Criticizes NC’s Shift from Article 370 to 'Special Status'
Warns Against Political Suppression, Cites 1987 Elections
Srinagar, March 4 (KNS): People's Conference chief Sajad Lone staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly during the Budget session, citing the government's refusal to allow a debate on key issues. Lone expressed frustration over the non-inclusion of five out of seven amendments he had proposed and accused the authorities of stifling democratic discourse.
Lone said that his party had raised the restoration of Article 370, the repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA), concerns over police verification procedures, and civilian killings, but the Speaker did not allow these issues to be discussed, forcing him to protest.
"We cannot speak on the floor of the Assembly. Where do you expect us to speak?" he asked, drawing parallels with the 1987 elections, which he claimed had led to political suppression and subsequent violence in the region.
Lone revealed that he had submitted seven amendments to be added to the Governor’s speech, out of which only two were included, while five were not listed for debate.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe questioned the Speaker's decision and insisted that these issues deserved discussion.
Lone also criticized what he described as a post-election shift in stance by the National Conference (NC). He alleged that while NC promised the restoration of Article 370 in its election manifesto, after forming the government, it started using the term "special status" instead.
"In their election manifesto, NC spoke about Article 370, but now they have introduced a new term—'special status.' What does that mean?" he questioned, accusing the party of diluting its earlier commitments.
Lone revealed that he had submitted a letter to the Speaker and would release it to the press. He assured that his party would continue raising these issues through legal and democratic means.
"We have taken this matter to justice, and we will carry on from here," he affirmed. (KNS)