PC claims ‘largest gathering’ in ongoing election campaign in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 10: J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone on Friday delivered a “stirring” address to a “massive” gathering in Pattan, marking the “largest” public convention in Kashmir during the current Parliamentary election campaign, the party said.
The party’s Senior General Secretary Imran Reza Ansari, senior leader Abid Ansari and State Secretary Mohammad Abbas Wani also addressed the crowds, the PC said in a statement issued here, adding that senior leader Yasir Reshi, Irfan Ansari, Spokesperson Adnan Ashraf Mir, Tasaduq Yaseen, Youth President Mudasir Karim, Youth VP Rydham Singh, Youth GS Azad Parvaz among others were present at the occasion.
Expressing the importance of the ongoing election, Lone emphasised its significance as the most crucial since 1947, especially given the absence of assembly elections.
“I urge the NC (National Conference) leadership simply to provide a transparent account of their parliamentary achievements for the public good. For the duration of their tenure in parliament, particularly post-August 5th, they remained silent spectators, neglecting to advocate for our people’s rights and aspirations. Their inaction disqualifies them from seeking re-election to Parliament,” he said.
Referring to the alleged rigging of 1987, Sajad asserted that the NC bears responsibility for the emergence of the gun culture and subsequent bloodshed in Kashmir.
“The social divide in Kashmir was starkly evident,” he explained. “One segment of the population endured relentless persecution: killings, torture, hangings, and constant trauma during checkings, verifications, and crackdowns. This represented the vast majority, of which I am a part. In contrast, the NC represents the 1% who have been victors and exploited the rest.”
Terming NC as “oppressors” as representatives, the PC chief said, “We cannot afford to continue selecting NC to lead us. Doing so would mean perpetuating the shackles of slavery in our society. Farooq Abdullah, during his tenure as CM from 1996 to 2002, was implicated in the deaths of 7,000 civilians, while his son, from 2008 to 2014, is also accountable for hundreds of civilian deaths.”
“I pledge that once I enter Parliament, every oppressive law instituted by the National Conference will be eradicated. We refuse to compromise on our dignity,” he vowed.