in Srinagar that he would ensure that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood is restored and that outsiders do not rule the erstwhile state.

Addressing a rally in Shalteng area, he said, "We want to give you statehood so that you can choose your own development, and I guarantee you, not outsiders, who are ruling as king here, will rule you."

Gandhi assured the crowd that Congress would pressure the BJP to restore statehood. "If they don't, I guarantee we will."

Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, criticizing the BJP government's decision to revoke it as a "historic injustice." "Normally, Union Territories are upgraded to States, but they downgraded a State to a UT," he said.

He lambasted the BJP's divisive politics, fostering hatred and prioritizing billionaires' interests. "They made one language fight another, one state against another, and brother against brother."

Gandhi shared his experiences from the Bharat Jodo Yatra, where he travelled 4,000 kilometres to spread love and unity. "Wherever they sowed seeds of hatred, we sowed seeds of love and harmony."

He criticized the BJP government's economic policies, pointing out the waiver of Rs 16 lakh crore loans for 25 select individuals while neglecting the poor, farmers and youth. "They have destroyed small businesses with GST and failed to provide employment."

The Congress leader promised to provide 1 lakh jobs and Rs 3000 unemployment stipend to J&K youth. "We want J&K to regain its autonomy, take its own decisions, and develop."

BUDGAM — In a surprising turn of events, Sugra Barkati, daughter of independent candidate Sarjan Barkati, has emerged as a game-changer in the Beerwah Assembly segment elections.

Sugra, a dynamic and passionate campaigner, has been tirelessly rallying support for her father, snatching the night's sleep of mainstream politicians. Her relentless efforts have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, making her a household name in the constituency.

With her articulate speeches, Sugra has connected with voters, especially the youth and women. Her message of change, development, and accountability resonates deeply with the people.

Mainstream politicians, including those from the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Awami Ittehad Party, are taking notice of Sugra's impact. Her campaign has forced them to re-strategize and intensify their efforts.

"Sugra Barkati has brought a fresh energy to the campaign," said a local resident. "Her dedication and passion are inspiring, and she's making a real difference."

As the election draws near, Sugra's influence will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome. Will her efforts propel her father to victory, or will the mainstream parties regain ground? The people of Beerwah will decide.

In the meantime, Sugra Barkati remains a force to be reckoned with, shaking up the political landscape and redefining the dynamics of the election.

PULWAMA — National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Friday launched a scathing attack on Engineer Rashid, calling him an "agent" of the Centre. Abdullah said this while interacting with reporters in Shopian during an election rally.

When asked about Engineer Rashid's release from jail, Abdullah said, "You know this yourself. Everyone knows this. We are not afraid. No matter how many engineers are released, no one can destroy the National Conference."

The National Conference leader expressed his commitment to the people of Kashmir, saying, "I only have faith in Allah and I have faith in these people."

Dr Abdullah criticized PM Modi for his remarks on Muslim population growth, saying, "Muslims never steal anyone's Mangalsutra; they are committed and law-abiding people."

He emphasized that Muslims are not against India but against the forced imposition of religion and discrimination.

The National Conference leader condemned the "fake propaganda" spread by the BJP, alleging that they have "looted all of India."

He expressed concern over the aim of India being distorted to fuel fighting among communities. Dr Abdullah rejected the idea of an India where religion is used to discriminate and bulldozers are used to destroy Islamic schools.

Meanwhile, the NC patron also visited the residence of Bashir Ahmad Nengroo in Pulwama where a brief ceremony was held during which Bashir Nengroo announced his rejoining the National Conference.

While speaking to the media, Farooq Abdullah said the BJP is trying to divide people in the upcoming Assembly elections. He said the Centre is responsible for shattering the trust of people by taking decisions like August 5, 2019 (scrapping of Article 370).

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 — General Secretary CPI(M), Sitaram Yechury, passed away on Thursday in AIIMS, New Delhi after a brief illness.

On the demise of Yechury, the J&K State Committee CPI(M) paid homage to the leader by dipping the red banner in his memory and conveyed its deepest sympathy and condolences to his family members.

Yechury, who joined the Students' Federation of India (SFI) in 1974, was elected as the national President of SFI. A year later, he joined CPI(M).

Yechury was the topmost leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), an outstanding leader of the Left movement and a well-known Marxist ideologue.

He was a brilliant student who secured a first class in both his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in Economics. He joined the student movement at Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1974 and became a leader of the Students Federation of India.

Yechury was thrice elected as President of the JNU Students Union within a span of two years. He was the All India President of the Students Federation of India from 1984 to 1986 and played an important role in developing the student organisation as an all-India force.

Sitaram Yechury joined the CPI(M) in 1975. He was arrested during the emergency for his political activities. He was elected to the Central Committee of the Party in 1985 at the 12th Congress and he remained in the Central Committee till now. He was elected to the Central Secretariat in 1989 and to the Polit Bureau in 1992 at the 14th Congress of the Party.

He was elected as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) at the 21st Congress in 2015, a position he continued until now. As part of the leadership team at the Party Centre for over three decades, he played an important role in formulating the political positions of the Party from time to time.

As head of the International Department of the Central Committee, he participated in various international forums of Communist and progressive forces and strengthened relations with socialist countries and solidarity with anti-imperialist movements.

Sitaram Yechury was the Editor of the Party’s weekly paper, People’s Democracy, for over two decades. He was also a prolific writer. His other main contribution to the ideological field was his critique of Hindutva, which was published in his books – What is this Hindu Rashtra? and Communalism vs Secularism.

Yechury was a member of the Rajya Sabha for two terms from 2005 to 2017. He served as the leader of the CPI(M) group and was an effective parliamentarian. He was given the best parliamentarian award in 2017.

In the recent period, Sitaram Yechury devoted a lot of his time and energy towards forging a broad unity of the secular opposition parties, which took the shape of the INDIA bloc. In both the periods of the United Front government and later the UPA government, Sitaram was one of the key interlocutors for the CPI(M), which was supporting these coalitions.

Given his amiable temperament, he had a wide circle of friends across the political spectrum and in all walks of life. He was respected by all for his political integrity and commitment.

The untimely demise of Sitaram Yechury at this crucial juncture in national politics is viewed by CPI(M) as a big blow for them and a grievous loss for the Left, democratic and secular forces.

SRINAGAR — Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Engineer Rashid, has announced that he will support the INDIA bloc candidates in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections if they promise to restore Article 370 of the Constitution once they come to power at the Centre.

Rashid, who was recently released on interim bail, stated that he would direct his candidates to pledge their supporters' votes to the INDIA bloc if they assure him of their commitment to reinstating Article 370.

He emphasized that resolving the Kashmir issue is crucial for India to achieve its dream of becoming a global power. He criticized the government's actions on August 5, 2019, and accused them of snatching away the rights of Kashmiris.

Rashid also targeted National Conference and PDP leaders, saying they lacked the courage to fight for the restoration of Article 370. He expressed disappointment over Mehbooba Mufti's statement against him and claimed that Farooq Abdullah was aware of the Centre's plans to revoke Article 370 in advance.

The AIP leader denied that his Lok Sabha election win was due to sympathy votes, instead attributing it to his work on human rights and development. He also alleged that he was pressured to support a BJP proxy candidate in the Lok Sabha polls and was denied basic facilities in jail for refusing to do so.

SRINAGAR — On September 4, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack against Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, accusing him of acting like a monarch and "snatching" the Union territory's resources.

Speaking at a rally in Ramban on Wednesday, Gandhi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for denying J&K statehood five years after the revocation of its special status.

Gandhi, the former Congress president, drew parallels between the current administration and the region's erstwhile monarchical rule, which ended after India’s independence in 1947.

"Today, there is a 'king' named LG in J&K, who is taking your money and giving it to outsiders," Gandhi claimed. He vowed that his party would prioritize restoring J&K's statehood, asserting that the withdrawal of its autonomous status had not only stripped the region of its state identity but also diluted its people's rights and resources.

Gandhi further criticized the BJP's stance on statehood and elections, stating, "We wanted statehood restored first, and then elections. The BJP says elections first, then statehood. But we will push so hard that statehood will have to be returned, regardless of what the BJP wants."

The upcoming Assembly elections, set to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, will be the first in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370, which ended the region’s special status.

The Congress party and its ally, the National Conference, have agreed to contest the polls together, with the National Conference running in 51 of the 90 Assembly seats and Congress fielding candidates in 32. A friendly contest is expected on the remaining five seats.

LG Manoj Sinha's responds to RaGa's criticism

Responding to Gandhi's comments, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha challenged the opposition leader to gauge public sentiment through a secret ballot.

Speaking at Aaj Tak’s 'Panchayat' event in Srinagar on Thursday, Sinha said he would resign if less than 75% of the people said that progress had been made in J&K over the past five years.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) should take the opinion of the public. If more than 75% do not say that work has been done for their welfare, I will resign," Sinha declared. He added that his administration was committed to ensuring free and fair elections, noting that political activities were already underway in the region.

Sinha also emphasized that J&K has seen significant voter participation, with the highest turnout in a Lok Sabha election in 35 years recorded earlier this year. He maintained that the people of J&K, especially in the Valley, have faith in India's democracy.

Reaffirming his support for the region's future government, Sinha remarked, "Whichever party forms the next government in J&K will have my full support."

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that Article 370 is no longer part of the Constitution, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court, and urged the opposition to acknowledge this change.

SRINAGAR — The Rajpora Assembly segment in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district is set to witness a close contest between four candidates from three regional and one national party.

According to the news agency KNO, the five candidates in the running include Ghulam Mohiudin Mir of the National Conference (NC), Syed Bashir Ahmad of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Ghulam Nabi Wani of Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Mudasir Hassan of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Arshid Ahmad Bhat of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Ghulam Mohiudin Mir

A resident of Murran village in Pulwama district, Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir was the MLA for the Rajpora constituency in 1996 but has lost the last three consecutive elections to PDP candidates. He has been working hard over the past several months to win over voters and is considered one of the main contenders for the Rajpora seat.

Syed Bashir Ahmad Shah

Syed Bashir Ahmad Shah, a resident of the Rajpora area, won the Assembly elections twice, in 2002 and 2008. However, he was expelled from the PDP in 2014 for anti-party activities after the mandate was given to Haseeb Drabu, who went on to win the seat.

Syed later ran as an independent candidate and garnered around 5,500 votes. He briefly switched to the Apni Party but has now rejoined the PDP and is contesting the elections on the party's ticket, aiming for a third win.

Ghulam Nabi Niloora

An engineer by profession, Ghulam Nabi Niloora entered politics as his father and brother had both served as MLAs for NC on three occasions. His father, Ghulam Qadir Wani, passed away, and his brother, Nazir Ahmad Wani, was killed in the 1990s.

Despite his association with NC, Wani ran as an independent candidate in 2014 after being denied a mandate, receiving approximately 6,500 votes. Now contesting on a DPAP ticket, Wani is the only candidate from the Shahoora hamlet, which consists of about two dozen villages.

Analysts believe that if he can secure a good number of votes from his area, he could significantly influence the outcome.

Mudasir Hassan

Mudasir Hassan, a resident of the Rajpora area, is also emerging as a key contender. He enjoys strong support in his native area and has been conducting door-to-door campaigning to attract more voters, positioning himself as one of the top contenders for the seat.

Arshid Ahmad Bhat

Arshid Ahmad Bhat, a BJP candidate, has also been actively campaigning throughout the constituency and is expected to take a significant share of votes.

According to analysts, Ghulam Nabi Wani could once again split NC's votes, which could benefit the PDP. However, PDP's decision to field a candidate who was expelled in 2014 and only recently rejoined the party might pose challenges in mobilising workers, they said.

In 2014, Ghulam Mohiudin Mir and Ghulam Nabi Wani jointly received around 21,000 votes, while Drabu secured 18,000 votes, with the division in NC's votes benefiting PDP. A similar scenario could unfold again, according to analysts.

Votes from the Shahoora hamlet are expected to play a key role, and the outcome may hinge on this area.

AC 35-Rajpora is the largest constituency in the district, with 1,09,543 registered voters, including 54,554 males, 54,983 females, and 6 transgender individuals.

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has asked former MLA Wachi, Aijaz Ahmad Mir to appear before the NIA court in Jammu on September 11 as a witness in a case for recording his statement.

"The 'NIA vs Aadil Bashir Sheikh and others' case is fixed for prosecution evidence of Special Judge, NIA J&K at Jammu on 11-09-24 and your statement is required to be recorded on the said date of hearing," reads the notice of Special Public Prosecutor NIA J&K at Jammu to Aijaz.

"You are as such requested to cause your appearance before the Hon'ble Court on 11-09-24 at 10:00 am sharp without fail. In case you fail to appear before the court without just cause, appropriate action will be taken to compel your appearance before the court," it reads further.

In 2018, Aadil Bashir Sheikh, an SPO deployed with Aijaz Mir, the then MLA Wachi, decamped with seven rifles and other ammunition from the official residence of MLA in Jawahar Nagar Srinagar. The case was later handed over to the NIA for investigation.

SRINAGAR — Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) on Saturday announced a list of candidates for the remaining seats for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the list, Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, brother of jailed AIP supremo Er Rasheed, is to contest from the Langate seat.

Advocate Mursaleen from Sopore, Er Muneer Khan from Uri, Mohammad Muzaffar Dar from Rafiabad, Adil Nazir Khan from Gulmarg, Peerzada Firdous from Kupwara, Er Jahangir Khan from Khansahib, Abdul Majid Banday from Handwara and Ashok Kumar Raina from Chamb will contest the elections for AIP.

SRINAGAR — Jailed Er Rashid’s Awami Itihad Party (AIP) on Saturday released its manifesto ahead of Assembly elections in J&K in which it promised unconditional release of all prisoners languishing in jails.

Besides, the party said it will utilize its efforts to revoke laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Addressing a press conference here in Srinagar, the party leaders asserted that there will be a complete ban on liquor sales, besides free medical tests in the hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir if AIP is elected to power.

It maintained that AIP will work on the restoration of schemes and autonomous status of the University of Kashmir. Further, it also promised free computers to students who have qualified 8th standard.

“The party is committed to safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Let us have a chance to serve people. We will try our every bit to safeguard students and traders studying and working outside Jammu and Kashmir,” party leaders said.

It also added that the decades-old Darbar move, which was cancelled by the present dispensation a few years ago, will also be restored for the larger interest of Jammu and Kashmir.

Notably AIP chief, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail on charges of a 'terror-funding' case, has won Lok Sabha elections from north Kashmir’s Baramulla segment in April this year. He defeated his rival and former chief minister Omar Abdullah with a huge margin of votes.

JAMMU — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that there can be no talks with Pakistan until peace becomes a permanent feature in Jammu and Kashmir and that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time after Assembly polls.

“National Conference has advocated talks with Pakistan in its manifesto. Let me make it clear that there can be no talks with Pakistan until peace becomes a permanent feature in J&K,” Shah said while addressing a massive gathering in Jammu, as per the news agency KNO.

He kick-started the election campaign for the BJP and dared Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on the Gujjar-Bakerwal and Dalit reservation, stating that “no power can touch this reservation.”

Taking a jibe at the NC-Congress for claiming they will bring back the statehood to J&K, he said, “Perhaps, Rahul Baba and Omar are unaware of my August 5, 2019 speech where I have clarified that statehood will be restored to J&K post polls at an appropriate time.”

In a scathing attack on Rahul and Omar, the Union Home Minister said, “I wonder how they can bring back statehood. Can they clarify? It is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government that can give back the statehood to J&K.”

He said that it would be the first election in J&K when there is only one flag, one constitution and one Prime Minister. “Prime Minister is always one for the nation. From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, there is only one PM, that is Narendra Modi,” Shah said.

Shah asked the BJP workers to come along with four families early in the morning and finish voting by 11:30 am. Shah asked the workers to take a pledge that they would vote against Abdullahs, Muftis and Gandhis. He also raised the slogan: “Jahan Huway Balidan Mukherji, Wo Kashmiri Hamara hai.”

Shah said that as a politician, the people of Jammu and Kashmir should read the writing on the wall that NC-Congress can never form government in J&K. Lashing out at PDP for advocating cross-LoC trade, Shah said the profit earned out of the trade would directly go into the pockets of “terror mentors.”

Taking a jibe at NC for befooling people in the name of autonomy, Shah said it was because of this slogan that 40,000 people lost their lives in J&K in the past three decades. “Nobody can talk about autonomy now. Gone are those days,” he said.

Shah urged the BJP workers not to vote for NC, Congress and PDP as they want to revive terrorism, separatism and stone pelting in J&K. “These parties want the release of terror mentors and those who spent money to promote stone pelting. Do they deserve votes for this,” Shah asked as workers shouted “No”.

The Union Home Minister said that NC wants to change the name of Shankaracharya Hill to Takhtay Sulaiman. “We will not allow this, come what may,” he said.

He said that it was the NC that forced the then Maharaja of J&K, Hari Singh to flee Kashmir. “Later, what returned to J&K was the body of Hari Singh, who acceded to India in 1947,” he said.

JAMMU — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasizing the party's commitment to the region's development and integration with India.

Addressing the gathering, Shah highlighted the BJP's long-standing connection to Jammu and Kashmir, tracing it back to the struggles of Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He emphasized the party's belief in the region's integral role in India.

Shah also tackled the pressing issues of militancy and separatism, asserting that the BJP would not appease these forces like previous governments. He declared that the period between 2014 and 2024 would be remembered as a golden era in Indian and Jammu and Kashmir's history.

The Bharatiya Janata Party promised a range of initiatives across various sectors.

In the agriculture sector, the party has pledged to provide ₹10,000 to farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and reduce electricity rates for agricultural activities by 50%.

For employment, the BJP aims to generate 5 lakh job opportunities for the youth and ensure a fair recruitment process.

In education, as per the news agency KNT, the party promises to provide a travel allowance of ₹3,000 per year to college students under the Pragati Shiksha Yojana and add 1,000 new seats in medical colleges.

The manifesto also focuses on social welfare, with initiatives such as the Maa Samman Yojana, which will provide ₹18,000 per year to the senior-most woman in every household, and increase old age, widow, and disability pensions three times.

Infrastructure development is also a key focus area, with plans to complete important tunnel projects, construct 10,000 km of new rural roads, and initiate metro services in Jammu and Srinagar.

Additionally, the party has promised to rebuild and renovate Hindu temples and religious places and transform Jammu and Kashmir from a militant hotspot to a tourist spot.

A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for IT at Jammu City, an amusement park in Srinagar, and the development of Gulmarg and Pahalgam as modern tourist destinations will be the key elements of economic growth and infrastructure development in the Union Territory, it said in the manifesto.

The party aims to develop the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu, modelled after Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, and to promote water sports and tourism around Dal Lake in Srinagar.

For small traders and MSMEs, the BJP has pledged to resolve existing issues around land access, utility services and lease deeds. These measures are expected to boost local businesses and support economic growth.

In healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat Sehat Yojana will provide an additional ₹2 lakh in coverage, while the party has also pledged to speed up the rehabilitation process for displaced people.

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 — 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 — With the J&K Assembly elections around the corner, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has prohibited the use of children for election-related activities in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

As per the news agency CNS, the ECI has said that the directive is aimed at preventing child labour and exploitation in line with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986.

Giving a stern warning, ECI said that the political candidates and parties should refrain from getting children involved in any campaign activities, including rallies, chanting, and distribution of posters.

To check compliance with the given directive, the Commission has said that it will monitor adherence to these regulations closely and take legal action against any violations.

SRINAGAR — For the first time since the onset of militancy, a Kashmiri Pandit woman is running for office in Kashmir. Daisy Raina, a former Sarpanch of Trichal village in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district, is one of nine women candidates competing in the first phase of the Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled for September 18.

Raina is representing the Republican Party of India, a party allied with the NDA.

Speaking with the news agency KNO, Raina said she decided to enter politics after the encouragement of local residents, particularly the youth, who were “impressed” by her work as a Sarpanch over the past five years.

Daisy said the political and social environment in J&K has changed a lot since the 1990s. “Despite facing numerous challenges, I continued my work with strong support from the community,” she said, adding, “My candidacy is made possible by the support of local people with whom I have close relationships and am deeply involved in their lives.”

Raina said her main focus areas, if elected, would be addressing unemployment, improving access to potable water and reducing electricity bills. She expressed concern over the struggles faced by youth born after the 1980s, saying they have grown up amid conflict and hardship, including disruptions like Hartals and limited 2G network access.

“These individuals, who have persevered through these challenges, deserve employment opportunities and a dignified life,” she said.

The former Sarpanch also highlighted the impact of unemployment on mental health, saying the Hindu community, along with others, has experienced restrictions that confine their movement and limit their quality of life. “There is a need for increased efforts to foster integration and mutual welfare among different communities,” she said.

Choosing the Republican Party of India, which is associated with Dr B R Ambedkar, Raina expressed confidence that she could continue her positive work with the party's support.

She also criticised the current administrative practices, saying that qualified youth are often sidelined while officers are assigned multiple positions simultaneously.

In her message, Daisy Raina said that Hindu-Muslim unity is stronger on the ground. She lamented that due to unknown reasons, some people are showing that all isn't well in Kashmir.

“I encourage everyone to cast their votes in the upcoming elections to showcase the strong Hindu-Muslim unity that still exists,” she said.

SRINAGAR — The brother of Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh, who is the incarcerated founder and patron of the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), is set to fight the upcoming Assembly elections from Langate constituency on AIP's ticket.

As per the local news agency KNS, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has approved the request of Khursheed Ahmed Sheikh (Er Rashid's brother) for voluntary retirement from service.

According to an order from the School Education department, Khursheed Ahmed Sheikh, who worked at a school in Mawar, has been granted voluntary retirement effective from September 1, 2024.

Khursheed is expected to be the candidate for the AIP from the Langate segment. He will compete directly with Peoples Conference candidate Irfan Panditpuri in this segment.

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 — A total of 25 candidates have withdrawn their nomination papers for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, including five from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).

The withdrawn DPAP candidates, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, are Muhammad Aslam Goni (Bhaderwah), Fatima Begum (Inderwal), Muhammad Asif Khanday (Banihal), Girdhari Lal Bhau (Ramban) and Urfi Majid Wani (Doda).

Additionally, Bahadur Singh from the Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party and Arshid Mutheir from the Bahujan Samaj Party have also withdrawn their nomination papers.

The nomination papers of 36 candidates have been rejected. A total of 594 candidates have filed nomination forms so far.