SRINAGAR: National Conference chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Centre to “trust” the youth and stop summoning people to police stations merely because of their past.
Sadiq said those who had abandoned a wrong path, were earning an honest livelihood and living peacefully with their families should be allowed to lead a normal life without being subjected to suspicion, particularly during major events and functions.
“The time has come to trust our youth. If someone has abandoned a wrong path, earns an honest living, and lives with their family, I don’t think that on every function or major event, you should point fingers at them or summon them to police stations,” Sadiq said.
He urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to end the practice, saying greater trust in the people was necessary to bridge the “distance between hearts” and bring Jammu and Kashmir closer to Delhi.
Referring to an earlier incident in Anantnag, Sadiq said he had made a similar appeal and stressed that people should not be viewed with suspicion merely because of their past.
He also endorsed concerns raised by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in Delhi, saying certain people were using such situations to point fingers at youth and cast suspicion on them.
Sadiq said the Jammu and Kashmir government would raise the issue with the Centre and seek an environment in which people could live normal lives.
On rumours of an increase in electricity tariffs, Sadiq said there was no official order announcing any hike and urged people not to believe speculation.
“Do you have any official order? There is no order. Please do not spread rumours; there is no such thing,” he said, adding that the government had earlier made it clear that no additional burden would be placed on consumers.
On restoration of statehood, Sadiq said the issue had reached a stage where the demand could no longer be ignored.
“We have reached Delhi, and we have reached the stage of protest. We have reached a level where we feel the time has come that our statehood should be restored,” he said.
