Commitments on statehood must be fulfilled without delay: Tarigami

Kulgam, Dec 02: M.Y. Tarigami, CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, urged the government to fulfill its promise of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and called for joint efforts to push the demand forward.
Tarigami was addressing reporters after meeting with locals in Yaripora on Monday afternoon. He said that this was his first opportunity since the elections to engage directly with representatives from across the area and gather insights into the challenges faced by the people.
“I also met officials working in this region. The issues here are numerous and deeply rooted, a result of years of disconnect between the administration and the public. This gap has left problems unresolved and increasingly complex,” he said.
Tarigami said that the situation in Yaripora is emblematic of issues faced across Jammu and Kashmir. He said that it is important to foster stronger relationships between the public and the administration, which he said is a cornerstone of democracy.
“We should take pride in our democratic framework and strive to strengthen it. Unfortunately, democratic systems and practices have been neglected in this area for years, leaving people disempowered and problems unresolved,” he added.
Tarigami expressed pride in the recent elections and the mandate given by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that there is a need for the central government to respect and act upon it.
“While there is talk of integration, true integration requires honoring the democratic will of the people. The administration must be mobilized accordingly, and the central government must fulfill its responsibilities,” he said.
Tarigami appealed to political parties and citizens to collectively address issues within the realm of possibilities and realities.
When questioned about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Tarigami pointed to commitments made at various levels, including by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
“The Supreme Court judgment referenced these commitments, with the Solicitor General affirming that the government is committed to restoring statehood. This is not just a matter of the local legislature but a responsibility of Parliament,” he said.
Tarigami added that while the state government can recommend and request, the final decision lies with the central government and Parliament.
“We will continue to raise our demands, work collectively, and hope that the aspirations of the people, especially regarding statehood, are realized without further delay,” he added.