Says Article 370 Is Now A Closed Chapter
Suhail Khan
Jammu,Mar 04 : Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma has strongly criticized People’s Conference President Sajad Lone’s resolution addressing Articles 370 and 35A, accusing Lone of rekindling his “affection for Pakistan.” Sharma’s remarks came in response to Lone’s demand for amendments to the Lieutenant Governor’s speech, which touched upon sensitive issues such as Article 370, the Public Safety Act (PSA), the 1987 elections, and police verification procedures.
Speaking exclusively to Kashmir Despatch, Sharma stated, “As far as Sajad Sahab is concerned, his love for Pakistan seems to have awakened today. Suddenly, he remembers that he got married in Pakistan.” Sharma’s comments were laced with sarcasm as he questioned Lone’s motives and timing in raising these issues.
Sharma further emphasized that the discussion around Article 370 is now a “closed chapter” and that revisiting the topic is futile. “When it comes to Article 370, discussing it here feels like addressing a closed chapter. Those who do not understand the law will engage in this discussion, but Article 370 is no longer a matter of debate,” he asserted.
The LoP also accused Lone of seeking media attention, suggesting that his recent public statements were driven by a desire for visibility rather than genuine concern for the issues at hand. “Sajad seems to be seeking attention today. He appeared in the media, and that was likely his main objective,” Sharma remarked.
Lone’s Critique of NC-Led Resolution
Sajad Lone’s resolution had earlier criticized the National Conference (NC)-led government for passing a resolution in the last session that failed to mention key events such as the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, or the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act-2019. Lone likened the resolution to a “marriage invitation card in which neither the name of the bride nor the groom is mentioned,” highlighting its lack of specificity and substance.
Lone also questioned the NC’s stance on the “special status” of Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the term does not exclusively refer to Article 370. “The special status doesn’t mean Article 370. The special status doesn’t cover what has been done to us on August 5, 2019. The special status could also mean a Union Territory. Are we fighting for a UT?” he asked, challenging the NC’s narrative and calling for clarity on the party’s objectives.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
