Srinagar, Jan 06(KNS): Young, energetic Sufi, along with many enthusiastic youth are busy arranging gatherings in North Kashmir districts. Calling on the older generation to listen and respect youth's value, aspirations, and demands is a good way to create a sense of belonging for youth in their respective areas. Sufi Tahir, a young social activist turned politician's videos are widely circulated on social media. On social media, Sufi has received a new title, the 'new age politician'.
Sufi Tahir's ascent to political prominence complements a broader, significant change in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Since 2024, a politically active, tech-savvy Gen Z from far-flung Kupwara village has quickly moved from online activism to actually having an impact on politics and changing the political landscape in North Kashmir.
As we enter the new decade of 2026, the traditional political establishment is beginning to adapt to a generation that will not merely settle for being spectators; this socially conscious generation demands to be creators of their own futures. One person at the forefront of this transformation is Sufi Tahir, whose rise from the grassroots of activism to an important position within the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) represents how the young generation is now assertive in their political activities and interests.
Tahir is known for his humility and boundless energy, as well as having a core political philosophy based on discipline and purpose. Tahir consistently says, “Without control, a crowd achieves nothing. Even if one crore people gather, if there’s no discipline, it’s meaningless,” when addressing crowds of young minds throughout North Kashmir.
His credibility, and the basis for his credibility, was demonstrated by his pivotal role in engineering, Er. Rashid’s historic victory during Parliament elections in Baramulla. By rallying the support of a candidate who had been imprisoned, he showed that he could connect with the aspirations of people at the grassroots level, allowing for those aspirations to be realised through action within politics. Following the elections, his decision to leave the Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) and join Sajad Gani Lone’s JKPC was also seen as a strategic decision that brought youthful energy and enthusiasm to the party.
With a focus on inclusiveness and growth while meeting the needs and providing answers to the needs of young people, Tahir has developed a strong appeal through his use of everyday language that relates to the younger generation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“I want to ensure that the aspirations of the youth are represented and the voice of the youth is heard at all levels,” Tahir says. “The agenda of JKPC, Peace, Development, and Inclusivity, represents my vision of a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.”
Unlike traditional political leader speeches, many of Tahir’s speeches have gone viral. Instead of giving traditional political speeches, Tahir speaks of building a Kashmir, that is culturally and spectrally rich with opportunity.
Tahir’s inclusion in JKPC has created a significant amount of enthusiasm among the youth in North Kashmir, which had been viewed as generally disillusioned for a long time. His sincerity and people-focused approach have also resulted in quiet but supportive sentiment among long-time party workers from other parties, which demonstrates his ability to be a uniting figure.
For JKPC, Tahir represents an important "position" with respect to being a credible youth leader who can bridge the gap between the party and a growing population of younger voters. His rise indicates a shift in youth activism from social media-based choreography to a legitimate grassroots force that is now capable of influencing elections and impacting discourse on public policy.
“I'm thankful to my leader, Sajad Ghani Lone sahib, who gave me chance to serve the people. With his hope and my promise, I am committed to representing the aspirations of our youth and ensuring their voices are heard at all levels. JKPC’s agenda of peace, development, and inclusive politics aligns with my vision for a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
As Sufi Tahir continues to build his relationships with youth in north Kashmir, it is easy to recognize that in today's fast-evolving political environment, there are many other leaders with similar qualities and characteristics as Tahir who possess the necessary energy, fresh ideas, and communities to lead the new generation of political leaders to success.(KNS).