Are Kashmiris separatist leaders given up the idea of boycotting elections and taking part in the democratic process? This is a good sign. Not sure whether the separatists would win. His sister lost the elections last time
Kashmir’s senior separatist leader, who has opposed Indian rule in the disputed Himalayan region for decades, in a surprising move on Saturday said he would contest the imminent general elections.
Sajjad Gani Lone, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference and the first senior separatist to offer to contest an Indian election since a revolt broke out in Kashmir in 1989, said he wanted to take his struggle to parliament in New Delhi.
“Fighting elections is a change of strategy, not ideology,” Lone told a news conference.
Lone, who led some of the massive anti-Indian demonstrations in Kashmir last year, will contest the elections in Baramulla, one of the six parliamentary constituencies in north Kashmir.
His sister, Shabnum Lone, a prominent lawyer, lost the state election last year in the same area.
Kashmiri separatist leader to contest India election | International | Reuters
“I will contest polls with a commitment to use this mechanism as a method to represent the voice of the Kashmiri people and to take the strength and merits of our aspirations to the central stage of India,” he said.
Re: Sajjad Gani Lone will contest in India elections
Kudos to Sajjad lone. Andhere mein lattha chalane se kya fayda. If you want some sort of action on Kashmir issue then go to Indian parliament and raise voice there. You can find many supporters there and the meaningful solution can be achieved instead of shreiking in full throttle vice within the four walls of Srinagar or killing innocents.
Re: Sajjad Gani Lone will contest in India elections
Definitely a very positive step. Fighting for your rights while staying within the system is anyday preferable.
Re: Sajjad Gani Lone will contest in India elections
I don't think he should be allowed to contest the election given his anti-national past. As he has himself said, it is a strategy and NOT change of heart or ideology. Until he changes his ideology and apologises for his past, IMO he is not qualified to contest elections.
Re: Sajjad Gani Lone will contest in India elections
^ I appreciate your sentiments. But as a citizen of India, you cannot deny him the right to contest elections :) The electorate rejected his sister last time, its up to them if they buy into his politics or not.
Re: Sajjad Gani Lone will contest in India elections
^
Your comment is valid though he has professed to be a citizen of Kashmir and not of India many a time. Does he sincerely believe in the unity and integrity of India...
Re: Sajjad Gani Lone will contest in India elections
^ In all probability he will use his access to the Parliament (if he gets elected) to espouse his cause and further his agenda. However, sentiments aside I do not see any valid legal reason for not allowing him to contest.
I say let him contest. If he gets elected it will prove that the electorate buys into his politics and cause (separation from India) and will give the government something to think about. If not, the message to the international community (and especially to Pakistanis :)) will be very clear.
Re: Sajjad Gani Lone will contest in India elections
The foremost question is that before proper filing of nomination he has to take an oath of Indian constitution and the soverignity of India. Will he be called a liar later on if he contiues to remain separatist. Actually all these leaders wheather separatist or not are after power and money. This way they can live with luxury and with all comforts. For them whole public is meant to be exploited emotionally. Apna ullu sidha karo chahe kaise bhi.