Delay in Statehood for J&K Is a Sin Against Its People, Says Sajad Lone

Srinagar, 25-10-2024:  Sajad Gani Lone, President of the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples’ Conference (JKPC), strongly criticized the central government on Friday for delaying the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, calling the delay a “sin” against the people of the region. Lone emphasized that statehood is a fundamental right of the people, not a “charity” for the union government to consider at its leisure.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Lone asserted, “Irrespective of political differences, the union government must act quickly on certain matters. Every moment’s delay in granting statehood is a wrong against the people of J&K. Statehood is our right, not a charity to be pondered. Why did they strip it away in the first place?”

Reflecting on the change imposed in August 2019 when Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood was reduced to union territory status, Lone questioned the Supreme Court’s handling of the matter. “The Supreme Court, in disposing of the statehood petition, left one crucial question unanswered: Was the relegation of a state to UT status within the scope of the law? They didn’t endorse it, knowing it could set a dangerous precedent, yet we remain without statehood,” he said.

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.

Statehood is our right not charity that the union government…

— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) October 25, 2024

Lone argued for a greater role for local governance in security matters, asserting that the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir should inherently participate in all security meetings. “Until full statehood is restored, the J&K Chief Minister should be part of all security-related meetings. Local insights are crucial in strategic planning, and the elected leadership represents a substantial voter mandate. Excluding the Chief Minister amounts to disregarding the democratic process and is a humiliation to the entire electoral exercise.”

Lone also directed remarks at former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging him to be mindful of his role. “An unsolicited word of advice for our CM: your shift from castigating others to now actively engaging with the central leadership shows a significant change. We understand an elected CM must work with the center, but there’s a fine line between constitutional duties and appearing as a ‘cheerleader.’ A dignified approach would better serve J&K,” he added.