Jammu, Mar 04: Senior National Conference (NC) leader Sakina Itoo on Tuesday blamed People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Jammu and Kashmir’s loss of statehood and Article 370.
Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly in Jammu, Sakina said, “I find it strange how Sajad Gani Lone speaks today. If we don’t have a state, if Article 370 has been revoked, it is all due to him. He was in the government, he was a minister. The devastation we are witnessing today—the destruction of our rights, our dignity—if anyone played a role in it, it is Sajad Gani Lone and the PDP.”
The health and education minister said that both the PDP and Lone’s party were part of the government at the time. “If we analyse the destruction that took place here, I don’t think Lone would be able to even stand in the Assembly. The special status meant Article 370, and its loss is on them,” she said.
Sakina said that the National Conference (NC) had always maintained its stand on fighting for statehood and Article 370. “We passed resolutions in the Assembly for both statehood and the restoration of 370, but these people cannot digest it. They are now facing the consequences of their own actions. The devastation in Jammu and Kashmir today—if anyone is responsible for it, it is them,” she said.
The minister urged people to review past Assembly records. “Look at the speeches they gave back then and compare them to the damage they have caused today. The responsibility lies with them,” she added.
Commenting on the current Assembly proceedings, Itoo said that legislators from both sides were raising issues and engaging in discussions with the government. “I think this is a good start. We want discussions to focus on people’s problems and finding solutions for them,” she added.
