Assertion Factually Incorrect, Disrespectful to…, AIP on Omar Abdullah’s Remarks on North Kashmir Representation – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has strongly refuted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks suggesting that North Kashmir lacks representation in Parliament, a claim made to justify the nomination of Ramzan Chowdhury to the Rajya Sabha.

In a statement issued to Alfaaz – The Words, Ishtiyaq Qadri, Chairman of AIP’s Political Affairs Committee, said that Omar Abdullah’s assertion was “factually incorrect” and “disrespectful to the democratic choice of the people of Baramulla parliamentary constituency.”

“The people of North Kashmir have already elected their representative, Engineer Rashid, through free and fair elections. He defeated Omar Abdullah himself by a significant margin and continues to represent the aspirations and mandate of the people,” Qadri said.

He added that nominations to the Rajya Sabha, being an indirect and politically influenced process, “cannot be portrayed as a substitute for direct public representation.”

Qadri further said that such remarks reflected “the declining credibility of the National Conference (NC), particularly in constituencies like Budgam,” and accused the party leadership of overlooking the ongoing detention and legal hurdles faced by elected representatives, including Engineer Rashid.

“The people of North Kashmir are not without a voice. Their chosen representative has ensured that their concerns resonate in Parliament despite personal and financial challenges,” he said. “AIP remains committed to defending the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to ensuring that their elected leaders can serve without obstruction.”