Srinagar, Dec 27 (JKNS): Peoples Conference Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, on Saturday warned that rising incidents of harassment and intimidation of Kashmiris across different parts of the country pose a serious threat to national integration and should be treated as a national security issue, not merely routine law-and-order matters.
Addressing a press conference here, as per news agency JKNS Lone said, he was compelled to speak out after several families from his constituency approached him with disturbing accounts of harassment faced by their relatives outside Jammu and Kashmir. “If in our own country we are subjected to such behaviour, one is forced to ask a painful question what is our status in this nation?” he said, as per news agency JKNS.
The press conference was attended by senior party leaders including Vice President Abdul Gani Vakil, Chief Spokesperson Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar, Party Spokesperson Muneeb Qurashi, and Spokesperson Bisma Meer.
Highlighting the historical role of Kashmiri migrant workers, Lone said migration for livelihood is not a new phenomenon. “In districts like mine, 25 to 35 percent of the male population has been living and working outside Jammu and Kashmir for the past 50 to 60 years. Many have settled permanently and built stable lives,” he said, adding that such citizens played a quiet yet decisive role in strengthening national cohesion.
“These people were ambassadors of integration,” Lone said. “They believed their future lay within India and carried that belief back home. What thousands of soldiers could not achieve, these ordinary citizens achieved daily through their lives and work.”
Terming the response to recent incidents as grossly inadequate, Lone remarked, “Arresting two individuals when there are hundreds of such incidents is like a drop in the ocean.” He cautioned against downplaying the issue, stating, “This is not a minor issue. This is a matter of national security.”
Referring to the prolonged conflict in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989, Lone warned that alienating ordinary working Kashmiris would deepen mistrust. “There has been bloodshed, there have been graves. At such a time, dismantling bridges of integration is extremely dangerous,” he said.
Calling for firm action, Lone urged the Union Government to proceed decisively against those targeting Kashmiris. “If a Kashmiri child can be booked under UAPA for liking a Facebook post, what stops the Government of India from booking these thugs under UAPA or PSA?” he asked, adding, “Is PSA meant only for Kashmiri Muslims? Use it against those who spread hatred and undermine integration.”
In a sharp remark on misplaced nationalism, Lone said, “If they are so brave, send them to the China or Pakistan border. Harassing a shawl seller who steps out only to earn his livelihood is not bravery. Is that valor?”
He appealed to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to view the issue through a national security lens and urged the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to directly engage with their counterparts in other states.
“You have done good work here, now please pick up the phone and make it clear that harassment of Kashmiris will not be tolerated. This can have serious repercussions on law and order here as well,” he cautioned.
While expressing concern, Lone also acknowledged solidarity where it existed, particularly praising the people of Punjab. “They tell us, ‘This is your home.’ I salute them,” he said, contrasting this with those “who believe shouting slogans alone defines nationalism.”
Lone warned against limiting the issue to statements or social media reactions. “This cannot be relegated to tweets. If nothing changes, we will collectively go to Delhi and protest. Where will a Kashmiri go if every door is shut?” he asked.
Responding to queries on reservations, Lone reiterated his party’s stance, saying reservation remains an internal issue of Jammu and Kashmir. “Most benefits are going to Jammu. The only sustainable solution is District Recruitment and Divisional Recruitment,” he said, dismissing recent notifications as inconsequential.
He also cautioned against internal divisions within Kashmir, saying, “Replacing one Kashmiri with another is more dangerous than anything else,” adding that previous frameworks like RBA had already diluted Kashmiri representation.
Recalling personal struggles, Lone said he was subjected to sustained vilification after joining mainstream politics. “I was abused, branded an agency man and targeted relentlessly,” he said, adding, “How I am alive today is known only to Allah.”
Touching upon civil liberties, Lone said, “Young men are detained simply for sharing or liking posts on social media. This is the everyday reality of an ordinary Kashmiri.”
Lone warned that ignoring the issue would have long-term consequences. “This is serious, dangerous and demands immediate action. Undermining the dignity of ordinary Kashmiris will only weaken integration and deepen alienation,” he said. (JKNS)
