Sajjad Gani Lone Talks About His Father, Secularism, and Jammu and Kashmir Elections
Sajjad Gani Lone, the chairman of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC), recently spoke about his late father, Abdul Ghani Lone, who was a senior leader of the separatist Hurriyat Conference. Sajjad Lone emphasized that his father never encouraged violence or stone-pelting.
Abdul Ghani Lone, who founded the People’s Conference, was assassinated in Srinagar in May 2002. Sajjad Lone later entered mainstream politics and is now contesting the Jammu and Kashmir elections from two seats, Handwara and Kupwara.
Sajjad Lone explained that the introduction of guns in the valley followed the alleged rigging of the 1987 election, which also led to separatist politics. He described his father as a moderate voice within the Hurriyat Conference.
He clarified his political stance, stating, “Nobody can ever say that I had any relationship with them (Pakistan) or anything. I like that country; they are nice people, but given the chance I am with India, I am not with them.”
Regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Sajjad Lone said it could only be achieved through parliamentary action. He suggested that elected officials should resign en masse if statehood is not restored within a certain timeframe.
The Jammu and Kashmir elections will be held on September 18, 25, and October 1, with votes counted on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Sajjad Gani Lone -: Sajjad Gani Lone is a politician from Jammu and Kashmir, a region in India. He is the chairman of a political party called Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference.
Abdul Ghani Lone -: Abdul Ghani Lone was Sajjad Gani Lone’s father. He was also a politician in Jammu and Kashmir and was known for not supporting violence.
Secularism -: Secularism means treating all religions equally and not favoring any one religion. It is an important principle in India to ensure everyone is treated fairly.
Statehood -: Statehood means being recognized as a state within a country. Sajjad Gani Lone wants Jammu and Kashmir to be recognized as a state again.
1987 election rigging -: Election rigging means cheating in elections to change the results. In 1987, there were claims that the elections in Jammu and Kashmir were rigged, which affected the region’s politics.
Political alignment with India -: Political alignment with India means that Sajjad Gani Lone supports being a part of India and follows its political system, even though he has personal connections to Pakistan.
