SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday criticised the National Conference government’s decision to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, describing it as an underwhelming outcome after what had been projected as a major political announcement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
In a statement, Lone said the ruling party’s proposed protest failed to match expectations generated around the Chief Minister’s remarks, questioning what he termed the “bombshell” that had been anticipated. He said National Conference legislators and senior leaders had gathered for deliberations only to emerge with a plan for a sit-in protest in the national capital.
Lone said protests were a legitimate political tool but argued that the announcement lacked the significance suggested beforehand. He described the move as a “damp squib” and criticised the government’s political strategy.
The Peoples Conference leader further accused the National Conference of attempting to divert public attention from governance issues and election commitments. He alleged that the episode was aimed at shifting focus away from what he termed unfulfilled promises made in the party’s election manifesto.
Lone also took aim at the Chief Minister’s leadership, claiming the decision reflected a lack of political innovation and maturity. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been left disappointed by the outcome.
Calling for what he described as a more substantive approach, Lone urged the government to convene a session of the Legislative Assembly and pass a formal resolution seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the resolution should subsequently be forwarded to Parliament and to the Chief Ministers of all Indian states. Lone also called on the Speaker of the Assembly to facilitate the passage of such a resolution without procedural hurdles.
The National Conference has announced plans to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar in support of the demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
