Politics News in Jammu & Kashmir: Live Updates, Election News https://www.greaterkashmir.com/politics/ Your Window to the World Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:05:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://greaterkashmir.imagibyte.sortdcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-favicon-2-32x32.webp Politics News in Jammu & Kashmir: Live Updates, Election News https://www.greaterkashmir.com/politics/ 32 32 No objection of Pak will be entertained vis-à-vis hydel projects in Chenab, Indus basins: Union Power Minister https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu/no-objection-of-pak-will-be-entertained-vis-a-vis-hydel-projects-in-chenab-indus-basins-union-power-minister/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu/no-objection-of-pak-will-be-entertained-vis-a-vis-hydel-projects-in-chenab-indus-basins-union-power-minister/#respond Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:05:59 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=466027 Says PM Modi has given clear message to Pakistan by keeping Indus Water Treaty in abeyance

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Kishtwar, Jan 04: Months after India put the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said that no objection of Pakistan will be entertained vis-à-vis ongoing work on power projects in the Indus and Chenab basins in Jammu and Kashmir.

Khattar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), visited the Salal Hydroelectric Project and also conducted an aerial survey of the Sawalkot project today.

While talking to the reporters Khattar said, “No objections from Pakistan will be entertained.”

Replying to a query about these projects getting fast tracked after ‘Operation Sindoor,’ and what message he would like to give Pakistan, Khattar said, “Prime Minister Modi has given a clear message to Pakistan by keeping the Indus Water Treaty has been kept in abeyance. No objection of Pakistan will be entertained. Water of Chenab and Indus will be used for benefit of our own people.”

Asserting strict vigilance he said that no person with an unlawful background will be engaged in the ongoing hydel power projects in Kishtwar.

Asked would the government act against the family members of the active terrorists working in these projects or the ones who have bagged contracts, Khattar said, “Employment will be provided only to verified and law-abiding workers. Good people should get work. Those with unlawful backgrounds will not be engaged. Any information regarding workers will be verified through institutions. No adverse inputs have been received so far.”

On demands for probes into certain complaints, the Union Minister said routine issues would be addressed at the local level, while any serious matter would be examined as per procedure.

The Union Minister said, “Today I have come to Jammu and Kashmir for various projects. I visited the Salal Project and also conducted an aerial survey of Sawalkot (hydroelectric project). All our NHPC projects are underway. There were many challenges in this. The work has officially started today. By completing it on time, NHPC will generate 800 megawatts of electricity, which will make a significant contribution to the country’s power generation capacity.”

Referring to the challenges Khattar said, “While completing the 800-MW Sawalkot project there were many difficult situations, but the work has now officially started. The project will make a major contribution to the country’s power grid.”

The Union Minister said he reviewed multiple development works during his visit, including canal projects and works at Kowl Fort, and later inspected the final project site in Kishtwar.

He said construction and filling works have commenced, while excavation—described as a risky and technically challenging phase—has also been taken up.

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BJP MLAs holds meeting ahead of J&K Assembly’s Budget Session https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu-kashmir/bjp-mlas-holds-meeting-ahead-of-jk-assemblys-budget-session/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu-kashmir/bjp-mlas-holds-meeting-ahead-of-jk-assemblys-budget-session/#respond Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:48:08 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=466024 Senior BJP leader and MLA Surjit Singh Salathia said the party legislators are fully prepared to raise both constituency-specific issues and broader matters concerning the entire Union Territory during the assembly session

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Jammu, Jan 04: BJP MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir attended a meeting here on Sunday, discussing key political, organisational and public issues ahead of the Budget session of the Assembly that will begin on February 2.

A spokesperson of the party said the meeting of the BJP legislative party was chaired by the BJP’s Jammu Kashmir unit chief, Sat Sharma, at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar.

Sharma said the forthcoming assembly session holds critical importance for raising the genuine concerns of the people and asked BJP MLAs to aggressively question the government and ensure that issues affecting common citizens are forcefully and effectively presented on the floor of the house.

He hailed the Centre’s Rs 1430 crore relief package for the Union Territory to mitigate damage to public property and other infrastructure during last year’s floods, saying the assistance reflects the Narendra Modi government’s deep commitment to heal the wounds of the affected families.

Senior BJP leader and MLA Surjit Singh Salathia said the party legislators are fully prepared to raise both constituency-specific issues and broader matters concerning the entire Union Territory during the assembly session.

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Rajnath flags ‘alarming trend’ of educated people indulging in anti-national activities https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/rajnath-flags-alarming-trend-of-educated-people-indulging-in-anti-national-activities/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/rajnath-flags-alarming-trend-of-educated-people-indulging-in-anti-national-activities/#respond Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:36:26 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=465501 Singh pointed at the November 10 car bomb blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, where the perpetrators were found to be doctors

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Udaipur, Jan 02: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that an alarming trend of white-collar terrorism is emerging in the country, wherein highly-educated people are engaging in anti-social and anti-national activities.

Singh pointed at the November 10 car bomb blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, where the perpetrators were found to be doctors.

“Today, an alarming trend of white-collar terrorism is emerging in the country. Highly-educated people are working against society and the country,” Singh said at the 104th foundation day event of Bhupal Nobles’ University here.

“The perpetrators of the (Delhi) bomb blast were doctors – those who write ‘Rx’ on prescriptions, yet have RDX in their hands. This highlights the need for knowledge to be accompanied by values and character,” the defence minister said.

“The purpose of education is not only professional success but also the development of morality, ethics and human character,” he said.

The explosives-laden i20 car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10, killing 15 people, was driven by Dr Umar-un-Nabi.

The probe unravelled a ‘white-collar’ terror module, leading to the arrests of three doctors — Muzammil Ganai, Adeel Rather and Shaheena Saeed — among others.

Singh added that knowledge leads to competence, which leads to prosperity, and prosperity leads to righteousness, and ultimately, true happiness comes only from righteousness.

“Any education system that cannot fulfil this objective, which does not impart humility, a sense of character and ‘dharma’ (righteousness) along with knowledge, is incomplete,” Singh said.

“When I talk about religion, it should not be associated with going to the temple, mosque or church for prayer. Religion is a sense of duty. Education devoid of religion and morality will not be useful to society, and sometimes it can even prove fatal. This is why educated people are sometimes found to be involved in crimes,” Singh said.

Terrorists are not necessarily illiterate; they can hold university and college degrees, yet they become terrorists because they lack wisdom, the defence minister said.

“Therefore, wisdom is essential,” he said.

Singh also said that many defence startups are doing remarkable work in the country.

“I am confident that in the next 15-20 years, India will become fully self-reliant in weapons,” the defence minister said.

He also said that artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies are transforming people’s lives and work, and they must be used positively to drive India’s development.

India is the world’s fourth-largest economy, which is on track to become the third-largest by 2030, Singh said, noting that universities have a big role to play in this journey.

He also emphasised the importance of understanding the delicate balance between self-respect and ego, and urged people not to cross the fine line between the two.

“While the feeling of self-respect is important, it should never transform into arrogance,” Singh said.

Motivating students to have a big heart, Singh said, “Do not work with a small mind. The bigger your heart, the more the feeling of happiness.”

Calling teachers the strongest pillars of education, he said, “In India, teachers are viewed with respect. They have been the initiators of the greatest social changes in the country.”

He added that values are very important in life, and students should not develop a sense of ego.

Today, the world is facing problems such as environmental issues, health crises and digital ethics, which cannot be solved with a single discipline, Singh said.

“Solutions can only be found through a multidisciplinary approach. Universities must teach the students not only what to think, but also how to think. They must create an environment where students can think holistically,” he said.

“Mere publication in journals cannot be the ultimate goal of research; its goal should be to bring about changes on the ground, whether in policymaking or in finding solutions to other social problems. Universities should promote solution-driven research,” he added.

Chittorgarh MP C P Joshi, Nathdwara MLA Vishvaraj Singh and other political leaders were present on the occasion.

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Omar Abdullah promised one lakh jobs, delivered nepotism: LoP Sunil Sharma https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/omar-abdullah-promised-one-lakh-jobs-delivered-nepotism-lop-sunil-sharma/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/omar-abdullah-promised-one-lakh-jobs-delivered-nepotism-lop-sunil-sharma/#respond Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:30:19 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=465187 NC Government Betrayed Unemployed Youth, Misled People with Empty Promises

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Jammu, Jan 01: Leader of Opposition Shri Sunil Sharma today launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) government, accusing it of institutionalising nepotism and betraying the aspirations of unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sunil Sharma said that despite tall promises made during elections, the Omar Abdullah-led government has failed to generate employment opportunities for deserving youth. Instead of opening doors for educated and qualified young aspirants, the government has resorted to re-employing retired officials through questionable administrative decisions.

He pointed out that a recently reappointed retired officer—reportedly a close relative of a senior political leader—was brought back into service through orders issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). Earlier, another retired official was similarly accommodated in the Tourism Department.

Terming these actions as “anti-youth and anti-merit,” the Leader of Opposition said the NC government has severely eroded public trust and reduced its promise of providing one lakh jobs to a mockery.

“Omar Abdullah promised one lakh jobs to unemployed youth. What has been delivered instead is blatant nepotism, where posts are handed out to relatives and favourites. This betrayal of public trust is unacceptable, and the government must immediately put an end to such unethical and corrupt practices,” Shri Sharma said.

Targeting the NC government’s welfare claims, Sharma dismissed the promise of subsidised electricity as misleading and deceptive.

“Where are the 200 free electricity units promised in the last budget session? Even under the Prime Minister’s Surya Urja Muft Bijli Yojana, nearly eight lakh registered families in Jammu and Kashmir are still waiting. This government survives on false assurances and repeated failures,” he stated.

The Leader of Opposition further said that the NC government has failed comprehensively on major fronts, including employment generation, governance, and development.

“They remain engaged in rhetoric and diversionary narratives, while development on the ground remains stagnant. Projects completed during the Lieutenant Governor’s administration are now being projected by NC ministers merely for publicity and photo opportunities,” he added.

Referring to his recent visit to Assam, Sunil Sharma expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s growing strength across the country.

“The BJP is poised to form the government in Assam for the third consecutive time, and West Bengal will follow. The people of India are choosing development, transparency, and good governance over deception,” he concluded.

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LG, CM, others greet people on New Year https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu-kashmir/lg-cm-others-greet-people-on-new-year/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu-kashmir/lg-cm-others-greet-people-on-new-year/#respond Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:29:20 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=464957 "I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the citizens. The New Year festivity brings new hopes and opportunities in our life," LG said

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Srinagar, Dec 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Minister Sakina Itoo today extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on New Year occasion.

In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said, “On the occasion of the New Year, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the citizens. The New Year festivity brings new hopes and opportunities in our life.

Let us commit ourselves towards building a happier and healthier society and to take J&K to new heights of development and prosperity. Let us also dedicate ourselves to ensure the welfare and progress of Bharat and pledge to take on the future challenges to realise our dreams, preserve our core values to align it with the life goals and give shape to our aspirations.

May this New Year brings joy and prosperity to everyone”.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended warm New Year greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and wished them peace, prosperity and good health in the year ahead.

In his message, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the New Year would usher in renewed optimism, harmony and opportunities for progress across Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the occasion offers a moment to reflect on shared aspirations and to reaffirm collective commitment towards building a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.

“May the New Year bring happiness to every household and inspire us to work together with dedication and mutual respect for the overall development and well-being of our society,” the Chief Minister said.

Omar Abdullah also called upon all sections of society, especially the youth, to contribute positively towards peace, unity and sustainable growth, and to play an active role in shaping a brighter future for the region.

The Chief Minister prayed for a year marked by stability, economic growth and strengthened bonds of brotherhood among the people.

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, also extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of New Year 2026, wishing them peace, prosperity and happiness.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government remains firmly committed towards sustaining the developmental agenda with renewed vigour, ensuring that the benefits of growth and progress reach every section of the society.

He emphasized that the focus will continue to be on improving ease of living, strengthening the basic infrastructure and delivering citizen-centric services in an efficient and transparent manner.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the resolve to provide equitable opportunities, inclusive growth and social justice will guide the government’s policies not only in 2026 but in the years to come. He added that special emphasis will be laid on youth empowerment, employment generation, infrastructure development and welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections of the society.

Highlighting the rich social fabric of J&K,  he said that Jammu and Kashmir has always stood as a shining example of secularism, harmony and mutual coexistence.

On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister called upon the people to extend their wholehearted support and cooperation to the administration in its efforts to revitalise all sectors, strengthen peace and work collectively towards building a peaceful, progressive and developed Jammu and Kashmir.

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo also extended her heartfelt New Year 2026 greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, expressing hope that the coming year will bring prosperity, and improved wellbeing for all sections of society.

In her greetings, the Minister said that the New Year is a time for renewed optimism and collective resolve to work towards a healthier and more inclusive future. She emphasized on the importance of unity, compassion and shared responsibility in overcoming challenges and building a stronger healthcare system.

Sakeena Itoo highlighted the government’s continued commitment towards responsive and people centric governance, with focus on strengthening and upgrading developmental landscape across length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir. She expressed confidence that sustained efforts and public cooperation would lead to meaningful progress in every sector in the year ahead.

The Minister also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of entire Jammu and Kashmir.

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Aga Ruhullah, CM Omar differ in approach, not in objective; says Chaudhary Ramzan https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/aga-ruhullah-cm-omar-differ-in-approach-not-in-objective-says-chaudhary-ramzan/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/aga-ruhullah-cm-omar-differ-in-approach-not-in-objective-says-chaudhary-ramzan/#respond Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:04:08 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=464392 Political differences don’t mean party defiance, he said

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Srinagar, Dec 29: National Conference senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Chaudhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday said that Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s comments reflect a different approach to issues, not opposition to the National Conference, and said they continue to meet regularly during Parliament sessions.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Ramzan said internal debate should not be seen as disloyalty. “Aga Ruhullah and the chief minister Omar Abdullah have different approaches to solving issues,” he said. “This difference in modus operandi does not mean he (Aga Ruhullah) is against the National Conference. If he were against the party, he would have resigned.”

He added that they often discuss parliamentary issues together. “We met in the Parliament and shared ideas almost every day. He is a young leader with passion. He has to play a long political inning. May Allah give him good health and help him fulfil his aspirations”, Chaudhary said.

On administrative powers in the Union Territory, Chaudhary said the elected government still does not have full authority. He added that most powers remain with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) office, and that clear business rules are needed to define the roles of the LG, the cabinet, and elected representatives.

“We raised this issue in the Parliament, asking what was the purpose of elections if the elected government and MLAs still don’t have powers,” he said.

Responding to questions about CM Omar praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chaudhary said the Prime Minister’s position naturally invites respect.

Chaudhary said that the elected government received a strong mandate, but full powers promised after delimitation are yet to be restored. “Delimitation has happened, elections were held, but statehood has not been restored yet. This is our biggest priority,” he said.

On the issue of violence and attacks on Kashmiri residents outside the UT, Chaudhary condemned mistreatment of J&K youth and workers. He said the Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed all state administrations to ensure fair and respectful treatment to people from Jammu and Kashmir, and that action has already begun against those involved in violence.

Talking about J&K prisoners lodged outside the UT, Chaudhary said many are held in minor cases without proper facilities. He said the Home Minister assured legal assistance, medical support, and family access for such prisoners.

Regarding reservation, the NC leader Chaudhary said his party supports it and had included it in their manifesto. He said a Cabinet Sub-Committee submitted its report under Supreme Court guidelines. “The UT cabinet approved it and sent it to the Lieutenant Governor. Once signed, reservation will be implemented,” he said.

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Congress considers Bangladeshi infiltrators as vote bank, BJP to send all of them back: Amit Shah https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/congress-considers-bangladeshi-infiltrators-as-vote-bank-bjp-to-send-all-of-them-back-amit-shah/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/congress-considers-bangladeshi-infiltrators-as-vote-bank-bjp-to-send-all-of-them-back-amit-shah/#respond Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:20:30 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=464390 Shah alleged that the cultural identity of the state's people was "gradually weakened under the influence of the infiltrators"

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Borduwa (Assam), Dec 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday accused the Congress of considering Bangladeshi infiltrators, who threatened Assam’s people, their culture, land and identity, as its vote bank.

Addressing a public rally here, Shah said the Centre would identify all illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country, not only from Assam but also from the rest of India, and send them back.

He also claimed that the enactment of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) (IMDT) Act in 1983 gave the infiltrators legal protection.

The Act was later scrapped by the Supreme Court.

“I assure the people of Assam from the holy place of Batadrava that the BJP government will identify all Bangladeshi infiltrators and send them back,” he said.

Shah alleged that the cultural identity of the state’s people was “gradually weakened under the influence of the infiltrators”.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only ensured the protection of the cultural identity of the Assamese people but also focused on all-around development of the state”, he said.

“The Congress government was in power for so long, but it did nothing in memory of the martyrs of the Assam movement against infiltrations. It was due to the efforts of the BJP governments at the Centre and the state that such a grand memorial was dedicated to the nation this month,” Shah said.

The home minister paid homage to martyrs of the Assam Agitation, a movement against illegal immigrants, at the ‘Swahid Smarak Kshetra’ in Guwahati.

He asserted that the last ten years of the BJP rule in the state will be considered a “golden era”, adding “Modi has come to the North East 80 times and to Assam 36 times during the last 11 years since he became the Prime Minister”.

Taking a dig at former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Shah claimed, “The Congress talks about the welfare of the people of Assam, which had sent him to Rajya Sabha for 12 years, but he had come to the state only seven times, twice for filing his nomination papers”.

“For him (Manmohan Singh), Assam’s development, culture and peace were just a matter of speech as for years the state had suffered from various agitations and violence,” he alleged.

During the Congress-led UPA rule, Assam received only Rs 1,28,000 crore in 10 years, but Modi has given Rs 15 lakh crore for the development of Assam since 2014, Shah claimed.

”This is the difference between the Congress and the BJP. They (Congress leaders) give speeches, but the BJP works,” he said.

The home minister inaugurated the Rs 227-crore redeveloped Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, here in Nagaon district.

Shah said it was a historic occasion that the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva has been “freed from encroachment”.

“Sankardeva’s birthplace was under the control of infiltrators, but today it has been freed from encroachers, and the place has been converted into a world-class tourist destination,” he said.

Shah also asserted that the state government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has “freed over 1 lakh bighas of land from Bangladeshi infiltrators”.

The illegal immigrants had even encroached forest land in Kaziranga National Park, but these plots were taken from the clutch of infiltrators by the state government, he said.

“Give the BJP another five years to ensure infiltrator-free Assam…We will identify all Bangladeshi illegal immigrants not only from Assam but also from the rest of India,” Shah told people at the rally.

Asserting that Vaishnavite saint Sankardeva had given the call of ‘Ek Bharat’ against those who wanted to break up the nation, the home minister said, “The PM is now following this call. I am lucky that I am inaugurating the project for the redevelopment of the site where the revered saint was born.”

Shah said the grand new construction will once again rekindle the faith of neo-Vaishnavism, which the saint had initiated 500 years ago across the state.

”I had also done the ‘Bhumi pujan’ for the renovation of the site on December 26, 2020, and I am grateful to the Assam government for giving me the chance to inaugurate the site,” he said.

Batadrava Than is not a place of worship but also “a symbol of Assamese life, culture, ideals and an unifying force for all communities of the state”, he said.

Shah pointed out that the sacred ‘Vrindavani Vastra’, woven under the guidance of Sankardeva, will also be brought to Assam as the BJP governments at the Centre and the state have been making efforts in this endeavour.

He recalled the contribution of Assam’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bardaloi to ensure that the state became a part of India.

”It was Bardaloi who compelled Jawaharlal Nehru to make Assam a part of the country, and I bow my head in respect to him (Bardaloi),” he said.

Shah also said the Prime Minister has taken steps to ensure peace and development in Assam, which is “not only on paper but a reality”.

The BJP government during the last 11 years have signed peace accords with various militant outfits in the state and 92 per cent of the clauses of these agreements have been fulfilled, he added.

Assam is “no longer considered a place of agitation and violence” but has become a “land of development”, Shah said.

”There was a time when Assam was considered a problematic state in Delhi, but yesterday when I met industrialists in Gujarat, they said that Assam is the growth engine of the entire North East and taking the lead in development,” he added.

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MP Er Rashid proposes population-based reservation for J&K to HM Amit Shah https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu-kashmir/mp-er-rashid-proposes-population-based-reservation-for-jk-to-hm-amit-shah/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu-kashmir/mp-er-rashid-proposes-population-based-reservation-for-jk-to-hm-amit-shah/#respond Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:14:35 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=464130 Says such a step would bring “clarity, fairness and renewed confidence" among the youth and marginalised groups of J&K

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New Delhi, Dec 28: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Sunday said that incarcerated Member of Parliament from Baramulla Er Rashid has written a detailed letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposing a concrete and rational solution to the long-pending reservation issue in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued , Inam Un Nabi said that in his letter, Er Rashid has underlined that the existing reservation structure in J&K has created widespread uncertainty and dissatisfaction as it does not proportionately reflect population strength and regional distribution. Inam quoted Er Rashid as stating that there is a “strong sentiment that the existing model requires a fair and transparent reassessment” to restore public confidence.

Inam Un Nabi said MP Er Rashid has strongly advocated a population-based reservation framework, stressing that reservation in Jammu and Kashmir should be determined “strictly in accordance with the population of each community at the District level, Divisional level and UT level.” According to Er Rashid, such a model would ensure fair representation for all sections, including Open Merit candidates / general category applicants and people living in remote, backward and marginalised areas such as ST-I and ST-II pockets. He wrote that a framework grounded in demographic reality would address long-standing grievances and align opportunities with the actual social composition at every administrative tier.

Inam Un Nabi further said that the jailed MP has also made a significant employment-oriented appeal to the Home Minister seeking 2 per cent reservation for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in recruitments to paramilitary forces across the country. Quoting the letter, he said Er Rashid has argued that extending such special consideration would provide an important and dignified avenue of employment to the youth of the Union Territory and help channel their energies in a positive direction.

Inam Un Nabi said Er Rashid has urged the Home Minister to personally intervene to revisit the reservation structure through a population-sensitive model, stating that such a step would bring “clarity, fairness and renewed confidence among the youth and marginalised groups of the Union Territory.” Inam Un Nabi said the party believes that Er Rashid’s suggestions offer a balanced, constitutional and practical roadmap to resolve the reservation controversy in Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed that AIP will continue to press for a just, transparent and inclusive policy that safeguards by both merit and social justice. (KNS)

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Farooq Abdullah justifies, Sadiq criticises: NC split as admin foils reservation protest https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/farooq-abdullah-justifies-sadiq-criticises-nc-split-as-admin-foils-reservation-protest/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/farooq-abdullah-justifies-sadiq-criticises-nc-split-as-admin-foils-reservation-protest/#respond Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:44:57 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=464114 Dr Farooq Abdullah said his government is focused on development and stability in the Valley, but some leaders are uncomfortable with the ongoing progress and seek unrest

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Srinagar, Dec 28: National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday defended the detention of leaders after a student protest on reservation issues in Jammu and Kashmir was foiled, while the party’s spokesperson and legislator Tanvir Sadiq criticized authorities for placing Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi under house arrest and detaining student leaders.

The protest, which was scheduled for today at 11 AM in Srinagar, could not take place as security forces blocked gatherings following the detention of JKNC MP Ruhullah Mehdi and other leaders.

Responding to a question about the house arrest of several leaders after their planned protest over reservation was foiled, Abdullah in Pahalgam said his government is focused on development and stability in the Valley, but some leaders are uncomfortable with the ongoing progress and seek unrest.

“They don’t like that the government is progressing. They want turmoil in the Valley. We won’t let that happen,” he said, adding that turning the reservation issue into street conflict or political tension would not benefit society.

Abdullah emphasized that the government should be questioned on demands rather than pushed toward unrest. “Tell those leaders what are they asking for? Our government is doing its best,” he said.

He urged youth to remain united and move forward peacefully, highlighting harmony, brotherhood, and friendship.

In contrast, Tanvir Sadiq condemned the detention of student leaders and Ruhullah Mehdi’s house arrest, calling the move “deeply troubling” and “unjustified.”

He questioned why earlier protests directed at the elected government were allowed while today’s peaceful demonstration, related to a pending Cabinet decision at Raj Bhavan, was suppressed. “Let’s be clear: we did not stop students from exercising their legitimate democratic right to protest when the anger was directed towards the elected government. And we will not abandon them now simply because their peaceful protest is directed at Lok Bhavan,” Sadiq said.

Sadiq added that the NC government had delivered a report on rationalizing reservation quotas promptly, transparently, and in good faith, and stressed that students’ democratic rights must be safeguarded. (KNS)

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PDP’s Kath Baath reaches Anantnag, Mehbooba says outreach meant to break ‘suffocation’ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/pdps-kath-baath-reaches-anantnag-mehbooba-says-outreach-meant-to-break-suffocation/ https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/pdps-kath-baath-reaches-anantnag-mehbooba-says-outreach-meant-to-break-suffocation/#respond Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:07:07 +0000 https://www.greaterkashmir.com/?p=464106 She said peaceful protest was a democratic right and expressed concern that even that space was shrinking

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Anantnag, Dec 28: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday reached out to residents of her home district Anantnag, saying her party’s outreach initiative was aimed at ending what she described as a sense of “suffocation” among people since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August, 2019.

Addressing a gathering after the conclusion of the party’s Kath Bath programme in Anantnag town, Mufti said the PDP was not there to make long speeches but to listen to people’s concerns.

“I know since August 5, 2019, everyone here feels suffocated. They have nowhere to go with their problems,” Mufti said. “We are not here to give long speeches, but to listen to your voices.”

The PDP had earlier organised similar outreach programmes in Srinagar, the summer capital, and Jammu, the winter capital of the Union Territory.

People from various sections of society, including traders, civil society members, lawyers and unemployed youth, raised issues ranging from unemployment and rising prices to lack of sports infrastructure and alleged curbs on dissent.

“You spoke your heart out, but still there were several issues you could not express, as voices of dissent have been curbed for long,” Mufti said. “This outreach is aimed at ending that suffocation. I will take forward your concerns on whatever platform I can – whether with the UT government or in New Delhi.”

Mufti said peaceful protest was a democratic right and expressed concern that even that space was shrinking.

“Peaceful protest is our democratic right, whether it is about unemployment, reservation or development,” she said. “But what we are seeing is that even this has been criminalised.”

She cited the alleged prevention of leaders from joining solidarity protests on reservation with students. “Whether it is Aga Ruhullah, Waheed Parra or Iltija, they were not allowed to join peaceful protests scheduled today,” she said.

On the issue of reservations, Mufti said educated youth had every right to express their concerns. “The issue of reservation concerns everyone,” she said.

The PDP chief also opposed any proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, Chile or the United States, warning it could hurt Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector. She said a similar agreement with New Zealand had already affected local apple growers.

“A deal like this exposes our farmers to unfair imports,” Mufti said. “Flooding markets with imported apples risks destroying the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture.”

She said Kashmir was self-sufficient in sectors such as power and horticulture but was unable to reap benefits. “Even our tourism has suffered a severe blow,” she added.

Mufti said she had been raising issues related to prisoners lodged in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir and the denial of passports to educated youth on the pretext of verifications or adverse reports without any genuine reason.

“Youth also raised the lack of sports academies, whether cricket, football or other sports,” she said. “Others spoke about skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and unemployment. I will take these up with the government.”

She also expressed concern over what she described as harassment of Kashmiri youth and Muslims outside Jammu and Kashmir.

“A Hindu was lynched in Bangladesh and everyone rightly condemned it,” Mufti said. “But here in our country, such incidents have been happening frequently. This has to stop as it damages the secular and pluralistic fabric of our country. Hindus , Muslims and other religions should live in harmony like they do in Jammu and Kashmir

Earlier, a tribal youth raised concerns about displacement and lack of representation. “We don’t have any representative to plead our case, so we request you to be our voice,” he told Mufti.

Another youth emphasized on the need for prison reforms. “Undertrials should not be dehumanised. They are innocent till proven guilty,” he said.

Concluding the programme, Mufti said dissent must have space in a democracy. “We want there to be a place for dissent and for people to be given space to talk,” she said.

She said her party stood for “peace with dignity.”

“What we want is that every Kashmiri should be able to walk with their head held high,” Mufti said. “My father and party’s founder – Mufti Muhamad Syed strived for the same all through  his life despite being in opposition mostly.  So ,taking a leaf from him, we too have decided to carry forward his legacy rather than waiting for elections.

“What we want is that youth should not be pushed to the wall, so that the situation does not arise where this lava finally erupts.”

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