Article 370: Kashmiri Pandit group moves SC, questions credentials of Mohd Akbar Lone

A “Kashmiri Pandit” group on Sunday filed an intervention application in the top court and questioned the credentials of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone. Lone is one of the petitioners challenging the abrogation of Article 370, claiming he was a supporter of secessionist forces. This application has been filed by “Roots in Kashmir”, which claims to be a group of Kashmiri Pandit youths, seeking to bring some additional documents and facts on record in the matter.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone is known as “a supporter of secessionist forces operating in J&K, who support Pakistan, the petitioner alleged The petitioner further said that the petitioner No. 1 (Mohd Akbar Lone), was a member of the legislative assembly from 2002 to 2018 and has shouted slogans like ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ on the floor of the J&K Assembly,” the intervention application alleged while referring to several media reports in support of their claim.
“The said fact was widely reported by media houses. Thereafter, he not only admitted shouting the slogan but refused to tender an apology when asked by the journalists. Mr. Lone, also while addressing the media, hesitated to identify himself as an Indian. Similarly in his rallies also he is known for spreading pro-Pakistan sentiments,” it added.
The group said that two mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir—National Conference represented by Lone and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) represented by Mehbooba Mufti—are among those who have challenged the abrogation of the provision which bestowed special status on the erstwhile state. The hearing would resume today before the top court. Currently, the Constitution bench is hearing a batch of petitions contesting the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories. On 5 August 2019, the Central government announced the revocation of the special status of Jammu & Kashmir granted under Article 370 and split the region into two Union territories.