Sajad Lone Condemns Sopore Killings, Calls for Accountability

Srinagar : People’s Conference Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, has strongly condemned the recent killings in Sopore, death of Kathua man calling it a continuation of the violence that Kashmir has endured for over three decades.
Lone expressed deep anguish over the loss of young lives, questioning the government’s claims of normalcy in the region. Referring to the brutality of the killings, Lone stated that those who have suffered loss firsthand understand the true pain of such tragedies. He emphasized that while social media has brought such incidents to public attention, the ground reality remains unchanged. “This pain never goes away, whether young or old. For 30 years, we have been witnessing this. Today, we see it on social media, but it has never stopped. Those who claim that everything is fine—where is it fine?” he questioned.
Reacting to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah statement about conducting an inquiry into the killings, Lone dismissed the move as an eyewash. He argued that civilian authorities have historically failed to deliver justice in Kashmir. “Has any inquiry in the last 30 years led to justice? If we haven’t seen accountability before, how will it happen now?” How will a civilian authority investigate military authority, he remarked, adding that the police lack the courage to act independently in such cases.
Lone held both the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the central government responsible for the deteriorating situation. He criticized politicians who remain silent when in power but raise concerns only when in opposition.
” It is true that LG administration and Central Government are in control of security.Before elections, no one speaks. Now they ask what happened? Where are the human rights? Until we restore the sanctity of human life in Kashmir, this cycle will continue,” he warned. Urging for a change in how human rights violations are addressed, Lone stressed that the lack of accountability has emboldened perpetrators. “The noise is heard, reports are filed, and then everything returns to business as usual. This must end. If there is no accountability today, the past, present, and future will continue to see such killings,” he concluded. (KNS)