JKPC Chairperson Sajad Lone addresses workers’ meet in Lolab, targets ruling dispensation

Jahangir Lolabi

Lolab, May 03: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone on Sunday presided over a workers’ meeting at Lalpora in Lolab, where party functionaries discussed organisational strategy, public issues and future political outreach.

Senior party leaders, including Chief Spokesperson Advocate Bashir Dar, Lolab Constituency Incharge Mudasir Akbar Shah, former DDC Chairman Kupwara Irfan Panditpuri and District President Kupwara Hafizullah Mir, were present at the gathering.

Addressing the meeting, Lone underlined what he described as the party’s long-standing association with the people of Lolab and reiterated the need for sustained grassroots engagement. Referring to the recent electoral outcome in the area, he urged residents to seek accountability from elected representatives, particularly on key public promises.

He asked people to question the delivery of commitments related to welfare measures, employment and essential services, stating that elected governments must be held answerable on their assurances.

Lone also criticised the functioning of the present administration, alleging lack of clarity and direction in governance. In remarks directed at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he questioned administrative responsiveness and decision-making processes.

Raising economic concerns, Lone pointed to rising costs of essential commodities and transport, saying these have added to the burden on economically weaker sections.

He further expressed concern over what he termed as a shift towards outsourcing of government jobs, alleging that such practices could undermine conventional employment avenues. He claimed that contractual and other traditional recruitment mechanisms were being curtailed.

The JKPC president also referred to the recent Rajya Sabha elections, alleging irregularities in the process. Citing information reportedly obtained through an RTI application filed by a journalist, he questioned the absence and role of polling agents of certain parties and suggested that the outcome warranted scrutiny.

Party leaders at the meeting stressed the need to strengthen the cadre base and expand public outreach. They called upon workers to actively engage with local issues and represent public concerns effectively.

Participants, including local residents and senior citizens, expressed support for the party leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to its political programme.