The hostile campaign launched by the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Jammu and Kashmir election has put his life at risk, said Sajjad Lone, chairman of the People’s Conference (PC).
Mr. Lone, a former separatist, has been at the receiving end of severe criticism from NC leader Omar Abdullah and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti for his perceived new-found proximity to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I am a defenceless person as my security detail is hardly functional. Omar and Mehbooba have moving fortresses of security. Hiding behind that security, they have launched a vicious campaign against me, knowing fully well that it could cost me my life. It can kill me,” Mr. Lone said, speaking to The Hindu . “They are white collar killers.”
Mr. Lone said such vicious campaigns had led to many murders in the State, including that of his father, Abdul Gani Lone, who was a separatist leader.
“I am an exaggerated, non-factor in this election, contrary to what many people say. I am not interested in any chair that will have no authority. And I have time and patience to wait for better times,” he said, adding that he was part of the “change that the people of Kashmir are seeking.”
Mr. Lone said the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were holding sway in J&K politics because they managed to create a perception that they were pre-selected by the powers in Delhi.
