Srinagar, May 12: Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kulgam, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami on Monday urged the Government of India (GoI) to provide employment and support to families whose breadwinners have lost their lives in cross-border shelling incidents.
Addressing a press conference, Tarigami said that although a ceasefire has now been announced, families living in border districts suffered immense devastation due to the intense cross-border shelling in the past days.
“I was in touch with people in Rajouri and Poonch even when bullets were raining down. The pain, the tears, only those who have lost everything truly understand what it means,” he said.
The MLA Kulgam said that the children and dependents of those killed must be provided with a means of livelihood. “It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that these children, whether boys or girls, should not be told tomorrow that there are no jobs for them. We need the courage to share their grief, but more than that, we need action,” he said.
“This is not just about two countries at war. Jammu and Kashmir got caught in the crossfire, and it is the responsibility of big governments to take care of those who have suffered,” he added.
The CPI(M) leader reiterated his long-standing view that peace can never be achieved through violence. “Peace does not come from the barrel of a gun. Peace comes from understanding, compassion, and prosperity. Unfortunately, our people have never truly experienced that prosperity,” he said.
Tarigami, in a direct appeal to the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, said, “We urge the Government of India to take concrete steps for people living in border areas like Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, Vijaypur, R S Pura, Uri, and Karnah. These people deserve dignity and relief.”
“This is not just a demand but a heartfelt appeal. Take responsibility for the lives of those who have suffered in these areas due to cross-border shelling,” he added.
On the US President Donald Trump’s claims of being a peace mediator, Tarigami said, “Empires, and especially the American empire, whether past or present, have used conflicts to further their strategic interests. Look at what is happening in Palestine, in the Middle East, where even breathing has been controlled. This is today’s reality, the current chapter of our collective misfortune.”
