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New Delhi, May 11 (HS). People's Conference Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone, who turned his back on separatism and became active in mainstream politics, is contesting from this Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. He is pitted against former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC) and Fayaz Mir of the PDP. This is the first Lok Sabha election being held in the valley after Article 370. Sajjad is claiming loan victory. He is in the electoral fray with the aim of bringing the people of Kashmir on the path of development. Hindusthan Samachar had an exclusive conversation with Sajjad Gani Lone amid election rallies.
Question- This time elections are being held amidst peace and tranquility in the valley. On which issues is the People's Conference contesting the elections?
Answer- Development of Kashmir is the main issue. We want to develop the tourism sector in Kashmir. At present only 10 percent tourism has developed. This has to be taken up to 100 percent so that the youth can get employment through it. The second issue is to improve the image of Kashmir. People are apprehensive about terrorism and stone pelting, that image has to be improved and it has to become like a paradise again, where everyone can live in peace.
Question- What changes have occurred in Kashmir after the removal of Article 370?
Answer – See, removing Article 370 from Kashmir was a wrong decision for the people here. Who would want the special status given to him to be taken away from him? Even more injustice was done by making Kashmir a Union Territory. People are coming to us and they want that Jammu and Kashmir should get statehood. If we get statehood then perhaps people will forget the removal of Article 370. But if development is to be achieved here, statehood should be restored soon. We are among the people of Kashmir regarding this issue and are explaining it to them.
Question- You are contesting against Omar Abdullah of National Conference. How are you prepared to compete with them?
Answer- This is the first Lok Sabha election in Kashmir after 2019. The leaders of National Conference have been going to Parliament for the last 40 years but have always disappointed the people of Kashmir. Youth, women, businessmen of Kashmir could not reach their voices in the Parliament. That is why Kashmir has become like this. Now a new wind has blown and this time there will be change and the voice of the rights of the people of Kashmir will echo in the Parliament.
Question- People are looking at People's Conference as the B team of BJP, how correct is it?
Answer- Those who are saying this are themselves associated with BJP. Article 370 was removed from Kashmir. There is a father-son duo behind this too. This may be the right decision for the entire country, but not for the people of Kashmir.