Sajad Lone slams NC over Waqf bill, calls it ‘missed opportunity’ for Muslim representation

Handwara, Apr 14: People’s Conference (PC) President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone has strongly criticised the National Conference (NC) over its handling of the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a “missed historic opportunity to represent Muslim interests in the state assembly”.
Speaking to reporters in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Lone said he was not surprised by NC Chief Dr Farooq Abdullah’s recent support of the Assembly Speaker’s decision to block discussion on the bill. “They have 50 MLAs, and the Speaker is from their own party. Then who were they shouting against in the House?” he asked, calling it “a tremendous mockery”.
He accused the NC of staging a three-day drama in the Assembly, only to later support the Speaker’s decision, which prevented a meaningful discussion or resolution on the bill. “This was a chance for the only Muslim-majority province in India to take a stand and send a strong message. Instead, it looked like NC was sabotaging the discussion to please New Delhi,” he said.
According to Lone, the Assembly could have sent a powerful emotional message that reflected the concerns of the people. “Now, even if the issue goes to the Supreme Court, the legal process won’t carry the same emotional weight as a resolution passed by our own Assembly,” he added.
The PC Chief questioned the NC’s political behaviour, saying the party blurred the line between being in power and in the opposition. “Even in British democracy, you don’t see someone in government and opposition at the same time. But that’s what NC tried to do,” he said.
The Assembly failed to stand up for the people it represents. “What we needed was unity and leadership, but what we got was a performance aimed at pleasing Delhi, not defending our identity,” he said.