MLA Handwara and Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone has strongly criticized the recent Governor’s address, calling it a hollow vision document that is completely disconnected from the realities and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking in the J&K Assembly, Lone denounced the address for failing to acknowledge the deep-rooted grievances of the people. He said it was expected to be a substantive articulation of public concerns and aspirations but instead turned out to be an empty statement devoid of real commitment.
He lambasted the speech for its failure to align with the ruling party’s manifesto and the promises made to the people. Citing page 10 of the National Conference’s manifesto, Lone highlighted major unaddressed pledges, including the restoration of Article 370 and 35-A, revisiting the J&K Reorganization Act, modifying or repealing post-August 2019 laws, securing land ownership rights, ensuring regional autonomy and pushing for the release of prisoners.
Lone further criticized the absence of key commitments from page 11, such as repealing the Public Safety Act, streamlining passport and job verification processes, stopping unjust job terminations, ending harassment on highways and fulfilling the promise of creating one lakh jobs within three months.
He slammed the administration for its dismal failure in employment generation, pointing out that despite the promise of filling all vacancies within 180 days, only 10% of non-gazetted positions have been filled so far, making the government’s assurances sound empty and untrustworthy.
“While decisions on Article 370, 35-A and statehood rest with Parliament, the Governor’s address should have at least echoed the public’s will. Its failure to do so exposes its weakness and lack of sincerity,” Lone stated, calling for an administration that truly reflects the voice of the people instead of issuing hollow statements.
