Sajjad Lone slams NC, PDP for ‘double standards’ over Yasin Malik clemency issue

Srinagar, Sept 19: Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara Sajjad Gani Lone launched a blistering attack on the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today, accusing them of indulging in “selective morality and political theatrics” over the issue of clemency for JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Lone said both parties have a history of “destroying lives” when in power, yet seek to pose as “champions of human rights” once they are out of office. The sharp remarks came in the backdrop of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s letter to the Union Home Minister, appealing for clemency in Malik’s case.

Lone, who described Malik as a college-time friend, clarified that his concern was not about personal loyalty but about exposing what he called the “hypocrisy” of Kashmir’s traditional political families. “Yasin Malik himself never filed an appeal. He has narrated his story with courage. So on whose advice has this mercy letter been written? And why now?” he asked.

He further pointed out that Malik’s legal troubles extended beyond the present case. “Even if he is released in this case, there are several other cases pending against him, including one where a member of Mehbooba Mufti’s own family had identified him in court,” Lone reminded, adding that “at that time they trapped him, and today they shed tears. How long will this hypocrisy continue? When in power they send people to jails and gallows, and when out of power they turn into mourners?”

Tracing the case back to 2002 during Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s tenure as Chief Minister, Lone alleged that several cases were “fabricated against Malik” to derail peace initiatives and protect political dynasties. He argued that with then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf engaged in dialogue, and Hurriyat leaders contemplating electoral participation, mainstream Kashmiri leaders felt threatened by the prospect of new political players emerging. “To secure their own crowns, they slapped false cases. The very case in which the NIA now seeks the death penalty was born out of that insecurity,” Lone claimed.

He added that even Farooq Abdullah had publicly acknowledged in 2019 that he and Malik were on the “same path.” “At that time, it was all about elections and political convenience. Ironically, the punishment now being demanded arises from a case registered under his own rule,” Lone remarked.

Turning his criticism towards Mehbooba Mufti, Lone accused her of “drama and opportunism.” He said, “Both families must first apologise to the people of Kashmir before claiming to defend anyone on humanitarian grounds. With hands stained by false cases and blood, they have no moral right to use someone else’s sacrifice for political theatrics.”

He cited the example of Sarjan Barkati, who was arrested during Mufti’s government in 2016 and booked in 64 FIRs. “And today she cites his name for sympathy. This is nothing less than mocking the pain of all those who languish in prison. If you cannot genuinely help them, at least don’t exploit their suffering,” Lone stated.

Issuing a warning that the people of Kashmir would no longer be “fooled” by what he described as “all-rounder politics,” Lone said, “You cannot play both roles at once — you cannot be bowler and batsman together. You cannot be on both sides. We will keep reminding Kashmiris of the past deeds of those who now seek moral high ground.”