Our Bond With Lolab Is Not of Today: Sajad Lone addresses workers’ meet
Srinagar, May 03: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone today presided over a massive workers meeting at Lalpora Lolab, where party workers and local leadership discussed public issues, organizational strengthening and the roadmap ahead.
The gathering reflected the party’s long-term commitment to grass-roots engagement, and standing with the people at every step.
The meeting was graced by the presence of Chief Spokesperson Advocate Bashir Dar, Lolab Constituency Incharge Mudasir Shah, Ex-DDC chairman Kupwara Irfan Panditpuri, District President Kupwara Hafizullah Mir, and others.
Addressing the gathering, Lone emphasized the deep historical ties between his party and the residents of Lolab. Acknowledging the recent electoral victory of the National Conference candidate in the region, he urged the public to actively question the ruling party.
“The people of Lolab are our own people. Our relationship with you is not just of today, but from a very long time,” Lone stated. He challenged citizens to demand accountability from their representatives, urging them to seek accountability, “Ask them for those 12 gas cylinders, that free electricity, that free ration, those 1 lakh jobs and the other things.”
He stressed the importance of reminding the National Conference of the very issues upon which they secured their mandate & determine how utterly they have failed to fulfill those promises at the ground
Turning his attention to the current administration, Lone described the government as lacking transparency and direction. “Let me tell you one thing, this government of today, it is a total confusion. Nobody knows what is happening,” he remarked.
He launched a scathing critique of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, suggesting a Right to Information query would reveal how rarely the leader actually sits in his office.
“He is enjoying. Enjoying life. He also knows he is not going to come back next time,” Lone claimed. He pointed out the harsh economic realities facing the poor, noting that everyday expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, have steadily increased.
Lone further highlighted a severe threat to employment opportunities in the region, claiming the administration is systematically converting secure government positions into private roles.
“The biggest threat is, let me tell you, that they are converting government jobs into private jobs through an outsource model,” he warned. He openly suspected ulterior motives behind this shift, declaring, “I say with the beat of a drum that somewhere the government has some benefit, some vested interest in it.” He noted that due to the promotion of this outsource model, the authorities have effectively stopped contractual, and all other types of traditional employment avenues.
Lone also brought up the recent controversy surrounding the Rajya Sabha elections,and the victory of a fourth candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Referencing an RTI application filed by journalist Umar Maqbool, he pointed out glaring irregularities regarding polling agents.
“The information revealed that Peoples Democratic Party lacked a designated agent, while the Congress agent was one of their own legislators. Even, National Conference wilfully decided not to question about these missing agents, leaving the voting patterns shrouded in mystery.
“Unless there was some collusion between these these parties somewhere, the question doesn’t even arise that the BJP MP would win,” he asserted.
Furthermore, the leadership emphasized strengthening the local cadre and deepening grassroots connections. They urged members to become a “voice for the voiceless” by championing public welfare and addressing critical local issues.
In response, JKPC Lolab cadre, joined by senior citizens and local residents, expressed their gratitude to the Party President for his genuine concern and affinity for the region. Reaffirming their loyalty, they resolved to offer their full support to the party’s vision. (KNS).
