In a sharp political attack, People's Conference chairman and MLA Sajad Lone on Saturday called upon the public to question Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, over what he termed a "surrender" made in exchange for official protocol and security. This comes a day after the Mirwaiz described the removal of his "Chairman, All Parties Hurriyat Conference" designation from his X (formerly Twitter) account as a "Hobson's choice."
Contrasting Fates: Social Media Arrests vs. 'Five-Star Treatment'
Sajad Lone highlighted a stark contrast in experiences. He recounted visiting his constituency where he learned of a young man arrested for a Facebook post and released after two years, and another detained just 15 days ago merely for liking a post. "In contrast, Mirwaiz modified his X bio to receive 'five-star treatment'," Lone asserted, accusing the separatist leader of double standards.
Lone also revisited his own political journey, recalling how the Hurriyat leadership had vilified him as an "agency man" when he entered mainstream politics decades ago. "There was intense militancy at the time, and how I am alive today is known only to God," he said. While stating he does not seek public vindication, Lone demanded an apology from Mirwaiz for the past treatment. "He (Mirwaiz) should apologise for what was done to me in the past. That is the least he can do," he added.
Mirwaiz's 'Hobson's Choice' and Political Backing
On Friday, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had explained his decision, stating he was pressured by authorities to alter his X handle because all constituents of the Hurriyat Conference, including his own Awami Action Committee, are banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He emphasized that with public space severely restricted, X remains a crucial platform to reach his people, calling the move a forced, singular option—a "Hobson's choice."
This explanation has found support from regional parties like the PDP and the National Conference. They have defended the Mirwaiz's action as a personal choice and condemned the authorities for harassing the prominent religious leader.
Lone on Prisoner Transfer and 'Drama'
Shifting focus to another contentious issue, Sajad Lone also commented on the December 23 High Court judgment that dismissed former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's plea to transfer Kashmiri political prisoners from jails outside Jammu & Kashmir to prisons within the Union Territory. "I am convinced Madam (Mehbooba Mufti) is doing drama," Lone stated, expressing skepticism about the intent behind the petition.
Furthermore, the People's Conference chief voiced strong criticism against the growing incidents of harassment faced by Kashmiris in different parts of India. He warned that such actions are eroding the foundations of national integration and must be treated as a matter of national security. "If nothing changes, we will collectively go to Delhi and protest," Lone declared, signaling a potential escalation in political activism over the issue.
The episode has ignited a fresh debate on the pressures faced by political and separatist voices in Kashmir, the use of social media as a political tool, and the perceived inconsistencies in the application of law and protocol.
