JAMMU: During the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session, MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, called for the restoration of job and land rights for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, as originally guaranteed by Maharaja Hari Singh.
Tarigami also demanded the restoration of the region’s original constitutional status, emphasising the need to protect the core interests of its people.
The discussion took place during the Motion of Thanks on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, where Tarigami strongly rebutted remarks made by BJP Leader of Opposition (LOP) Sunil Sharma regarding the July 13, 1931 martyrs.
Expressing disappointment over the comments made by senior BJP members, Tarigami said, “It is unfortunate that senior colleagues have uttered such words. Knowing history is very, very important.”
He highlighted that the Dogra state emerged in 1846 following the Treaty of Amritsar and pointed out that Kashmir, with its 5,000-year-old history, was “sold by the British,” the same colonial power against which freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh had fought.
The CPI(M) leader also criticised the BJP for undermining the legacy of Dogra rulers and the struggles of historical figures like Zorawar Singh. He questioned the rationale behind the separation of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir, asking, “Why was Ladakh separated from Jammu and Kashmir? This is the question I ask the BJP.”
In response, BJP members claimed that the separation was due to discontent with the Kashmir administration. Tarigami countered this by stating, “When you [referring to Jammu] were content with Kashmir, but you are still with us.”
He also criticised the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a union territory, calling it an unprecedented move. Questioning the legitimacy of a nominated Governor representing J&K’s citizens, he said, “Cite me a single example where a state was downgraded to a union territory. How can a nominated Governor represent the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir?”
He further praised Jammu and Kashmir’s historical role in maintaining communal harmony, stating, “It is a known fact that when the entire country was burning in communal flames, it was Kashmir alone that remained peaceful.”
Tarigami also acknowledged the contributions of National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah and the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir in implementing historic land reforms that benefited farmers across the region.
“Today, you demand the removal of Sheikh Abdullah’s birthday from the list of gazetted holidays, but it was he who ensured a dignified living even for the poorest of the poor, whether from Jammu or Kashmir,” he said.
Addressing former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Tarigami pointed out the limitations of the current administration, stating, “People know that you [CM] cannot even transfer a constable from your office. However, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not seeking charity but rather the restoration of their rights and dignity.”
“Our rights should be restored in accordance with the Constitution of India. Let us demand in unison, irrespective of party affiliations, that we want the same state that was founded by the Dogra rulers, and we want our job and land rights back,” he asserted. (KNO)
