*PC leaders hold massive protest against Hyderpora Killings, demand return of bodies of slain civilians* J&K Peoples Conference today held a protest demanding return of the dead bodies of civilians killed in Hyderpora encounter and initiation of a judicial probe by a serving High Court Judge into the matter. JKPC senior vice president Abdul Gani Vakil, senior leaders Khursheed Alam, Raja Aijaz, Sulaiman Bhat, youth functionaries Mudasir Karim, Mansoor Banday, Salman Bukhari along with hundreds of workers joined the protest held in Srinagar today. Speaking on the occasion, party's senior vice president Abdul Gani Vakil said that the Hyderpora encounter is strife with doubts when seen with perception of neutrality and it's only after impartial or neutral probe that the recent turn of events would be justly perceivable to every citizen of this country beyond a reasonable doubt. He demanded return of mortal remains of Altaf Bhat and Dr. Mudassir Gul to thei...

Srinagar, Nov 16 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference chairman, Sajad Lone on Tuesday while reacting to the conflicting claims about Hyderpora encounter said that at least they deserve a transparent description of what happened by a neutral institution. Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Lone said that it is high time for Manoj Sinha led administration to assert that human lives matter. He also said that this is neither the first time nor the last time that such incidents have taken place in the Kashmir Valley. "In the midst of conflicting claims in the Hyderpora encounter the least we deserve is a transparent description of what happened by a neutral institution. This is neither the first time nor the last time. Manoj Sinha- you have the opportunity to assert that human lives matter," he Tweeted. (KNS...

: Peoples’ Conference (PC) chief Sajad Lone Monday asked parties in Jammu and Kashmir to create an "enabling environment" for the Centre to deliver and denounced those keen to "start a new round of confrontation" at the cost of Kashmir's people. Lone said his party will not indulge in such predatory politics and will not let the ideological difference with the Centre become a catalyst for further erosion of interests of Jammu and Kashmir and an impediment towards the re-empowerment of its people. His remarks came after the party convened a meeting of its central working committee (CWC) to discuss important organisational matters and the current political situation. Lone alleged that some leaders see their survival in strife, struggle and pain of the Kashmiris and in manufacturing victims, and asked them to end their "hollow and high-pitched rhetoric". He said it is a cruel paradox that those parties or leaders who are in search of victims through their que...

Srinagar, Oct 27 (KNS): Former legislator and senior Peoples Conference leader Yasir Reshi on Wednesday was appointed as Political Secretary to Party President Sajad Gani Lone. The PC spokesman in a statement issued here has said that Reshi was appointed as a political secretary to PC President and that he will work in close coordination with the party patriarch in further strengthening the party on ground and democratizing its mission at large. Senior party leaders and functionaries have felicitated Reshi for his new role in the party. (KNS)...

Srinagar Oct 26: People's Conference chief, Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday flayed a police FIR against MBBS students at SKIMS and GMC Srinagar for allegedly celebrating Pakistan's win over India in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday, saying in Kashmir "we have to live with those who are ideologically opposed to us" Jammu and Kashmir police has registered an FIR against the medical students for "raising pro-Pakistan slogans" after the country's win over India. "I strongly disagree. If you think that they r not patriotic enough because they cheered for another team- u should have the courage and the belief to wean them back if u think they have gone patriotically astray. Punitive actions won’t help. Have not helped in the past either, " Sajad wrote on Twitter while reacting to a woman suggesting that the students be suspended by the medical colleges. "We live in Kashmir and have to live with those who r ideologically opposed to us. But we’re confident that i...

Srinagar, Oct 21 (KNS): Peoples Conference senior vice president Abdul Gani Vakil on Thursday expressed dismay over the prevalent situation in Jammu and Kashmir, urging the government of India to initiate confidence-building measures to end the widening wedge between the people here and the government. Vakil in a statement issued here has said that it is a worrisome trend being witnessed at present that the administration has turned inaccessible to the people in its entirety leaving masses across the state of Jammu and Kashmir in distress at large. He said that the bureaucratic setup has become unaccountable in an outright manner, giving a deaf ear to people's miseries and hardships they face in getting even their basic needs fulfilled. He added that never was the need being felt for the peoples’ government so desperately as is being felt today in Jammu and Kashmir and that if the government of India intends to strengthen the institution of democracy i...

Srinagar, Oct 26 (KNS): Sr. Vice President Peoples Conference and Former Minister Abdul Gani Vakil today said that on one side the Home Minister Amit Shah makes lofty claims of youth empowerment by forming Youth Clubs while on the other side there is no end to harassments of the youth. In a statement issued here, Vakil said the during his J&K visit, Amit Shah spoke high of youth empowerment, youth involvement in development activities, but at the same time youth continue to be harassed and maimed. He asked the Home Minister to break his silence why over 500 youth continue to remain in detention. "Over 500 youth are in police custody for none of their fault. Why are they in detention for over two weeks now. Why is Home Minister silent? Ain't this detention not only taking mental toll on them but has deprived them of livelihood,". He said similarly the bikes of youths are seized without any reason. "In which civilised society administration are doing such...

Srinagar, Oct 24 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference has condemned the killing of a civilian Shahid Ahmed near CRPF outpost at Zainapura, Shopian terming such an action unfortunate and condemnable. The party has demanded time-bound inquiry into the circumstances leading to his killing and stern action against the erring personnel. The party spokesman has said that the killing of innocent human beings is condemnable at all levels and nothing can justify such an action. He said that it is worrisome to find Kashmir turning into a veritable inferno with violence and killings becoming the order of the day. According to the spokesman, the people of Kashmir deserve to live sans chaos and mayhem and that the government is duty-bound to accord them enough safety so that they could breathe in an air bereft of anxiety and fear. The PC spokesman has said that a time-bound probe is need of the hour in an unfortunate firing incident at Shopian so that...

Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNS): Peoples Conference has strongly condemned the fresh spate of violence in Kashmir in which two non- local labourers have been killed in cold blood and another one is critically injured. The party has termed such an action barbaric and unacceptable. The PC spokesman in a statement issued here has expressed grief over the tragic incidents in EighGah Srinagar and at south Kashmir’s Pulwama. He said that the killing spree of innocent civilians is excruciating and every heart in Kashmir is wailing over such tragic incidents. “What was the fault of poor vendors who come from various parts of the country, bear all hardships in order to earn livelihood for their families. Killing them in cold blood can’t be anything but brutal. Those behind such heinous acts must be punished and punished with all severity,” the spokesman said. (KNS...

Srinagar, Oct 13 (KNS): Several political workers and activists from Lolab on Wednesday joined the Peoples Conference. The new entrants were welcomed into the fold by party president Sajad Gani Lone at the party headquarters here. Lone, while welcoming the new entrants in PC fold said that it is inspiring and encouraging to see people from all walks of life joining the PC with a resolve to strengthen it on ground and make it a viable political alternative and a force to reckon with. He said that PC’s popularity amongst the masses could be gauged by the fact that new and experienced people are entering into the party fold with a hope see Jammu and Kashmir a place free from uncertainty, violence and mis-governance. According to the party spokesperson, the new entrants expressed confidence in PC’s vision for change and party’s resolve to get Jammu and Kashmir out of the morass of uncertainty and chaos with a pragmatic and far- sighted approach. They said t...

Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): Senior PC leader Imran Reza Ansari has expressed deep shock and grief over the sudden demise of noted graphic designer and journalist Akhter Rasool. Recalling his long association with Daily Etlaat, and the family, Imran Reza said that despite threats Late Akhter Rasool remained committed with the dedication with us and worked tirelessly for the said paper. He said that Akhter Rasool was a talented and visionary person who with his ability has done tremendous work and designs one of which was the architecture of the logo of All JK Shia Association and even recently he had designed the signboards for commemorating Late Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari's death anniversary as well. While expressing deep sympathies with the family Imran Reza said that he has lost a great friend, a family member. He prayed for his eternal peace. (KNS...

Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): Sr. Vice President Peoples Conference and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil today said that Lieutenant Governor led administration has completely failed to ensure the security of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and politicians too belonging to mainstream parties are not safe as their security had been withdrawn at the time of abrogation of article 370 and has not been restored till today. No doubt selective security has been provided to leaders of some parties but security of most of the politicians has not been restored. with the result political activities are hampered and moments are restricted. Vakil in a statement said the spate of killings of civilians is a barbaric act and strongly condemnable and who so ever is involved should brought to the book without delay but it should not be looked through the prison of religion but a failure of LG administration who virtually have failed on all fronts whether it is development issue o...

Srinagar, Oct 09 (KNS): Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone today said that the recent spate of attacks is a deliberate attempt of othering the majority community and identifying it with the savagery that a lunatic fringe is indulging in and that the administration doesn’t have the luxury of resorting to a randomized response. “Attempts are being created to violently target the Minority community. There is a deliberate attempt of othering the majority community and identifying it with the savagery that a lunatic fringe is indulging in. It is important to make a distinction between the majority community and the fringiest of the fringe, consisting of a few individuals who are a curse for this land and people inhabiting this land. They have not spared the majority community either and have killed at whim and continue to target all those who are not in conformity with their world view”, Lone said. Lone emphasized that what matters is that we remain...

Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to renowned Islamic scholar and Jammu and Kashmir’s renowned political personality Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari sahib on his 7th death anniversary . Lone in his tribute remembered Late Molvi sahib as a noted religious scholar and political leader who had dedicated his life for the upliftment of the downtrodden sections of the society and instilling in them enough confidence to fight and struggle for their genuine rights. Lone said that Molvi sahib’s contribution in the welfare and prosperity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be fondly remembered for times to come. “He was a man with genuine spirit of patriotism. Molvi sahib had a long relationship with my father and was in fact the founding member and first Vice President of the J&K Peoples Conference. He personally was very compassionate and was always there for me. I will always fondly recall long sessions with him...

Srinagar, Sept 23 (KNS): Former Jamm and Kashmir Bank Chairman, Parvaiz Ahmad Nengru on Thursday joined the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference in Srinagar. As per the details available with Kashmir News Service (KNS), Nengru was welcomed into the party fold by its chairman Sajad Lone at Srinagar today. Several party leaders including Abdul Gani Vakil (vice-president ), Khurshid Alam, M Soharvardi, Yasir Reshi and several others were also present on the occasion. (KNS...

Srinagar September 21 (KNS): Scores of political leaders, functionaries, and activists from various political parties on Tuesday joined theJammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference, terming the party’s roadmap, steadfastness and farsighted approach one of the major reasons for joining the party fold. According to the party spokesman, the new entrants were welcomed by Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone and Senior Leader People's Conference Leader Khursheed Alam who termed their joining yet another milestone towards making the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference a viable alternative in the political spectrum of the state and a formidable force to reckon with. As per the statement issued to Kashmir News Service, the leaders and functionaries who joined JKPC are Sewak Singh Retired SSP, Balvinder Singh (Trade Union Leader), Mehar Singh, Gurmeet Singh (Social Activist, Rakesh Kumar, Sher Singh, Kapoor Singh, Ramnik Singh, Amrik Singh, Swaran Singh, among...

Srinagar September 18:(KNS) Senior Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil today strongly criticized at the central government saying the visits of dozens of ministers to J&K is nothing more than a loss to the exchequer. In a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Vakil said if the govt of the day claims that J&K is witnessing fast development then what is the need for the central government ministers to come in herds to J&K. Vakil asked don't they believe in the ability of state administration and think that they are unable to deliver. "It is not only a heavy loss to the exchequer of UT government but the central exchequer also. The point is money is wasted on the fuels of tours etc of ministers and the same money could have been utilised in different sectors to uplift the poor people of Jammu and Kashmir but instead poor are being shunted out from jobs. What is more important that it has add...

Senior leader from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ghulam Mohammad Reshi along with his workers and functionaries todayannounced his formal entry into Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC). New entrants were welcomed by party’s senior leaders Abid Ansari, Abbas Wani, Sheikh Imran, Mudasir Karim-General Secretary Youth and Salman Bukhari – party’s youth coordinator. The leaders while welcoming Reshi and his functionaries into the fold said that the entry of veteran political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference reflects the acceptability of party’s vision and agenda in the political landscape of the state and that the day is not far away when the party will emerge as the most credible, strong and viable outfit to reckon with. According to the party spokesman, those who joined JKPC along with Mr Reshi are G A Reshi, Wali Mohammed Bhat, Ghulam Nabi Reshi, Abdul Rehman Reshi and several others...

Srinagar:  Former Congress leader Syed Najeeb Naqvi from Uri and former Deputy Secretary Assembly Farooq Sanai on Wednesday joined Peoples Conference at party headquarters here with PC chairman Sajad Gani Lone welcoming the duo into the fold. As per the party spokesman, besides party chairman, Sajad Gani Lone senior leaders who welcomed the new entrants are Abid Ansari, Raja Aijaz, Khurshid Alam, Abbas Wani, Sheikh Imran, Adnan Ashraf, and Mudasir Karim. Alam while welcoming the new leaders in the party said that it is encouraging to witness political leaders, social activists, and people from an academic and administrative background in droves joining the Peoples Conference. He said that such scenes are inspiring the party leadership to scan new horizons with eager hope and work even harder to provide people a transparent, people-friendly, and accountable political system. Syed Najeeb Naqvi while announcing his entry into the Peoples Conference said...

Srinagar: Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday visited north Kupwara’s Kalmuna village to commiserate with the family of Arshid Ahmad Mir- JK Police Sub Inspector killed by militants in Khaniyar area of Srinagar. Lone expressed deepest sympathies with Arshad’s family and termed the incident merciless and inhuman. He said that the unending cycle of violence has devastated thousands of families and put a sudden end to countless dreams. Lone said that Kashmir has been in a perpetual state of grief and misery since eruption of violence. The PC President underscored the need for collective efforts to reject violence in entirety so that Kashmir could cleave its way to prosperity and no longer gets plunged into a vicious cycle of violence. "It is imperative that we explicitly condemn and denounce violence. Such dastardly acts should be collectively rejected and must have no societal acceptance if we want to pull Kashmir out of this vortex of...

Srinagar, Sept 14 : Prominent columnist and former Additional Secretary to J&K Government, Haji Mohammad Muzaffar Thakur on Tuesday formally joined the Peoples Conference with senior leaders welcoming the new entrant into the party fold. As per the party spokesman, several other prominent social activists and political workers also joined the Peoples Conference including veteran national conference leader Haji Habibullah, Parvaiz, Zahoor Bhat, Jahangir Bhat, and Jameel Ahmed. Furthermore, senior political workers from Sonwar constituency Mohammed Yusuf Sheikh, Mohammed Afzal Sheikh, Mohammed Yusuf Wani, Ghulam Hussian Pandith, Waseem Hussain Wani, Bashir A Malik, Ghulam Mohiuddin Kath of Lashkeri Mohallah also joined the JKPC. The statement reads that senior workers of NC and PDP, Hilal Ahmed Dar of Karpora, Nazir Ahmed and Abdul Rashid of Brane and Mursal respectively also joined the PC...

In a major boost to J&K Peoples Conference in Baramulla district, prominent political activists from Apni Party and other parties joined the Peoples Conference today. They were welcomed into the party fold by PC President Mr. Sajad Gani Lone. PC Vice President Mr. Abdul Gani Vakil, senior leaders Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Mir and Bashir Ahmad Dar were also present on the occasion. Those who joined the party include Ghulam Mohammad Mir, BDC Chairman from Kangroosa Rafiabad, Tasleema Akther, Runner up DDC candidate from Dangiwacha, Rafiabad and Khursheed Ahmed Lone, DDC contesting candidate from Zanger Sopore. They were accompanied by dozens of workers and supporters. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, PC Chairman Sajad Gani Lone said that their joining will immensely benefit the PC in emerging as a formidable political force. “I whole-heartedly welcome all of you into the Peoples Conference. The PC wants to play a pivotal role and contribute to the...

A delegation of prominent youth representatives today called on PC President Mr. Sajad Lone and interacted with him at his residence today. The delegation discussed important issues related to the party and ways to strengthen the PC further among the youth of J&K. While interacting with the delegation, PC President Mr. Sajad Lone asserted that the Peoples Conference is committed to promote active participation of youth at every level in the party and give them bigger responsibilities to shape a better tomorrow. He also emphasized on the need for young leaders to be connected with the people at the grassroots level, have their voices heard and become partners in the decision-making process. “Active and meaningful participation of the youth is imperative to address the challenges that have an impact on them and their future. We are committed to create spaces for the youth to take the mantle of responsibility to shape a brighter future for the coming gener...

In August 2019, the Indian government revoked Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian constitution. It bifurcated the state into union territories, intensified the militarisation in the region and enforced a brutal communications blockade. The night before the announcement, Lone was arrested alongside various other mainstream politicians from Kashmir. He would stay in detention for a few days short of an year. In late 2020, mainstream political parties in Kashmir formed an umbrella group called the People’s Alliance for the Gupkar Declaration, or PAGD, whose demands include the restoration of Article 370 and statehood. Lone was appointed the spokesperson for the PAGD, which has since held various talks with the Narendra Modi-led central government. In January this year, the People’s Conference withdrew from the PAGD. In a letter to the PAGD leadership, Lone cited the allocation of seats in the recent District Development ...

JKPC leader Syed Basharat Bukhari while condoling the demise of Mian Bashir Ahmad remembered the religious astuteness and glorious contribution of the veteran leader to the social and political life of Jammu and Kashmir. While paying tributes Mr Bukhari said: “Mian Bashir Sahab will be remembered for his stature among the scholars of Islam. He was a titan among the religious leaders of South Asia. He guided people towards the path of righteousness. While the words of Mian Sahab had a mesmerising effect on his listeners, it was his mild-mannered and humble behaviour which won millions of hearts.” “Mian Sahab’s was a foremost witness to the political history of J&K. Upliftment and progress of every individual was the hallmark of his political contribution. He remained close to the system to address the grievances of people and was a tireless leader of the democratic project in the region,” Mr Bukahri Said. Mr Bukhari stated that his family traced back...

Srinagar August 15:(KNS) Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Chairman Mr. Sajad Gani Lone expressed grief and sorrow on the sad demise of veteran spiritual and political leader Mian Bashir Ahmed Larvi. Lone remembered Mian Bashir Sahib as an inspirational leader, defined by simplicity who had a humbling effect on people he interacted with. I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of Mian Bashir Sahab. May the Almighty give strength to them to bear the irreparable loss", he said in his condolence message Meanwhile PC General Secretary Imran Reza Ansari also remembered Mian Bashir sahib as a towering political and spiritual leader. "Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Mian Bashir Sahab. He was a towering political figure and outstanding spiritual leader. May Allah Grant him highest place in Jannah", he said in his condolence message.(KNS...

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone extended warm greetings to the people of J&K on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. In his felicitation message, Lone wished all Muslims around the world a peaceful and joyful Eid-ul-Azha. "I extend my warm wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. May this Eid deepen the spirit of harmony, peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir. I urge people to take extra care in view of the COVID-19 pandemic on this occasion", he said. Reflecting on the lessons of sacrifice, compassion, unity and mutual respect, Lone said we must adhere to the teachings of Hazrat Ibraham (AS) and include the underprivileged sections of the society in our happiness. "We should thank Almighty Allah for the blessings bestowed on us. Eid-ul-Azha teaches and reminds us of the meaning of sacrifice, love and forbearance with God and in our relationships with one another. We must remember econo...

"Earnestly appeal to the bureaucracy to not sow seeds of anger & poison" - Adnan Ashraf Mir Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Conference condemns the stringent order issued by the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch – Kashmir about the verification related to passports, government schemes and recruitment in government service. The order not only gives arbitrary powers to the sleuths of the Special Branch but also appoints them as judge, jury and executioner— in this case — to pulverize career prospects of Kashmiri youth and to push them away from the mainstream of the country. The new law is unambiguously harsh. Most importantly in contravention to the spirit of the speech made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at All-Party Meet. The thrust and recurring theme of PM’s speech were that the distance of hearts between Delhi and Srinagar needs to be decreased. Such orders will not resolve or decrease the distance between New Delhi and Srinagar and will ...

“The decisions taken on August 5 are not only spiteful but against the ideals and values of democracy, republican character of Indian State, justice, and human dignity of the constitution of India that forms the core of the political system in the country. These decisions thrusted upon the people lack acceptance or legitimacy amongst the masses. It will always be remembered as a day of disempowerment and indignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” August 5 was a blow to the collective sentiment of the people who have championed the cause of democracy in J&K. “By revoking Article 370 and downgrading J&K into a Union Territory, the government of the day has inflicted irreversible pain and humiliation to the advocates and champions of mainstream in J&K and pushed them against the wall.” Peoples Conference is committed and resolved to continue its fight for the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through democratic and legal means. “We c...

Srinagar: Former legislator Mohammad Khurshid Alam on Monday questioned the equanimity behind harassing the locals living around Burzahama and its peripheries, stating that amid the uncertain situation, the authorities are inventing new methods to hound the common masses at large. Alam said that there are mounting complaints coming from the locals ruing the highhandedness of the authorities over creating unnecessary hurdles in even minor repairs of their houses and horrifying them over petty issues. He said that such a trend has exposed masses to extreme hardships while the government itself has no logic behind such erratic and bizarre decisions. He said that people from scores of areas around Burzahama have their houses in dilapidated condition and require immediate repairs. However, the concerned authorities are not allowing them a safe living, compelling them to reside in unsafe dwellings and exposing their families to grave risks. Alam added that on t...

Srinagar, August 09: In a major boost, a Block Development Chairman of Naidkhai, Gh Nabi Ganaie, Councillors of MC Hajin Latif Ahmad Dar and Mohmmad Maqbool Mir of Sonawari, Bandipora Monday joined Sajad Lone led Peoples Conference. The joining took place in presence of ex-MLC & senior political leader Yasir Reshi and Municipal Committe Chairman, Sumbal Jahangir Ahmad. While welcoming the new entrants into Caravan of Change, Yasir Reshi hoped that these workers will strive for a change at grassroot levels & will continue to work for the upliftment of democracy. Reshi also said that roots of the Peoples Conference are deepening with the each passing day & it will emerge as peoples voice as everyday people are becoming part of this caravan of change. On the occasion, the political workers said that they joined the party cadre as they believe JKPC is the only alternate & credible political force under the leadership of Sajad Lone with a broad political ...