SRINAGAR, Oct 16: The Peoples Conference chairman, Sajad Gani Lone, today urged the National Conference (NC) to introduce a resolution in the first session of the newly formed Assembly condemning the removal of Article 370 and Article 35-A, along with other actions taken on August 5, 2019.Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Lone said the NC’s entire election campaign focused on the restoration of Articles 370 and 35-A, and the party should now follow through on its promises.
“This is my request. If we fail to do this, it would amount to betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir. During the election campaign, the focus was on 370, but now, after the results, it seems to have faded,” he said.
The PC Chief emphasized that today’s swearing-in or the first session would become part of history, marking the first elected Assembly since the 2019 abrogation. “This Assembly will show whether August 5, 2019, represented the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir or was imposed against their wishes. History will judge us accordingly,” he said.
Lone appealed the NC to bring a resolution not only condemning the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A but also denouncing the downgrade from Statehood to Union Territory status. “The resolution must address all injustices of August 5, 2019, including the security measures taken that day-when political leaders were detained, communications were cut off, and internet services remained suspended for months. We may have just one vote, but we will use it to support this resolution,” he said.
Responding to accusations that his party was acting as a B-team of the BJP, Lone said: “We were accused of supporting the BJP if they came to power. But now, the responsibility is on the NC to act. The allegation was that the so-called A or B teams would endorse the abrogation. We never did, and we never will.”
The PC Chief termed the day historic, as a popular government was being formed after six years. “Despite our political differences, this is a joyous occasion for the entire country. However, it is disheartening that while the previous Assembly was one of the most powerful in India, this one starts as among the weakest, with its powers severely curtailed,” he said.
Lone warned that failure to pass the resolution could have lasting consequences. “If we let this opportunity slip, history will record that we endorsed the decisions of August 5, 2019. We cannot move forward without addressing this issue. Let every member vote according to their conscience,” he said.
He cautioned that any backtracking by the NC would deepen public grievances and potentially lead to unrest. “If emotions are manipulated for political gain, it can lead to violence and the loss of innocent lives. Let us not play politics with such sensitive issues.”
Stressing the importance of justice, he said: “In every nation’s history, there comes a time when revolutionary justice prevails. This resolution, if passed, will be remembered as a crucial moment for Jammu and Kashmir.”
