Greater JK

03/06/2026

Muzaffar Shah Questions Mehboob's 'All-Party' Initiative, Asks: Where Are Gujjars, Paharis, MMU and Other Stakeholders?

Slams PDP, NC Over Failure to Address Reservation, Unemployment and Statehood

Srinagar, June 03: Senior Vice President of the Awami National Conference (ANC), Muzaffar Shah, on Wednesday questioned former Chief Minister Mehbooba M***i's proposed political unity initiative, arguing that any meaningful all-party engagement must include all stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir rather than a select group of political actors.

Addressing a press conference, Shah was accompanied by Shuja Zafar of the Jammu Muslim Front, along with ANC Vice Presidents Abdul Lateef Khan and Nazir Pandit. During the interaction, he raised concerns over the structure and intent of the proposed outreach, which has recently sparked a public exchange between former Chief Minister Mehbooba M***i and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Shah noted that while the proposed initiative seeks to engage political parties, religious organizations and even the BJP, several crucial stakeholders have been left out.

He pointed out that institutions such as the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other prominent religious figures, along with political leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Apni Party, Gujjar, Bakarwal and Pahari representatives, Christian communities, Shia organizations from Jammu, the Bar Association, Akali groups and the Rajput Sabha, have not been adequately acknowledged in the proposed framework.

Recalling the formation of the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Shah said the concept of political unity was not new and had already been pursued through a broader all-party platform that sought to bring together diverse political and social groups. He questioned why many of those stakeholders now appear absent from the current proposal and warned that any exercise that excludes key voices cannot truly represent the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Criticizing the public exchanges between Mehbooba M***i and Omar Abdullah, Shah said the initiative was being weakened before it had even begun. He argued that public letters, social media posts and political taunts were undermining the credibility of a process that was supposedly intended to foster unity, warning that such conduct could become the final blow to an already fragile political consensus.

The ANC leader also questioned the political establishment's record on major public issues, stating that reservation concerns, unemployment and the plight of daily wagers remain unresolved. He asked why no all-party meetings had been convened to address these pressing matters and referred to the recent demolition of 35 houses in Sidhra, Jammu, while also raising concerns regarding the implementation of court orders related to land disputes in the Marble Market area.

Shah maintained that any serious political initiative must focus on Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional, legal and administrative challenges, including Article 370, Article 35A and the restoration of Statehood. He said several stakeholders, including petitioners before the Supreme Court, the Bar Association and political groups such as the CPM, continue to pursue the constitutional struggle, while many elected representatives have failed to demonstrate the same commitment.

Expressing disappointment over the lack of progress on Statehood, Shah said Jammu and Kashmir's 52 MLAs have been unable to secure any tangible outcome despite repeatedly raising the issue over the past two years. He argued that a determined and united political leadership could have exerted far greater pressure to advance the cause.

Holding mainstream political parties responsible for weakening the PAGD and the larger unity movement, Shah said leaders who once championed collective action had themselves contributed to the fragmentation of that platform. He warned that continued public infighting and political point-scoring would only further damage public confidence.

Announcing the ANC's future plans, Shah said the party would soon present a comprehensive proposal aimed at bringing together every stakeholder in Jammu and Kashmir, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Kashmiri Pandits and all sections of society. He also criticized the political leadership for failing to make meaningful progress on the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits over the past two years.

Stressing the need for seriousness and inclusivity, Shah said Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford another flawed political exercise and urged all stakeholders to focus on safeguarding the region's constitutional, political and social interests through genuine and broad-based unity.

03/06/2026

BREAKING NEWS: Members of the Kashmir Gulkaar Society have tendered their resignations with immediate effect. The development has sparked widespread discussion, with further details emerging in the video.

01/06/2026

“Mungeri Lal” Ke Haseen Sapnay Humahare LoP Sahab Daikh Rahe Hai…… He Should Come Out of those Dreams and Face Reality — MLA Zadibal and Chief Spokesperson Of NC

31/05/2026

30/05/2026

Congress Delegation Visits Galwanpora to Extend Sympathy and Solidarity with Family of Brutally Murdered 12-Year-Old Girl

Srinagar, May 30: A high-level delegation from the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee visited the grief-stricken village of Galwanpora to extend deep sympathy and solidarity with the family of a 12-year-old girl who was brutally r***d and murdered earlier this month.

Acting on the direct instructions of senior Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Tariq Hameed Karra, the delegation was led by Advocate Irfan Hafiz Lone, MLA Wagoora, and included prominent party leaders Nisar Ahmad Mandoo, Senior Congress Leader; Dr. Audil Farooq Mir, District President Srinagar and Budgam (Lasjan); Er. Muzaffar Dar; Sameer Sultan Bhat, Incharge Budgam; Shareef Beigh; Abdul Majid; and Yasir Mandoo.

The horrific incident has sent shockwaves across the Kashmir Valley, sparking widespread public outrage and protests demanding swift justice.

During the visit, the Congress leaders personally met the bereaved family, offered their heartfelt condolences, and extended complete sympathy and solidarity in this hour of immense pain. They assured the family of the party’s unwavering support in pursuing justice and standing firmly by them through this tragedy.

Advocate Irfan Hafiz Lone strongly condemned the barbaric crime, stating that this monstrous act has shaken the conscience of the entire society. He added that the r**e and murder of an innocent 12-year-old child is a stain on our collective humanity.

"On behalf of JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra sahab and the entire Congress party, we extend our deepest sympathy and solidarity to the grieving family," a delegate said.

They added that Congress demands a fast-track investigation, immediate arrests and the strictest possible punishment for the perpetrators so that no family has to endure such unimaginable suffering again.

The delegation also called upon the administration to take immediate steps to strengthen safety and security for women and children, particularly in rural areas, to prevent such heinous incidents in the future.

25/05/2026

“Conscience of Kashmir Bleeding”: Zaffer Mir demands ruthless justice in Galwanpora minor’s r**e-murder case

Calls the crime as ‘Savagery Beyond Humanity’; Urges civil society to unite against predatory elements targeting children

Srinagar, May 26: PDP Senior Leader Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) on Monday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the brutal r**e and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Galwanpora area of Budgam, describing the horrific crime as an act of unfathomable barbarity that has shattered the conscience of the entire J&K and beyond.

In a powerful and strongly worded statement, Zaffer articulated the collective outrage of a grieving society, emphasizing that the atrocity in Budgam is not merely a localized tragedy, but a severe fracture in the moral and social fabric that requires an immediate, iron-fisted response from the administration and the judiciary.

He underscored that crimes of such monstrous proportions demand a departure from conventional, protracted legal proceedings, calling instead for a fast-tracked, transparent investigation that leaves zero room for systemic loopholes or legal evasion.

Condemning the incident in the strongest possible terms, Zaffer laid bare the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for a unified front against predatory elements.

“I am shaken, horrified & enraged,” the senior PDP leader stated. “The r**e & murder of a 12-year-old in Galwanpora-Budgam is savagery beyond words. Justice must be ruthless, without leniency. Moreover, civil society must stand with police to crush forces hell-bent on harming our children & society at large.”

Zaffer stressed that any delay or leniency in delivering justice would be a secondary injustice to the young victim and a dangerous concession to criminal elements who threaten the safety of the most vulnerable.

Beyond the immediate judicial and administrative response, he highlighted the indispensable role of collective societal vigilance in preventing future atrocities.

Zaffer urged civil society, community leaders and ordinary citizens to step out of the shadows of silence and actively cooperate with law enforcement to identify and root out such evils before they strike again.

"The tragedy in Galwanpora-Budgam serves as a grim and undeniable wake-up call for the region to dismantle any lingering complacency and proactively safeguard its female child in particular," he said.

23/05/2026

Member Parliament Aga Ruhullah has criticized the move to grant constitutional safeguards/guarantees to Ladakh, saying it is a “slap” to Jammu & Kashmir leadership

23/05/2026

Congress holds SSA-II twin district meetings at Shalimar, Lasjan to strengthen grassroots structure

Dr Audil Farooq Mir & Irfan Hafeez Lone calls for stronger public outreach during SSA-II meetings in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 22: As part of the ongoing Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan (SSA)-II, twin district-level meetings were held today at Shalimar and Lasjan aimed at strengthening the grassroots organisational structure of the Congress party in Srinagar district.

The meetings were conducted in the presence of DCC President Srinagar Dr. Audil Farooq Mir Lasjan, who was accompanied by MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone, senior party leader Prof. Jhangir Danish, while Fayaz Ahmad Mir and Danish Khan joined the deliberations virtually.

The meetings witnessed participation from party workers, block-level functionaries and youth representatives, with discussions centred around cadre mobilisation, strengthening booth-level committees and enhancing public outreach under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, the Congress party’s nationwide organisational restructuring and grassroots empowerment campaign.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Audil Farooq Mir said the Congress party is committed to rebuilding and revitalising its organisational framework from the grassroots level across Jammu & Kashmir.

He stressed that workers remain the backbone of the party and called upon them to intensify public engagement while remaining connected to people’s issues at the ground level.

He further said that SSA-II is not merely an organisational exercise but a mission to identify energetic leadership, empower committed workers and prepare a responsive structure capable of addressing public aspirations effectively.

Dr. Audil asserted that Congress will continue to strengthen democratic values, inclusiveness and people-centric politics across the region.

MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone also highlighted the importance of unity and coordination among workers, urging party cadres to work collectively for strengthening the party at the booth and ward levels.

“Our strength lies in our workers and our connection with the people. Through Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, we aim to build a strong, vibrant and people-centric organisation capable of effectively addressing public aspirations across Jammu & Kashmir,” said Irfan Hafeez Lone.

Senior leaders reiterated the need for sustained outreach programmes and active participation of youth in organisational activities.

“Congress workers are the real bridge between the party and the people. Strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level is essential to effectively raise public issues and uphold democratic values,” the senior party leaders said while concluding the meetings.

21/05/2026

"Dialogue is a Sign of Maturity, Not Weakness": Bilal Lone Honors Abdul Gani Lone’s Vision

Welcomes Indo-Pak Dialogue; Urges Youth to Lead Honest Democratic Politics in Kashmir, Terming Violence as Self-Defeating

Srinagar, May 21: Welcoming recent calls for India-Pakistan dialogue by former Indian Army Chief M.M. Naravane and RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, senior political figure Bilal Gani Lone reaffirmed that enduring peace in Jammu and Kashmir can only be realized through active reconciliation.

Addressing a solemn gathering convened to commemorate the death anniversary of his late father, Abdul Gani Lone, he underscored that any earnest endeavor to cultivate peace with dignity warrants unequivocal support.

Dialogue, Bilal Lone noted, remained the absolute cornerstone of Abdul Gani Lone’s political philosophy—a visionary and pragmatic stance for which the late leader paid the ultimate price.

Recalling his father’s steadfast approach, he highlighted Abdul Gani Lone's prescient warnings that the trajectory of violence and terrorism was fundamentally self-defeating and would only yield unyielding pain and suffering for the people of Kashmir.

“Dialogue should never be misconstrued as a sign of weakness; rather, it is a profound expression of maturity, dignity, and political confidence,” he articulated. Acknowledging that diplomatic conversations are often arduous and may lack immediate breakthroughs, he stressed their absolute indispensability, urging that the region cannot remain indefinitely held hostage to history.

Bilal Lone emphasized that democratic institutions provide the vital, constitutional framework required to pursue regional aspirations while fiercely safeguarding the public's dignity. Guided by his father's people-centric pragmatism, he asserted there would be zero compromise on the welfare and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Calling for candid societal introspection, he stated, “We, as a society, must acknowledge our past missteps and forge ahead with the wisdom required to fortify our institutions of governance and justice.”

Delivering a resonant appeal to the younger generation, he cautioned against political deceit, urging the youth to pioneer a new political paradigm rooted in truth—where politics serves as a vehicle for genuine empowerment.

The occasion also served as a moment of reflection for other fallen leaders. Bilal Lone paid poignant tribute to the late Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq, remembering the socio-religious leader as a vital voice of reason and wisdom who tragically fell victim to violence, leaving an irreplaceable void in Kashmir's collective consciousness.

Rich tributes were also paid to Syed Mohammad Iqbal Shah of Handwara, a cherished confidant of the Lone political family. Shah tragically lost his life in a road accident in Pattan in the mid-2000s while traveling to Srinagar to honor Abdul Gani Lone's anniversary, a sacrifice Bilal Lone noted with deep reverence.

20/05/2026

‘Bulldozers Cannot Become Instruments of Collective Punishment’: Muzaffar Shah Slams Jammu Demolition Drive

Says Govt Has ‘Wasted Public Mandate’; Shahid Saleem Questions Govt Silence, Says ‘Poor Are Being Targeted, Not Big Fish’

Srinagar, May 20: Awami National Conference Senior Vice President Muzaffar Shah on Tuesday launched a scathing attack over the recent demolition drive in Jammu’s Bandi area near Sidhra, terming the action “inhuman, unconstitutional and a collective failure of governance,” after dozens of families were allegedly rendered homeless in an early morning bulldozer operation.

Addressing a press conference alongside senior social activist and United Peace Alliance Chairman Shahid Saleem, Shah said the demolition of homes belonging to nearly 40 to 50 families has raised “serious questions over the functioning, authority and accountability of the elected government.”

Calling the incident “heartbreaking,” Shah said the demolition targeted a tribal community that had been residing in the area for decades.

“These are not outsiders or encroachers who arrived yesterday. These are families who have been living there for 50, 70, even 100 years. Running bulldozers over their homes amounts to collective punishment, something which the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has already disallowed,” he said.

Referring to BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa, Shah warned against what he described as attempts to create communal divisions in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Do not try to push Jammu and Kashmir once again towards communal tension. Nobody here wants division between communities. Today, if voices are being raised for a tribal Muslim community, tomorrow similar outrage will erupt if such actions target our Hindu brothers. This dangerous politics must stop,” he said.

Earlier, Shahid Saleem alleged that the demolition drive came days after inflammatory remarks and threats were made against residents of the locality. He claimed that large groups accompanied by political supporters had entered the area warning residents to vacate their homes, following which bulldozers and heavy police deployment arrived before dawn on the seventh day.

Saleem further alleged that despite the presence of Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana at the site later, the officials responsible for the operation remained absent, exposing what he termed the “complete helplessness” of the ministry.

Questioning the moral authority of the government, Shah said the ruling dispensation had received a strong public mandate to protect the dignity, lives and property of the people, but had failed to act decisively when vulnerable families were displaced.

“This is perhaps the worst misuse of a public mandate. If ministers themselves are unaware of when bulldozers arrive and destroy the homes of 50 families, then what exactly is the government doing?” he asked.

The ANC leader also criticized the Forest Department’s handling of the situation and said immediate suspensions should have followed the demolition drive.

“If I were in the minister’s place, I would have suspended every official involved on the spot and ordered an inquiry later. A clear message needed to go out that no authority can use bulldozers against poor tribal families with impunity,” Shah asserted.

Calling for renewed political unity across Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said parties and leaders must rise above political divisions to collectively resist what he termed “selective and oppressive actions” against marginalized communities.

He also referred to the promises made after the abrogation of Article 370 regarding the implementation of the Forest Rights Act for Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, saying the present situation stood in direct contradiction to those assurances.

Meanwhile, Shahid Saleem alleged that several influential individuals accused of illegally occupying large tracts of land continue to evade action while “poor and helpless families” are being targeted.

“The government had promised action against the ‘big fish’. Are these homeless families the big fish?” he asked.

Describing the incident as an “act of extreme brutality,” both leaders demanded accountability, legal scrutiny and immediate relief for the affected families.