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The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Bilal Lone takes dig at brother Sajjad, joins mainstream to reclaim father's legacy
Wishing Sajjad Lone all the best in his future endeavours, Bilal Lone sought to convey a clear message to him, saying, 'Please do politics on your own strength and not exploit the ideology' of their late father. Lone's comments are seen as a veiled critique of his brother, MLA Sajjad Lone, who has been in mainstream politics for years. In an interview with the PTI Videos, Bilal Lone said that he and his brother have been on 'different political paths since 2002'. Srinagar, Jul 19 (PTI) Former separatist leader Bilal Gani Lone has entered the political mainstream, saying his primary motivation is to correctly represent the 'true legacy' of his late father, Abdul Gani Lone, which he claims has been misrepresented even 'within the family'. He said the senior Lone stood for 'non-violence' and the 'dignity of his people' and that these principles will remain at the core of his own politics. He said the People's Conference, the party founded by his father, 'died on 21 May 2002' — the day of his father's martyrdom. He vowed to pursue an 'organic' path, building his politics 'on his own strength' and steering clear of the 'politics of exploitation'. Abdul Gani Lone, a votary for a dialogue, was killed by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on May 21, 2002, in downtown Srinagar, where he had gone to mark the death anniversary of Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq. Lone asserted that he has no grand political vision but a simple vow to 'speak the truth', and stressed he is not in the race for any position like chief minister or MLA but is driven by a desire to 'pay back' his people. 'If the door of my house closes because of the truth, I have no problem with that,' he said, describing his new political journey as a collective effort moving at a 'snail's pace' to regain trust. Lone said that while he and his former Hurriyat colleagues 'could not do anything' for the people, his ties with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remain strong. He called the Mirwaiz a leader of a 'very big stature' with a significant role to play, adding that he would be willing to follow him if he took a constructive political path. Bilal Lone said his decision to shift political paths is to save the youth, whom he described as the 'biggest casualty of the conflict' and added that 'violence has given us nothing'. 'Violence ne yahan par barbaadi hi laayi hai (violence has only brought disaster)' and 'finished generations' and left Kashmiris 'at the receiving end', he said. His new political narrative will go beyond the traditional focus on roads, power, and water. He plans to address the future of the new generation by talking about their education, health facilities and business prospects. Bilal Lone also said that reconciliation between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits is essential, as the 'biggest casualty' in the Valley has been trust between the two communities. He stressed that a fresh start is necessary for the two communities. 'Kashmiri Muslims need to understand that if a Kashmiri Pandit lives in our neighbourhood, that is my duty to safeguard him, not the state,' he said while emphasising the need for sincerity and a frank conversation about past wrongs between the two communities. 'Whatever wrong has been done in the past… let us address those people. Let us go and talk to them,' he said, suggesting that if a mistake was made, an apology should be offered. PTI SKL RT RT This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Kashmir leaders under house arrest: What is the row over ‘Martyrs' Day'
Politics in Jammu and Kashmir is heating up over 'Martyrs' Day' on July 13, the official holiday for which was scrapped after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This is the first time since then that an elected government is in power. The valley's main political parties had resolved to visit the 'Martyrs' Cemetery' in old Srinagar city on July 13 to pay their tributes, while the BJP opposed any official commemoration. Now, Jammu and Kashmir Police have put several leaders across the political divide under house detention to prevent them from visiting the cemetery. What is the history behind the 'Martyrs' day' and why is a controversy surrounding it? Before the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019, July 13 was officially commemorated as Martyrs' Day in the erstwhile state as a tribute to 22 people killed by the Dogra regime in 1931. They had been assembled outside Srinagar's central jail in protest when they were shot by the police. In the run-up to July 13, 1931, several incidents had already taken place, brewing discontent against the Dogra rulers. It was in this backdrop that Abdul Qadeer Khan, in June 1931, gave a fiery speech against the Dogras and asked the people to rise against them. Khan, whose origin is not certain, was a cook of a British Army officer who was on a vacation to Kashmir. Khan was charged by the Dogra regime for sedition. As the trial began in July 1931, a large gathering of Kashmiri Muslims assembled outside the court of the Session's judge in Srinagar. The trial was shifted to Srinagar central jail, which was put under heavy security protection. On July 13, around 4,000 to 5,000 people assembled outside the jail to witness the trial. The people tried to enter inside the premises but were prevented. They camped outside the jail. It was during this protest that the Dogra police opened fire, killing 22 Kashmiri Muslims and injuring many. There are competing narratives about what led to the firing. While some say that the protestors tried to break the jail gates and pelted stones, the dominant narrative is that they were camped outside the jail and began shouting slogans when the then Srinagar deputy commissioner arrived at the scene. As a local Muslim stood up to call for the noon prayers, he was fired at by the police. The police then opened fire on the protestors, killing 22. The slain protestors were taken to Srinagar's grand mosque and buried in the premises of the shrine of a Muslim saint, Khawja Bahaudin Naqashbandi. It was at this cemetery that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, then a top leader of Muslim Conference — he later changed the Muslim Conference to a secular National Conference — announced that July 13 would 'henceforth be observed as Martyrs' day'. Official Holiday and Commemorations July 13 was officially commemorated as 'Martyrs' day' in Jammu and Kashmir and the day was observed as a state holiday till August 2019. The Chief Minister and political leaders would visit the 'Martyrs' cemetery' in Srinagar to pay tributes. The BJP opposed this. In 2015, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formed a coalition government with the BJP, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visited the graveyard, but BJP leaders, including the deputy chief minister and ministers, most of whom hailed from Jammu, didn't join her. Since the formation of the coalition, the BJP leaders and ministers had started to demand a holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, the Dogra king in power when the 1931 killings took place. 'Martyrs' across the divide July 13 was perhaps the only occasion where the separatists and the mainstream political parties were unanimous, and that is why the departed were called 'martyrs' of all'. While the government would officially commemorate the day declaring it a holiday, the separatists would call a shutdown on the day to protest against their killing. The protests on July 13, 1931 were seen as the first assertion of Muslim identity in Jammu and Kashmir and the beginning of the struggle for freedom. Scrapping the Holiday After the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019, the Centre-appointed Lt Governor scrapped the official holiday on July 13. The holiday on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was also scrapped. The official commemorations of the 'Martyrs' day' were stopped and the administration prevented political leaders and parties from commemorating the day by sealing the 'martyrs' cemetery' and putting the leaders under house detention. In addition, the LG administration in 2022 declared the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh as a public holiday. Omar Abdullah government in a fix Since coming to power, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has tried to avoid confrontations with the Centre, earning some criticism over it in the Valley. For Martyrs' Day, while the National Conference as a political party had said it would visit the cemetery and sought permission for an event, the government was silent on the issue. There was no word from the government on the official commemoration. The Peoples Democratic Party already accused the Omar Abdullah government of 'shifting the onus from elected government to their party'. 'For the first time in 78 years, an elected government in J&K is distancing itself from the martyrs who laid down their lives against autocracy,' the PDP said. However, on Sunday, after the police (they come under the L-G) put several leaders under house arrest, Omar called it a 'blatantly undemocratic move'. '13th July massacre is our Jallianwala Bagh. The people who laid down their lives did so against the British. Kashmir was being ruled under the British Paramountcy. What a shame that true heroes who fought against British rule in all its forms are today projected as villains only because they were Muslims. We may be denied the opportunity to visit their graves today but we will not forget their sacrifices,' the CM tweeted. Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. ... Read More
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Military and diplomatic: ‘India under intense mental stress after facing repeated failures'
KARACHI: The Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, the President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, the President of All Karachi Industrial Alliance, the Chairman of the FPCCI Advisory Board, Mian Zahid Hussain, said that Indian PM Narendra Modi and his team is under intense mental stress after facing repeated military and diplomatic failures. He stated that the collapse of India's false narrative, it's deteriorating internal political situation, serious human rights violations, and atrocities against minorities, including the Kashmiri Muslims and Dalits, have drawn open criticism from several European nations and international human rights organizations, further damaging India's global standing. He said that the Modi government, in an attempt to garner cheap popularity and divert global attention from internal crises such as the farmers' movement and rising inflation, is preparing for another attack on Pakistan. A new false flag operation could be staged to justify this aggression. According to a recent UN report, more than 3,600 political arrests were made in India in 2024, highlighting the severity of its internal conditions. Mian Zahid Hussain warned that if India launches another attack on Pakistan, the response will be so severe that the world will forget the Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts. He said that attempts to increase ratings without capability will cost both Modi and India dearly. He emphasized that the morale and training of Pakistan's armed forces are not only high but, according to the 2023 Global Firepower Report, Pakistan's military ranks as the ninth-largest and one of the most organized in the world. Mian Zahid Hussain added that the recent speech by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has made it clear that Pakistan is at a decisive stage in its war against terrorism, and India aims to sabotage this progress. In recent years, India has attempted two military incursions, both of which were repelled entirely by Pakistan, which proved Pakistan's military capability and caused significant international embarrassment for India. He further stated that global powers must not remain silent. If India turns South Asia into a battlefield, the consequences will be felt worldwide, affecting not only humanitarian but also economic and geopolitical aspects. South Asia houses 25 percent of the world's population, and a conflict between two nuclear powers in this region would pose an unimaginable threat to global peace. He demanded that the Kashmir dispute be resolved immediately, and violations of the Indus Waters Treaty must be stopped, as lasting peace can only be achieved through a just political solution. He said that the recent 18 percent increase in Pakistan's defense budget is a clear indication that we are not willing to compromise on our security. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Jamaat condemns incidents of violence against Muslims
The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, a leading Muslim body, has said that recent incidents of violence against minorities are 'highly disturbing'. Referring to an incident in Aligarh where an angry mob accused four Muslim men of transporting beef and allegedly stripped them, and beat them with belts and sticks, the Jamaat vice-president Malik Motasim Khan said, 'It's highly disturbing but even more shocking is that the police registered cases against both the attackers and the victims under the Cow Slaughter Act. This is a total miscarriage of justice. Such actions embolden anti-social elements.' The police had earlier filed complaints against 38 people in the assault case under Sections 191(2) (rioting), 191(3) (unlawful assembly), 190 (unlawful assembly to commit an offence), 109 (attempt to murder), 308 (extortion), 310(2) (robbery) and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A meat sample was sent to a laboratory in Mathura. Following its examination, it was found that the meat was not beef. According to Mr. Khan, the Aligarh incident is not an isolated case of violence against the community members. 'India has witnessed a disturbing pattern of mob lynchings and hate crimes against Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalised groups in recent years, often under the guise of cow protection or love jihad. From the lynching of Abdul Rahiman in Bantwal, Karnataka, to the brutal killing of Ashraf in Mangaluru, to communal clashes in Nagpur and the targeted harassment of Kashmiri Muslims across the country, these incidents are a stain on our nation's conscience. Despite the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling against mob lynching, compliance remains patchy, and accountability is rare,' he said. Also read | Demolition squad: On the Supreme Court and 'bulldozer justice' The Jamaat vice-president reiterated the organisation's demand for strict enforcement of anti-lynching provisions. 'The fear of the law needs to be reinforced, and a climate of impunity dismantled. The targeting of Muslims not only erodes the fabric of our secular democracy but also threatens India's unity and security. The government must act swiftly, hold the perpetrators accountable, ensure the safety of minorities, and restore public faith in justice and the rule of law,' he said. The Jamaat also condemned what it called 'bulldozer injustice'. 'The Jamaat condemns the ongoing illegal and inhumane demolitions of Muslim properties, homes, and educational institutions, particularly the recent bulldozer actions in Uttar Pradesh.' Mr. Khan highlighted the alleged singling out of madrasas or Islamic seminaries for punitive action. 'A recent fact-finding visit by a JIH delegation to districts like Bahraich and Shravasti revealed that several madrasas with valid registrations and approval have been sealed or demolished without due process, violating the fundamental rights of Muslim citizens. These demolitions, often justified under the guise of 'law and order' or 'illegal construction', disproportionately target minorities, especially Muslims. The practice of using bulldozers as instruments of punishment without trial or due process has turned the police and administration into judge, jury, and executioner. This is a clear violation of constitutional norms and a grave threat to our democratic fabric,' he said, adding, 'The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind reiterates the Supreme Court observation that 'properties cannot be demolished merely because they belong to a person accused of a crime'. We urge the administration to adhere to the guidelines issued by the apex court to uphold the rule of law by preventing arbitrary demolitions.' Also read | 75% of hate speech events in BJP-ruled States: Report Mr. Khan alleged that 'demolition drives often take place in the aftermath of incidents of communal violence, where minority homes and institutions are selectively targeted, while the perpetrators of violence enjoy complete impunity. These actions create an environment of fear and insecurity within the Muslim community'. He demanded an immediate halt to bulldozer actions and sought accountability of officials responsible for demolition.
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pahalgam attack casts shadow on turnoutat Kheer Bhawani
The Pahalgam terror attack has cast a shadow on the annual festival of Zyestha Ashtami at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. According to official figures, the first batch of Kashmiri Pandit devotees, who have come from several parts of the country to Kashmir for the festival, has fallen to 2,500 this year compared to around 4,500 last year. In total, over 30,000 devotees paid obeisance at the temple last year. Additional security However, a subdued response to the key festival of Kashmiri Pandits is evident in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. Extra security arrangements have been made this year for the festival, officials said. Congress leader Karan Singh on Monday (June 2, 2025) urged devotees to attend the festival in large numbers. 'All necessary security arrangements are in place in Kashmir, especially in Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district, home to the Kheer Bhawani temple,' Mr. Singh, who paid obeisance on Monday, said. 'This place is a great blessing of the Goddess. We must not be afraid and must show the world that we are strong in our faith. People of Kashmir have suffered the most during the conflict. All need to rise above fear and support the region's revival by participating in religious and cultural events,' he added. The Kheer Bhawani festival falls on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshta Ashtami and is being organised at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Devsar and Manzam in Kulgam and Logripora in Anantnag. Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said, 'The festival has historically been a remarkable example of communal harmony. Even during the challenging years following the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, local Kashmiri Muslims took on the responsibility of maintaining and protecting the Kheer Bhawani shrine, ensuring its sanctity was preserved. This act of care and devotion underscores the deep ties of mutual respect and coexistence that have defined the relationship between the two communities.' With a sense of fear looming large this year post-Pahalgam attack and the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, local politicians have come forward to encourage Pandits to visit the Valley temples. 'The festival has historically been a remarkable example of communal harmony. Even during the challenging years following the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, local Kashmiri Muslims took on the responsibility of maintaining and protecting the Kheer Bhawani shrine, ensuring its sanctity was preserved. This act of care and devotion underscores the deep ties of mutual respect and coexistence that have defined the relationship between the two communities,' former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said. J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said the Kheer Bhawani Mela has been the symbol of Kashmir's pluralistic ethos for centuries. 'This sacred festival has played a vital role in fostering communal harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect among the diverse communities,' he said. Officials said the district administration has made elaborate facilities for devotees. 'To cater to the food and water needs of the pilgrims, langar services and drinking water points have been ensured. Health facilities including the presence of medical teams and ambulances remain on standby throughout the Mela. Moreover, mobile ATMs have been made available to ensure financial convenience for the devotees,' an official said.
