J&K People’s Conference Chief Sajad Lone remarked that challenging the abrogation of Article 370 in the Supreme Court was a mistake. This move seen as a direct challenge to the government’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Lone’s statement reflects ongoing debates surrounding the constitutional changes in the region.
Srinagar: Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone expressed that although contesting the revocation of Article 370 in the Supreme Court might seem like a misstep, refraining from doing so could have had even more severe political repercussions for the mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated,
“Challenging the abrogation of Article 370 might have appeared as a mistake, but the alternative remaining silent would have significantly worsened our political standing. It was essential to demonstrate our commitment to the rights and autonomy that were stripped away, not just for the legal battle but to maintain our political relevance and the trust of our people.”
Regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in December last year to uphold the Centre’s August 5, 2019, move to abrogate Article 370, Sajad Lone, the J&K People’s Conference Chief. He suggested that the Centre could found someone else to argue their case in the apex court if mainstream parties had refrained from legal action.
Read Also:Centre Clarifies: Article 370 Won’t Affect Northeastern States
When asked if approaching the court was a misstep considering the bleak chances of reinstating the special status, Lone replied,
“I do not know, it could be.”
He further explained,
“You see we (mainstream political parties in Kashmir) could have worked together and said let us save it for a rainy day. But that could not have stopped somebody else from going to the Supreme Court.”
Sajad Lone articulated concerns that if the mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir had not pursued legal action against the abrogation of Article 370, the Central government could have easily found an alternative representative to initiate a court case, which could potentially simplify the process of obtaining a favorable judgment.
He emphasized the political risks of inaction by stating,
“If we had abstained from taking this issue to court, it would have severely damaged our political credibility among our constituents. Say tomorrow, they appoint someone else to represent the issue in court, it’s not particularly challenging to secure a court judgment. Our absence would have been politically detrimental at home.”
However, he also clarified that it wasn’t solely their involvement that could lead to a court decision, adding,
“But to claim that a judgment wouldn’t have been possible without our intervention is not accurate either. The central authorities could have managed to get a judgment by directing someone else to approach the court.”
Lone’s comments came as the Supreme Court hearing multiple petitions from several Jammu and Kashmir political entities, including the Peoples Conference, National Conference, and the People’s Democratic Party.
The court ultimately upheld the view that Article 370 was a temporary measure, affirming the Central government’s position. In the context of these developments and the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, where Lone is a candidate from Baramulla in north Kashmir, he reflected on the critical role of Parliament following the events of August 5, 2019.
He acknowledged,
“Understanding the pivotal function of Parliament has become increasingly crucial in light of the changes initiated on that date.”
Sajad Lone expressed his belief in the importance of Jammu and Kashmir‘s representation in the Indian Parliament.
He emphasized,
“I firmly believe that the voices of J&K’s people need to be heard, especially after the events of 2019. If elected, I promise to serve as that voice.”
He further elaborated on the significance of Parliament in today’s digital age, describing it as the ultimate constitutional platform for communication across India.
He explained,
“Parliament is where stories from every corner of the country converge, including the lesser-known tales of Kashmir stories of unrest, of grievances, and of injustices endured by the people here,”
Lone added,
“While there are positive stories as well, and not everything is negative, there are critical issues that I believe deserve to be shared with the rest of India, through their representatives in Parliament.”
Contesting the Baramulla seat against former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lone criticized the National Conference’s approach, stating,
“The NC is misleading the public by promising the restoration of Article 370 without providing a viable plan on how to achieve it.”
Sajad Lone critically addressed the National Conference’s (NC) promises regarding the restoration of Article 370, questioning their ability to fulfill such pledges. He pointed out the logistical challenges inherent in their position, noting,
“They fail to clarify how they intend to reclaim our lost identity by merely winning three seats in Kashmir. Achieving significant amendments in the Lok Sabha requires a two-thirds majority.”
Read Also:“India follows Indian Constitution” Day-4 Article 370 | Jammu And Kashmir Case
He further questioned the commitments of the INDIA bloc, of which NC is a member, about restoring Kashmir’s special status. He remarked,
“Is there an explicit commitment from the INDIA bloc that they will reinstate Article 370, Article 35A, or our internal autonomy should they secure a two-thirds majority? This remains unclear,”
Lone went on to challenge the NC with a bold declaration, expressing his willingness to step down from the electoral race if the NC could secure a firm commitment on these issues from their alliance. He asserted,
“Mark my words, if they can get the INDIA bloc to publicly commit today to restoring Article 370, I will immediately withdraw my candidacy. However, if they fail to secure such a commitment, then they must cease their deceptive assertions to the public,”
This statement highlights Lone’s skepticism towards the NC’s promises and his readiness to hold them accountable in the public and political arena.