JKPC Chief Calls for PM Modi's Apology and Indian-ness Policy in Kashmir Restoration

JKPC chairman Sajjad Gani Lone urges PM Modi to apologize to Kashmiris and adopt an Indian-ness policy to integrate them. He calls for parliamentary action to restore statehood, and threatens assembly resignation if demands are not met. Economic development hinges on statehood, emphasizes Lone.

Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajjad Gani Lone has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologize to the people of Kashmir and pursue an 'Indian-ness' policy to bring them into the mainstream. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Lone criticized the BJP's current strategy in Kashmir as counterproductive.

'The issue is that the BJP follows a BJP-centric policy in Kashmir, which helps them garner votes nationwide but fails to integrate Kashmiris,' Lone stated. He emphasized that Modi's apology and reassurance would be a significant step towards amending relations. 'A sincere apology from the Prime Minister could help heal wounds and make Kashmiris feel more integrated into India,' he said.

Addressing the restoration of statehood, Lone asserted that only parliamentary intervention could achieve this. 'Statehood can only be reinstated by Parliament. If this doesn't happen within a reasonable timeframe, all elected members should resign en masse. Remaining in an assembly without statehood is humiliating,' Lone declared. He stressed that statehood is crucial for Kashmir's economic progress. 'Economic development in Kashmir is unattainable without statehood; crucial legislative actions are hindered,' he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)