Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 29: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra today alleged that the mainstream political space in J&K was being systematically “pushed to the wall,” warning that the “suppression” of people’s voices was an “undemocratic” approach with potentially “serious consequences.”
Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters here, Karra said the manner in which elected representatives were being treated reflected a disturbing trend.
“One elected representative has been booked under the Public Safety Act, an MP was placed under house arrest, and another is silenced whenever he tries to speak,” he said, while referring to the recent house arrest of Aga Ruhullah ahead of a sit-in against the reservation policy. Click here to watch video
Karra said this marked a sharp departure from the past, when mainstream political parties openly confronted separatist ideologies.
“There was a time when those in the mainstream took separatists head-on and paid a heavy price for it. Today, it appears that the same methods once used against separatists are being applied to mainstream politicians,” he said, adding that the shift was not going in the right direction and could have serious consequences.
Describing politics as a “battle of ideas,” the JKPCC chief said this spirit was being undermined in J&K.
“Earlier, separatist voices were not heard. Now, even those who are in the mainstream feel they are not being heard. This will only widen the gap between Delhi and J&K,” he warned.
On the issue of restoration of statehood, Karra reiterated that the Congress had consistently raised the demand both before and after elections.
“If there is one party that has taken this issue seriously and continuously, it is the Congress,” he said, pointing to multiple protests, including demonstrations at Jantar Mantar attended by senior party leaders.
He said an indigenous movement for statehood was launched from J&K and was later acknowledged by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
“We had invited everyone to be part of that movement, whether in Government or outside. If a joint initiative is taken for restoration of statehood, the Congress will fully participate,” Karra said.
Karra also condemned recent attacks on Kashmiris in Himachal Pradesh, terming them unacceptable.
“I have personally spoken to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and urged him to act tough against those involved,” he said.
Referring to new faces joining the Congress, Karra said some of them had contested the last elections and secured a significant number of votes, and had joined the party after receiving feedback from the people.
“They believe the people want the Congress to be strengthened. There is a growing realisation that if there is any non-compromising force that does not align with communal agendas, it is the Congress,” he said, adding that this belief had prompted them to join the party and move forward in an organised manner.
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