Srinagar, Aug 15 (NationPress) The President of the Peoples Conference and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, voiced strong opposition to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s announcement on Independence Day regarding a statehood signature campaign. Lone cautioned against “mocking” the cause and emphasized the need for a “dignified, constitutional approach”, as per a party statement released on Friday.

“We are ready to support any initiative aimed at statehood. However, please don’t trivialize the concept of statehood. We are already burdened by the implications of ‘Tom, Dick, and Harry’ approaching the Supreme Court. Let’s engage the Supreme Court as a constitutional entity, not as another ‘Tom, Dick, and Harry.’ Signature campaigns lack legal or constitutional validity,” Lone expressed on the microblogging platform X.

He challenged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to clarify his hesitation to have a resolution for statehood passed in the Legislative Assembly, which is a constitutional body elected by the Election Commission of India.

“While our resolutions may not be binding on the Supreme Court, they carry inherent constitutional dignity. This would send a constitutional message to the highest court in the country. Political or signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional validity. Can you name a single instance in India or globally where signature campaigns have influenced legal interpretations? They are even inadmissible,” he asserted.

Recalling that a signature campaign for independence was previously conducted by Yasin Malik — “how far did that campaign go?” Lone accused CM Omar of showing “disrespect, disdain, and contempt” towards the Assembly that conferred upon him the CM position.

“You draw your authority, benefits, and Chief Ministerial role from the Assembly. Why this disdain for the institution that has elevated you to CM?” he queried.

Lone raised concerns about CM Omar’s silence and inaction regarding recent court proceedings, which he claimed effectively reaffirmed the establishment of Ladakh as a Union Territory.

“Where were you? Where was your government? Why didn’t you ensure that a resolution was submitted to the Supreme Court? Are you merely enjoying the benefits of power without accepting the responsibilities that accompany it?”

“I implore you — cease this childish and immature behavior. We will back any campaign unconditionally. But please make sure a resolution from the UT Assembly is passed and sent to the Supreme Court. We are in a significant battle. A door-to-door signature campaign is nothing more than theatrics.

“Tell me, is the Supreme Court accountable to majoritarian claims or to law? Majoritarianism is the realm of politicians. The Supreme Court upholds the law,” Lone warned.

“Pass a resolution in the state Assembly. This is the most dignified method to approach the Supreme Court. Don’t pave the way for the denial of statehood. This is not a video game. And please tell me — are you shielding the state BJP by not passing a resolution, allowing them to avoid taking a stance on statehood?”