Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, on Sunday expressed concern over what he described as the sudden and politically suggestive withdrawal of security cover from key leaders associated with the newly-formed People’s Alliance for Change.
Lone noted that in the aftermath of the alliance’s formation, statements of criticism had begun surfacing from various quarters, including across the Line of Control.
He mentioned that the first such statement came from Ghulam Mohammad Safi, a veteran Hurriyat figure, and Naseebuddin, an affiliate of Jamaat-e-Islami—both based across the border. Similar responses followed from Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a former senior leader of Jamaat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I had personally met Bhat Sahib along with my younger brother Imran just a few days ago. I respect him deeply as a courageous man. But the public statement he made was contrary to what he told us in person,” Lone said.
He added that even more concerning was a threat received from a militant outfit in Pakistan, suggesting that the formation of the alliance had unsettled several actors both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
However, Lone’s strongest criticism was directed at the administration for what he called a “deliberate withdrawal” of security cover from senior politicians associated with the alliance. He revealed that former minister and senior political figure Hakeem Yaseen had his security scaled down by 80 percent.
“Hakeem Sahib survived a deadly attack in the 1990s. He was shot, and only God knows how he survived. That incident alone stands as proof that the one who protects is greater than the one who seeks to kill,” he said.
He also informed that the security of Sheikh Imran, a young leader of party, had also been reduced by a similar percentage.
“We are not here to beg for security. Nor are we here to complain. I just want to place it in the public domain that even security is now being politicised,” Lone told reporters.
He noted that although earlier governments too had shown bias—giving more security to ruling party members and less to the opposition—this is the first time such a swift and sharp cut had been observed. “This happened just three days after the alliance was announced. It is difficult not to connect the dots.”
Lone recalled the assassination of his father, late Abdul Gani Lone, as an example of how political leaders had long been left vulnerable for ideological reasons. “When my father was martyred in Eidgah, the then government had prior information that he might be attacked. But they decided not to act, thinking: ‘He’s a separatist—let him die.’ And they let him be killed,” he said.
Despite the threats and the apparent pressure, Lone reiterated the alliance’s commitment and unity.
“We met this morning—all three constituents of the alliance—and resolved to stay firm. The kind of reaction we are getting only confirms that we are on the right path,” he said.
Taking aim at a prominent regional party—without naming it—Lone accused its leadership of arrogance and political insecurity. “There’s a party in Kashmir whose entire foundation is built on the legacy of another organisation. They ruled for two decades, yet they still lack the confidence of having their own vote bank. They are now shocked that the people they once used for votes are daring to contest elections themselves and sit with them in the Assembly.”
Lone concluded the press interaction by taking aim at the same local political party: “On one hand, they talk of dialogue with Pakistan, while on the other, we all know who is pulling the trigger from behind the scenes. We know which ‘uncle’ is involved. No matter what they do, we will move forward—together and with conviction, Insha’Allah.”
