‘Govt fielding Independents to fragment votes’
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Sept 5: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president, Tariq Hameed Karra, today said that the upcoming election in Jammu and Kashmir is about the existence and identity of future generations.
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Speaking at a gathering in Srinagar before filing his nomination papers for the Central Shalteng constituency, Karra urged his supporters to stay alert as people may have to regret for generations for any wrong decision made this time.
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“It is not just about roads and infrastructure but about the existence, identity, and future of generations to come. If we do not make the right decision today, we may regret it for the next 100 years,” he said.
“This nomination is a tribute to every single Kashmiri who has cried for democracy and every single citizen of Jammu and Kashmir who laid down his life for the sake of secularism and democratic values. It is a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of oppression and suppression,” the Congress leader said.
Karra alleged that the Government and its agencies are attempting to field as many Independent candidates as possible to fragment votes in the upcoming Assembly elections in Kashmir.
The Congress president advised his supporters to remain vigilant, claiming that the Government and its agencies are working to divide the vote. “We need to think critically about our surroundings, as the Government and its agencies are fielding Independent candidates from each locality to fragment the vote,” he said.
Karra further accused the authorities of suppressing the people of Kashmir, saying they are not allowed to speak freely, with dissenters often booked under the Public Safety Act.
“If anyone dares to speak out, they are immediately booked under the PSA. Today, even peaceful protests for something as basic as drinking water are labelled anti-national activities. Those protesting power shortages or tariff hikes are also branded anti-national and protesters are booked under the PSA,” he said.
Karra accused the Government of oppressing the people in terms of religion, economics, and administration.
Karra further pointed out that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir face issues like drug addiction and unemployment, with the region ranking among the top in unemployment. “We should all come together to fight those who are responsible for our current state,” he said.
On the National Conference-Congress alliance, he said it demonstrates the strength and unity of the two parties against “dictatorship”.
“Together, we will fight for the rights of the people, restoration of Statehood and protection of our unique identity. The BJP’s policies of divide and rule and divisive politics will not succeed here. We will not be silenced or suppressed. We will rise and reclaim what is rightfully ours,” he said.
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