Sajad Lone Criticizes National Conference for Downplaying Articles 370 and 35A

New Delhi, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Srinagar: In a recent press conference, Sajad Gani Lone, the president of the Peoples Conference (PC), articulated a critical stance towards the National Conference (NC) regarding its approach to the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Lone's comments come in the wake of heightened discussions surrounding the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly following the significant alterations made on August 5, 2019, when the Indian government abrogated Articles 370 and 35A. These articles were pivotal in granting special autonomy to the region, which has been a point of contention and a focal point of political discourse for decades.

Lone emphasized that the political struggle in Jammu and Kashmir should not merely concentrate on the restoration of statehood, but rather focus on reinstating the constitutional framework that existed prior to the 2019 changes. He underscored the importance of Articles 370 and 35A as integral to the identity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "Our aim is to restore the pre-2019 position for Jammu and Kashmir, not just statehood. The core issue is political empowerment, extending beyond mere restoration of statehood," he stated, reflecting a broader sentiment among various political factions in the region that seek to reclaim the autonomy that was stripped away.

The backdrop of this political struggle is rooted in the historical context of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India in 1947, which included the special provisions outlined in Article 370. This article allowed the region to have its own constitution and considerable autonomy over internal matters, while Article 35A specifically empowered the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent residents and grant them special rights and privileges. The abrogation of these articles was met with widespread protests and discontent among the local populace, who viewed it as an infringement on their rights and identity.

Lone's criticism of the NC's focus on statehood, rather than the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, raises significant questions about the political strategies employed by regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir. He accused the NC of attempting to “bury” these critical constitutional provisions by limiting its campaign to the issue of statehood alone. This assertion suggests a growing divide within the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, where different parties may prioritize various aspects of the region's constitutional rights and political aspirations differently.

During the press conference, Lone expressed skepticism regarding the NC's planned protest at Jantar Mantar, scheduled for July 20. He suggested that such protests could be seen as a distraction from the more pressing issues surrounding the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A. He noted, "The NC campaigned on the promise of restoring Articles 370 and 35A, but now only statehood is being emphasized. This appears to be an effort to diminish those demands." This statement reflects a broader concern among political leaders in the region about the effectiveness of protests in achieving meaningful political change, especially when compared to more formal political avenues such as legislative sessions and discussions with central government officials.

Lone's call for the NC to convene a special session of the Legislative Assembly to discuss the restoration of statehood and the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir underscores the importance of institutional processes in the political struggle. He argued that if the government is genuinely committed to restoring statehood, it should first take concrete steps to engage with the central leadership, including sending an all-party delegation to meet with the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition. This approach reflects a desire for a collaborative and united front among regional parties to advocate for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Furthermore, Lone questioned the timing of the NC's planned protest, particularly in light of recent meetings between the Chief Minister and high-ranking officials in the central government. He remarked, "If those meetings did not yield any assurances regarding statehood, the public deserves to know what responses were received." This statement highlights a critical aspect of political accountability in the region, where the electorate expects transparency and clarity from their leaders regarding negotiations and discussions that directly impact their rights and status.

In reiterating the position of the Peoples Conference, Lone confirmed that while his party supports the restoration of statehood, it is crucial that this restoration is part of a broader effort to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir's pre-2019 constitutional status, which includes Articles 370 and 35A. His conclusion emphasized the necessity of incorporating these constitutional issues into the ongoing political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir, signaling that the fight for autonomy and rights is far from over.

The implications of Lone's statements extend beyond immediate political maneuvering; they touch upon the larger narrative of identity, rights, and governance in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been marked by a complex interplay of local aspirations and national interests, and the future of its political landscape remains uncertain as various parties vie for influence and legitimacy in the eyes of the electorate.

As the political situation continues to evolve, the dialogue surrounding Articles 370 and 35A will likely remain at the forefront of discussions among political leaders, activists, and the general public in Jammu and Kashmir. The ongoing debates about statehood and constitutional rights reflect deeper societal concerns about representation, autonomy, and the preservation of cultural identity in a region that has faced significant upheaval and change over the years. The challenge for political leaders will be to navigate these complex issues while fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the diverse communities that make up Jammu and Kashmir.