"JKPC Chief Accuses BJP of Eroding Regional Relevance, Warns of New ‘Torture Records’ if Alliance is Formed"
In a fiery critique of the BJP's policies, Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) Chief Sajad Lone has accused the ruling party of using security as a blanket justification for its controversial decisions. Through a pointed social media post, Lone labeled these security claims as tools to enforce central control, alleging a pattern of disregard for local sentiment and historical context.
Highlighting the decision to terminate direct train connectivity to Srinagar, he remarked, "The change of train in Katra erodes the train of all its psychological relevance." Lone questioned the rationale behind such a move, asking, "What can they do security-related in Katra that they can’t do in Srinagar?" This rhetorical challenge underscores the perception of deliberate disenfranchisement of Kashmiri residents.
Lone did not shy away from addressing his critics. He acknowledged his past as an NDA Union minister but stood firm in pointing out the BJP's "right-wing views on security issues." His provocative statement, "Then and now — you sound like Delhi’s man in Kashmir," reflected frustration with narratives shaped in New Delhi rather than by ground realities in the region.
Taking a more personal tone, Lone predicted a stark future if a BJP-JKPC alliance materializes, warning, "The day you join them, people will forget the past five years. You will create new records in torture." This strong assertion was both a cautionary note and an indication of the deep mistrust surrounding such a hypothetical partnership.
The broader implications of Lone’s critique reveal a growing frustration with policies perceived as undermining Kashmir’s autonomy and symbolic significance. His remarks also suggest a challenge to the BJP to rethink its approach, urging greater sensitivity toward regional aspirations over blanket security narratives.
