Srinagar, June 24, 2025
In a significant step towards strengthening gender justice and inclusivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), on Monday announced the formation of a Women Rights Committee within the party framework.
The newly constituted committee will be headed by Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, Member of Parliament and a respected voice on constitutional rights. The committee will focus on addressing women’s rights concerns, reviewing gender-related laws and policies in the Union Territory, and making recommendations to enhance women’s safety, participation, and empowerment in both political and social spaces.
Speaking at a party meeting in Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for political institutions to respond effectively to the growing challenges women face in Jammu and Kashmir. “We cannot overlook the voices and struggles of half of our population. This committee is our commitment to make women’s rights a core political and social issue,” he said.
According to party officials, two more members will be added to the committee shortly, including at least one prominent woman leader, to broaden its outreach and effectiveness.
Justice Masoodi, in his brief remarks, said the committee would engage with grassroots stakeholders, civil society, and legal experts to develop a framework for policy-level changes and public advocacy.
The move has been welcomed by several women’s organizations and political observers as a timely and necessary step toward gender-sensitive governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Conference has pledged to keep the issue of women’s rights central to its manifesto for upcoming elections and legislative sessions.
