‘People in J&K disillusioned since Aug 5, 2019’
Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar Aug 11 (KINS): Senior CPI (M) leader and People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration spokesperson Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that Centre has not taken any political initiative in Jammu and Kashmir since all party meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held in New Delhi.
“The leaders in all party meeting sought restoration of Article 370, statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. People are disillusioned since August 5, 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated. The Centre has not taken any political initiative post all party meeting,” Tarigami told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had convened an all party meeting which was also attended by Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Tarigami and others.
“It was hoped that the Govt of India would realise the futility of its decisions viz a viz August 05, 2019. The recent participation of J&K leaders with the PM was a leap of faith on that hope but none of the measures required to begin rebuilding the shattered confidence of the people of J&K has been taken.”
He claimed there was no freedom of speech in the valley. “Only selected people are allowed to do political activities and spread lies. Even journalists are not allowed to work freely,” he said.
He said abrogation of Article 35 A made the status of permanent residents redundant.
“Protection of jobs and land rights was removed arbitrarily which deepened the alienation and sense of insecurity in all the regions,” he said.
He said that the economy of J&K has virtually collapsed as tourism, trade, agriculture, horticulture and handicraft sectors were badly hit.
On government’s claims that Jammu and Kashmir is on the path of development, he said, “There is not a single sector where development is taking place. Old projects are not being completed and neither new ones are being started.”
Tarigami said many political leaders were behind bars. He also condemned the killings of political workers and policemen in the valley. (KINS)