Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 16: MLA Kulgam and senior CPI (M) leader M.Y. Tarigami today urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to convene an All-Party Meeting to chalk out an action plan for the restoration of statehood.
Addressing a press conference here, Tarigami said that while people were hoping for justice from the Supreme Court, instead they were reminded of the Pahalgam attack, rather than the protests held across Kashmir against it.
“We were hopeful that the SC would deliver justice, but we have been reminded of the Pahalgam incident. What is the fault of the people of J&K in this? This is not the first such incident-many have happened before,” he said.
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“The people of Kashmir have protested against the Pahalgam attack, and the court should have considered that as well,” he said.
Tarigami said that security issues can only be addressed if there is confidence-building among the people, adding that lessons must be learnt to ensure Pahalgam-like incidents never happen again.
He stressed that the CM should call an all-party meeting to chalk out an action plan regarding the restoration of statehood.
“I appeal to the Chief Minister that, apart from the signature campaign, there is a need to turn this into a movement,” he said. “This is not a favour, but a constitutional right of the people of J&K, and protesting for it is our responsibility.”
He said it was “highly unfortunate” that there was no mention of J&K in the Prime Minister’s speech on Independence Day.
“We were all waiting for the PM to make a mention in his longest speech. But despite its length, there was no reference to J&K, which is unfortunate,” he said.
Tarigami said that the Home Minister must also be questioned about the delay, as he had earlier given a “chronology” for the restoration of statehood.
“The Home Minister had said that after delimitation, elections would be held and then statehood would be restored. Months have passed, people have given their mandate-why is there still a delay?” he asked.
He said that not respecting the people’s mandate amounts to a violation of the Constitution. “This should not have happened, as it will only create more distance,” he warned.
Tarigami further said that regardless of what the Supreme Court decides on the issue, the demand of the people is clear: “Whatever was taken away, despite being guaranteed by the Constitution, should be restored. It is our collective demand.”
He emphasized that the issue concerns both Jammu and Kashmir, not just the ruling party. “It is our right, and if we are denied it, we have the right to protest against this injustice in the interest of democracy,” he said.
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