SRINAGAR: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Wednesday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), accusing the party of ignoring the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the sacrifices made by Indian security forces during Operation Sindoor.
In a five-minute video statement, Sharma said, “For the first time, not only India but the entire world has seen such a response to a terrorist incident. The courage shown by our forces during Operation Sindoor is unmatched.”
He expressed surprise that the JKNC, in its Executive Committee meeting, passed seven resolutions without a single mention of the army or security forces.
“There is no appreciation, no recognition of the bravery of our forces. The sacrifices they made for Jammu and Kashmir—for the unity and integrity of India—have not been acknowledged by the National Conference,” Sharma said.
He questioned why there was no reference to terrorism or Pakistan in the resolutions. “Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 innocent people. Yet there is no mention of Pakistan, no mention of terrorism. What kind of sympathy is this?” he asked.
Sharma alleged that the JKNC was more focused on demanding the restoration of Article 370 and statehood rather than standing with the nation during a time of crisis. “They are talking about special status. What special status? There is no such thing in the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court never mentioned ‘special status’ in its verdict either,” he said.
According to him, raising Article 370 again is an insult to the Constitution and to the Supreme Court’s decision. “370 is history. It has been buried. It’s not coming back,” he added.
He also criticised the timing of JKNC’s political demands. “Is this the right time to talk about statehood? You (JKNC) should be visiting the border areas—Arnia, Hiranagar, Akhnoor—and meeting people in Rajouri, Poonch, Tangdhar. If you cannot provide relief, at least request the Indian government for help,” he said.
He claimed that the JKNC, which has ruled Jammu and Kashmir for three generations, never truly cared about the people. “You are concerned about protocol, not the people. You want statehood, you want status, but you are silent on the suffering of the people, silent on terrorism, silent on Pakistan,” Sharma said.
He concluded that matters of foreign affairs and national security fall under the purview of the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, not a state-level party. “A constitutional state like Jammu and Kashmir should not be interfering in foreign policy. The central government has a clear and firm policy,” he said. (KNO)
