Sajad Lone Criticizes Omar Abdullah's Meet with Kiren Rijiju Post-Waqf Bill Approval

Synopsis

On April 7, Sajad Lone, President of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference, criticized J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for meeting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill's passage. Lone argued that Abdullah should have avoided Rijiju to protest the controversial legislation.

Key Takeaways

Sajad Lone condemns Omar Abdullah's meeting with Kiren Rijiju.
The meeting took place after the passage of the Waqf Bill.
Lone asserts it conveys a negative message to the Muslim community.
Both leaders explored the Tulip Garden in Srinagar.
The People's Conference supports open discussions on the Waqf Bill.

Jammu, April 7 (NationPress) Sajad Lone, the President of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference, expressed his disapproval on Monday regarding J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's meeting with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after the controversial passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

During his visit to Srinagar, Rijiju was spotted enjoying a morning stroll in the renowned Tulip Garden, accompanied by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the National Conference veteran Farooq Abdullah.

Lone reacted strongly, stating to IANS, "As the only Muslim majority region in India, it would have been appropriate for the Muslim community to see the Chief Minister refraining from engaging with Rijiju, who endorsed this Bill, as a form of protest."

"There was no necessity for such a meeting. It conveys a deeply misguided message," he asserted.

Earlier that day, Lone shared images from the meeting on the social media platform X, commenting, "The least that the Muslims in India should expect is for the CM in J&K, the only Muslim majority province, to avoid engagement with Mr. Kiren Rijiju, who presented the Waqf Bill."

"Instead, he chose to accompany Farooq sahib too. What a disgrace," he remarked.

Following their meeting, Minister Rijiju shared on X: "Enjoyed a delightful morning walk surrounded by the stunning colors of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, with Hon'ble CM Shri Omar Abdullah ji and it was a pleasure to meet Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sahab. Nature was at its peak, and our discussions were filled with warmth and vision, making it a truly exceptional morning."

On Sunday, Rijiju and Omar Abdullah together inaugurated the Lok Sanvardhan Parv in Srinagar, an event highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage while addressing its specific challenges.

During this visit, both leaders explored the Tulip Garden, which is currently open to the public and boasts the title of Asia's largest tulip display.

Additionally, Lone reiterated his party's position on the Waqf Bill, emphasizing that the People's Conference advocates for open dialogue about the matter.

"We are in favor of discussion, and we will engage in this dialogue as the Act is not yet sub judice -- the petition has not been accepted yet," he stated.