Sajad Lone Highlights Kashmir’s Journey from “Social Sanctity of Violence” to “Social Stigmatization of Violence” in J&K Assembly
JAMMU, April 28:
In a moving and introspective speech during the special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today, Handwara MLA and Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone reflected on Kashmir’s prolonged struggle with violence and the emerging shift towards reconciliation.
Tracing the origins of the three-and-a-half-decade-long conflict, Lone observed that violence, at one point, had gained what he termed “social sanctity.”
“For the last 35 years, without indulging in politics, there was some degree of social acceptance of violence,” he said, noting that although this mindset has significantly weakened, it has not yet been completely eradicated.
He highlighted recent public marches and condemnations following the Pahalgam terror attack as indicators of a profound change in public sentiment, where violence is increasingly socially stigmatized.
“This is the beginning of the end, not the end itself,” he emphasized, urging for continued efforts to sustain and strengthen this transformation.
Calling for a balanced approach in combating terrorism, Lone stressed that the protection of innocent lives must remain paramount during security operations.
“The biggest challenge is to ensure that innocent lives are not harmed while pursuing the perpetrators of violence,” he asserted.
However, he made it clear that law enforcement alone cannot defeat violence. True change, he said, must come from the people of Jammu and Kashmir themselves.
“The police and the army can only contain violence; it is the people who can defeat it,” he declared, drawing inspiration from the late Syed Adil Shah to encourage collective upliftment of those who champion peace.
Sajad Lone also raised concern over the growing stereotyping of Kashmiris across India, particularly in the wake of terror incidents. He strongly condemned the harassment faced by Kashmiri students and businessmen outside the region and called for a more responsible role from the media and political leadership.
“Some media houses have acted irresponsibly, making life harder for innocent Kashmiris,” he warned.
In a significant suggestion, Lone urged the Chief Minister to consider dispatching a low-profile, all-party delegation to different states to address misconceptions and promote a more nuanced understanding of Kashmir and its people.
“We must ensure that the people of Kashmir do not feel their identities are being generalized or tarnished,” he said.
Turning to the victims of the Pahalgam attack, Lone passionately advocated for long-term support for their families. He called on the government to act as a guardian for the dependents, ensuring that dreams, like that of a young girl aspiring to become a doctor, are not extinguished due to loss and tragedy.
He shared a deeply personal sentiment, reflecting on the shared trauma among legislators:
“Many among us have faced violence firsthand. At least four members in this House have lost their fathers to violence. The enduring pain is the sense of helplessness, and it is a feeling we all understand.”
Finally, Sajad Lone insisted that the names of the victims be included in the official Assembly resolution.
“Without names, it is merely a statistic,” he said, underscoring the importance of honoring each life lost.
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