"Supporters of Central Kashmir Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi staged a protest in Nowgam Sonawari area of Bandipora on Tuesday after Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary reportedly remarked that he only recognizes Aga Syed Mahmood as the National Conference leader from Budgam and does not know who Aga Ruhullah is. The protesters, chanting slogans against the Deputy Chief Minister, burned his photographs in public and accused him of disrespecting their leader. The demonstrators warned Chowdhary to refrain from issuing such statements in the future, terming his remarks as provocative and insulting. Eyewitnesses told that dozens of Ruhullah’s supporters gathered in Nowgam Sonawari, blocking the road for some time and demanding that Chowdhary withdraw his comments. “We will not tolerate any insult to Aga Ruhullah. His contribution to the people of Budgam and Central Kashmir is well known,” one of the protesters said. The protestors alleged that Chowdhary’s comments were politically motivated and aimed at undermining Ruhullah’s standing in his home constituency. “Such statements only expose the disrespect shown towards our leader. He represents the aspirations of the people, and any attempt to belittle him will be met with a strong response,” another supporter stated. The Deputy Chief Minister’s comments have triggered sharp reactions across political circles, particularly as tensions within the National Conference have grown following Aga Ruhullah’s recent estrangement from the party. Though Ruhullah has not formally resigned, he has publicly distanced himself from the NC’s central leadership in recent months."