Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) President Sajad Lone has sharply criticised the National Conference (NC) and its leader Farooq Abdullah for their handling of the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session and their silence on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Speaking to the media in Kupwara, Lone said, “I am not surprised. Farooq Abdullah should explain what happened in the last three days of the Assembly session. No statehood resolution or any other significant bill was passed. What was that drama? Were NC MLAs opposing their own party patron?”
His comments came after Abdullah defended the Assembly Speaker’s decision not to allow debate on the Waqf law, stating that the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court. “The Speaker made a good decision by not allowing discussion. We can talk about it after the court’s verdict,” Abdullah said, dismissing the opposition’s criticism as unproductive.
Lone, however, expressed dismay over the lack of legislative action. “Despite all the concerns, no resolution was even attempted. J&K is the only Muslim-majority state in the country, and we failed to take a stand against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. That silence is a permanent blot on our conscience,” he remarked.
He further alleged that the National Conference’s reluctance to address the issue stemmed from political appeasement. “They want to please their masters in Delhi,” Lone said.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed in both Houses of Parliament earlier this month and now a law following the President’s assent, has sparked significant controversy in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that the changes infringe upon religious and community rights, while supporters maintain it ensures better regulation and transparency in Waqf property management.
As the debate continues, Lone’s comments have brought renewed attention to the region’s political dynamics and the broader implications of the new legislation.
