Kashmiris mass protests against Pahalgam killings mark a monumental social shift: JKPC chief Sajad Lone

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, APRIL 27 (STC): Kashmiris mass protests against the recent Pahalgam killings represent a rare and monumental shift in the Valley’s social fabric, one not witnessed in the last 78 years.
MLA Handwara and Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) chief Sajad Lone made this statement today.
He said that for decades, some sections of society had, at times, accorded social acceptance to violence. However, the recent mass protests, with thousands marching across villages and towns to condemn the killings, marked a change where violence is now being socially stigmatised.
“This is a monumental shift, a milestone. But at the same time, a fragile shift,” Lone remarked, urging the authorities responsible for law and order to understand the significance of this development. He cautioned against any actions that could impede this progress or push society back toward its earlier mindset.
Expressing concern, Lone said there is a growing feeling across the Valley that families are being punished collectively for the actions of individuals.

He added that this issue was also raised in court, where it was likened to collective punishment inspired by the British-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, which criminalised communities based on their ancestry.
“Using collectiveness to define criminality or terrorism is a curse and will never allow reconciliation and social introspection,” Lone warned.
He stressed the importance of preserving the gains made after the Pahalgam carnage and urged those in power not to fritter away this rare and valuable societal achievement. (STC)