Srinagar, 28 October 2023: The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has vociferously repudiated a recent story published by Jammu-based newspaper “Early Times”, deeming it a deliberate move to defame both the party and its chairman, Shabbir Ahmed Shah.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, Advocate Arshad Iqbal, the spokesman for the DFP, criticized the newspaper’s story as unsubstantiated and inaccurate. He expressed his disappointment, asserting that any doubt cast on the loyalty of Shabbir Ahmed Shah, who spent a substantial portion of his life in Indian detention facilities, is fundamentally misguided. Iqbal highlighted Shah’s steadfast commitment, emphasizing that Shah’s allegiance solely rests on his principles.

Iqbal elaborated on Shah’s unwavering stance on the Kashmir dispute, noting that Shah’s primary aim has always been the liberation of Kashmir. Despite facing numerous challenges, including arrests, sanctions on political activities, and bans on his party, Shah remains undeterred in his pursuit of Kashmir’s freedom, said the spokesman.

Lamenting the state of some media entities, Iqbal remarked that several outlets have devolved into mere channels of propaganda for the Indian government, disseminating misleading narratives to generate unrest and uncertainty among the public.

In conclusion, Iqbal affirmed that the contentious story by “Early Times” aligns with what he perceives as the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to tarnish the reputation of Hurriyat leaders.