Not the time for mud-slinging: Sajad Lone

Srinagar, May 03: People’s Conference (PC) chief and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone has called for a temporary halt to political hostilities, citing the tense and trying circumstances prevailing in the region.
“We will have many, many more moments to fight it out politically,” the PC chief said, urging fellow political players to refrain from mudslinging and counter-accusations, especially at a time when the situation in Kashmir is under immense strain.
Lone highlighted the anxiety faced by “lakhs of students, traders outside Kashmir who are scared,” amid escalating tensions and what he described as “war clouds.” He also raised concerns about social media influencers and YouTubers allegedly attempting to project a skewed narrative of Kashmiris as hostile, reinforcing damaging stereotypes.
“In the midst of all this, accusations and counter-accusations by local parties will not help. It is most unwanted and undesirable,” Lone asserted, emphasising the need for political sobriety over sensationalism.
Acknowledging the imperfections within the political class, the MLA Handwara remarked, “Let us face it. There is nobody squeaky clean out here.” He appealed for a pause in political confrontation, at least for the coming month, stressing that his statement was “not a sermon.”
“Trust me— I too am itching for a fight. But not now,” he added, pledging to stay out of political mudslinging in the interest of collective calm and maturity.