Kulgam, May 19: “The youth should seize the opportunity to cast their vote and come forward, as it is a good move. They should solidify their future,” the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) leader and former MLA Kulgam Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami said on Sunday.
He made these remarks while speaking to media persons after addressing a gathering in Bugam village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Tarigami said, “It is a very good move that the youth are coming forward to take part in the electoral process. They should solidify their future, and voting is a big opportunity for every age group, whether elderly or young—whoever is listed in the voters’ list has the right to vote and should exercise their franchise. Whatever the results, the decision is in the hands of the people, not me.”
Responding to questions about the recent attacks on a Sarpanch and tourists, Tarigami said, “The regrettable incidents in which a young citizen and political worker was brutally killed, and tourists were injured, are not only regrettable but also painful and shameful. CPI(M) not only condemns these acts but also appeals to everyone in Kashmir and Jammu to collectively condemn every act of violence. We should all voice our concern that this place should no longer be a victim of violence.”
In response to a question about politics based on religion, Tarigami said that those in high positions seem unable to produce anything substantial for the electorate, resorting instead to spreading hatred.
“As a citizen, I believe the position of a prime minister is significant in our constitutional democracy. Those making issues out of Hindu-Muslim should at least respect our constitutional democracy,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader said that politicians targeting minorities are not acting in the nation’s interest or for the country’s future. “The identity of the country is rooted in a secular democracy, and harming this principle is the work of those against the country, not true nationalists,” he said.
He added, “Politics of hatred and dividing people for votes are unacceptable. We are hopeful that the agenda should focus on the development the government has achieved in the past 10 years. The government should provide updates on the 2 crore jobs promised each year and the latest unemployment statistics.”
“Unfortunately, if we are leading in anything, it is in price rises, inflation, and unemployment—this is the government’s report card. People now understand that this government says one thing and does another, and placing hope in this government anymore is against the interests of the people and the country,” Tarigami said.
