Synopsis
On March 6, CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami called for the restoration of land and job rights for Jammu and Kashmir residents, citing historical guarantees by Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh. He emphasized the need for constitutional status, criticized BJP remarks, and recalled the region's historical peace during communal strife.Key Takeaways
- Yusuf Tarigami demands job and land rights for J&K residents.
- Calls for restoration of the original constitutional status of J&K.
- Critiques BJP opposition leader's comments on Martyrs Day.
- Highlights the historical significance of the Dogra rule and land reforms.
- Encourages unity across political lines for restoration of rights.
Jammu, March 6 (NationPress) The sole CPI(M) MLA, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, on Thursday insisted on the restoration of land and job rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, rights that were originally guaranteed by the former Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh.
During the Assembly session discussing the motion of thanks for the Lt. Governor’s address, he emphasized that the original constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir should be reinstated, stating that there is no precedent in Independent India for a state being demoted to a union territory.
“This is crucial to safeguard the interests of the residents,” he remarked.
Tarigami also voiced his disapproval of comments made by BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, who spoke against the reinstatement of July 13 as ‘Martyrs Day’.
He expressed disappointment over the BJP leader's statements, saying, “Understanding history is vital for my colleagues in the Assembly.”
The CPI(M) MLA recounted that the Dogra rule in J&K was established in 1846 through the Treaty of Amritsar, which saw Kashmir, with its 5,000-year-old history, being ‘sold by the British’.
He also honored the supreme sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, who fought against British oppression in India and criticized the BJP for what he termed as ‘undermining the legacy of Dogra rulers and the contributions of historical figures like Zorawar Singh.
He questioned the reasoning behind the separation of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir, asking, “Why was Ladakh separated from Jammu and Kashmir? This is a question I pose to the BJP.”
The BJP legislators replied, claiming that Ladakh was separated from J&K due to the region's dissatisfaction with the Kashmir administration.
Tarigami acknowledged Jammu and Kashmir's significant role in upholding peace during periods of communal unrest, stating, “It is widely recognized that while the rest of the country was engulfed in communal chaos, Kashmir remained a bastion of peace.”
He commended the efforts of National Conference (NC) founder Sheikh Abdullah and the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir for implementing landmark land reforms that benefited farmers across both Jammu and Kashmir.
“Today, you seek to remove Sheikh Abdullah’s birthday from the list of gazetted holidays, yet it was he who provided a dignified existence even for the most impoverished, regardless of whether they hailed from Jammu or Kashmir,” he asserted.
Addressing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Tarigami recognized the current administration's limitations, affirming, “The people are aware that you [CM] cannot even transfer a constable from your office. However, the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir are not asking for charity; they demand the restoration of their rights and dignity. Our rights should be reclaimed in accordance with the Constitution of India. Let us unite in our demand, irrespective of political affiliations, for the return of the state established by the Dogra rulers, along with our job and land rights,” Tarigami declared.
As the sole CPI(M) MLA in the 90-member J&K Assembly, Tarigami lends his support to the Omar Abdullah-led NC government.
The NC holds 42 MLAs, BJP 29, Congress 6, Independents 6, People's Conference (PC) 1, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 1, PDP 3, CPI(M) 1, and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) 1.
Five Independents later aligned with the NC, with one, Satish Sharma, serving as a Minister in the cabinet.
Congress supports the government externally, as do AAP and CPI(M).
