Srinagar, April 24 -- Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone has made a strong humanitarian appeal in favour of his political rival Engineer Rashid, asserting that the latter must be allowed to meet his critically ill father.

In a statement issued to KNS, Lone acknowledged deep political differences with Rashid but drew a firm line between political contest and human compassion. "I may have a million disagreements with Engineer Rashid. We fight each other politically. But he deserves to meet his critically ill father. That is his right," he said.

Expressing concern over the reported decision denying such access, Lone did not mince words, terming it "cruel," while cautiously adding that he hoped his remarks would not be...