‘Arey Chuna Laga Gaya Re?’ ‘Where’s the money?’ Kashmir asks Shah Faesal

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement (JKPM) is under the scanner for collecting huge donations from the people promising “corruption free and clean politics”.

In January last year, IAS officer turned JKPM leader Shah Faesal had started crowd funding to finance his party.

Faesal, who has now quit as president of JKPM, had told media that people are enthusiastically donating for clean politics. “Somebody donated their earrings and deposited money in my account. That kind of sentiment is fascinating,” he told NDTV last year.

 A year on, newly appointed party president Feroz Peerzada however, said they have received a meagre donation of Rs 1-1.5 lakh.

 “It was some Rs 1.5 lakh rupees which are not enough for the functioning of a party. We respect people and will always remember their favour for the party,” Peerzada said.

He said his political journey without Faesal is going to be “very challenging.”  “The political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir has changed. When we floated the party J&K was a state which now is a union territory. We will wait for an appropriate time and accordingly frame our strategy,” he said.

But people are not in a mood to forgive and demanding accountability for the funds collected for what party promised clean politics.  “Now tell me who donated Shah Faesal. Some people gave gold and I am sorry for you people (sic),” wrote Amir Ashraf on Facebook.

“Pre-planned .Making of JKPM before the Article removal . Shah Faesal Quiting , Govt not accepting the resignation .Shah Faesal under detention ,Shah Faesal rejoining , Shah Faesal as Advisor to LT governor. Shah Faesal offcly sold to BJP. PS wht did u do with thse donations bro(sic)?” tweeted Sheikh Abrar.

A lot of people were seen sharing memes about Faesal’s resignation. “Meanwhile those who made hefty donations to Shah Faesal’s party last year. Arey Chuna Laga Gaya Re…,” tweeted Qazi Moatasim.

Another Twitter user Sheikh Jahangir said: “Donation that received during the emergence of JKPM party. Shah Faesal likely to join back administration (sic).”

JKPM has been on a sticky wicket since the abrogation of article 370. One of its founding members and student leader Shehla Rashid resigned in November.  On Monday, former PDP leader and minister Javaid Mustafa Mir also resigned from the party.