 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 27: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) today reaffirmed its unwavering commitment in empowering women across the region.
In a function held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu, social activist Qamar Sharez, daughter of Mohd Akram and a resident of Mendhar , District Poonch, today formally joined the National Conference in presence of Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President JKNC Jammu; and other senior party leaders.
Welcoming Qamar Sharez into the party fold, the Provincial President emphasized that the present regime of National Conference, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, remains steadfast in its mission to empower women across Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that the NC government has always prioritized policies that uplift women and provide them with equal opportunities in governance, education, and socio-economic development.
Rattan Lal Gupta highlighted the historic role of women in strengthening the National Conference since the time of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah. He recounted the spirit of Madr-e-Meharban (Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah), who, during Sheikh Abdullah's detention, assumed leadership and galvanized women to actively participate in the party's mission for a progressive Jammu and Kashmir. He also reflected on the pivotal role of Madr-e-Meharban in advocating for female literacy and the empowerment of marginalized communities, underscoring the party's longstanding tradition of supporting women's rights.
The Provincial President further detailed several landmark initiatives pioneered by the National Conference, such as allocating 50 per cent of medical college seats to women, thereby promoting their inclusion in the medical profession. He also lamented the regression of progressive measures in recent times and criticized actions that have undermined the region's special status and identity.
Rattan Lal further underscored several initiatives undertaken by the National Conference over the years to uplift women, including education drives, employment schemes, and political representation. He stated that the party remains dedicated to ensuring that women play a crucial role in decision-making and governance.
Expressing her enthusiasm upon joining the party, Qamar Sharez said that the National Conference has a proven track record of advocating for women's rights and empowerment. She affirmed her commitment to work under the visionary leadership of Party' President Dr Farooq Abdullah and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in addressing the challenges faced by women in remote areas and ensuring their active participation in the socio-political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
She emphasized that she will work under the leadership of Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, and Tribal Affairs, in Mendhar and the Pir Panjal region to spread the policies of the National Conference and the present Omar government and address the problems faced by the people.
Among those who were present included:, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Abdul Gani Malik former minister and Zonal President Udhampur Reasi, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, S. Tejinder Singh Aman Provincial President Jammu Province YNC, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu Province, Rita Gupta Vice President Central Zone, Sunil Sharma, Joginder Kaur Vice President District Jammu Urban Women Wing, Nitish Gowsami, Jaseen Malik, Yasir and others. |
