Ganderbal, Aug 22: Many political parties have faced significant setbacks ahead of the assembly elections scheduled to be held in Jammu & Kashmir after a gap of ten years.
In a recent setback to the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir United Movement (JKUM), senior political leader and district president Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad Saloora, along with his companions and workers, has bid farewell to the party.
Speaking with Rising Kashmir, Saloora expressed disappointment in his inability to effectively serve his people while being associated with JKUM. “I have long been committed to public service and any obstacle in fulfilling my duties is unacceptable for me,” he said.
Saloora revealed he has instructed his workers to fully support the National Conference (NC) in Ganderbal. “I have asked them to rejoin the NC before the upcoming elections at their Beehama office,” he said.
While Saloora has not yet formally rejoined the National Conference, he declared his support for the party, regardless of whether Farooq Abdullah or Omar Abdullah contests in the upcoming assembly elections.
He explained that past disagreements with the NC led him to launch his own political outfit – the Awami Insaf Party. “However, after waiting for five months without being approached by anyone from the NC, I along with my supporters joined JKUM, led by Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar,” he said.
Saloora further disclosed that he had already distanced himself from JKUM immediately after the parliamentary elections and was only associated with the party as a formality. He announced his resignation from JKUM, along with his associates and workers, and said he will discuss his future political strategy with the media.
Saloora acknowledged that the past rift with the NC was a “mistake” and affirmed his unwavering support for the party. “I will remain loyal to the National Conference till my last breath, much like Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah,” he vowed.