Jammu Kashmir
Sajad Lone calls for reassessment of Jammu–Kashmir ties, raises pitch for administrative separation
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Handwara, Lone questioned the rationale of continuing in what he described as a system that repeatedly fails to uphold justice and self-respect. “Why should we remain in such a union where people are met only with abuse and humiliation?” he asked.
He said his call for what he termed a “dignified separation” was not politically motivated but stemmed from concerns over justice, identity and equal opportunities. Reacting to recent remarks by National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Lone said he holds him in high personal regard but remains in complete political disagreement.
Lone also referred to incidents of alleged harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers and students in different parts of the country, questioning what he called selective claims of moral high ground on secularism by some Kashmiri leaders.
Taking a swipe at the Omar Abdullah-led government, Lone accused the administration of double standards, saying it showed decisiveness in installing smart electricity meters but claimed helplessness in implementing promises such as providing free electricity units, as mentioned in the election manifesto.
