CPM leader highlights need to restore rights of J&K

“The new government in J&K must not be rigid in its dealings with the BJP-led Centre, but should do whatever is possible to convey the demands of UT residents to New Delhi,” said CPM leader MY Tarigami, who has been elected to the J&K Assembly for the fifth consecutive time from Kulgam seat.

“We will do whatever is possible on our part to convey a strong message to the government in Delhi and urge them to understand the ground situation in Kashmir. We have to move forward; and for that, the restoration of the rights of the people of J&K is key. We will together demand that on the floor of the House,” said Tarigami, whose party is part of the National Conference and Congress’ pre-poll alliance.

Responding to a question on a controversy over the proposed nomination of five MLAs by the L-G, the veteran Marxist leader said the coalition had enough numbers to face any eventuality. “But the fact remains that a state was downgraded to a UT and reduced to the level of a bigger municipality and then again, one more amendment was moved, which was the Reorganisation Act, again disempowering the legislature, Cabinet and empowering the Centre’s nominee,” he said.

The MLA-elect said the new government was the only hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that every institution in the country was bound by the Constitution to respect the mandate of people, including in Jammu and Kashmir. “That will not be a favour to us, that is our legitimate right,” he said.

On being elected to the Assembly for the fifth time, the CPM leader said people’s love and his long-standing relationship with them were key to his success.

Asked about some former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami contesting the recently-held Assembly polls, Tarigami said the electoral process is open to everyone, but what makes it “more complex” is when there are “unseen hands at work, sponsoring candidates or proxies”.

“But people understand who is who. For example, there were different groups in my view, who were not genuinely asking for a certain amount of support from people, but were pushed to. However, people made their choice,” he said.

Asked whether he would be a part of the cabinet, Tarigami said he has never aspired to be in the government. “There were offers and certain opportunities earlier as well, but my party did not agree to those,” he said.

Asked about reasons for the dismal performance of the PDP in south Kashmir, the CPM leader said: “This speaks for what they have done and what they have not. But the party may have learnt its lessons. The journey is a longer one and we might have to go together.”

Asked if the new government in the Union Territory could face any hurdle like the one in Delhi, Tarigami said the ruling coalition would face any obstacle together.