Jammu, Feb 5: Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference in the Legislative Assembly, saying that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s acceptance of power in 1975 amounted to the strongest endorsement of downgrading the post of Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to that of Chief Minister.
Participating in the debate, Lone said history could have taken a very different course had Sheikh Abdullah refused to assume office under the changed political arrangement. “When a Prime Minister accepts the chair of a Chief Minister, it legitimises that downgrade. Sheikh Abdullah was the tallest leader of his time, and his decision gave the biggest stamp of approval to that change,” he said.
Lone also questioned National Conference narratives on international advocacy, stating that former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah’s visit to the United Nations in 1994 did not serve the interests of Kashmiris. “He did not go there to speak for the people of Kashmir. That is a question of conscience,” he remarked.
Targeting the party’s past decisions, Lone said the National Conference supported the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in Parliament, legislation he claimed was largely enforced against Kashmiris. He further pointed out that the party remained aligned with successive central governments for nearly two decades. “You allied with the Congress in 1975, again in 1984, later with the BJP, and once more in 2008. After spending 20–25 years with the Centre, claiming victimhood today sounds hollow,” he said.
Referring to events leading up to the abrogation of Article 370, Lone questioned the conduct of NC leaders during their meetings in New Delhi. “If you felt betrayed, why were shawls exchanged?” he asked sarcastically.
Drawing a parallel with the 1987 Assembly elections, Lone said political disenchantment triggered armed militancy in Kashmir. “The gun entered Kashmir after the rigging of the 1987 polls. That chapter has not closed yet,” he said, adding that current reservation policies could have consequences even more serious.
He expressed strong concerns over job reservations, stating that despite forming nearly 60 per cent of the population, Kashmiris receive only 25–30 per cent of government jobs. “This is not about merit. It is about fairness. The cabinet sub-committee’s recommendations increase our share by barely two per cent, while the shortfall remains massive,” Lone said.
While stressing his commitment to the unity of Jammu and Kashmir, Lone said unity should not come at the cost of Kashmiri youth. “I hold no ill will towards the people of Jammu, but Kashmiris should not be treated as outsiders in their own land,” he said.
Lone also criticised BJP legislators for celebrating the derecognition of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME). “Sweets were distributed over the derecognition of a medical college. What will our children think of us years from now?” he asked, mocking the move as misplaced triumphalism.
