Failure to condemn Aug 2019 decision in Assembly would be betrayal: Sajad Lone

Srinagar, Oct 16: People’s Conference (PC) chairman Sajad Lone on Wednesday urged the newly-elected Jammu and Kashmir government to pass a resolution condemning the central government’s August 5, 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370 and imposing restrictions on political leaders.
He said it was important to reject the controversial move that stripped the region of its special status and downgraded it to a union territory.
Addressing a press conference here, Lone congratulated National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah for being sworn in as J&K UT’s chief minister and called for setting aside political differences. He urged unity for the “larger cause of restoring” Jammu and Kashmir’s rights.
“It’s time to keep politics aside. The people have put their hopes in the National Conference, and this assembly is our chance to correct historical wrongs,” he said.
The PC chief expressed optimism that the first debate on Article 370 would be held in the Assembly, calling it a crucial moment in J&K’s history. “Why Jammu and Kashmir remains the only region designated as a union territory. The leaders across parties must unite and restore statehood,” he said.
On election campaigns, Sajad said many political parties had promised to restore Article 370 but seemed to sideline the issue post-election. He criticised these actions, calling for the new government to follow its electoral promises. “The elections were fought on the plank of Article 370, and now it’s time to deliver,” he remarked. “Failing to protest the August 5 decision would be seen as accepting the permanent loss of rights.”
He also acknowledged the challenges of governing under the Union Territory framework but insisted that political leaders must act. “If the Abdullah-led government fails to pass this resolution, it would be nothing short of betrayal,” Lone warned, adding that history will judge their actions.