Politics

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday withdrew his name from possible joint opposition candidate for the office of President of India, saying he believes Jammu and Kashmir was passing through critical juncture and his efforts were required to help navigate these “uncertain times.” “I am honoured to have had my name proposed as a possible joint opposition candidate for the office of President of India by Mamata Banerjee Sahiba,” Farooq, parliamentarian from Srinagar, said in a statement issued to GNS. “Subsequent to Mamata didi proposing my name, I have received a number of calls from opposition leaders offering their support for my candidature,” he said. Having taken a few days to discuss “unexpected development with family and senior colleagues”, senior Abdullah ...

Assembly elections should be held in Jammu and Kashmir so that the people have an elected government which only can end their miseries, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said on Monday. Election should be  held. This government is not the government of the people, it is bureaucracy. People’s miseries will not go away until there is an elected government. For that, it is important that elections take place, people vote and their own government comes into power, Abdullah told reporters in Pulwama. In a question on the spike in terrorism-related violence in the valley, the NC president said the situation was dangerous and a matter of concern. They (the BJP) had said Article 370 was responsible for militancy. But, how has the militancy risen after its revocation...

People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) on Wednesday said that life imprisonment given to JKLF chief Yaseen Malik was “unfortunate and a setback to the efforts for peace”. “We are afraid that this will further compound the uncertainties in the region and will only fuel more alienation and separatist feelings,” spokesman of the PAGD said in a statement to GNS. “NIA Court has delivered its verdict but not justice,” he said, adding, “The triumphalism being displayed by the BJP and the corporate media is bound to prove counterproductive.” Meanwhile, the PAGD said, “we suggest that Yaseen Malik should avail all legal opportunities to contest this verdict.” (GNS)

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar on Monday accused the government of robbing employment opportunities of J&K youth, who constitute the most anxious category of the population. This he said while addressing a one day convention of functionaries, workers and delegates at Safa Kadal, Eidgah. The meeting was presided over and convened by party's senior leader and Former Speaker Mubarak Gul. JKNC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, District President Peer Afaq were also present. Addressing the functionaries, Sagar said the incumbent administration was hell bent to close existing avenues of employment for our youth. “The insensitive government order on Rehbar e Khel, Ziraat is a case in point. This government is bypassing all the establi...