Sajad Gani Lone, the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, staged a walkout from the legislative assembly after the Speaker refused to allow discussion on several motions he had put forward. His motions primarily addressed key political and administrative issues, including the restoration of Article 370, the revocation of the Public Safety Act (PSA), and concerns surrounding the police verification process in the region.
Lone, a prominent political figure in Jammu and Kashmir, has been vocal about the need for constitutional and legal reforms, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370. He had intended to highlight the ongoing demand for its restoration, which many in the region believe is crucial for safeguarding their political rights and autonomy. However, the Speaker’s refusal to entertain the motion led to strong objections from Lone, culminating in his decision to exit the assembly in protest.
In addition to Article 370, Lone sought to challenge the continued enforcement of the Public Safety Act, a law that has often been criticized for enabling prolonged detentions without trial. Human rights activists and political leaders in Kashmir have frequently called for the law’s repeal, arguing that it is used excessively to suppress political dissent. By bringing this issue to the legislative floor, Lone aimed to initiate a debate on its impact and necessity.
