The News Craving
Srinagar:
Jammu & Kashmir Peoples’ Conference (JKPC) President Sajad Gani Lone emphasized that the central government must address key issues swiftly, stating that the delay in granting statehood is a betrayal of the people of J&K.
Lone argued that statehood, which New Delhi revoked on August 5, 2019, is not a concession for the Union government to contemplate but a right for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Lone urged, “Irrespective of the political differences that we have here amongst us, the union government needs to move fast on some issues. Delay of even a moment in granting statehood is a sin against the people of J and K.”
He also posed a pointed question to the Supreme Court: “And may I ask the Supreme Court that in disposing of the petition on statehood, there is one question which they left unanswered. Was the relegation of a state to UT within the realm of law or outside the realm of law? Why didn’t they answer this question? They did not endorse relegation lest it becomes a precedence and yet we are still without a state.”
Lone argued that until statehood is restored, the Chief Minister of J&K should be integral to security meetings, stressing that UT status should not be a reason to exclude local representation. “In the interim until we get a state, the CM of J and K should be an inherent part of all meetings related to security. The local inputs in strategizing on security are indispensable. Whosoever the CM is—the people of J and K have voted in huge numbers. And the UT status should not be used as an excuse to exclude the government from vital issues. The CM should be a part of all deliberations. Exclusion of the CM is tantamount to humiliating the entire electoral exercise.”
Addressing recent interactions between J&K’s Chief Minister and central leaders, Lone said, “And an unsolicited word of advice for our CM. Wish you had not gone too far castigating everybody, accusing everyone of colluding with BJP. That concept of untouchability, that self-righteous drift, and now a glorified cheerleader—that is a total comedown. We all know an elected CM has to work with the center. They have to go and meet the PM or other ministers. But there is a difference between constitutional duties and cheerleading.”