Kulgam, May 17: “People need to recognise the significance of the ongoing elections, which are occurring amidst unprecedented challenges for the nation, especially for the people of J&K, following the revocation of special status,” Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) leader and former MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said on Thursday.
He made these remarks while addressing media persons and a gathering in Devsar Kulgam. He urged the people to recognise the significance of these elections, given the ongoing issues in J&K, stemming from the revocation of special status.
Tarigami condemned this act as an assault on people’s rights and dignity, making these elections even more critical for the region.
The CPI(M) leader said these elections were not open for them as their party has to take into consideration all the factors to ensure the vote is not divided. He said that today’s parliamentary elections are happening amidst unprecedented challenges facing the country.
“These elections are distinct due to the challenges impacting daily life, requiring urgent solutions. It is important to uphold the fundamental structures of India’s constitution, such as secular democracy and the rule of law, which are currently under threat,” he said.
Tarigami added, “The people are facing challenges due to BJP’s divisive policies as they stoke religious tensions and threaten minority communities. There is another issue, that is the soaring unemployment rate, particularly in Kashmir, where even those employed are being unfairly terminated on dubious grounds.”
He also voiced support for the casual labourers who have been working for many years in different departments, as well as for need-based workers, daily wagers, and scheme workers. ‘What’s their salary?” he questioned. “We also urge the government to control the price rise. It’s time for accountability and being answerable to the people. It’s not the time to fight for mandir or masjid, Hindu or Muslim—whoever in government tries to do so will hurt the nation.”
The Communist Party leader said that the INDIA bloc—a coalition of parties that were previously separate and not working together—had been compelled by the atmosphere and circumstances to unite, minimize differences, and maximise unity. “The decision was made that Congress will contest two seats in Jammu and another in Ladakh, while in Kashmir, the National Conference will contest, and other parties will support them,” he said.
He further said that CPI(M) accepted this arrangement, as the goal is significant, and it’s a big decision to unite and fight together, he added.
The convention was also addressed, along with Tarigami, by DDC Chairperson Kulgam Mohd Afzal Parray, DDC Member and District Secretary Kulgam Mohammad Abass Rather, Block Secretary Devsar Mohammad Yaqoob Ganie, among others.
