Sajad Lone pledges support to parties fighting for Art 370, statehood restoration

Handwara, Oct 09: Sajad Gani Lone, Chairman of People’s Conference (PC) on Wednesday pledged his support to any party that takes a strong stand on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, as well as the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood.
Speaking to the media persons in the Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Lone expressed disappointment with the “party that gained the majority in the recent elections”, referring to the National Conference He accused them of having surrendered before the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP,) saying it would be “foolish” to expect any restoration of Article 370 from them.
Sajad said the people of Jammu & Kashmir voted in large numbers with the expectation that the special status, once granted under Article 370, would be restored. “My support would be with the government only if it fought for this cause. Failing to fulfil the promise would amount to a betrayal of the public’s trust,” he said.
The PC chief added, “The people of J&K have shown significant participation in elections, and restoring the statehood is a matter of honour.”
He urged the Government of India to restore the state’s status as a symbolic gift to the people who have been awaiting “justice”.
Lone also met with his supporters in Handwara after securing a narrow victory in the assembly election, which he won by just over 800 votes.
On being asked if he would support the National Conference if needed, he said neither he nor they would offer support to each other, as he has gained votes against the party. ‘We will go to any extent for the restoration of Article 370 and 35A,” he added.