Calls for joint outreach to Centre on statehood
YOUNUS RASHID
Kulgam, June 8: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Monday urged political parties across Jammu and Kashmir to jointly press the Centre for restoration of statehood and fulfilment of commitments made to the people, while also raising concerns over farmers’ welfare and lack of crop insurance coverage in the Union Territory.
Addressing reporters, Tarigami said leaders from both Jammu and Kashmir should come together on issues of common public interest and remind the Central Government of its assurances regarding restoration of statehood.
“This is not an issue of one party or one region. It concerns the people of both Jammu and Kashmir. We should unite where our future and rights are concerned and collectively remind the leadership of the promises made to the people,” he said.
Referring to assurances made before the Supreme Court and statements by the Central Government on restoration of statehood, Tarigami said elected representatives should jointly seek fulfilment of those commitments without further delay.
Tarigami also criticised what he described as inadequate attention to farmers’ concerns and questioned the implementation of crop insurance schemes in Kashmir. He said farmers affected by natural calamities continue to face losses and called for greater support from the government.
“Big claims are made about insurance schemes, but questions remain about coverage for paddy, maize and other crops. Farmers deserve answers and assistance,” he said.
Tarigami added that the upper areas of Kulgam, including Aharbal, Kongwattan and Chiranbal, have been endowed with natural beauty and should receive greater attention to promote tourism and generate livelihood opportunities for local residents.
He said development of tourism infrastructure and improved access to these destinations could help strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for people in the area.
On the National Conference’s proposed Delhi protest, Tarigami said he urges all leaders to come together and go to Delhi collectively. “This is not the issue of one party or one region; it concerns the people of both Jammu and Kashmir. People in Jammu also want their rights and so do we,” he said.
“We should set aside our political differences where necessary and unite on issues that concern our future. MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of party affiliation, should go together to Delhi—not to fight, but to remind the leadership of the promises made to the people,” he said.
He added that they would remind the Centre of the commitment made by the Prime Minister in 2022 and the assurance given by the Central Government before the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored.
“We will ask that this promise be fulfilled without further delay,” he added.