Jammu and Kashmir MLA Sajad Lone Condemns 'Selective Rejection' of Amendments in Assembly
In a sharp critique of the proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Handwara MLA and People's Conference chief Sajad Lone slammed what he termed as "theatrics" after the Speaker rejected key amendments to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's Budget address. Speaking to the media outside the Assembly on Tuesday, Lone emphasized the importance of substance over spectacle, noting that only four of his six proposed amendments were accepted, while two crucial ones were turned down.
Rejected Amendments Focus on Article 370 and Statehood
Lone revealed that the two rejected amendments pertained to a clear articulation of continued efforts towards Article 370, Article 35-A, and the restoration of J&K's statehood. Additionally, one amendment sought the revival of intra-district and intra-divisional recruitment to address employment challenges faced by local youth, including rationalisation of reservation policies. He argued that these issues are vital for the region's political and social fabric, and their omission from the official address warranted amendment.
Accepted Amendments Address Daily Wagers and Security Concerns
The four amendments that were accepted covered significant ground, including the regularization of daily wagers, the status and location of the proposed National Law University (NLU) in Kashmir, and a strong, explicit condemnation of attacks on Kashmiris. Lone highlighted that the amendment on attacks comes amid instances of Kashmiri shawl sellers being targeted in states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, underscoring the need for clear governmental stance and engagement with other states on this issue.
Speaker's Justification and Lone's Rebuttal
In response to Lone's queries, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather explained that the House had already passed a resolution regarding the Special Status of J&K in the first Assembly session, and rules prohibit revisiting discussed subjects. He added that restoration of statehood is not within the Assembly's purview, thus cannot be taken up. Lone, however, dismissed this as procedural evasion, asserting that "history will read what was said and decided inside the House," and the real test of conviction lies in voting on amendments to reinforce constitutional pathways over street posturing.
Controversy Over National Law University and Daily Wagers
Lone also addressed the controversy surrounding the NLU, clarifying that despite its name, it is a state university approved by the Cabinet in 2018, and its location should not be politicized, as promised by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. On the omission of daily wagers in the original address, Lone stated that this was precisely why amendments were moved, urging the House to vote to reveal who truly stands with them.
Overall, Lone's remarks underscore ongoing tensions in J&K's political landscape, with calls for accountability and substantive legislative action over symbolic gestures.
