Mir Junaid is a Kashmiri politician and social activist widely recognized for his strong support of the abrogation of Article 370 and his advocacy for peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. As the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, Mir Junaid has actively engaged in grassroots politics, with a focus on enhancing stability and fostering economic growth in the region. He is often seen as a strong supporter of India's sovereignty and integration of Jammu and Kashmir, and he has been instrumental in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the people in the valley. He is set to contest the upcoming J&K Assembly elections from the Langate constituency in Kupwara district. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Mir Junaid opens up about his decision to support the abrogation of Article 370 and aims the National Conference and People's Democratic Party, the two dominant political forces in Jammu and Kashmir. He accuses them of fueling violence in the region, claiming they exploited the emotions of the Kashmiri people for political gains. He also charges them with colluding with militants, often calling off military operations to protect insurgents, and blames them for the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits during the 1990s. Junaid emphasizes that his party, the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, is committed to fighting for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Junaid also highlights the BJP's recent move to grant reservations to the region's ethnic minorities, fulfilling a longstanding demand. He also adds that this decision prompted his wife, Dr. Shehnaz Ganai's decision to join the BJP. He also recalls the incident when he was attacked by Pakistani nationals at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Firmly opposed to any dialogue with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, Junaid argues that a country responsible for decades of bloodshed in the valley should not be welcomed to the negotiating table. 00:00 - Introduction 01:02 - Supporting Abrogation of Article 370 05:25 - Exposing PDP & NC 09:44 - Rahul Gandhi's J&K Campaign 11:36 - NC-PDP Supported Militants? 13:30 - Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus 16:40 - Promise of 'Naya' Kashmir 17:59 - Politics of the Abdullahs 20:23 - BJP's Entry in J&K 22:47 - Fight for Statehood 24:23 - Who Will Form Govt. in J&K? 32:31 - Rise of Engineer Rashid 34:58 - ISI's Attack on Mir Junaid in USA 36:23 - Kashmir's Youth Voters 39:12 - Ethnic Minorities in J&K 43:32 - BJP Supporting Independent Candidates? 45:47 - Mir Junaid's Vision for Kashmir 48:12 - Election Promises 55:19 - Dr. Shehnaz Ganai's Move to Join BJP 57:27 - Should India Hold Dialogue with Pakistan? 59:07 - Security Situation in J&K

Raman Bhalla is currently serving as the working president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee. A senior leader in the Jammu region, Raman Bhalla has been elected twice to the J&K Legislative Assembly from the Gandhinagar constituency and has also served as the revenue minister in the J&K government. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Raman Bhalla talks about who has the upper hand in the Jammu region and what has changed since the abrogation of Article 370. He also highlights key differences between the Congress and NC manifestos, NC's stance on Article 370, and the role of the PDP in the INDIA Bloc. Bhalla alleges that the BJP is backing independent candidates in the Jammu and Kashmir elections. He also discusses the halting of the Darbar Move, a practice of shifting government offices between Jammu and Srinagar, and the impact this decision has had on the region. The conversation also covers security concerns, including the rise of terror attacks in Jammu and the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. 00:00 - Introduction 00:39 - Political Situation in Jammu South 04:47 - Congress Manifesto Delayed 09:38 - Delimitation 13:34 - Congress vs NC Manifestos 16:35 - Normalcy Post Article 370 17:29 - 'Parivarvaad' in J&K Politics 21:22 - PDP's Role in the INDIA Bloc 23:55 - Independents in J&K Polls 25:47 - Halting of the Darbar Move 28:36 - Pak Interference in J&K 29:41 - Terror Attacks in Jammu Division 30:26 - Kashmiri Pandit Rehabilitation 38:20 - Who Will Win the J&K Polls?

Devender Singh Rana is a prominent BJP leader from Jammu and Kashmir, and the BJP candidate from the Nagrota constituency in the upcoming J&K elections. Formerly a close aide of Omar Abdullah, Rana also served as the Provincial President of the Jammu wing of the National Conference and held several influential roles in public service. But in 2021, he made a strategic shift to the BJP. Since then, he has been instrumental in expanding the BJP's influence in Jammu, especially by addressing long-standing regional disparities. He is an outspoken advocate for Jammu’s political, economic, and cultural aspirations, continuously working to bridge the region’s development gap. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Devender Singh Rana explains his decision to leave the National Conference and join the BJP. He sheds light on Jammu & Kashmir's evolving political landscape and highlights the growing popularity of PM Modi, particularly in Jammu. Rana also talks about the restoration of peace in the region under PM Modi’s leadership. He also refutes NC’s claims that the BJP is backing 'independent' proxies from the Kashmir valley. Additionally, he accuses the NC-Congress alliance of seeking to abolish reservations in Jammu & Kashmir. In this candid interview, Rana also addresses key issues in J&K, such as the effects of the Governor’s Rule, the rise in terror attacks in the Jammu region, the halt of the winter 'Darbar Move' from Srinagar to Jammu, and efforts to rehabilitate the Kashmiri Pandit community. 0:00 - Introduction 0:49 - Devender Rana Remembers Smita Prakash's Father 3:36 - NC Offered Support To BJP in 2014? 11:41 - Kashmir's Changing Political Landscape 17:11 - BJPs Alleged B-Teams in Kashmir 18:11 - Peace Restored in Kashmir Under PM Modi? 21:09 - Soft-Separatism in 'Naya Kashmir' 22:58 - Internal Dissatisfaction in Jammu BJP 26:21 - Modi Effect in Jammu 29:21 - Ram Madhav's Re-entry in J&K Politics 34:55 - Darbar Move 37:48 - Narrative Shift with Abrogation of Article 370 42:26 - Terror Attacks in Jammu Division 48:07 - Should India Open Talks with Pakistan? 49:31 - Jammu's Marginalization within J&K 55:01 - NC-Congress to Scrap Reservation in J&K? 57:13 - Problems with Governor's Rule 1:01:58 - Outsiders Getting Contracts in J&K? 1:08:34 - Kashmiri Pandits' Rehabilitation 1:11:41 - BJP Fielding Proxies in Kashmir? 1:14:15 - Dynamics in Political Families 1:17:01 - 'Real' Reason Behind Quitting NC

This is a historic election in Jammu and Kashmir, the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. With more than 40% of the candidates running as independents, could they play the role of spoiler? Will any party secure a full majority? Who holds the real power in Kashmir? What are the prospects for the PDP and NC? And how has the abrogation of Article 370 changed the valley? Most importantly, what do the people of Kashmir want? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by two seasoned journalists from Kashmir who have covered the valley extensively for decades. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, a senior journalist, and Rashid Rahil, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Mail. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz sees an edge for the NC, predicting a hung assembly, and believes government formation is unlikely without Congress or NC's help. Rashid Rahil believes the PDP is gearing up and could perform well. Both journalists also discuss how elections in Kashmir have evolved and how people vote. They dive into the rigging of the 1987 elections and how it changed the valley forever. The conversation also touches on former Jamaat leaders contesting in these elections and what Engineer Rashid's party might achieve in the polls. 00:00 - Introduction 01:07 - Kashmir’s Political Dynamics 06:45 - NC’s Advantage in J&K Polls? 08:57 - NC-Congress Alliance 14:47 - Gupkar Alliance Collapse 20:52 - Kashmir’s Complex Alliances 26:18 - J&K Past Elections Rewind 37:10 - Farooq's Entry into J&K Politics 41:30 - Ex-Militants in Electoral Process 45:05 - Politics of Power 48:06 - Why is Omar Contesting from 2 Seats? 53:45 - Why is Mehbooba Mufti Not Contesting? 56:42 - From ‘Azadi’ to Democracy 01:04:14 - Pakistan’s Interference in J&K Polls 01:07:06 - Farooq Abdullah’s Legacy 01:08:30 - Why Omar Removed His Skull Cap 01:12:03 - Role of the LG in J&K 01:14:14 - Ram Madhav’s Gameplan 01:16:30 - Impact of Jammu Terror Attacks 01:19:30 - Anti-Modi Sentiment in J&K? 01:24:03 - Will Pandits Return to the Valley

Talat Majid, an independent candidate from Pulwama backed by Jamaat-e-Islami, is emerging as a significant political figure in Jammu and Kashmir. With deep connections to the local community, Majid has been advocating for the people of Pulwama, pushing for solutions to key issues like unemployment, education, and the disenfranchisement of Kashmiri youth. His candidacy reflects Jamaat's continued influence in the region, particularly in its focus on socio-economic progress for the valley. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Talat Majid discusses why Jamaat-e-Islami has shifted its long-standing stance of boycotting elections and is now opting to engage in the electoral process. He points to Engineer Rashid's electoral win as a pivotal moment that influenced Jamaat’s decision and notes that he remains open to forming political alliances in the future. Majid also emphasizes the urgent need for improved education and employment opportunities in Kashmir, stressing that the region's youth are ready to take part in the upcoming elections. In addition, he tackles critical topics like the abrogation of Article 370, explaining the prevailing sentiment around it. He further addresses the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, asserting that only Jamaat-e-Islami can successfully bring Kashmiri Hindus back to the valley. 00:00 - Coming Up 01:16 - Introduction 02:42 - Pulwama Terror Attack 05:24 - Independent Candidates in J&K Elections 11:58 - Omar Abdullah vs. Jamaat 17:02 - Election Boycotts in J&K 19:40 - Moderates in Jamaat-e-Islami 24:24 - Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami 30:28 - Abrogation of Article 370 31:30 - Political Parties Uneasy with Engineer Rashid? 32:24 - Majid's Vision for Change 34:40 - BJP's Kashmir Narrative 38:52 - Majid's Election Promises 44:02 - The 'Azadi' Sentiment 48:43 - Kashmiri Pandits Exodus 51:40 - Politics of Fear in Kashmir 54:13 - Which Party Will Jamaat-e-Islami Support?

Waheed ur Rehman Para is the PDP's candidate from the Pulwama constituency and currently serves as the Youth Wing President of the PDP. He is considered a close aide of former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Para spent 19 months in jail on allegations of terror links. In 2020, young PDP leader won the DDC elections while being in NIA's custody. In an episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Para discusses the changes in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370. He mentions that Kashmiri youth are seeking a dignified place in Indian democracy. Para also addresses PDP's prospects in the J&K polls and the entry of former Jamaat members into the electoral fray. Additionally, he speaks out about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and the influence of Pakistan in the valley. He also speaks about his jail time and how it has changed his perspective towards politics. (00:00) Introduction (00:47) Time in Jail Under UAPA (03:37) What Changed After 5th Aug 2019 (05:33) Family Ties with Muftis (09:00) Kashmiri Identity (14:45) What Kashmiris Want (17:56) Kashmiri Leaders' Detention (20:09) Mainstream Politics (22:59) Article 370 Abrogation (24:32) Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus (28:36) Yale University Program (29:01) Contest in Pulwama (30:02) Mehbooba Mufti's Plan (35:55) Gupkar Alliance Collapse (40:44) Mehbooba vs. Omar (42:10) Engineer Rashid's Win in LS (44:22) How 1987 Rigged Polls Changed J&K (46:49) Independents in J&K Polls (51:29) Pak Interfering in J&K Polls? (53:17) What Does Pulwama's Youth Want (56:12) Hung Assembly Situation

Lieutenant General PC Nair (Retd.) is a distinguished retired officer of the Indian Army with a career spanning over four decades. He served as the Director General of the Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, where he played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East region. Lt Gen Nair (Retd) has extensive expertise in dealing with insurgency, tribal dynamics, and border security. He is also known for his deep understanding of India’s internal security challenges, especially in volatile regions like Manipur, Nagaland, and Jammu & Kashmir, In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Lt. Gen. PC Nair discusses the tribal dynamics in Manipur, explaining how the Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities each have their armed factions. He describes how the unrest in Manipur started over land rights, triggered by the High Court's decision to grant tribal status to the Meiteis, and how the violence grew. Lt. Gen. Nair also condemned the looting of police armouries in the state and highlighted the Assam Rifles’ critical role in managing the unrest, noting their efforts helped prevent the situation from getting worse. He further explained how instability in Myanmar has contributed to the ongoing crisis in Manipur. (00:00) Introduction (01:14) Manipur's Current Situation (02:58) Looted Arms in Manipur (04:50) Origins of the Manipur Violence (08:31) Kuki-Meitei Divide (12:29) Reasons Behind Manipur Crisis (14:22) Security Forces' Role (16:37) Violence Despite Heavy Security (18:45) Assam Rifles Under Fire (23:27) Assam Rifles vs. Manipur Police (25:34) Myanmar's Role in the Violence (29:23) Scale of Violence (32:27) Illegal Poppy Cultivation (39:02) Arms Import into India (41:02) What Fueled the Violence (43:57) Solutions to Stop the Violence (48:52) Has Manipur Been Ignored? (49:59) Assam Rifles' Role in China Border Conflict (53:19) Bangladesh Security Situation (55:15) Bangladesh Crisis (56:22) Bangladesh Crisis & Indian Borders (58:07) Elections in J&K (59:17) Insurgency in J&K

Sajad Gani Lone leads the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference. He has served as an MLA for the Handwara constituency and was a minister in the PDP-BJP government. He is the youngest son of the Kashmiri separatist leader, Abdul Gani Lone. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sajad Lone contested from the Baramulla constituency but lost to independent candidate Engineer Rashid. Now, Sajad's party is contesting the Jammu & Kashmir assembly polls and He is running from Handwara and Kupwara, the only two seats his party won in the 2014 elections. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sajad Gani Lone talks about 'Naya Kashmir' and what the upcoming elections mean for the valley after the abrogation of Article 370. He believes the current peace in the valley is 'superficial' and that the 'Azadi' sentiment has just gone underground. Sajad welcomes ex-Jamaat members running as independents in the J&K elections, which will be held after a decade. He also insists that Yasin Malik did not receive a fair trial. Additionally, he blames the Abdullah family for rigging the 1987 elections, which he says triggered instability and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. (00:00) Introduction (01:01) Elections in J&K (02:40) Sajad's Twitter Bio (03:43) Article 370 & 35A (07:30) Abdul Gani Lone Assassination (11:05) Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus (13:31) Pakistan's Support to Hurriyat (14:35) Pakistani Wife Facing Visa Issues (19:08) India-Pakistan Talks (21:15) Ties with PDP & NC (25:34) Ex-Jamaat Leaders in J&K Polls (28:11) Independents in J&K Polls (31:14) Arrest Post Article 370 Abrogation (33:02) Ties with Yasin Malik (35:42) Days Before Article 370 Abrogation (39:02) Peace in Kashmir (41:32) Federalism in India (47:33) Public Safety Act (49:18) On Abdullah Family (51:18) Kashmiri Pandits (56:38) Azadi Sentiment in Kashmir (57:50) Engineer Rashid's LS Win (59:29) What Should the Centre Do in J&K (1:02:06) Meeting with Father in Jail (1:06:28) Being a Kashmiri in Delhi (1:07:45) Yasin Malik's Trial (1:12:56) Statehood for J&K

Omar Abdullah, an Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, has led the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference since 2009. He was the last Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly before its dissolution in 2018. He has served twice as an MP for Srinagar and was briefly a Union Minister of State for External Affairs in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, resigning in 2002 to focus on party matters. Omar was detained under the Public Safety Act in February 2020, with the order revoked in March of the same year. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Omar Abdullah discusses his decision to contest two seats in the upcoming J&K Assembly elections. He also talks about his party's alliance with Congress and explains why the Gupkar Alliance with the PDP failed. He claims that the current J&K Legislative Council is compromised, though he believes it will be strengthened. The former J&K CM criticizes the abrogation of Article 370 and calls Kashmir's domicile laws the weakest in India. He also accuses the BJP of failing to prevent terror attacks in the South of Pir Panjal. Additionally, Omar shares his views on Afzal Guru's execution, opposing capital punishment. He also emphasizes his party's commitment to bringing Pandits back to the valley. (0:00) Coming Up (1:27) Introduction (2:14) Omar Contesting in Two Seats (7:55) J&K Assembly: Empowered or Compromised? (10:00) 'Independent' Candidates in Kashmir (11:25) Where Does The BJP Stand? (13:15) Should India Normalize Relations with Pak? (15:15) Separatism in 'Naya Kashmir' (20:31) Congress-NC Alliance (24:50) The Battle For Jammu (26:48) Kashmir's Domicile Laws (34:00) Will Pandits Go Back To Kashmir? (35:22) The IC-814 Saga (37:40) Afzal Guru's Execution (39:50) Terror Attacks in Jammu (44:30) J&K Floods 2014 (46:00) Will NC 'Undo' Article 370? (49:00) NC-PDP Alliance Split (53:55) Omar Abdullah's Detention (57:380 Lunch With the Gandhis (1:01:00) US Making Inroads in Kashmir? (1:03:16) Farooq Abdullah's Role Within NC

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a prominent Indian actor recognized for his contributions to Hindi cinema. He has delivered notable performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), and Manto (2018) among others. His work has earned him significant acclaim, with eight of his films being showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. Nawazuddin has also received several prestigious awards, including a National Film Award, a Filmfare Award, and two Asia Pacific Screen Awards. In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Nawazuddin Siddiqui opens up about his journey in Bollywood, sharing the struggles he faced in getting roles and how people often doubted he would ever become a hero. The acclaimed actor also talks about the challenges his films face in securing screenings and his interest in producing movies in the future. Nawaz also reflects on his experiences working on the cult classic role of Faizal Khan in Gangs of Wasseypur and shares how he met with followers of the 'real' Faizal Khan to perfect the role. He also offers his perspective on why the second season of Sacred Games fell short of audience expectations. In this candid interview, Nawazuddin Siddiqui shares his thoughts on the actors and directors who inspire him. He discusses the contrast between commercial and artistic films in Bollywood and how conflict often influences art. He also reflects on his rural upbringing and his mother's reaction to seeing him on the big screen. (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Nawazuddin's Definition of Success (08:40) Nawazuddin's Cinema & Struggles (16:55) NSD Days (21:55) Commercial Cinema vs. Alternate Cinema (26:44) Film Promotions (28:25) Conflict Reflects in Art (30:23) Rural Background (31:39) Gangs of Wasseypur (36:02) Nawaz's Favourites (42:17) Films That Impacted Nawazuddin Siddiqui (43:19) Small Roles (45:34) Favourite Co-Actors (46:44) Sacred Games (51:52) Unexplored Human Emotions in Performance (55:57) Upcoming Projects (01:00:50) Family's Role in Life (01:02:13) Nawaz's Love for Desert (01:03:52) New Filmmakers That Inspire