G. M Saroori condoles demises

Visited Malanoo Kahara, Thalaran and Dumber Chatroo for condolence

JAMMU, AUGUST 31: - Vice President Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori has condoled the demises of Abdul Kareem Zargar son of Haji Manzoor Ahmed Zargar resident of Malanoo Kahara, mother of Maqbool Hussain resident of Dumber Chatroo, Abdul Rashid Bichoo resident of Kishtwar, Mother of Dr. Majid Mughal resident of Bhaderwah.

In his condolence message to bereaved families, the MLA Inderwal expressed sympathies with the bereaved families recalling the philanthropic and compassionate traits of the deceased’s.

Mr. Saroori also visited Thalaran, Dumber Chatroo and Malanoo Kahara areas to personally condole the recent demises in these areas. He stayed with the bereaved families and expressed his sympathies and solidarity with them, offered fatiyah, consoled the family members.

He has also prayed to Almighty Allah for granting solace to the departed souls and courage to the families of the deceased to bear with the loss beside a place for them in heaven.

J&K Special status are enshrined in the Constitution and it cannot be tampered or removed: Saroori

People want to see Azad’s era again

Blacktopping on Thathri-Cheera and Thathri-Kathava sanctioned

THATHRI, AUGUST 30: - Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Vice president and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today said that the special status of J&K (Article 370 and 35-A) are enshrined in the Constitution and it cannot be tampered with or removed.

The MLA Inderwal was addressing a meeting here at Dak Bungalow Thathri.

Saroori said it is an article of faith, identity and all of us without any caste, color, creed and politics will and shall fight to protect Article 35A. If the article is tinkered with, the fallout will be disastrous and we shall give our life to protect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He said that regional parties were beneficiary and mainly responsible for the Kashmir problem. He said resolution of Kashmir and restoration of trust between the State and the rest of the country should get priority to achieve over all development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the mistrust was the result of the U-turn and flip flop of State’s premier political regional forces and the BJP.

"The regional parties set up different counters at different times to suit their personal interests of parties. But in 1975, 2014 they did a complete volt face to get power and propounded the ominous ‘wavelength with Centre theory’ to seal the sellout of rivers, power projects, identity of the state,” Saroori maintained and added that the political instability has only helped to keep accountability and democratic competition out of the system which impacted many generations in J&K and helped vested interest cultivated and represented by regional parties. Soon after losing power these regional parties realizes, remembers the problems of the people.

Saroori also asked party cadres in Thathri to prepare for Municipality polls, which are likely to be held in October and said that Congress party would always remain steady on its principles of secularism, and equality for all & equitable development of all three regions of the State. He exhorted party workers to strengthen the booth units and gear up for all kinds of electoral battles in near future.

On the occasion many deputations also met Mr. Saroori and appraised him day to day problems. SDM Thathri, Mohd Anwar Banday, Block Congress Committee Thathri was also present on the occasion.

He said the he has formulated comprehensive plans under PHE, PDD, R&B, PMGSY, Education, sectors to meet the developmental aspirations of the people of the sub-division. He also gave on spot directions to SDM Thathri for redressal of people’s demands in a time bond manner. He said that many more projects are in pipeline for the sub-division Thathri including blacktopping on Thathri to Cheera, Thathri to Kathava roads, Rs 2.5 crores for the construction of girls hostel in Thahtri have already been sanctioned. He also assured the people that all their genuine demands and development needs would be fulfilled in a phased manner.

Mr. Saroori said that the Congress Government led by Ghulam Nabi Azad took exemplary measures to improve the living standard in whole state, adding that for this purpose people want to see Azad’s era again and wanted him to come back in state politics. He said Azad’s tenure as Chief Minister J&K was a golden period in the history of state. He urged them to extend their whole hearted cooperation to the Congress in the future elections which will develop every nook and corner of the Chenab Valley on modern lines. He said that provision for adequate drinking water facilities, better roads, improved power, quality education and accommodation to the students besides better lanes and drains will be paid focused attention in Congress led government.

Five dozens PDP, BJP and NC workers from Chatroo joined Congress

Ghulam Nabi Azad had set an example of good governance in J&K

People have realized that only Congress has the vision and conviction to solve their problems

KISHTWAR, AUGUST 29: - Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Vice President and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today accused the PDP and BJP "failure" to do anything good for the people of the state, failing to keep their promises and claimed that people were looking at the Congress as an alternative to have their aspirations addressed.

“PDP and BJP have miserably failed to translate its promises into reality, so the people of this state have been looking towards Congress to get their aspirations addressed”, Mr. Saroori was addressing a function organized to welcome the newly joined prominent workers from PDP, BJP and NC here at his residence Kishtwar.

Saroori said that the Congress led government under the dynamic leadership of Ghulam Nabi Azad had set an example of good governance, communal harmony, peace, development,” he said and added that people have realized that only this party has the vision and conviction to solve their problems. He said programmes and policies of the Ghulam Nabi Azad government were formulated after taking into account the wishes and aspirations of all regions and sub-regions of the state.

"Congress is the only party having a clear agenda for the betterment of the youth of the state," Saroori said and expressed his gratitude and hoped that all new comers would work hard for the party.

Welcoming the decision of new comers into the party said their joining will strengthen the party at grass roots level. He said youngsters have a great role to play in state politics and Congress has been providing it in good measure. He said blend of youthfulness and experience is guarantee for steering Jammu and Kashmir to peace and progress. In this context, he enumerated the great role for youngsters in the politics.

They newly joined workers from Chatroo areas said they are fully convinced by the programmed and policies of the party and want to strengthen the party. They further reposed full confidence in the Party leadership and vowed to work under its leadership.

PDP-BJP had taught the people a lesson to take their decisions with caution and sagacity: Saroori

Addressed mammoth gathering at Tatani Saroor

Four dozens PDP, BJP and NC workers joined Congress

SAROOR, AUGUST 27: - Vice President of JKPCC, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori while addressing huge gathering here at Tatani Saroor area of Drabshalla said that PDP and the BJP owe an apology to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for compromising their interests, the PDP-BJP parties have kept their personal interests above the larger interest of the people on every front, be it development, governance, security or political aspirations

Mr. Saroori said that the PDP-BJP coalition was an unholy alliance" stitched together with the "singular agenda of remaining in power, holding the chair. As a consequence, public interest became causality, he added. He said the PDP-BJP coalition government had taught the people a lesson to take their decisions with caution and sagacity. The failed PDP-BJP experience has posed a big challenge for the Congress to restore peoples' faith in parliamentary democracy, he added.

He said the Congress, which believed in peace, unity and communal amity, alone could undo the damage inflicted by the erstwhile government's divisive politics.

Urging the cadre at all the levels to play their defined role in steering out the state from crisis wherein the people are suffering immensely, Mr Saroori said that the party workers were epitome of sacrifice who have withstood challenges during most horrendous times and proven their loyalty towards people. “We cannot deviate from the path we have been treading for decades with a sincerity of purpose”, he said, while describing Congress as a movement rather than just a political party. He said his party has never indulged in falsehood, emotional blackmailing, bias or creating hatred between different regions and segments of society, adding this spirit had to be adhered at all costs.

Mr. Saroori asked the cadre to close their ranks to meet the challenges confronted to the state."A vibrant Congress is answer to all problems confronted to the state”, he said adding that the cadre is well aware about their responsibilities at this crucial hour.

Among others Altaf Hussain Malik, Santosh Kumar, Asgar Hussain Khangi, Akhtar Hussain Butt, Akhtar Hussain Khurwaey, Bashir Ahmed, Javed Ahmed, Irshad Ahmed, Altaf Hussain, Chowdhary Jeelani, Romesh Kumar, Ved Prakash, Mufti Arshad, Mohd Sultan, Hari, Ram also addressed the gathering and called for communal harmony, saying any attempt to divide society in bits and pieces by generating passion on the basis of religion is detrimental for its harmonious growth. They urged the workers to remind the people of the sincere service Congress and its leadership has always rendered to the people, irrespective of caste, creed, color, region or religion.

On the occasion four dozens PDP, BJP and NC workers from Tatani, Shrouti, Dhar, Saroor, areas joined the Congress party in presence of Mr. Saroori in a function organized at Tatani where they were whole heartedly welcomed into the party.

PDP-BJP had taught the people a lesson to take their decisions with caution and sagacity: Saroori

Addressed mammoth gathering at Tatani Saroor

Four dozens PDP, BJP and NC workers joined Congress

SAROOR, AUGUST 27: - Vice President of JKPCC, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori while addressing huge gathering here at Tatani Saroor area of Drabshalla said that PDP and the BJP owe an apology to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for compromising their interests, the PDP-BJP parties have kept their personal interests above the larger interest of the people on every front, be it development, governance, security or political aspirations

Mr. Saroori said that the PDP-BJP coalition was an unholy alliance" stitched together with the "singular agenda of remaining in power, holding the chair. As a consequence, public interest became causality, he added. He said the PDP-BJP coalition government had taught the people a lesson to take their decisions with caution and sagacity. The failed PDP-BJP experience has posed a big challenge for the Congress to restore peoples' faith in parliamentary democracy, he added.

He said the Congress, which believed in peace, unity and communal amity, alone could undo the damage inflicted by the erstwhile government's divisive politics.

Urging the cadre at all the levels to play their defined role in steering out the state from crisis wherein the people are suffering immensely, Mr Saroori said that the party workers were epitome of sacrifice who have withstood challenges during most horrendous times and proven their loyalty towards people. “We cannot deviate from the path we have been treading for decades with a sincerity of purpose”, he said, while describing Congress as a movement rather than just a political party. He said his party has never indulged in falsehood, emotional blackmailing, bias or creating hatred between different regions and segments of society, adding this spirit had to be adhered at all costs.

Mr. Saroori asked the cadre to close their ranks to meet the challenges confronted to the state."A vibrant Congress is answer to all problems confronted to the state”, he said adding that the cadre is well aware about their responsibilities at this crucial hour.

Among others Altaf Hussain Malik, Santosh Kumar, Asgar Hussain Khangi, Akhtar Hussain Butt, Akhtar Hussain Khurwaey, Bashir Ahmed, Javed Ahmed, Irshad Ahmed, Altaf Hussain, Chowdhary Jeelani, Romesh Kumar, Ved Prakash, Mufti Arshad, Mohd Sultan, Hari, Ram also addressed the gathering and called for communal harmony, saying any attempt to divide society in bits and pieces by generating passion on the basis of religion is detrimental for its harmonious growth. They urged the workers to remind the people of the sincere service Congress and its leadership has always rendered to the people, irrespective of caste, creed, color, region or religion.

On the occasion four dozens PDP, BJP and NC workers from Tatani, Shrouti, Dhar, Saroor, areas joined the Congress party in presence of Mr. Saroori in a function organized at Tatani where they were whole heartedly welcomed into the party.

Saroori greets people on Raksha Bandhan

KISHTWAR, AUGUST 26: -Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Vice President and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, has felicitated the people on Raksha Bandhan and expressed sincere hope that this auspicious occasion would usher a new era of peace, amity, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State.

In his message of greetings, Mr. Saroori observed the festival of Raksha Bandhan was unique symbolizing the bonds of love, affection and mutual trust between brother and sister. "The festival reminds us of the importance of traditional values and bonds in our society. On this occasion, let us contribute in whichever way possible to bring happiness to the needy," Saroori said and gave a call for renewed efforts to ensure the dignity of women to promote peace and harmony in society.

Saroori hoped that the united endeavours would bring prosperity and progress to all sections of people beside prayed for peace and development of the State and the country.

Hundreds of political activists from sub-division Chatroo joined Congress

Congress provided platform to young people and can play their role in shaping destiny of the state: Saroori

Party workers are the backbone of the Congress: Thakur Balbir Singh

KISHTWAR, AUGUST 26: - Hundreds of political activists from Mugalmaidan and Chatroo blocks joined Congress at MLA Inderwal’s residence here at Kishtwar.

The newly entrants was welcomed into the party by JKPCC Vice President and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori and Thakur Balbir Singh MLC at a function organized to welcome them.

While welcoming, Mr. Saroori said this gives us an idea about the changing circumstances. So many youngsters want to join and work with our new president Rahul Gandhi. I am sure it won’t stop with this and the Congress would become the strongest party in the country. Congress has all along provided platform to young people so that they can play their role in shaping destiny of the state and would empower them to fight the myriad challenges the State is faced with.

Mr. Saroori expressed hope that newly entrants would work tirelessly to uphold the secular ideals of the party and work towards isolating communal and divisive forces who are working overtime to create fissures in the secular fabric of the State.

MLC Thakur Balbir Singh in his address said Congress is the only party in the State where party workers are the backbone of the party and work under a democratic and organized system that is based on mutual respect and discipline. We all should pledge to work in strengthening Rahul Gandhi’s hands in his dream to usher state into an era of peace, prosperity and development.

Balbir Singh also asked the party leaders to work closely with the grassroots workers in addressing pressing public issues and concerns in their respective areas. “Our workers are the backbone of the party and all efforts should be made to involve the youth in evolving ways to strengthen the party and also reach out to the people who are facing the worst possible era of misgovernance and political instability due to the opportunistic alliance that is at the helm in the State”, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, the newly entrants reposed their faith in the party and said the Congress has a glorious history of fighting for the rights and interests of the people and it is this goal that we would nurture and contribute towards. They pledged to work for further strengthening the Congress at grass root level in the sub-division Chatroo and exuded faith that Congress alone can satiate the aspirations of youth and steer the state to peace, progress and development. They said they will work as foot-soldiers to carry forward the cherished mission of Congress in strengthening the bonds of unity and amity between various segments of the society.

New District President Congress Kishtwar accorded warm reception

Congress representing aspirations of all the three regions: Saroori

Every section feels deceived by Modi Ji’s “Jumlasbazi”, people in the country want change: Thakur Balbir Singh

KISHTWAR, AUGUST 25: - Newly appointed District Congress Committee (DCC), Kishtwar President Shri. Mohinder Singh Parihar was accorded grand reception by a large number of DCC and Block Congress Committee (BCC) workers here at Kishtwar.

A large number of Congress leaders, Youth Congress activist, Mahila, NSUI and others were also present on the occasion and accorded grand welcome to Mohinder Singh amidst raising of slogans in favour of Congress party.

The main function was held at Dak Bungalow Kishtwar where JKPCC Vice President and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori and Thakur Balbir Singh (MLC), PCC Members, Block Presidents, President DCC Kishtwar, senior leaders addressed the gathering.

PCC vice Chief G. M Saroori while addressing the gathering termed Congress Party as the only unifying force representing aspirations of all the three regions and the party has legacy of uniting, serving the people to the best of its ability. He said Congress will continue to strengthen the people and work for their progress of the state through the equitable development of all the three regions.

Saroori said “Three and a half year rule of PDP-BJP government will be remembered as an era of monumental failures. The state is going through an unprecedented phase of uncertainty, fear and anxiety. While the situation in Kashmir is deteriorating with every passing day, in Jammu the dark clouds of communal hatred are on a rampage.” “In recent history, state of Jammu and Kashmir is going through the darkest phase. All this is happening under the very nose of BJP who for long seem to have forgotten about the problems and miseries people are going through.

JKPCC Vice President asked party cadres to gear up to face the challenge posed by opportunist forces and ensure victory of the party in any electoral exercise in the state, as people in three regions are in a mood to elect congress to power. He also congratulated Mohinder Singh on being appointed as a President DCC President Kishtwar and said appointment of Mohinder Singh clearly reflects the vision of Rahul Gandhi who has opened the door of politics to the people of common family and Mohinder Singh is the source of inspiration for all other people.

MLC Thakur Balbir Singh in his address said Modi government has proved to be utter failure on all its poll promises like bringing back Black money and depositing 15 Lac in the account of every citizen, 2 crores jobs per year to the youths, bring down the prices of all commodities, end corruption and for working for the welfare of poor, downtrodden, farmers and labour class. He said prices have touched all time high, government fleecing the consumers on petrol, diesel and gas rates, jobs are nowhere as promised, while money from banks have been looted and looters of white money and bank Loans allowed to fly outside country, instead of bringing Black Money, Refale deal is the biggest example of the Modi govt’s transparency in one of the biggest defense deals, demonetization is example of the Modi’s concern for poor and it shows how rich and capitalist were benefitted in the process.

Balbir Singh said BJP gave slogan of India Shining in 2004 but lost elections, the mood is similar in the nation now as every section feels deceived by Modi Ji’s “Jumlasbazi” and BJP’s politics of divide and rule. The people in the country want change.

President DCC Kishtwar Mohinder Parihar extended gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori who have given him a responsibility to led the Congress party in Kishtwar district. He said that he would try his best to come to the expectations of all and would like to move forward for the common goal of Congress to strengthen party along with his team members. He said the priorities of the Congress leaders are common and new team will function collectively to strengthen party at grass-root level. He also thanked PCC, AYC, Mahila and NSUI activist who whole heartedly supported and gave warm reception.

Prominent among those Senior leaders from the district including Altaf Hussain Malik, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Santosh Kumar, Mohd Amin, Ali Mohd Naik, Tariq Hussain Wani, Altaf Hussain, Bidya Lal Sharma, Abdul Rehman, Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, Abdul Hameed, Abdul Saleem, Shahnawaz Hussain, Ronak Singh, Sharwan Singh, Captain Jagdish, Raj Kumar, Thakur Suman Bhandari, Waseem Saroori, Firdous Mingnoo, Waseem Maker, Randeep Bhandari, Vikram Bhandari, Jatin Manhas, Farooq Tappal, Amar Singh, Kailash Chander, Rangaeil Singh, Rakhi Devi, Irshad Ahmed, Tariq Hussain Mintoo, Noor Hussain, Ravi Shan, Shanker Singh, Jatinder Kumar, Rakesh Bhagat, Sunder Singh, Madan Bhandari, Anil Kumar, Romesh Kumar, Satish Kumar, Kamaljeet Singh, Balkrishan, Tanveer Ahmed, Mohd Aslam, Mohd Shafi, Akhtar Hussain, Zahid Hussain, Ghulam Mohd Masoodi, Shamasdin, Mohd Yusuf, Hens Raj, Mohd Iqbal Keen, Khalid Hussain Sheikh, Farooq Ahmed Want, Ghulam Rasool, Asgar Khangi, Mushtaq Ahmed, Farooq Ahmed, Hafeez Teli, Musarat Hussain, Bashir Ahmed, Noor Hussain, Rakesh Kumar, Irshad Ahmed, Farooq Ahmed, Gul Khan, Ghulam Nabi, and others were present on the occasion.

G. M Saroori welcomed newly nominated Block Presidents from Kishtwar and Inderwal Assembly segments

Prominent political activists from Rahal Chatroo joined Congress

KISHTWAR, AUGIUST 24: - Newly appointed block presidents from Inderwal and Kishtwar constituencies was today welcomed by the PCC Vice President Ghulam Mohammad Saroori here at his residence Kishtwar.

During an interaction with the new block presidents, Mr. Saroori exhorted them to assert their designated role in strengthening the bonds of harmony, amity and brotherhood, bequeathed by towering leaders like Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indra Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and others who rejected myopic political philosophy during the most difficult phase.

Saroori said that Congress has to play an important role in the state and all congressmen have to realize their responsibilities in the situation keeping in view the historical role played by party, in the state, in the past and its responsibility to facilitate a vigorous dialogue between the leaders of three regions of the state, on all issues relating to the party in order to ensure further strengthening the Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir state. It is well known to all concerned that the Congress party feels duty bound to respect the urges and aspirations of the people of all three regions of the state.

“Genuine and dedicated workers connected with the people at grassroots would be encouraged within the party while those who damage the prospects of the party do not deserve leniency,” Saroori said and added that I wish you all success as Block Presidents of the Congress and I hope that you all will succeed with the cooperation of the party cadres.

All the new Block presidents thanked the Hon’ble UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Hon’ble AICC President Rahul Gandhi, Hon’ble Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hon’ble JKPCC President Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Hon’ble JKPCC Vice President Ghulam Mohammad Saroori for nominating us as Block Presidents of various blocks of district Kishtwar. They extended their full co-operation and support to strengthen Congress unit at grass root level. They praised Mr. Saroori’s leadership qualities & efforts to carry along all partymen, in order to make Congress a number one party in the district.

The new block presidents of Kishtwar constituency are as Tariq Hussain Mintoo (Kishtwar), Ghulam Mohd Ganaie (Trigam), Mohd Iqbal (Palmar), Bodh Raj (Dacchan), Ghulam Mohd Sheikh (Marwah), Ghulam Rasool Wani (Warwan), Subash Chander (Nagseni) and Rangeil Singh (Proposed BCC Padder). The new block presidents of Inderwal constituency are as Ghulam Qadir Sheikh (Inderwal), Ali Mohd Naik (Mugalmaidan), Bashir Ahmed Sheikh (Thakrie), Akhtar Hussain Khurwaey (Drabshalla), Mohd Iqbal Keen (Bunjwah), Asgar Hussain Khangi (Thathri), Chowdhary Farooq Ahmed (Kahara) and Younus Rasheed (Jakyas).

Later Prominent Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), National Conference (NC) and Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) workers from Rahal Chatroo area joined Congress party and reposed their faith in the policies and programmes of the party, saying it alone can preserve the single entity of Jammu and Kashmir and ensure equitable development of all the three regions of the State.

Welcoming the new entrants into party-fold, Mr. Saroori said Congress has always provided a vibrant platform to all the people to play their designated role in the State polity and help in shaping its politico-economic destiny. He described joining of public spirited political activists as vindication of pro-people policies of Congress and the role played in socio-economic development and political empowerment of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh over the years. He said the State was passing through a most difficult phase, as the PDP-BJP dispensation has not only failed on deliverance front but was also responsible for halting pace of developmental effort, initiated by the UPA II. He congratulated the new entrants and hoped that with their joining Congress it will be further strengthened at the grass roots level to play its role in heralding peace and normalcy besides meeting the challenges on developmental and political fronts.

G. M Saroori offer Eid prayer at Kishtwar

Wish peace, prosperity, well-being to people

Kishtwar, August 23: State Congress Vice President and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori offered Eid Nimaz at Eidgah Kishtwar here where a huge congregation of Muslims offered Eid prayers.

Mr. Saroori mingled with people, shared Eid greetings and good wishes. He prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Country.

During the day, large number of people from different walks of life visited the residence of the MLA Inderwal to personally convey their Eid felicitation to him.

Saroori grieved over loss of life in Kishtwar accident

Take adequate and stringent measures to check the recurrence of road accidents

KISHTWAR, AUGUST 21: - Expressing concern over frequency of road mishaps, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Vice president Ghulam Mohammad Saroori-(MLA Inderwal) has expressed extreme grief and sorrow over the tragic road accident in remote area of Kishtwar today resulting in the loss of 12 lives.

Mr. Saroori, was grieved to know about the accident and has urge Governor J&K N. N Vohara to take effective steps to check road accidents and pass the directions to the traffic department to take adequate and stringent measures to check the recurrence of road accidents. He also urged the Governor to provide adequate ex-gratia relief to the families of those who lost their lives.

He enjoyed upon the district administration Kishtwar to extend all possible assistance to those who got injured in the unfortunate accident.

In his condolence message, Mr Saroori conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families in their hour of grief to the families whose dear ones died in the accident. He prayed for peace to the departed souls. He also wished speedy recovery to those who were injured in the accident.

On the way to Machail Yatra pilgrimage, 12 people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar after a vehicle fell into the Chenab in the Dool area. A five-year-old baby is the only survivor who has been shifted to a hospital.

G. M Saroori greets people on Eid-ul-Azha

“Strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity”

Kishtwar, August 20: - Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Vice President and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today extending his warm greetings to the Muslim community on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha wishing them well-being and prosperity.

In his Eid message, Mr. Saroori said that the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Azha imbibes in us the spirit of making sincerity and truthfulness way of life. “This holy day also teaches us to uphold the high principals of selfless service to Almighty Allah and the humanity”, he added. “Allah Almighty counts the sincerity and purity of our intention behind performing our service for his sake, and this alone earns us his munificence and forgiveness”, Saroori said.

Mr. Saroori hoped that this Eid festival would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity, tranquility and the glorious pluralistic ethos for which Jammu and Kashmir has been known for centuries past. He prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the State.

G. M Saroori grieved over Kulligad Drabshalla accident

Visited the spot expresses anguish; authorities have turned Kulligad area as death trap

KISHTWAR, AUGUST 20: - Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Vice President and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today expressed shock and deep grief over the loss of six precious lives in a tragic accident which took place today near Kulligad Drabshalla area on Thathri-Kishtwar national highway when huge boulders and debris came down from a hillock, trapping a passenger vehicle plying on the road.

The vehicle was carrying a group of devotees from Udhampur to the shrine of Machail in Padder Valley. Nine other passengers were rescued and rushed to a hospital where the condition of some of them are critical and referred to GMC Jammu for further treatment.

"My heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their dear ones in an unfortunate accident", Saroori said in a statement while expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, praying for strength to them to bear this irreparable loss. He also prayed for peace to the departed souls.

Mr. Saroori has also urged the Governor J&K to sanction immediate ex-gratia relief in favour of the next kins of those who lost their lives. Mr. Saroori visited the spot and expressed anguish over the incident. He also ascertains the situation and condition of road on which work was initiated by NHIDCL last year and strongly resented the failure of authorities at the helm of affairs to safeguard the precious lives of the passengers taking journey near Kulligad areas. He said till date more than Rs. 1.50 crores have been withdrawn to clear the Kulligad landslides which is still in the same condition as earlier and has turned the area as death trap. He said last year after the accident in the same area MD NHIDCL declares the areas a susceptible zone but nothing has been done after that. He urged Governor J&K to take concrete steps in permanent solution of landslide zone at Kulligad Drabshalla.

Release wages of daily wagers, MGNREGA job card holders before Eid-ul-Azha, G. M Saroori to Governor

Provide better services to people on Eid

KISHTWAR, AUGUST 19: - Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Vice President and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori asked Governor Jammu and Kashmir Shri. N. N Vohra to release pending wages of thousands of daily wagers, casual laborers, job card holders under MGNREGA as well as salaries of the employees of various corporations and payments of contractors before Eid-ul- Azha, who he said have not been paid a single penny for a long time now.

In a statement issued today, Mr. Saroori said: "Every month they are made to beg for the release of their own salaries, wages. They are subjected to mental torture as their whole family suffers due to the delay in release of their salary, wages,” he said and added that these people do a lot of hard work without any returns. He also said that in view of the festivals of “EID and DIWALI” this is a time that Government would realize the difficulties of these employees, Saroori urged upon the Governor to release the payment of contractors, teachers and wages of these laborers on the auspicious day of Eid-ul-Azha.

In view of ensuing Eid-ul- Azha, Mr. Saroori called a meeting here at Thathri Dak Bungalow and at his residence Kishtwar and urged upon the administrations of twin districts Doda and Kishtwar to ensure that the people do not face any inconvenience on account of security, traffic management, drinking water, power supply, healthcare services and sanitation during the auspicious days. He said that all the concerned departments should work in close coordination and proper measures should be put in place to ensure availability of essentials including rations, Atta, sugar, Kerosene oil, LPG, meat, poultry etc on reasonable rates in all the areas including Chatroo, Mugalmaidan, Thakrie, Sarthal, Drabshalla, Kontwara, Saroor, Bunjwah, Thathri, Phagsoo, Kahara, Batyas, Jakyas, Kishtwar and other adjoining areas. He also called for intensifying the market checking to curb profiteering and black-marketing of essentials.

The Power department was asked to replace all the damaged transformers before Eid and ensure uninterrupted power supply during these days. “There should be no disruption of electricity supply especially during Eid-Ul- Azha,” Saroori urged Chief Engineer PDD Jammu. The Municipality officers of Thathri and Kishtwar were asked to ensure proper sanitation especially in and around the shrines and mosques in Thathri and Kishtwar areas besides also directed the RTO Kishtwar and Doda to ensure that proper transportation facilities are provided to the devotees during these days.

Mr. Saroori further urged Police Officials to ensure all security arrangements are in place before the festival in Chenab Valley to avoid repetition of “any type of violence” there on the occasions of “Eid-ul- Azha”. Saroori has urged the both the communities not to hurt the religious sentiments of each other and asking all the communities to come together and strengthen the cords of brotherhood, peace and harmony in the State besides urged administration to ensure peaceful celebration of the festival.

BJP Fears Assembly Elections Results, So Talking About One Nation, One Election: GA Mir

Review party functionaries in Raipur Domana, Rajouri, Darhal and Suchetgarh Assembly segments

Jammu, August 14: - BJP fears the results of Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh due in November/December this year, so it is diverting attention of the nation by talking about one nation, one election and talks of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and Assembly, said JKPCC Chief G.A. Mir.

Addressing a series of interaction with prominent leaders and delegates of the party from different assembly sections of Raipur Domana, Rajouri, Darhal and Suchetgarh today at Congress HQ, JKPCC Chief Shri G.A. Mir said that there are clear indications that BJP is losing power in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh etc in view of dismal performance of the BJP governments in States and at the Centre. It would be pre-final to the Lok sabha election due in April-May next, hence the Modi government and BJP talks of One Nation-One Election.

He said Modi government has proved to be utter failure on all its poll promises like bringing back Black money and depositing 15 Lac in the account of every citizen, 2 crores jobs per year to the youths, bring down the prices of all commodities, end corruption and for working for the welfare of poor, downtrodden, farmers and labour class. He said prices have touched all time high, government fleecing the consumers on petrol, diesel and gas rates, jobs are nowhere as promised, while money from banks have been looted and looters of white money and bank Loans allowed to fly outside country, instead of bringing Black Money, Refale deal is the biggest example of the Modi govt’s transparency in one of the biggest defense deals, demonetization is example of the Modi’s concern for poor and it shows how rich and capitalist were benefitted in the process.

He said BJP gave slogan of India Shining in 2004 but lost elections, the mood is similar in the nation now as every section feels deceived by Modi Ji’s “Jumlasbazi” and BJP’s politics of divide and rule. The people in the country want change.

He also questioned the BJP to count a single achievement in the state except vitiating the atmosphere of peace and harmony and creating hatred and division in the society. He said the opportunist and power hungry alliance of PDP-BJP proved to be the worst ever and brought lot of sufferings and miseries to the people of the state. The security environment was worst and borders witnessed largest number of casualities.

PCC Chief also questioned the authority of a ruling party General secretary to announce about the new Governor for the State. It is unusual and lowers the prestige of highest constitutional office of Governor. He said that he is not the spokesman of Rashtrapati Bhawan, as no one else can announce so. Probably Shri N.N. Vohra is working impartially and BJP is uncomfortable with his good decisions in larger interest of public.

Former Ministers & JKPCC Vice Presidents Shri Mula Ram, Raman Bhalla & G.M. Saroori (MLA), Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma attended these interactions.

Senior leaders of respective constituencies led their deputations. They include R.S. Chib, Ch. Gharu Ram (Suchetgarh), Shabir Khan (Rajouri), Iqbal Malik (Darhal), Hari Singh Chib DCC President Jammu rural, Ch. Sukhdev Singh, Ch. Mohan Singh, Rajni Bala, Iftikhar Ahmad, Shafiq Mir, Ch. Masood and others.

PDP-BJP Divided J&K In The Name Of Castes, Religion: GA Mir

Review party functionaries from Akhnoor, Gandhi Nagar, Marh and Banihal Assembly segments

Jammu, Aug 16: JKPCC chief Shri G.A. Mir lashed out at the BJP and PDP for their utter failures on all fronts and left the state bleeding after badly dividing the state in the name of religions and regions, Castes & Communities and the damage caused is difficult to be repaired.

He said that the coalition of North Pole and South Pole created an irrepealably loss to the polity and social harmony of the state which is difficult to be repaired as such the first and foremost task for every positive force is to restore the broken bonds of unity and brotherhood and create a congenial atmosphere in the state for peace and harmony.

Mir said that Congress has always protected and preserved the Multi-Cultural, Multi-Lingual and Multi religious diversity of this nation but today the traditional peace and harmony is under serious threat. Only congress can restore the elements of trust and confidence amongst different section of society. He said that people of State and other parts of Country now realize the need and importance of strengthening congress in three regions of the state and in the country in view of its being only secular and unifying forces which can keep diversity of this state and country intact.

Addressing a series of largely attend meetings of prominent leaders/delegates and Block Presidents from different districts and Assembly segments here today as part of gearing up for ULB and Panchayat elections, PCC Chief Shri G.A. Mir exhorted the workers to ensure the defeat of communal and divisive forces in the forthcoming ULB and Panchayats. He said that BJP-PDP government had weakened the Panchayat Raj but it was struggle of Congress that the direct election and Sarpanchs and other powers of polls have been restored.

President JKPCC and Former Minister Shri G.A. Mir has said that Modi Government has failed to answer the questions about the biggest ever defense deal of Rafale jets purchase on abnormally high rates of over 1600 crores against the settled cost of 526 crores of the same aircraft during UPA regime. Shri Mir questioned the silence of Modi government and said that Modi Government can’t escape and hide the exorbitant price fixed in this defense deal and nation now understands that there is something fishy, that Modi government is not coming out clear on this issue.

Congress will expose the Modi government for its misdeeds and falsehood and its continued attempt to divert attention of people from the real issue of corruption, black money, defense preparedness in the wake of threats from neighbourhood, failures to deal with China and Pakistan, failure on demonetization, failure to providing 2 crores jobs per year, disoriented GST, unprecedented hike of all items, the atmosphere of hatred and division in the country, increasing crimes against women, failures to control the fringe elements taking law into their hands on roads and streets etc and atrocities against Dalits and minorities.

As part of the organizational review meeting of different assembly segments of Jammu province here today at PCC HQ, JKPCC Chief G.A. Mir along with team of senior leaders of PCC interacted with the delegates of PCC, DCC and Block Presidents of Gandhi Nagar, Marh, Banihal, Akhnoor and some other segments today. The delegates of the party from various areas gave important input about the ground situation of the party and the feel of the people in the wake of forth coming ULB and Panchayat elections in the state and apprised the PCC leadership about the activities of the party leaders in their areas.

Former Minister and Senior Congress leader Shri Sham Lal Sharma led the delegates of Akhnoor constituency and introduced newly elected functionaries and delegates of the party.

Shri Raman Bhalla, JKPCC Vice-President and Former Minister who represented the delegation of Gandhi Nagar Assembly constituency apprised the leadership about the problems faced by the people of the area in the wake of total neglect of the developmental works during the PDP-BJP regime and the failures of BJP to come upto the promises made to the people. He said that people are fed up from the falsehood and weak leadership of BJP which betrayed the mandate of people of Jammu region and surrendered to power. He said that people will never forgive BJP for letting them down in every sphere of life and worst ever neglect of the genuine aspirations and rights of people who voted them to power. He said that Congress would register remarkable victory in the upcoming ULB elections.

Former MLA & General secretary PCC Th. Balwan singh and President Mahila Congress Indu Pawar represented the Marh delegations of delegates and apprised about the organizational activities and the plight of the people in the area. The delegates gave their valuable suggestions to revitalize the party in the constituency and for collective and timely decisions of the party.

MLA Banihal & Chief Whip CLP Vikar Rasool Wani represented the Banihal constituency delegates and put forth the problems of the people and the organization activities. He said that the party is strong enough to defeat the opposite forces and would come out victorious in the upcoming elections as people want Congress to emerge stronger in all three regions.

Vice Presidents & Former Ministers Shri Mula Ram, Raman Bhalla & G.M. Saroori (MLA), and Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma Former Minister R.S. Chib, S. Gurmukh Singh, Th. Manmohan Singh, Rajnesh Sharma, DCC Presidents Hari Singh Chib and Vikram Malhotra also addressed the meetings.

Cong emerging first choice in all three regions of state: Mir

PDP-BJP creating mess in the state: Saroori

Review party functionaries from Inderwal and Kishtwar assembly segments

JAMMU, AUGUST 18: - President JKPCC G. A Mir said that winds of change are blowing in Kashmir and Jammu region and Congress is emerging as a first choice in three regions of the State in view of the consistency in its policy and secular credentials.

Addressing a meeting of the prominent leaders and delegates of the party from Inderwal and Kishtwar here, PCC Chief said that people in Jammu and Kashmir regions feel cheated from their respective parties whom they voted to majority in 2014 to BJP in Jammu region, while PDP in Kashmir with opposite and contrary slogans and agenda.

“Two parties had no mandate to join hands but they did so, against the wishes of people. Still people expected them to deliver and come up to their expectations, which they utterly failed because of inherent contradictions. The two parties badly divided the people on regional and religious lines and vitiated the overall social and secular atmosphere besides failure to deal with the security environment, finally left a state of political uncertainty,” he said.

Mir lauded the efforts of the Governor’s administration for bringing the administration on rails and initiatives for ULB and Panchayat Elections after nullifying the regressive amendment in the Panchayat Raj by the PDP-BJP Government and restoring direct elections to Sarpanch.

Vice President PCC and MLA Inderwal G. M Saroori charged the PDP-BJP Government in the State for creating a mess of the whole situation and worst ever misrule in the history of the State. He asked the party cadres to educate the masses about the politics of hate and failures an all fronts by the previous regime in the state. The projects launched by Congress party have yet to be completed and the state has lagged behind in every sphere during the BJP regime. The congress alone can ensure equitable development and maintain unity on secular lines. He also said that Congress would stage a comeback in the next elections, as people of all sections and regions trust Congress for its secular approach.

Vice President PCC, Raman Bhalla said that 2014 elections were held in a totally polarized atmosphere and the BJP exploited the religious emotions of people but totally surrendered for the hunger of power.

Prominent among those Mula Ram Vice President PCC, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, General Secretary Thakur Manmohan Singh, Senior Congress leaders Ghulam Haider Sheikh, DCC Presidents Kishtwar Mohinder Parihar, Thakur Hari Singh Chib, Altaf Hussain Malik, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Akhtar Hussain Butt, Ghulam Mohd Kohli, Mohd Amin, Ali Mohd Naik, Tariq Hussain Wani, Bidya Lal Sharma, Nazir Ahmed, Seva Ram, Farooq Ahmed, Jeelani, Ghulam Nabi Mir, Ronak Singh, Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, Nishat Shah, Mohd Sikander, Akhtar Hussain Khurwaey, Mohd Sultan, Shamasdin Hussain, Bashir Ahmed, Ved Prakash, Prithviraj, Hens Raj, Hussain Baig, Mohd Iqbal Keen, Khalid Hussain Sheikh, Qasim Din, Asgar Hussain Khangi, Hafeez Teli, Mohd Yusuf, Madan Bhandari, Chaman Lal, O P Bhagat, Noor Hussain, Suman Bhandari, Waseem Maker, Firdous Mingnoo, Randeep Bhandari, Vikram Bhandari, Ashiq Hussain, Chowdhary Farooq Ahmed, Rafaqat Mir, Abdul Jabbar, Farooq Ahmed, Vinod Kumar, Tariq Hussain Mintoo, Noor Mohd, Majeed Rahi, Musarat Hussain Naik, Abdul Rashid, Ravi Kumar, Mumtaz Hussain, Atta Mohd, Pervaiz Ahmed, Zakir Malik, Ayaz Hamal, Ghulam Hussain Shah and others attended the function.

PDP-BJP Govt. diluted powers of Panchayats

Congress questions PM’s Statement on PRIs in State

Reviewed Party functionaries of Bishnah, Bani, Mendhar and Jammu East Assembly segments

Jammu, August 13: - BJP was equally responsible in bringing a retrograde amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act which had diluted the power and provisions of 73rd amendment of the constitution but it was opposition especially Congress which had launched a struggle against it and finally the Governor has now restored the previous position of direct elections to the Sarpanch. 

Reacting to the Prime Minister Modi’s statement regarding his party’s commitment to strengthen PRIs in the state, JKPCC Chief Shri G. A. Mir questioned as why the centre government and the BJP high command did not intervene to advise his party in the state, to stand against the anti-democratic and retrograde step to dilute the provisions of 73rd amendment, despite strong protests by the Congress and other opposition parties and representatives of Panchayats. PDP-BJP government brought about the anti-democratic amendment through state legislature, against tough opposition by Congress and all opposition parties. The Governor had withheld the assent and sought clarifications but again PDP-BJP pressed for same and got it done. Congress launched a dharna at Raj Bhawan against it, on July 8, 2016 and state wide movement in the state. Fortunately the Governor has now undone the same and restored direct elections to Panchayats. How can BJP and Prime Minister tell to the nation that his party tried to strengthen PRIs in the state.

Addressing meeting of prominent leaders of Bishnah, Bani, Mendhar and Jammu East as part of organizational review to gear up for ULB and Panchayat elections, Mir said that PM Modi is not aware that his party’s Govt. in the state had taken away the direct voting rights in the Panchayats. It was congress which brought about consensus on 73rd and 74th amendment and the same were in corporated in the state laws on March 14, 2014 and now elections would be held as per provisions of 73rd and 74th amendments. 

He took dig at the central leadership of BJP by stating that they are not aware that state BJP leaders had compromised on every commitment and promise to remain in power and people were left high and dry. Finally BJP Chief Amit Shah has himself confessed publically in Jammu the failure of his party to fulfill any commitment and carryout any development in Jammu region. 

Mir asked party cadres to gear up to face the challenge posed by opportunist forces and ensure victory of the party in any electoral exercise in the state, as people in three regions are in a mood to elect congress to power. Besides President PCC, A team of Senior Leaders including Vice-Presidents Mula Ram, Raman Bhalla, G.M. Saroori, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma listened to leaders and prominent delegates of different constituencies about the prospects of the party, to chalk out poll strategy. 

Addressing the gathering, Former Minister and Vice President PCC Shri Raman Bhalla said that BJP has proved to be the most opportunist and power hungry party. It compromised on every commitment for the sake of power with PDP, which proved to be the worst ever government in the state, as people of all sections were worst hit and youth suffered the most. BJP utterly failed to come to the expectations of people of Jammu region. 

JKPCC Vice President and Former Minister Shri Mula Ram lashed out at the BJP for its anti- dalit and anti poor policies in the country and said that the SC/STs suffered badly under the BJP regime in the country and in the previous coalition in the state. it is congress party which always took progressive steps and policies for uplifting the oppressed classes.

Shri G.M. Saroori (MLA) asked the party cadres to educate the masses about the politics of hate and failures an all fronts by the previous regime in the state. The projects launched by Congress party have yet to be completed and the state has lagged behind in every sphere during the BJP regime. The congress alone can ensure equitable development and maintain unity on secular lines.

Chief Spokesperson Mr. Ravinder Sharma said that congress has always taken care of all sections being secular unifying force and it alone can maintain the religious harmony and regional balance by ensuring equal participation of three regions in every sphere of life.

Prominent leaders of respective constituencies who participated in the day long deliberations include Namrata Sharma, Shashi Sharma( Bishnah), Smt. Parveen Sarwar Khan, Ch. Aiyaz Ahmad Raqeeq Khan (NSUI), Imran zaffer from Mehdhar, Vikram Malhotra, Thomas Khoker, Suresh Dogra, Tinu Khoker, Jyoti Vaid, Ch. Maqbool and others.