Srinagar, Dec 27 (KNS): Peoples Conference Chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Saturday delivered a highly concerning address, warning that the growing incidents of harassment of Kashmiris in different parts of the country are eroding the very foundations of national integration and must be treated as a matter of national security rather than isolated law-and-order episodes.
Addressing a press conference, Lone said he was compelled to speak after being approached by numerous families from his constituency who narrated disturbing experiences faced by their relatives outside Jammu and Kashmir. “If in our own country we are subjected to this kind of behaviour, then one has to ask a painful question—what is our status in this country?” he said.
The press conference was attended by senior party leaders including Vice President Abdul Gani Vakil, Chief Spokesperson Advocate Bashir Ahmed Dar, Party Spokesman Muneeb Qurashi and Spokesperson Bisma Meer.
Lone underlined that migration for work is not a recent phenomenon. “In districts like mine, at least 25 to 35 percent of the male population has been living and working in other parts of India for the last fifty to sixty years. Many have purchased homes and built stable lives there,” he noted, adding that these people played a silent but decisive role in strengthening India’s internal cohesion.
“These people were ambassadors of integration,” Lone said. “They believed that their economic future lay within India and they returned carrying that belief. What even 10,000 or 20,000 soldiers could not achieve, these ordinary citizens were achieving every day.”
Describing recent official action as grossly inadequate, Lone remarked, “Arresting two individuals when there are hundreds or thousands of incidents is like a drop in the ocean.” He cautioned against trivialising the issue, stating bluntly, “This is not a small matter. This is a matter of national security.”
Referring to the long-running conflict in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989, Lone said that alienating ordinary working Kashmiris would only deepen mistrust. “There has been conflict, there has been bloodshed and there have been graves. At such a time, dismantling bridges of integration is extremely dangerous,” he warned.
Lone strongly urged the Union Government to act decisively against those targeting Kashmiris. Drawing a sharp comparison, he said, “If a Kashmiri child can be booked under UAPA merely for liking a Facebook post, what stops the Government of India from booking these rogues and thugs under UAPA or PSA?” He appealed directly to the Lieutenant Governor, saying, “Is PSA meant only for Kashmiri Muslims? Use it against those who are anti-integration and spreading hatred.”
In a stinging remark on misplaced nationalism, Lone said, “If they are so brave, send them to the China border or the Pakistan border. Showing aggression to a shawl seller who has gone out only to earn his livelihood is not bravery. Is this what you call valor?”
Calling for urgent political intervention, Lone appealed to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to view the issue through a national security lens. He also urged the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to engage directly with their counterparts in other states.
“Pick up the phone and make it clear that harassment of Kashmiris will not be tolerated. This can have serious repercussions on law and order here as well,” he cautioned.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
While expressing concern, Lone also acknowledged solidarity where it existed. He praised the people of Punjab, saying, “They tell us, ‘This is your home.’ I salute them.” He contrasted this with what he described as harassment by those “who believe that shouting slogans alone defines nationalism.”
Lone warned against reducing the matter to routine statements or social media reactions. “We cannot relegate this to tweets. If nothing changes, we will collectively go to Delhi and protest. The question is simple—where will a Kashmiri go if every door is closed?” he asked.
Responding to questions on reservations, Lone reiterated his party’s unequivocal stance. “Reservation is an issue between Jammu and Kashmir. The reality is that most of the benefits are going to Jammu, and the only sustainable solution is District Recruitment and Divisional Recruitment,” he said. Dismissing recent government notifications, he remarked, “It is not even worth the paper it is written on. The UT Government can change everything if it wants to.”
He cautioned against divisive approaches within Kashmir. “Replacing one Kashmiri with another is more dangerous than anything else,” Lone said, adding that earlier frameworks like RBA had already diluted Kashmiri representation. “Even there, three percent was cut. That is injustice.”
Refusing to engage with what he called a “new narrative,” Lone instead highlighted the sustained vilification he faced after joining mainstream politics. He said he was relentlessly abused, branded an “agency man,” and subjected to character assassination.
Recalling the peak of militancy, he remarked, “How I am alive today is known only to Allah,” adding that he entered politics on his own strength, without patronage, after intense personal and political struggle. “There was a time when no one would even answer my calls,” he said. Concluding, Lone stated that while he seeks no public vindication, those who maligned him should at least privately acknowledge their actions and apologise for the injustice done.
On political detentions and civil liberties, Lone shared personal and constituency-level experiences to underline the gravity of the situation. “Young men are being detained simply for sharing or liking posts on social media. This is the everyday reality of an ordinary Kashmiri,” he said.
Addressing questions on political prisoners and court proceedings, Lone stressed the need to refocus on victims rather than optics. “It is time to talk about victims, not chase headlines,” he said, asserting that those responsible for human rights violations during their tenure must one day acknowledge and apologise. “Human rights cannot be erased with a reset button,” he remarked.
Assuring support to affected families, Lone said, “We will certainly provide legal assistance to undertrial prisoners. Victims should come forward, and we will facilitate everything they need.”
Concluding his address, Lone warned that ignoring the issue would have long-term consequences. “This is serious, it is dangerous, and it demands immediate and sincere action. Undermining the dignity of ordinary Kashmiris will only weaken the idea of integration and deepen alienation,” he said.(KNS)