Cong flays repressive measures against Katra leaders
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 31: Congress today criticized the authorities for the repressive measures being adopted to deal with Katra situation and sought immediate intervention of Lt Governor for the release of detained leaders to create conducive atmosphere for dialogue, if the authorities are sincere in finding an amicable solution to the ongoing situation.
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Addressing a press conference here today JKPCC president, Tariq Hameed Karra along with top leadership of the party lashed out at the authorities for repressive policy of the administration to deal with the Katra situation where the representatives of the protestors are being meted out ill-treatment and detained , stating that such kind of approach has further vitiated the atmosphere of dialogue and is not in tune with the claims of the Shrine Board authorities for finding amicable solution to the contentious issue by taking on board all stakeholders.
Accompanied by working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, Th Balwan Singh, Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, SS Channi and Namrata Sharma, JKPCC chief questioned is this the proper approach to deal with the stakeholders, when their representatives have been detained for indefinite periods, in allegedly inhuman and unhygienic conditions? Will this kind of ill-treatment to the local leaders of different shades, will create conducive atmosphere for finding amicable solution to the ongoing situation of confrontation, he questioned.
Karra said that from day first, on Nov 27, the Congress party intervened for the release of detained leaders through Divisional Commissioner Jammu and a high level delegation of Congress visited Katra to meet the agitating people for solidarity. But the present approach of repression will not yield positive results. He also questioned why only leaders of Congress party are being refused permission to reach Katra to meet people, while the leaders of all other political parties are visiting there or joining the cause.
He said that Congress has approached the highest authority of Lt Governor to intervene in the matter and ensure release of all detained leaders, if they want a solution through dialogue, taking care of the interests and concerns of all stakeholders. The Congress party has sought earliest appointment from the LG to discuss the situation and also conveyed him the desire of the party to send a high powered delegation to meet people.
PCC chief said that unnecessary haste and repression being shown in the matter conveys a wrong message especially taking on board the concerns of livelihood of Pony-walas Pithu-walas, Palkiwalas, local traders, shopkeepers, transporters, vendors etc and the religious aspects and sentiments. He also expressed concern over the hardships being faced by the visiting pilgrims due to the situation which emerged out at Katra.
Karra said that people of J&K feel betrayed once again in the year 2024 as the restoration of Statehood promised through rallies, public meetings besides on the floor of Parliament and Supreme Court was not fulfilled. There is great resentment and unrest amongst the people of all walks over this issue.
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