Srinagar, Jan 14: Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Sajad Lone on Wednesday said that the Chief Minister must honour his promise of establishing a Law University in Budgam, as assured during the recently concluded Budgam Assembly by-elections, warning that any deviation would undermine the sanctity of the Chief Minister’s office.
In a strongly worded statement, posted on X, Lone said that electoral commitments made by the head of the government carry institutional responsibility and must be implemented in both letter and spirit. “The sanctity of the office of the Chief Minister demands that such promises are kept,” he said.
Referring to opposition from Jammu over the proposed institution, Lone said he hoped the region prospers but described what he termed an “obsession” with opposing development projects in Kashmir as deeply troubling. He pointed out that Jammu already hosts an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and questioned why the establishment of a Law University in Kashmir should be viewed as contentious.
Lone alleged that Jammu has increasingly been used as a political instrument to counter Kashmir’s developmental aspirations, stating that grievances are raised selectively. He claimed that despite major administrative and economic changes—such as the discontinuation of the Darbar Move and diversion of business activity—there was little resistance from Jammu-based leadership.
“Their political assertiveness becomes visible only when it comes to opposing Kashmir,” Lone alleged.
The Peoples Conference chief also cautioned that attempts to integrate Kashmir with the rest of the country would fail if driven by what he described as “self-appointed intermediaries” who, he said, routinely portray Kashmir as hostile while projecting only one region as loyal.
Lone further linked the issue to growing resentment in Kashmir over reservation policies, alleging that Kashmiris are increasingly being crowded out of opportunities. He warned that such developments were fuelling alienation and deepening regional fault lines.
Stressing the need for candid political leadership, Lone said it was time to “call a spade a spade” and address the widening trust deficit between regions. He cautioned that public patience in Kashmir was wearing thin and that unresolved grievances could have long-term political consequences.
