Sajad Lone questions NC’s ‘shift in stance’

Srinagar, Mar 06: People’s Conference (PC) leader Sajad Lone on Thursday said the National Conference (NC) has undergone a shift in its stance as it now acknowledges that all major decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir—statehood, special status and laws—will ultimately be made in New Delhi.
“If everything has to happen in New Delhi, then what did they seek votes for?” he asked the government.
Lone said there is a need for a strong resolution to push for modifying and repealing the post-August 5, 2019 laws, particularly those related to land ownership.
He stressed the importance of reasonable restrictions and regional autonomy, adding that efforts must be made to secure the release of prisoners languishing in jails and repeal the Public Safety Act. “You have written ‘repeal’ in your own document on page 11,” he said, adding that concrete steps are needed rather than just statements.
The PC chief also spoke about the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, calling for ease in job verification processes and passport clearances. “We need to end unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment on highways,” he said.
Regarding employment, Lone reminded the Assembly of its promises: “You have promised to provide one lakh jobs to the youth. Within three months of forming the government, you said you would pass the J&K Youth Employment Generation Act. You also said you will fill vacancies within 180 days.” He questioned whether these commitments would be honoured or forgotten.
Referring to the events of August 5, 2019, the MLA Handwara described them as a war on the people of Kashmir. “It felt as if they were announcing a war against us. Everyone was arrested, phones were cut off, and it was as if a huge war was happening. We were all put in jail—some had better jails, some worse—but we were all prisoners,” he said.