Riyaz ul Khaliq
SRINAGAR
Independent Lawmaker, Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, Wednesday campaigned for dialogue with militants and “those who are angry” with the state.
Asserting that Kashmir “is not integral part of India”, the Langate Lawmaker told sought investigation in to the torture tales of Kashmir. He was participating in debate over grants to departments which are working under CM Ms Mehbooba Mufti.
Zulm Bhi Rahay Aur Aman Bhi Ho
Kya Mumkin Hai Tum Hi Kaho
The Langate Lawmaker initiated his speech with this couplet of revolutionary poet Habib Jalib.
Observing that the issue of Human Rights violations can’t be blamed on Ms Mehbooba Mufti or her predecessor Omar Abdullah, Rasheed said, “situation is like this in J&K which politically instable.” However, he reminded Ms Mufti of her slogans in favour of Pathribal and other victims including Shopian double rape and murder victims.
“Nobody will ask CM Ms Mufti about Handwara killings, HMT’s Gowhar Nazir or Kapran incident nor will anyone hold Omar Abdullah responsible for 2010 but please tell us who released 22 persons within one day in Jammu,” he said. These 22 persons are accused of violence post alleged temple desecration in winter capital some days ago. Reportedly, a BJP minister got them released the day they were arrested.
He asked CM Ms Mufti as how Juma Mubarak turned out to be Pathar Mubarak. “It is because you humiliated some employees during Handwara incidents,” he told the PDP-BJP government.
“If the employees were responsible for inciting trouble why were they reinstated,” he asked the government demanding apology be tendered to the said employees.
He asked Ms Mufti to check whether his Home Secretary ever visited Handwara post killings. “He is secretariat sending people to Jodhpur and other jails under PSA.”
“Stone pelting happens because your government harasses relatives of militants,” he said asking government why it was not holding dialogue with them,
“If Pakistan and America can talk to Militants, why can’t you talk to Burhan (militant poster boy of Kashmir),” he asked Ms Mufti led PDP-BJP combine, “You are saying they are angry with us. Let us talk and listen to their grievances.” “But you have been lying since 1947 and nothing else.” “When Taliban can come closer to Russia, which is responsible for destroying Afghanistan, why can’t we talk to our own people,” he said.
Demanding answer from government as why he is being “barred from entering Jammu”, Rasheed reminded Speaker as how “he was attacked in Assembly during last Autumn session”.
“Be thankful,” Congress’ Vikar Rasool shouted from the other end, “do you remember how I got you freed like a rat.”
Rasheed was attacked and thrashed by right wing BJP MLAs in 2015 Autumn session. In early dawn attack, he was rescued by National Conference, Congress and other Independent Lawmakers. A day before of the attack, Rasheed had organized beef party at his flat in MLA Hostel.
“I am being attacked and have been barred from entering Bhaderwah, Doda and other places,” he told the house.
Rasheed revealed that he “couldn’t attend a marriage ceremony in winter capital recently as Jammu police chief forcibly sent him back”. “Why was no FIR lodged against those who were responsible in attacks against me?”
As Rasheed was speaking, BJP lawmakers intermittently interfered. “Himmat rakho,” Rasheed told them, “listen and others will listen to you.”
Rasheed charged BJP’s foot-in-mouth Lawmaker, Ravinder Raina, of blaming him as “agent of Pakistan”. “And then same Raina called ASI Rakesh as agent of Hafiza Sayeed of Pakistan,” Rasheed said demanding investigation in to the allegations of Raina.
Narrating the tale of torture he underwent before being elected to state legislature, Rasheed asked speaker to order an enquiry in to the torture Kashmiris underwent. “Wallah,” Rasheed swore, “I never wanted to be MLA but suppression and torture done to me forced me to take the issue of torture victims to this august house.”
He demanded action against all those who “used state apparatus against the law of land”. “I had to sell land to get myself released.”
Asserting that he believes in secularism, Rasheed said, “This state is one. But there is a dispute which needs a respectable resolution.”
He asked BJP to debate abolition of Article 370 in the house. “I have no issue as this house is meant to discuss such issues.”
While Rasheed was speaking and he would be seen addressing BJP members, Minister Haq Khan intervened and told the Lawmakers to address chair instead. “Whatever issue you have, Lawmakers should address chair and avoid making contact with colleagues during debate.”
“BJPs’ Subramanium Swamy wants 370 (article ) to go, please debate it here as this assembly has the power to abolish it,” he said but he quickly added, “however, keep in mind, I want empty assembly seats to be fulfilled.” He was referring to assemble segment of J&K which lie in Pakistan administered Kashmir.
Rasheed asked BJP not to be afraid of the issue. “Hold RSD, if you claim people have voted you, RSD results will be in your favour and all these resolutions including Autonomy, Self Rule and Achievable Nationhood will be trashed,” he told the BJP referring to Union government.
Rasheed lashed out at government for evicting resistance leader Khan Sopori from his Chanapora home. “The house is built on four Marlas of land; he is living on road for last six years.”
Demanding release of Masarat Alam, Rasheed ridiculed government for slapping consecutive PSAs on Hurriyat Conference (g) Secretary General (II). “Where is you battle of ideas,” the Langate Lawmaker asked ruling PDP.
He also ridiculed PDP led government for turning down its own order by not raising State Flag. “Late Mufti sahab himself issued the orders but what happened to it?” he questioned Treasury benches.
He further alleged that scores of people were detained Islamabad before today’s polling.
“Everybody is saddened whenever a civilian or a cop dies but police need to be held accountable,” he told the Speaker.
After BJP reacted to comments of Rasheed over Kashmir, he responded, “Mujay kaat do, Mujay Maar Do, Mujay Jail Bhej Do; Ya Mujay Pakistan Bhej Do; Mein Fir Bhi Yehi Kahon Ga Ki Kashmir Hindustan Ka integral part Nai Hai.”
