Discord in NC’s Bandipora Unit as Conflicting Orders Expose Internal Rift

Convener News Desk

BANDIPORA, DEC 26 ; A serious internal rift has surfaced within the Bandipora unit of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), marked by a series of contradictory official orders that point to deepening factionalism and procedural disarray.

Documents accessed by Kashmir Convener reveal a succession of conflicting directives issued within hours of each other, throwing the unit’s leadership and disciplinary protocols into disarray.

The sequence began with an order (No. 01/DBP/25 dated 26/12/2025) issued by District Secretary Mohammad Maqbool Kuchay. Citing the absence of the Block President from two consecutive meetings, which allegedly hampered organizational work, the order nominated Mushtaq Ahmad Wani as the Interim Block President of Bandipora “by the directions of the District President.”

However, within hours, a counter-order was issued by Advocate Nazir Ahmed Malik, the Zonal Secretary for North Kashmir. This order declared the earlier appointment “without the approval of the Competent Authority (High Command)” and “totally in contravention of the JKNC constitution and party discipline.”

The cancellation order mounted a robust defence of the incumbent, G. A. Malik, highlighting his “55 years’ service… to the party honestly and with full dedication.” It asserted his removal was based on “false allegations,” as he was never formally summoned to any meeting. The order cited a previous directive from the party’s Vice President stating that existing Block Presidents would continue until fresh elections post-delimitation.

Further, it argued that Block Presidents are elected and cannot be removed without High Command sanction, alleging the original order “smacks of malafide intention against the Bandipora unit.” Consequently, the Zonal Secretary recalled the first order, reinstated G. A. Malik, and requested the High Command to take “stern action against these illegal and unconstitutional acts.”

Simultaneously, a separate order from Advocate Nazir Ahmed Malik nullified another appointment made by the District President. This order cancelled the appointment of Mr. Jalal Akbar Lone as Vice District President (made via Order No. 01/DBP/25 dated 25/12/2025), declaring it “unconstitutional and illegal.”

It stated that the JKNC constitution mandates office-bearers must first be members and delegates, and that the District President can only recommend names to the provincial president for final approval. The unilateral appointment was termed a “violation” and “misconduct” that “tarnishes the image of the party,” and was thus withdrawn.

The order also accused the District President of failing to consult Constituency In-charges and of “rub[bing] shoulders with such people who have always worked against the interests of the party in the recent elections.” It requested the High Command to take “appropriate action against the District President Bandipore for violating the fundamental principle of the party.”

The rapid issuance of mutually cancelling orders reveals a severe breakdown in internal communication and respect for hierarchical and constitutional protocols within the Bandipora unit, Owais Ahmad, A political analyst told Kashmir convener.