Srinagar, June 29, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Saturday congratulated the newly appointed leaders of the Youth National Conference (YNC), calling it a vital step in empowering young voices at a time when the region’s youth face significant socio-economic challenges.
In a joint statement, senior NC leaders Shameema Firdous, Salman Ali Sagar, and Ehsaan Pardesi lauded the new team and expressed hope that it would uphold the party’s legacy of inclusive and grassroots leadership.
“This is a historic moment for our party,” said Salman Ali Sagar. “The new YNC leadership includes bright, accomplished professionals—ranging from research scholars to engineers and lawyers—who reflect the spirit of Sher-e-Kashmir’s mission to uplift the downtrodden and speak for the voiceless.”
He stressed that youth participation in politics was not just desirable but essential in today’s Jammu and Kashmir. “The issues confronting our young people demand innovation and empathy. The YNC must evolve into a powerful policy-shaping platform that resonates with the real-life struggles of our youth,” he added.
Ehsaan Pardesi emphasized that the youth form the backbone of the society. “This new team holds the potential to drive meaningful change. They must act as catalysts for empowerment, bringing fresh ideas to the table while also addressing issues like unemployment and skill development.”
Shameema Firdous expressed confidence that the new leadership would carry forward the NC’s vision. “The party is fully behind these emerging leaders. We hope they channel their energy into action, especially in addressing unemployment and strengthening education.”
Meet the New YNC Leadership in Kashmir:
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Irfan Zahgeer – Appointed Vice President; holds a Master’s in Public Administration; joined YNC during school, served as Block President & Joint Secretary earlier.
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Abid Wani – Vice President from Srinagar; software engineer from Karnataka; ex-provincial secretary and media panelist for JKNC.
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Adv. Peerzada Musharraf – Vice President from South Kashmir; M.A., LLB from Jammu University; previously District President and Zonal Head of South Kashmir YNC.
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Salman Matoo – Vice President; holds LLM from University of Hertfordshire, UK; decade-long youth wing service from Budgam-Bierwah.
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Sheikh Ovais – Provincial Secretary; MBA from MS Ramaiah, Bangalore; businessman and former Zonal VP and Addl. Spokesperson JKNC.
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Rais Matoo – Zonal Head, Central Kashmir; holds MA in Public Policy & Administration; former District President, Budgam.
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Feroz Wani – Zonal Head, South Kashmir; has served as Zonal Secretary and VP; active grassroots leader during recent polls.
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Bilal Ganai – Provincial Joint Secretary; ex-District President Srinagar; son of a slain senior political activist.
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Zahid Mughal – Zonal President, North Kashmir; grassroots youth activist from Kupwara with consistent presence in NC campaigns.
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Hanan Hassan Qazi – Civil Engineer and Executive Committee Member; known for strong youth mobilisation and organising capabilities.
With this dynamic mix of experience and youthful energy, the National Conference hopes the YNC will emerge as a vital force in reshaping the political narrative of Jammu and Kashmir.
