Altaf Bukhari

As the first batch of Hajj pilgrims departs from Srinagar to Jeddah tomorrow, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all those embarking on this sacred journey this year. May Almighty Allah bless you abundantly, grant you inner peace and spiritual strength, and accept your prayers. I wish you a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage. I humbly request that you remember the people of Jammu & Kashmir in your prayers—for peace, stability, and a hopeful future.

I visited Khazir Mohammad Sheikh Sahib, the ailing father of Engineer Rashid Sahib, at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where he is battling his critical illness and has been placed on ventilator support. His condition is extremely serious, and his family is passing through an incredibly difficult and distressing time. In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with them and pray to the Almighty Allah to bless Khazir Sahib with Shifa-e-Kamila and strength to overcome this grave condition. I request Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi and Hon’ble Home Minister @AmitShah to consider granting parole to the incarcerated Member of Parliament, Engineer Rashid, so that he can be with his ailing father and distressed family members. Allowing him to be with his family in this time of crisis would be a humane and dignified decision and it will be appreciated by one and all in Jammu and Kashmir.

My condolences go to the bereaved family of Khawja Abdul Majeed Wani, a prominent social activist and Vice President of the Intizamia Committee, Markazi Jamia Masjid Wagoora, Baramulla, who passed away on Wednesday. His contributions to society will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. May Almighty Allah grant eternal peace to the departed soul and bestow strength and patience upon his family to endure this profound and irreparable loss.

Feeling jubilant and proud that the Union Government has approved Rs 9,779.42 crore for two major tunnel projects that will provide all-weather connectivity between the Chenab region and the Kashmir Valley. This is truly an incredible development and a matter of great satisfaction. These remarkable projects will enable faster, safer, and more reliable travel between Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur in Jammu, and Anantnag in the Valley. The proposed tunnels from Sudhmahadev (Udhampur) to Dranga (Doda), and Singhpora (Kishtwar) to Vailoo (Anantnag), will substantially reduce distances and spare people from hectic, difficult, and time-consuming travel. These are not just tunnels made of concrete and steel. They are pathways that will connect people, bring regions closer, bridge hearts, and strengthen bonds between communities. This has been a long-cherished aspiration of the people. On this historic development, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi and Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways @nitin_gadkari for ensuring that this long-cherished dream of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is fulfilled.

My deepest sympathies go out to the families who lost their homes in the midnight fire incident in Nowhatta, Srinagar. It is deeply saddening that seven residential houses were damaged in this unfortunate incident. I urge the administration to extend immediate financial assistance and adequate compensation to the affected families, enabling them to rebuild their homes and restore their lives as soon as possible.

Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was not only the architect of our Constitution but also one of India’s greatest intellectuals. He dedicated his entire life to fighting caste discrimination and securing equal rights for every citizen. His vision and principles remain as relevant today as they were in his time, and his teachings will continue to inspire generations to come. Heartfelt tributes on his birth anniversary. #AmbedkarJayanti

Warm greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi. I extend my special wishes to the Sikh community, which celebrates this festival with great cultural fervour. Baisakhi embodies gratitude for a bountiful harvest and fosters a spirit of unity, harmony, and generosity among all. May this joyous festival usher in peace, prosperity, and harmony across Jammu and Kashmir.

Deeply pained to hear about the drowning of two young boys in the Jhelum River at Bijbehara. The loss is heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the bereaved families, particularly the parents who are enduring unimaginable pain. No words can truly console those who have lost their beloved children. May the Almighty Allah grant them patience, resilience, and the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

On the sacred Urs of Hazrat Syed Meerak Shah Kashani Sahib, I extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the valley. He is one of the most revered Sufi saints, and his shrine at Darbar Kashani in Shalimar Srinagar stands as a beacon of faith, peace, and spiritual solace. Hazrat Meerak Shah Sahib's timeless message of love, compassion, and service continues to guide us—reminding us to live with unity, kindness, and humanity.

The conclusion of the US–Iran talks in Islamabad without an agreement is deeply concerning. A missed opportunity to move toward ending the conflict in the Middle East is not only disappointing but also dangerous. The ongoing war continues to take a heavy toll on human lives across all countries involved, while also impacting nations that are not directly part of the conflict, including our own. The consequences of this war are already visible. Economic growth and trade have been disrupted, and millions of Indian nationals in Gulf countries face growing uncertainty. Even the stability of inward remittances is at risk. At this crucial juncture, one can only hope that reason prevails and that the concerned countries at least uphold and enhance the ceasefire. The world cannot afford prolonged instability—it needs peace.

It is the responsibility of every citizen of Jammu & Kashmir to actively contribute towards the success of the 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt’ campaign, launched today. At a time when a significant number of our youth have already fallen victim to the growing drug menace, and many more remain vulnerable, such an initiative is both timely and essential. I also commend and and support Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (@OfficeOfLGJandK) Shri Manoj Sinha for announcing stringent punitive measures, including the cancellation of passports and Aadhaar cards, as well as the attachment of properties belonging to drug smugglers. Such firm actions are necessary to break the backbone of the drug network and protect our youth. Let us unite to make this campaign a success. #NashaMuktJK

The saddening news has emerged of a tragic fire incident at Jamia Arabia Ashraful Uloom in Hyderpora, Srinagar. While the damage caused by the blaze is deeply unfortunate and distressing, it is a matter of immense relief that there has been no loss of life in this tragedy. I have been informed that the police, fire and emergency services, and the local community—particularly the youth—responded with remarkable promptness and courage. Their swift action, sense of duty, and collective responsibility played a crucial role in controlling the flames before the situation could worsen. The bravery shown by all those involved deserves sincere appreciation and recognition.

It is painful to hear that 5 residents of J&K have lost their lives in a severe road accident in Kuwait. These young victims were working there to earn a livelihood for their families back home in the Rajouri and Poonch districts. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The families have requested the repatriation of the bodies. I earnestly request External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to personally intervene to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies.

I welcome and appreciate the government’s decision to approve the flyover connecting Rajbagh to Sangarmal in Srinagar. This was a long-awaited and much-needed decision. Once completed, the flyover will certainly help reduce the growing traffic congestion in the area. At the same time, it is important to recall how this vital project was mishandled in the past. During her tenure in government, Mehbooba Mufti, exhibiting her typical Nadirshahi behaviour, altered the very nature of the project. Ignoring expert advice and reasonable voices, she changed the plan and converted the proposed motorable bridge into a footbridge, even though it had originally been designed and its foundation laid as a bridge meant for vehicles. Sadly, this was not the only decision during her time in power that caused hardship for people in Srinagar. Another glaring example was the shifting of the Batamaloo General Bus Stand to Parimpora in Srinagar. This decision proved to be foolish and deeply damaging. Batamaloo, which was once a thriving economic hub, suffered greatly, and thousands of traders, transporters, and local residents were pushed into serious financial distress. Similarly, the ban on stone mining in the Athwajan and Pantha Chowk areas on the outskirts of Srinagar deprived hundreds of labour-class families of their livelihoods. Again, this decision brought misery and economic hardship to a large section of the population. These are only a few examples that show the poor judgment and disregard for public welfare that marked Mehbooba Mufti’s time in government. Without mincing words, today I want to tell Mehbooba Ji directly that the damage she caused to Srinagar during her tenure is unforgettable. I understand that some unelected representatives in your party at that time further influenced you to intensify the anti-city sentiments that you already harbored. However, the fact remains that you personally left no stone unturned to undermine the interests of Srinagar and its people. Now, mark my words: the people of Srinagar will neither forget nor forgive the harm you caused them, and history will ultimately judge the consequences of the damage that was done. Anyways , I hope that the work on flyover construction begins without any further delay so that the people can finally get relief from the severe traffic congestion in the city centre and adjoining areas.

Deepest condolences to journalist Yahya Sultan and his family on the passing of his beloved father, Muhammad Sultan, a resident of Batergam, Kupwara. He departed for his heavenly abode today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal peace in Jannah and give strength to the bereaved family to endure this immense loss.

It is deeply distressing to know that at least six people have lost their lives and five others have been injured after a snow avalanche struck several vehicles at Zojila Pass today. This is a heartbreaking tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray they find strength and courage in this incredibly difficult time, and I wish a quick and full recovery to those who have been injured.

Warm greetings to everyone, especially my Hindu brothers and sisters celebrating the sacred festival of Ram Navami today. May this blessed occasion fill every home with happiness, peace, and prosperity.

My warmest greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. This blessed occasion is not only a time for joy and celebration but also an opportunity to express our gratitude to the Almighty for the gift of Ramadan—the holy time that allows us to reflect, seek forgiveness, purify our hearts, and grow in faith. May this sacred occasion fill our lives with peace, strengthen harmony among communities, and usher in enduring prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Eid Mubarak to all!

Warm greetings to everyone, especially my Hindu brethren, on the sacred occasion of Navratri. This festival holds great significance and is one of the most auspicious celebrations in the Hindu tradition. May this Navratri bring renewed energy, positivity, and hope into our lives. Wishing you all a very Happy Navratri!

My party colleague, Babu Muhammad Akbar, who served the party as District Vice President for Rajouri, has passed away following a brief illness. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. I extend my deepest condolences to his bereaved family and stand in solidarity with them in this hour of grief. May Almighty Allah grant them patience to bear this immense loss, and may He grant the departed soul eternal peace.