Jammu, Feb 3: National Conference leader and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar on Tuesday called on the Government of India to take bold steps to reintegrate political leaders who have, for various reasons, remained outside the mainstream political spectrum.
Speaking in response to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address to the Assembly on Monday, Salman said that the government of India must make efforts to bring political leaders outside the ambit of mainstream into mainstream.
The NC leader also demanded the release of political prisoners, urging for the general amnesty of the youth who have been detained without trial and have been languishing in different jails of the country on minor charges.
Addressing the role of coalition partners and the Congress party specifically, Salman said, “Our coalition partners, with all due respect, should also forcefully voice the aspirations of the people here at the national level. Whether in Parliament or outside, they should realize the demand of the state. (‘Unko bhi dekhna chahiye ki statehood kī demand chahe vo parliament mein ho ya parliament ke bahar ho, vo ek bahut baṛa block hai.’)” He further called on the Congress leadership—described as a “major national party” to amplify the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and stressed that their support could make a substantial difference.
He acknowledged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s sincerity and approach in dealing with the challenging circumstances, describing it as a “genuine healing touch,” and urged Delhi and opposition to appreciate the balancing act being performed by the national conference led government in Jammu and Kashmir. “Given the situation, I am confident the people in Delhi must understand the fine balance Omar Sahb is maintaining, which is not easy,” Salman said in his address.
The national conference leader also critiqued the opposition for being quick to protest any step taken by the government, saying, “They waste no time in opposing through Twitter and social media.” He cautioned against forgetting the historical context and responsibility of those who previously held power, remarking, “Sometimes people say, ‘Let’s forget,’ but we will not forget, because these stains, these issues of statehood, business rules, or the return of seats—all are the result of those who today talk of reconciliation and healing touch.
He highlighted that the BJP, Congress, alliance partners, and independents all must answer to the people and support initiatives that benefit the region. Salman reflected on unity across the country—citing examples from Maharashtra, Bengal, and the idea of “Akhand Bharat”—and contrasted it with political divisions in Jammu and Kashmir. “In Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP is divided and only talks about Jammu. Some members only speak for their constituencies.
Salman also appealed for respect for the efforts being made and called on all stakeholders to support the Chief Minister’s work for the people and also urged for the need for political reconciliation, inclusive dialogue, and a united effort for the restoration of statehood and real democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
