Srinagar, Dec 27: Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone on Saturday termed the harassment of Kashmiris in other states a national security issue, urging the lieutenant governor and chief minister to intervene urgently.
“This behaviour against Kashmiris in the rest of the country should not be taken lightly. This is a matter of national security,” the Handwara MLA said at a press conference here.
His statement came following the alleged assault on a Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand.
Lone described Kashmir natives working outside the Union territory as ambassadors of national integration who believe their economic security lies with India.
“They return here as the ambassadors of India. Today, you are ending these relations of envoyship. What will they say when they come back after facing assaults?” he questioned.
The Peoples Conference chief warned the Centre against treating such incidents as trivial matters.
“If the top leadership of the country thinks it is a small issue, it is a matter of great concern. If our children are in jail under the UAPA for liking a post on Facebook, what stops the Government of India from putting these rogues and thugs behind bars under UAPA or PSA?” he asked.
Lone appealed to the Prime Minister and Union home minister to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Taking a dig at the accused, he told the defence minister: “All these brave people should be deputed at our borders with China and Pakistan. If they are so brave, let them fight there. They are showing their bravery to a shawl seller who is merely earning his livelihood.”
The Handwara MLA urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to engage with respective state governments and request action under the Public Safety Act against the accused.
“These people are opposed to integration and are sending a wrong message. Is the PSA only for Kashmiri Muslims?” he questioned.
Lone emphasized that the alleged assaults cannot be addressed through routine tweets or statements alone.
“The L-G is responsible for law and order, and this can have an impact on it. It is time he picks up a phone and talks to the chief ministers of respective states. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should do the same,” he said.
If such incidents persist, Lone suggested that all UT leaders should consider holding a protest in Delhi.
Responding to questions about Mirwaiz Umar Farooq dropping his Hurriyat chairman designation from social media, Lone called it “nonsense,” pointing out that ordinary Kashmiris face jail for merely liking Facebook posts.
He demanded an apology from the Mirwaiz for being abused and labeled an “agent” when he joined mainstream politics.
“When I came into the mainstream, I faced abuses and was labeled as an agency man. If not publicly, if they feel ashamed, they should apologise to me over phone. I was made a target of character assassination,” Lone said.
On the Jammu and Kashmir High Court rejecting PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s PIL seeking the return of undertrials from jails outside the UT, Lone dismissed it as drama.
“I am convinced that madam is enacting a drama. The subjugated people do not need mediators to take up their issue with the courts,” he said, adding that victims should approach courts directly while his party would facilitate legal aid.
