Srinagar, Nov 22: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill his promise of holding a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to help bridge the gap between Kashmir and New Delhi.

He made this appeal today while addressing an important party meeting at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The meeting was held to discuss the current political situation and pressing public issues. Leaders and senior workers from the Budgam constituency, where by-elections were held recently, also attended the meeting.

Appealing to the Centre to initiate a confidence-building outreach to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Apni Party President said, “New Delhi may or may not choose to talk to Pakistan — that decision rests entirely with the country’s leadership. But I urge the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to start a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir without any further delay. Please fulfill your promise of bridging the gap between Kashmir and New Delhi. Restoring trust and confidence is of utmost importance.”

He went on to say, “You will have to win the hearts and minds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and you will have to bridge the existing gap of mistrust. The people of J&K are citizens of this country and hold the same rights as people in every other part of India. The harassment and intimidation of Kashmiri students and other communities living in different parts of the country must end.”

Speaking about the Apni Party’s vision and agenda, Bukhari said the party was formed in response to the crisis that followed the events of August 5, 2019.

He said, “Whatever happened on August 5, 2019, will remain a dark chapter in our history. The people of Jammu and Kashmir had an emotional attachment to Article 370, which was revoked on that day. Moreover, a state with more than two hundred years of history was bifurcated and reduced to two Union Territories. Ours was once a great state, with borders stretching from China on one side to Afghanistan on the other. Such an old and historic state was divided and downgraded on August 5.”

“Following the August 5 event, the entire Jammu and Kashmir faced deep chaos and uncertainty. People feared losing the identity and demography of the region after the loss of statehood and special constitutional rights. A complete lockdown and communication blockade was imposed, and thousands of people were detained. Initially, we waited for the traditional leaders to respond to this chaotic situation. But, astonishingly, they chose to remain silent and did not speak for the people who were in great distress. That was the crucial moment when we had to decide how to fulfil our responsibility and how to stand in solidarity with our people during those difficult times,” Bukhari said, and continued, “A group of like-minded people among us met and decided to approach the Central Government to prevent any possible demographic change in J&K. It was not New Delhi approaching us, as some critics falsely claim to defame us. It was we who chose to meet the people in Delhi who were in positions of authority. At that time, it was Kashmir that needed help and protection. New Delhi did not need to approach the people of Kashmir — they had nothing to lose. That is why we went to the Centre. First, we were advised to meet the Lieutenant Governor here. We met the LG — most of us were former ministers and legislators. One of the traditional parties even removed 18 of its leaders simply for meeting the LG with us. That is when we felt the need to create a party of our own, so that our voice could be strong and effective. And, this is how and why Apni Party was established on March 8, 2002. We were 43 leaders, including 37 former ministers and former legislators, who formed this party.”

The Apni Party President explained how difficult it was to convince New Delhi to allow the people of J&K to retain their special rights over jobs and land.

“Ultimately, we succeeded in obtaining an official assurance from the Government of India that the people of J&K would continue to have special rights over land and jobs here. That was the Apni Party’s first major success and contribution, and we are proud of that achievement,” he said, adding, “We held our meetings with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Hon’ble Home Minister, and other government leaders in broad daylight and in full view of the media, as we had nothing to hide.”

Bukhari urged all those associated with the Apni Party to hold their heads high, as they belong to an organisation rooted in truth and integrity.

“Unlike others, we do not lie or mislead people for our own political gains. We are the ones who succeeded in securing the return of special rights over land and jobs from New Delhi. Traditional leaders, over the decades, surrendered many key powers — whether it was the prime ministership, the Sadr-e-Riyasat, or jurisdiction to the Supreme Court and the Election Commission, and much more. Therefore, you should feel proud to be associated with the Apni Party,” he said.

On this occasion, Apni Party President announced that Mukhtar Ahmad Dar will be the party in-charge for the Budgam constituency.

Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, the prominent party leaders who were present on this occasion included Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman of party’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) Mohammad Dilawar Mir, General secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, President Women’s Wing Dilshad Shaheen, State Secretary Organisation & Spokesperson Dr Harbaksh Singh, Spokesperson Ishrat Bashir, District President Budgam Advocate Owais Ashraf Shah, Constituency In-charge Budgam Mukhtar Ah Dar, Office Secretary Srinagar Tauseef Bashir, and others.

Anantang, Nov 22: In continuation of its stringent action against drug menace, Anantnag Police achieved a major breakthrough while apprehending a suspected drug peddler during routine checking.

A police team from Police Post Sangam apprehended a suspected drug peddler during routine checking.

In a statement, officials said the accused has been identified as Owais Hassan Allie, son of Gh. Hassan Allie, resident of Naina G.B. Khalil. Upon his search, the police recovered charas-like substance weighing approximately 1 kg and 380 grams from his possession.

The contraband has been seized, and the accused has been taken into custody. In this regard, a case under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station Bijbehara, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the forward and backward linkages of the drug trade, it reads.

Anantnag Police remains committed to eradicating the menace of drugs from the society and urges citizens to cooperate and report any suspicious activities, reads the statement. (KNC)

Srinagar, Nov 22: CPI(M) leader Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami on Saturday criticised what he termed the continuing erosion of labour rights, saying workers are becoming increasingly helpless as labour protections shrink and wages remain stagnant. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the seventh state conference of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions.

Tarigami said that despite the state being downgraded to a Union Territory, the Minimum Wages Act has still not been fully implemented. He asked why double standards were being followed and said labour laws have been weakened to the extent that even forming trade unions now faces obstructions.

He said daily wagers and low-income workers are struggling to survive on minimal wages, and many receive no compensation or support even in the event of death. He added that unemployment remains widespread and those who do find work often earn too little to sustain their families.

Tarigami said he was shocked that the central government was doing nothing to address the situation and was acting like a mute spectator. He said the ongoing conference would deliberate on joblessness, poor wages and the need to safeguard workers’ rights. He added that the workers’ movement will continue to raise its voice for those who have been pushed to the margins.

He said the proposed twenty percent power surcharge during peak hours would further burden the poor and urged workers affiliated with all political parties, including the National Conference, as well as the Chief Minister, to reject the proposal and give relief to people already facing economic distress.

Tarigami said twenty-nine labour laws have been abolished and replaced with four labour codes that exist mostly on paper, with little real protection for workers. He said social security cannot be claimed when workers do not have the right to protest, form unions or assert basic entitlements. He said workers cannot be caged under the four labour codes and denied their rights in the name of reforms. [KNT]

Srinagar, Nov 22: Inspector General of CRPF, P K Sharma on Saturday that every possible measure has been taken to ensure a secure and peaceful atmosphere in Srinagar as the Third CRPF Cricket Tournament commenced here.

Speaking with reporters, the IG said the tournament is being organised regularly since 2023 in November-December with an aim to engage the youth and promote sports culture.

“Around 123 teams from Srinagar, Baramulla and Ganderbal showed interest this year, but due to time constraints, a draw was held and sixteen teams were shortlisted,” he said.

The tournament is being organised in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, while the grounds have been provided by the University of Kashmir.

Sharma said special emphasis has been laid on youth participation. “We have kept age restrictions to ensure more involvement of players below 19 and 23 categories. Kashmir has enormous cricketing talent and enthusiasm. Through sports, we want to strengthen peace, harmony and connect positively with the youth,” he added.

On security preparedness in Srinagar, the IG said CRPF along with J&K Police, Army and civil administration is working jointly to maintain peace. “I don’t want to go much into details since today is a sports event, but from our side every possible measure has been taken,” he said.

He added that CRPF has been serving here for the last 35 years and cooperation of people with them continues to grow. —(KNO)

Srinagar, Nov 22: Parts of the Pir Panjal mountain range, including the high-altitude stretch of Peer Ki Gali on the Mughal Road, witnessed a fresh spell of light snowfall on Saturday morning. The brief yet noticeable snowfall brought a dip in temperature across the region, signaling an early shift toward winter conditions in the upper reaches of Kashmir.

Officials said the snowfall began in early morning and accumulated lightly on the road surface around Peer Ki Gali, located at an elevation of over 11,000 feet. The weather change prompted authorities to issue advisories for travellers using the Mughal Road, particularly during late hours when visibility tends to reduce significantly.

Although traffic movement was not suspended, drivers reported slower movement due to slippery patches forming along the higher curves of the route. Locals in Shopian and Poonch districts said the upper belts had been experiencing cloud cover since morning, followed by occasional flurries of snow.

The weather office has indicated that higher reaches of the Valley may continue to see light precipitation over the next twenty-four hours, while plains are expected to remain dry. Officials added that any significant accumulation will be monitored closely to ensure the Mughal Road remains safe for movement during routine hours.
[KNT]

Srinagar, Nov 22: A male body was found in the Karan Nagar area of Central Kashmir Srinagar district on Saturday, officials said.

They said the body was spotted by locals, who immediately informed the police. A team from Karan Nagar Police Station reached the spot and took the body into custody.

The identity of the deceased is being ascertained, officials added, saying further investigation is underway. —(KNC)