Sajad Lone Challenges NC on Article 370, Vows to Withdraw Nomination if Restoration Commitment is Publicly Made

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone criticized the National Conference (NC) on Saturday, accusing them of deceiving the people of Jammu and Kashmir with promises of reinstating the region’s special status. Asserting that the NC was aligned with the “INDIA bloc,” Lone declared his intention to refrain from contesting elections in Jammu and Kashmir if the opposition coalition publicly committed to restoring Article 370.

Lone stated, “If they issue a statement today, I will withdraw my nomination papers… But, if they don’t, then they (NC) should stop lying.” Discussing the decision not to challenge the abrogation of Article 370 in the Supreme Court, Lone acknowledged the potential error in judgment but argued that failure to take legal action would have further disadvantaged mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that the Center could have facilitated another entity to bring the case to the apex court if mainstream parties had abstained from legal recourse.

“We could have collectively decided to reserve it for the future. However, this would not have prevented others from approaching the Supreme Court,” Lone remarked in an interview with PTI. Reflecting on the December ruling by the Supreme Court upholding the Center’s decision to revoke Article 370, Lone acknowledged the provision as temporary.

Lone, who is contesting against former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah for the Baramulla seat, expressed his commitment to representing the voices of Jammu and Kashmir post-2019. Emphasizing the significance of Parliament as a platform for communication in the digital age, he highlighted the importance of sharing the untold stories of Kashmir and addressing the grievances of its people.

“I honestly believe that the people of J&K deserve that their voices be heard post-2019. If I am elected, I would be the voice,” Lone affirmed, underscoring the need for transparency and representation in Parliament.

(with inputs from PTI)

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