Attending PC is not merely reporting but having to bear the side talks, giggles and rushing with other scribes to get the free meals.
BABA UMAR
The city’s Ahdoos Hotel, many believe, is turning out a sweetheart of pro-independence politicians these days. It has seen ‘cream of the crop,’ who air their beliefs from its cosy hall, meant for meets and other gatherings. Today it was Shabir Shah—once portrayed as the 'Nelson Mandela of Jammu and Kashmir; founder, Jammu & Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), who was back to press conference podiums after a gap of three-and-half-years. The separatist leader after several years came to public only to declare that he has realised the benefits of the ‘Unity in Diversity’—a comment many failed to swallow. Perhaps he was talking about the reunion of APHC (M) and APHC (G). But what about his place in any of the two parties? He refused to comment.
His speech no doubt started on time, however, some of the scribes and lensemen seemed to have forgotten their lessons. Organisers of such meets often complain of distractions caused by the latecomers. And the side talk during the press conferences, which is a hobby of some latecomers, also irks the leaders who are supposed to be heard first. And as the separatist leader talked about the oppression and the magnitude of sufferings a common Kashmiri endures, one of the scribe’s mobile phone confirmed his statement, “Dil mein meray hai Dard-e-Disco”—the sing tone, as the cell phone buzzed. The song, actually a Bollywood hit, synchronized with the leader’s words.The press conference ended as usual. The moment one of the escorts of Shah announced the house open for freebie (Tea and Kebabs), the news gatherers in huff gathered around the long embellished table for the plates and forks. Meanwhile, a scribe joked to his fellow member, what would happen if there will be no freebies? “No news-gathering,” pat came the reply and they both laughed. Just after they stepped down the stairs, one of the scribes had an SMS, which read: Shabir Shah is floating the third APHC called APHC (S). 
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