Harassment of Kashmiris serious concern, action against perpetrators must: Sajad Lone
Srinagar, Dec 27 (KINS): People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Saturday voiced grave concern over the reported harassment of Kashmiris living in different parts of the country, asserting that the matter should be addressed as a national security concern rather than dismissed as isolated incidents.
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Lone highlighted the long-standing presence and contribution of Kashmiris across India. “Thousands of Kashmiris, particularly from North Kashmir districts like Kupwara, have been living and working across the country for decades and have contributed to national integration,” he said.
Reflecting the anguish of affected families, Lone quoted them as saying, “If we are treated like this in our own country, then what is our status?” He further remarked that the response so far has been inadequate, stating, “While a few arrests have been made, that’s just a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of incidents being reported.”
Warning of long-term consequences, Lone said such actions could dismantle years of trust and connection between Kashmir and the rest of the country. “These people were ambassadors of integration. Their economic and emotional connection was with India now you are breaking that bond,” he said.
Calling for immediate intervention, Lone urged the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to act decisively. “Those involved in targeting Kashmiris be booked under strict laws, including PSA or UAPA,” he demanded.
He also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally take up the matter with the chief ministers of the concerned states. “You have done good work here; please pick up the phone and tell them this will not be tolerated,” he said, cautioning that continued inaction could have serious law and order implications within Jammu and Kashmir.
Lone praised the people of Punjab for their supportive attitude towards Kashmiris, saying, “They treat us with dignity, and I salute them,” while noting that such sensitivity was missing in certain areas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
On the issue of reservation, Lone criticised the government’s recent decisions, calling them unfair and poorly assessed. “The new policy is not even worth the paper it’s written on. Only district or divisional-level recruitment can ensure fairness,” he said, accusing successive governments of steadily undermining equitable representation.
Reiterating his party’s stand, Lone warned that any attempt to replace “Kashmiri A with Kashmiri B” would be dangerous and deeply divisive.(KINS)
