Srinagar, 12 May (KNB): J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone has voiced deep concern over the reported arrests and harassment of workers under the pretext of alleged association with OGW (Over Ground Workers) and other questionable reasons.
He has appealed to the Election Commission and the administration to ensure a fair and impartial electoral process, free from selective targeting of political parties and their supporters.
Lone’s appeal comes in the wake of mounting allegations of workers being arbitrarily detained on flimsy grounds. He emphasized the need for upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari.
Expressing solidarity with Bukhari’s stance, Lone highlighted the alleged historical context behind the preparation of OGW lists, suggesting a connection to previous administrations. “Incidentally, all these OGW lists have been prepared during NC regimes,” he noted.
Lone urged the Election Commission to maintain a level playing field for all political entities and cautioned against selective treatment. “We appeal to ECI to not be selective. And also look at the history and context of lists in the police stations. These are mostly lists prepared by NC,” he added.
Furthermore, he accused the National Conference (NC) of attempting to portray itself as a victim and criticized what he termed as a “theatre of victimhood.” Lone asserted that Kashmiris had been the victims of NC’s rule in the past, labeling the party as “cruel, enforced, installed rulers.”
He pointed out the existence of a “status-quoist ecosystem” that resists political change in Kashmir and accused certain elements, referred to as “Tourist/ Tarbaaz (TT),” of perpetuating a narrative of victimhood.-KNB