Srinagar: Speaking on the Motion of Thanks for LG’s address in JK Assembly, MLA Handwara and J&K Peoples Conference chief, Sajad Gani Lone today called for reinforcement of the recently passed resolution in Assembly, deeming it “weak” and criticizing its lack of mention of Article 370, 35A, as well as the absence of an explicit condemnation of the unilateral decisions of August 5, 2019.
He, however, added that he was not doing so to browbeat or win some brownie points but was of firm belief that a strong and unambiguous resolution would become a referral point in future discussions about the issue.
Lone noted that this was his first speech since 2014, emphasizing the profound changes that occurred in the intervening years: the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the absence of elections for five years, and the reduction of J&K’s status from a state to a Union Territory, all without the consent of its people.
“It pains me to acknowledge that we now address a ‘Lieutenant Governor’ rather than a ‘Governor.’ August 5th will forever be remembered as a black day when the people’s will was subverted, with a non-state-subject in Raj Bhawan signing off on decisions on people’s behalf disregarding the voice of J&K,” Lone said.
Reflecting on the weakened authority of the Assembly, Lone pointed out, “The erstwhile legislature and today’s legislature cannot be compared; we don’t even understand the extent of our powers or those of the cabinet. This Assembly stands diminished in comparison to its predecessors.”
Condemning the approach taken by the central government, he said, “A macro majoritarian decision was imposed, bypassing the will of the people. Now, this Assembly has the responsibility to embody that will, either by morally rejecting the actions of August 5, 2019 or by endorsing them. If we say the response of this House is weak, it’s not an accusation of betrayal but a call to correct an oversight.”
He urged the Assembly to make a strong and clear stance, asserting that today’s resolution will resonate for years to come, potentially aiding future legal challenges.
“The onus lies on us to either strengthen the existing resolution or usher in a new, unequivocal stand that explicitly addresses Article 370 and 35A. Let this Assembly not be remembered as one that betrayed the public’s will,” he urged.
Lone also called for an end to the discriminatory police verification process, highlighting how it affects daily life beyond just passport applications.
He said that in rest of the country, the verification is confined to the individual but here in J&K families, and even extended families are covered.
“I have personally faced this discrimination and understand the struggles of our people. We must strive for equal dignity, akin to states like Haryana and Maharashtra, where our people’s respect isn’t compromised,” he concluded.
