On Saturday, the People’s Conference leader, Sajad Lone had raised questions over the 19 opposition leader’s silence over the abrogation of Article 370 in a joint meeting, as the parties came together to form a joint front against the BJP government.
He also raised serious questions over Jammu Kashmir’s mainstream political leaders’ becoming a part of the “don’t talk about 370” discourse. A spokesperson from the National Conference, while talking to The Kashmiriyat responded to Lone’s questions.
“For a start, we would have hoped to see every body who doesn’t support the BJP, openly or discreetly, welcome this meeting which comes at such a critical moment in India’s history,” said the NC spokesperson to The Kashmiriyat.
Further, they added, “BJP has used the abrogation of some sections of Article 370 as a jingoistic rally point in the country, so many opposition parties keeping their distance from the topic does not come as a surprise to us.”
“We, the JKNC, a few like minded parties, and some individuals, are alone in this fight, whether in the Supreme Court of India, or in the popular discourse, but it is a fight we shall take to its rightful conclusion, within & outside the courts,” the spokesperson concluded.
On Saturday, Lone took to Twitter and said, “And why are leaders from Jand K becoming a part of a process which endorses “don’t talk about 370” discourse. Wow so you become a part of a national opposition which abandons 370 and you irk and irritate a ruling party, not known for tolerance and hence put even statehood at risk.”
“For heaven’s sake. Let us at least resolve that if we can’t facilitate, we will not impede either. Leaders from J and K should either get the national opposition endorse demand for 370 so that at the national level there is some hope at a future date or just keep out of it,” Lone had said.
https://twitter.com/sajadlone/status/1428934077411840005?s=08