NC resolution was ‘weak, watered down’: PC chief Lone

Handwara, Nov 07: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone on Thursday described the resolution presented by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) in the Assembly as “watered down” and “vague”.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Lone said the resolution, presented by JKNC took barely a minute and a half to read and was initially signed and supported by him and other members. Upon further examination outside the Assembly, Sajad criticised the resolution for failing to “strongly” advocate for the complete restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A.
We are calling for a clear-cut resolution that not only demands the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A but also condemns the August 5 decision,” he said. “People were locked inside their homes, leaders were sent to jail, and even children outside Kashmir couldn’t speak to their parents. If the NC does not support or introduce a strong resolution on this, then this is nothing but a bloody fixed match.”
He added, “The resolution proposed by NC is weak. We need a firm stance, and if they won’t sign onto this demand, it will only expose the reality of the situation.”
The PC chief said there is an ambiguity in the resolution and a lack of clarity on essential issues, including the need for a return to full statehood. “Even Amit Malvivya had tweeted and later deleted,” he said.
In response, I along with members from various parties, including the PDP and independents, drafted a new resolution. “This version is more direct, condemning the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 and calling for the reversal of the Reorganisation Act without any preconditions,” he said.
The MLA Handwara also pointed out the lack of freedom to speak within the Assembly, suggesting the proceedings seemed like a “fixed match” in which the BJP was preventing open discussion. He stressed the importance of upholding the Assembly’s dignity and the need for leaders to convey the people’s concerns effectively.