Srinagar, August 23 (KNS): In a significant boost to the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), Advocate Dawood Bhat, former PDP Lolab Constituency President, has officially joined the party.

This development comes at a crucial time as AIP continues to expand its influence across Jammu and Kashmir, positioning itself as a formidable alternative to traditional parties.

Peerzada Firdouse Ahmad Baba, a senior leader of AIP, lashed out at the NC for its disregard for the rights of Kashmiri prisoners, accusing the party of stripping away basic rights, including the right to communicate with family members. "Talking to family members is a basic right of prisoners as per the Tihar Jail manual, but NC has shown its true colors by wanting to strip even this right from Kashmiri prisoners.

This right for Er Rashid has already been stripped," Baba asserted. He further accused the NC of being responsible for much of the suffering and destruction in Kashmir. "The NC has a long history of betrayal and broken promises. They are responsible for the misery of our people, yet they shamelessly seek votes once again. The people have rejected them and embraced AIP as the only genuine alternative," Baba emphasized.

While addressing the gathering, Senior AIP leader and DDC Mawar Khursheed Ahmad Dar, fiercely criticized Hilal Lone, son of National Conference (NC) leader Akbar Lone, for his recent remarks. Dar accused Hilal Lone of worrying about AIP’s rising popularity because the party is rooted in the common people's aspirations, unlike the NC, which he says has consistently betrayed those very people. "The NC has always exploited the emotions of Kashmiris to secure power, but now, with Er Rashid's AIP gaining ground from North to South Kashmir, they are desperate and fearful," Dar stated.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Former MC Chairman Langate and senior AIP leader Adv Shahnawaz Abdullah took a strong stance against NC's track record, highlighting the party’s imposition of draconian laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) against its own people. "Those who imposed POTA and PSA against Kashmiris are now pretending to care about their welfare. Their duplicity is clear for all to see," said Shahnawaz. He also criticized the NC for profiting from boycott politics. "For years, the NC has taken advantage of low voter turnout due to boycotts. Now, they are terrified because AIP is mobilizing people to participate and reject the politics of betrayal," he added.

Senior AIP Leader Showkat Pandit also condemned Hilal Lone’s comments, questioning NC's fear of Er Rashid's growing influence. "Why is NC afraid of the AIP wave? They know that the people have seen through their deception and are now rallying behind Er Rashid and AIP, who truly represent their aspirations," Showkat remarked.

Speaking at the occasion, Dawood Bhat expressed his enthusiasm for joining AIP, stating, "The time has come for a new political narrative in Kashmir, one that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the people. AIP, under the leadership of Er Rashid, is the voice of the common man. Together, we will work towards a brighter and more just future for all in Jammu and Kashmir."

The addition of Dawood Malik is expected to further solidify AIP’s presence in the region. Worth to mention that AIP is poised to challenge the dominance of the National Conference and offer a fresh, people-centric approach to politics in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)