Srinagar: People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Saturday voiced grave concern over the alleged harassment of Kashmiris living in different parts of the country, urging the Union Government to view the matter as a serious national security concern rather than isolated incidents.
Addressing a press conference, Lone said that thousands of Kashmiris—particularly from North Kashmir districts such as Kupwara—have been residing and working across India for decades and have played a constructive role in strengthening national integration. “They have lived as law-abiding citizens and served as bridges between Kashmir and the rest of the country,” he said.
Quoting affected families, Lone asked, “If we are treated like this in our own country, then what is our status?” He added that while a few arrests have been made in recent cases, they are “only a drop in the ocean” when compared to the scale of incidents being reported.
Lone cautioned that continued targeting of Kashmiris could undo years of social, emotional, and economic bonds. “These people were ambassadors of integration. Their emotional and economic connection was with India. By such actions, that bond is being weakened,” he warned.
Calling for immediate intervention, Lone appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to ensure strict action against those involved. He demanded that perpetrators be booked under stringent laws, including the PSA or UAPA, to send a clear message of zero tolerance.
He also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally take up the issue with the chief ministers of the concerned states. “You have done commendable work here. Please pick up the phone and convey clearly that such actions against Kashmiris will not be tolerated,” Lone said, cautioning that prolonged silence could have serious law-and-order implications within Jammu and Kashmir as well.
Lone, however, praised the people of Punjab for their supportive and respectful attitude towards Kashmiris. “They treat us with dignity, and I salute them,” he said, while expressing disappointment over the lack of similar sensitivity in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
On the reservation policy, Lone criticised the government’s recent decisions, calling them unjust and poorly thought out. “The new policy is not even worth the paper it is written on. Only district- or divisional-level recruitment can ensure fairness,” he said, accusing successive governments of gradually diluting equitable representation.
Reiterating his party’s firm stance, Lone warned that any attempt to create divisions by replacing “Kashmiri A with Kashmiri B” would be dangerous and deeply divisive for society.
