Tarigami Calls for United Secular Front to Restore J&K Statehood, Slams BJP’s ‘False Propaganda’

Jammu, Feb 17:

Senior CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Monday urged all secular forces to unite in demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He criticized the BJP for allegedly misleading the nation with “false propaganda” regarding Article 370, which granted special status to the region before its revocation on August 5, 2019.

Tarigami, who secured victory from the Kulgam constituency for the fifth consecutive term, emphasized the need to respect the people’s mandate, warning of “serious consequences” otherwise. “We want democracy to prosper in Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted, claiming that the central government was reluctant to restore statehood.

“We appeal to all secular parties to come together and support us. This is not just about one region or one community, but about the entire population of J&K and Ladakh, which was separated from us,” he said.

In a veiled reference to the banned Jama’at-e-Islami contesting elections in Kashmir, Tarigami alleged that the ruling party’s attempt to use “anti-national elements” for electoral gains would not succeed. Notably, he defeated a Jama’at-backed candidate to retain his seat.

Reaffirming his party’s stand against the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state, Tarigami termed it a “betrayal” and warned that such actions could have far-reaching implications. “This poison will spread,” he cautioned, urging the people not to believe the narrative that Article 370 fueled militancy or hindered development.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s history of communal harmony, he reminded the people of Jammu that the state subject laws were originally introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 to protect local jobs and land rights. “A nation is defined by its people, not just mountains and rivers. The people of J&K and Ladakh are unhappy, unemployment is soaring, and the scrapping of the Darbar Move has dealt a severe blow to Jammu’s economy,” he added.

Tarigami’s remarks come at a crucial time, as political voices in J&K intensify their demand for the restoration of statehood and democratic rights in the region.