Srinagar: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Thursday issued a comprehensive statement addressing the recent developments in Ladakh, beginning with condolences for the tragic loss of life while delivering a candid assessment of historical inter-regional dynamics.
“I am pained at the death of four people in Ladakh. May they rest in peace,” Lone stated, before proceeding to what he termed calling “a spade a spade.”
Peoples Conference President revealed his perspective on Ladakh’s separation from the erstwhile state, stating, “I have to say that the Kashmiri people were reviled and slandered by the people of Ladakh for 70 years. I was the happiest when they were separated from us and a UT was carved for them. I was more happy for us than them.”
Lone referenced his detention experience during 2019, recalling a conversation with a senior political leader at SKICC. “A very very senior leader who I respect a lot and was jailed with me in SKICC in 2019 will bear testimony; I told him in jail in 2019. I am happy,” he said, explaining his reaction to the separation.
He detailed systemic challenges faced by Kashmiris during the unified arrangement: “They would take away our jobs in the name of reservation. They would humiliate us. They would not allow our transporters or businessmen to work in Ladakh. They had Hill Council. We as J&K had literally no control over them. We would cede jobs to them in the name of reservation. Disproportionate funding. Tiny Assembly seats. And an even tiny Parliament seat. 4 Assembly seats and a Parliament seat for a tiny population. ST caste status for the whole region.”
Despite these arrangements, Lone characterized Ladakh’s approach as problematic: “Yet they were the perpetual cry babies. Blaming Kashmiris for anything and everything. And on top of that they would always be the proverbial stick which Delhi used to beat us with.”
PC President alleged a coordinated campaign against Kashmiris: “In the last 7 decades, they in collusion with Delhi manufactured a paranoia against the Kashmiris. They painted the Kashmiris as evil. Their cultural concerns were nothing but naked communalism against the Kashmiris. They suffered from civilisational inferiority complex and teamed up with Delhi to inflict punishment upon ordinary Kashmiris.”
Reflecting on the costs of the arrangement, Lone stated that “They being a part of us was extortionate and pricey. Why did we ever have them with us? What did we get apart from slander, loss of jobs, a massive hole in the budget to fund heavily subsidised Ladakh region.”
Characterizing the current situation in Ladakh, he observed: “What they are going through is buyers remorse a feeling of regret experienced after making a purchase, typically one regarded as unnecessary or extravagant. This is Karma.”
The statement extended a caution to Jammu region “And a Karmic omen for the people of Jammu. Mark my words. Minus Kashmir you will meet the same fate. All your pampering is because of Kashmir.”
Lone concluded with sharp criticism of Kashmir’s mainstream political leadership “And for the two Kings’ parties in Kashmir and their leaders who are running like headless chicken issuing statements. For heavens sake. At least for once stand up for the people of Kashmir. At least pretend even if you don’t mean it.”
