Latest news with #Kashmiris
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India cannot erase memory of July 19: APHC leader
Listen to article Senior leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement, Altaf Ahmed Bhat, has paid glowing tribute to the historic legacy of Accession to Pakistan Day, calling it a reflection of the Kashmiri people's enduring aspirations, identity, and deep-rooted ties with Pakistan. In a statement issued on Friday, Altaf Ahmed Bhat said, "The resolution passed on 19 July 1947 by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference wasn't just a political statement - it was the heartbeat of a nation choosing its natural destiny with Pakistan. That heartbeat still echoes in every Kashmiri home, every wounded soul, and every mother who waits for her martyred son's dream to be fulfilled." He described the day as a moment to remember the collective will of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who — even before the Partition was fully realized — envisioned their future aligned with Pakistan, bound by faith, culture, geography, and shared struggle. Altaf Ahmed Bhat strongly condemned the Indian government's persistent denial of this historical truth and its efforts to suppress Kashmiris through force, fear, and fabricated narratives. "India may erase articles, jail leaders, or silence voices, but it cannot erase the memory of 19 July, nor the truth that the people of Kashmir have never accepted Indian occupation - not then, not now," he added. He reiterated that Pakistan has always been the moral, emotional, and political backbone of Kashmir's freedom movement. He urged the leadership of Pakistan to further intensify its diplomatic and international outreach for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Altaf Ahmed Bhat also paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs, prisoners, and families who have borne the brunt of India's brutal occupation for over seven decades. "Our journey is soaked in sacrifice — of innocent lives, shattered homes, and stolen childhoods. Yet, our resolve remains unshaken. The dream of freedom lives on, stitched into the soul of every Kashmiri," he said. In conclusion, Altaf Ahmed Bhat called upon the Kashmiri diaspora, Pakistani brethren, and the global community to stand united in their support for the just cause of Kashmir. "Let the 19th of July not just be a day on the calendar — but a living promise that we shall never surrender, and never forget where we belong."
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI to stage sit-ins against ‘sugar mafia' today
LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced that the party will stage protest sit-ins across Islamabad and all divisional headquarters today (Sunday) against the exploitative 'sugar mafia' and hike in electricity, gas, and petrol prices. He also declared the launch of 'Give Rights to Balochistan' long march from Quetta on July 25 which will eventually head toward Islamabad. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, Rehman criticized the government's anti-people economic policies and the main opposition parties' passivity. 'When it comes to their personal gains, all factions unite and approve 300 percent raises in their own salaries.' He said the government deceived the people with false claims like a Rs. 7.41 per unit reduction in electricity rates which never materialized. The petrol prices, he added, continue to rise every 15 days despite declining global rates. 'The imposition of the slab system and continued hikes in electricity and gas prices are nothing short of fraud against the public. We demand the end of the slab system and the removal of unjust taxes from electricity bills,' he stated. Rehman lashed out at the sugar mafia, noting that 90 percent of the country's 89 sugar mills are controlled by the ruling parties and influential figures. 'Dealerships are handed to unregistered agents who are protected by every government. Sugar prices have surged from Rs. 140 to Rs. 200 per kg, imposing a heavy burden on the people,' he said. He revealed that gas wells were deliberately shut down on instructions from the Petroleum Division, resulting in a $1.5 billion loss to the national economy. He said the past governments entered RLNG agreements against national interests. The JI chief stressed the need for aggressive diplomatic efforts on Kashmir, referencing the July 19, 1947 resolution passed at the residence of Sardar Ibrahim Khan for accession to Pakistan. 'Today, Kashmiris worldwide are observing 'Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan'. Pakistan must push forward a bold Kashmir policy. Any international mediation that undermines the wishes of the Kashmiri people is unacceptable,' he emphasized. Hafiz Rehman reiterated that India and the US are behind the unrest in Balochistan. He emphasised empowering local populations and announced that grand jirgas would soon be held in both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to address regional grievances. Regarding the upcoming 'Balochistan Rights March', he warned the government against obstructing it: 'If the government tries to stop this peaceful democratic movement, it will bear responsibility for the consequences.' The JI leader also raised concerns about lawlessness in Sindh's riverine areas, pointing to the unhindered flow of weapons, the abduction of minority traders, and the PPP's failure to maintain law and order. Calling on the youth to join Jamaat-e-Islami, he remarked that the ruling elite and opposition are united only in safeguarding their own interests, showing indifference to the struggles of ordinary citizens. Criticizing the recent decision on reserved seats, he termed it a murder of justice, stating that even the affected parties failed to raise their voices and instead became part of the deal. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Bilal Gani Lone Quits Separatism, Urges Kashmiris To Embrace Indian Democracy
Bilal Gani Lone, chairman of the People's Independent Movement, formerly part of the separatist amalgam Hurriyat Conference, has announced his transition to mainstream politics. He made this statement in an interview with a news agency. Bilal is the son of Abdul Gani Lone, a founding member of the Hurriyat Conference, who was killed by terrorists in 2002. His younger brother, Sajad Gani Lone, chairman of the People's Conference, is also a separatist-turned-mainstream politician and has previously served as a Cabinet Minister in Jammu and Kashmir with the support of the BJP. This marks a significant departure from Bilal's long-standing association with the Hurriyat Conference, a separatist conglomerate formed in 1993. Lone urged Kashmiri youth to accept India as a formidable power and integrate into its democratic framework, emphasising the importance of education, health, and employment over violence, which he believes has only led to 'devastation.' Calling the Hurriyat Conference 'irrelevant' and 'non-functional,' Bilal said, 'Hurriyat is no more relevant or functional as of now; it is not present anywhere in Kashmir.' He acknowledged that while the Hurriyat once had public trust, it lost its relevance due to its inability to seize opportunities for the progress of Kashmir. He expressed regret, saying, 'The Hurriyat Conference had many opportunities, but we missed them. We could have achieved something for our people, but we couldn't. That's the reality—let's be honest about it.' Lone also advised Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the leader of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference, to consider joining active politics. His comments about the Hurriyat's irrelevance and his call for Kashmiris to move on and integrate into India's democratic system can be seen as an implicit suggestion that others, including Mirwaiz, reconsider their political stance. Bilal concluded by stating that the need of the hour is to initiate a process of reconciliation among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to rebuild trust, which he said has been the biggest casualty in recent years.
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.
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Hurriyat ‘irrelevant', Kashmiris must move on, find place for themselves within India: Bilal Lone
The next generation is the primary motivation for Lone's shift to mainstream politics, as he urged the younger generation to accept the reality that India is 'too big a power' to fight and advised them not to see the country through the lens of political parties but to 'see India as India' to find a space for themselves within the country. He said the present generation has to be told the truth about the last 35 years as they have 'no other option' but to enter this new political sphere because 'the politics of exploitation has to stop'. The comments of Lone mark a significant departure from traditional separatist rhetoric, acknowledging that both the Hurriyat and Pakistan had 'faltered' on opportunities to bring progress to the region. Srinagar, Jul 19 (PTI) Former separatist leader Bilal Gani Lone has held the Hurriyat Conference responsible for its own irrelevance, calling the separatist conglomerate 'non-functional', while also slamming Pakistan for creating a 'mess' and 'fissures' in Jammu and Kashmir. Talking exclusively to PTI Videos, Lone asserted that the Hurriyat Conference, a separatist conglomerate formed in 1993, has lost its relevance in the Valley. 'Hurriyat is no more relevant as on date. Hurriyat functional bhi nahi hai (Hurriyat is not even functional),' he said, adding, 'let's be honest about it… when you talk about Hurriyat as on date, it's not present anywhere in Kashmir.' While acknowledging that people had reposed their trust in the Hurriyat in the past, Lone said the current reality was different. 'Hurriyat conference has lost relevance because we could not act,' he said, adding, 'so the concept of Hurriyat may have been good at that time… but when we visualise Hurriyat today, it is non-functional and somewhere, Hurriyat has faltered, no doubt about that.' Lone was equally critical of Pakistan's role and said, 'We have heard many statements but nothing has come out (of it)', and added that 'Pakistan should help Kashmir in soothing things here, rather than creating fissures out here'. He dismissed the idea that Pakistan would ever 'get' Kashmir through force, calling it a 'very silly suggestion'. To illustrate his point, Lone cited a recent escalation of tensions along the border that saw a 48-hour war-like situation. 'Not even an inch moved at the border,' he said. Lone said that Kashmiris must now move on. 'We need to come out of this mess, whether it is with or without Pakistan, we have to come out of this,' he stated. He expressed a deep sense of regret over the separatist movement's failures, saying, 'The Hurriyat Conference had got a lot of opportunities, we faltered somewhere. And we could have got something for our people, but we couldn't. That's the reality, let's be honest about it.' In a candid admission of past failures, Lone said his shift towards mainstream politics is born not out of political expediency, but a personal conviction to pursue a 'genuine political process'. Reflecting on his journey, Lone said, 'I have no regrets being on the other side of the fence, but the only regret, which is a very big one, is that we could not do anything. Much could have been done, but we could not', and summarised his change of heart with a Hindi adage: 'dair aaye durust aaye (better late than never).' Addressing his move from separatist to mainstream politics, Lone said he is not in the race for any position like a chief minister or MLA, but is instead motivated by a desire to pay back his people. 'I think I need to pay it back. So for me, it is a payback time,' he said. He said his new political narrative for the people would go beyond basic amenities like roads, power, and water, to instead focus on the future of the new generation. 'We have to talk about their future which includes their education, health facilities, and prospects of setting up business,' he said. He underscored that the primary motivation for his new political journey is the next generation, which he said has been the biggest casualty of the conflict. 'Violence has given us nothing. Violence ne yahan par barbaadi hi laayi hai (violence has only brought destruction here),' he said, adding that it has 'finished generations'. Lone observed that a Kashmiri is 'nowhere' today and 'at the receiving end', a situation he attributes to years of violence. He made an appeal to the people, urging them to look at India not through the lens of political parties like the BJP or Congress, but to 'see India as India and try to find a space for themselves'. He warned that those who have tried to defeat India have 'failed miserably,' and the people must now accept that reality. In a direct assessment of the post-Article 370 situation, Lone said that while the provision may have been politically hollow, it was a 'psychological victory' for Kashmiris. He said that while the BJP government may have won a 'military war' by abrogating Article 370, it has 'lost Kashmiris' by making the people feel 'subdued' and 'suppressed'. Lone, however, was quick to state that he is 'too small a man' to advise Prime Minister Narendra Modi but urged the central government to 'embrace' Kashmiris and not view the region through the 'prism of a vote bank'. He said the government should 'come and feel Kashmir with their hands' and 'give a soothing effect' to the people, adding that they should also listen to voices beyond political parties. On the security front, Lone said the situation is 'first class' but is maintained by 'the force of the stick', and stressed that the biggest casualty in Kashmir is 'trust' . He said that a process of reconciliation must begin, not between countries, but between their own people. He said a new chapter of 'sincerity' must be started with the new generation, which is unaware of the past. PTI SKL RT This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
