Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 29: National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Agha Ruhullah today accused the BJP Government of putting party interests above national interests, saying the regime favours those who echo its narrative and silences critics by arresting them.
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Speaking to reporters at the Charar-i- Sharief area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the MP said the illegal dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2018 paved the way for the abrogation of Article 370, which he described as a “big illegal theft.”
Ruhullah said the constitution makes it mandatory to hold elections within six months if a seat falls vacant or an Assembly is dissolved. “In 2018, when the Assembly was dissolved, the elections were delayed. It was illegal. There was a conspiracy behind the delay,” he said, adding that the abrogation of Article 370 was possible only because the house was not reconstituted.
Ruhullah pressed for the pending by-election in Budgam and Nagrota, saying more than a year had passed since the seat fell vacant. “The people of Nagrota and Budgam are waiting for the by-elections. Yesterday, we received news that they have appointed observers. It is hoped that along with Bihar, the by-elections will also be announced,” he said.
On Ladakh, the MP criticised the arrest of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and the region’s post-2019 disempowerment. “When Jammu and Kashmir was disowned, its status was reduced, and it was divided. We said then and still say this is not in the interest of the people. Today even those who were happy with the division and reduction of status have realized it is not in anyone’s interest. The decisions are taken in Delhi without asking us,” he said.
He accused the Government of silencing dissent through harsh laws. “PSA and UAPA had become commonplace in Kashmir. Some people who spoke in favour of the BJP for 4-5 years or 10 years, today the same UAPA and NSA laws have been implemented, and they have been arrested. If any person, whether Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim, speaks against BJP’s policies peacefully or democratically, they are branded an enemy of the country,” he said.
Declaring solidarity with Ladakh’s demands, Ruhullah said most residents want Jammu and Kashmir reconciled and its pre-2019 status restored. He also ruled out any compromise with the BJP. “We will never let the BJP take power here. Acting on that is our moral and political responsibility,” he said.
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