Srinagar, May 13: J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone addressed two massive enthusiastic gatherings of workers in the Sopore and Lolab assembly segments of north Kashmir.
“The staggering turnout underscored the surging momentum behind PC’s campaign for the upcoming Parliamentary elections,” the party said in a statement issued here.
The convention in Sopore was organised by PC Senior Vice President Abdul Gani Vakil while as Lolab Convention was spearheaded by DDC Vice Chairman Kupwara, Haji Farooq.
Addressing the gathering, Lone castigated the National Conference’s parliamentary representatives for their “egregious neglect and apathy”, condemning their actions that, he said, have plunged areas like Sopore and Lolab into the abyss of underdevelopment and suffering.
“Their imperviousness has rendered Sopore stagnant on developmental grounds for over three decades, once a vibrant town affectionately dubbed as ‘Chhota London.’ Similarly, Lolab’s potential as a bustling tourist destination remained untapped, as they prioritized the imposition of PSAs over fostering development & public welfare,” he lamented.
Urging the gathering to support change through their ballots, Sajad pledged to revive north Kashmir’s economy, materialise developmental aspirations and “reclaim the dignity” of its people.
“What has befallen us due to the lack of resolve and political myopia of NC leaders for the past three decades shall now become a reality within the next five to ten years,” he declared, asserting that those asking votes for NC are “enemies to the future of your children”.
In a pointed retort aimed at NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, the PC Chief said, “Anyone who brings a spoon along with him to stir a cup of tea is undeserving of the trust of people of north Kashmir.” He also underscored the historical precedents, citing instances where NC habitually vilified opponents.
“From Sheikh Abdullah’s allegations against Jamaat as agency partisans to Farooq Abdullah’s accusations against figures like Shabir Shah and Yasin Malik as agency creation, NC has a track record of scapegoating adversaries with fabricated lies. This pattern persists with the father-son duo who are evading accountability for their corruption through a covert alliance with BJP,” he emphasised.
Lone accused the NC of trying to monopolise elections without competition, saying, “Merely attacking Sajad Lone wouldn’t absolve them of their past oppression, including the blatant rigging of the 1987 elections.”
“Who bears responsibility for radicalising Syed Yusuf Shah into Salahuddin while Yasin Malik served as his election agent? They endured relentless crackdowns and oppression under NC rule, compelling them to resort to arms. The travesty lies in Mr Omar soliciting votes today, whereas in 2010, the youths massacred at his behest were disgracefully branded as drug addicts by him. Our moral compass will never permit us to endorse these White Collar killers,” he reiterated.
