Srinagar, Jan 18: Maintaining that Kashmiris were suffering due to inordinate delay by India and Pakistan in resolving the dispute, the State Secretary of CPI (M) Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami Tuesday demanded investigation into all the killings, including of 112 civilians last year, in the Valley since 1990 and revocation of special powers to forces.
Tarigami accused the Bharitiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to turn Kashmir into a battlefield for petty politics and maintained that attempts to divide Jammu and Kashmir on communal basis or geographical basis will be thwarted.
“Kashmiris are suffering due to decades of inordinate delay by India and Pakistan in the resolution of Kashmir. Whether bullets have been fired by this side or that side, innocent Kashmiris are at the receiving end. Instead of factories for unemployed, there are graveyards in every nook and corner of the Valley,” Tarigami said, addressing hundreds of party activists at Pratap Park here. The activists had gathered to protest against inflation, unemployment and non-availability of essential items to people.
“We want thorough investigation into every killing whether of Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq, Abdul Ghani Lone or 112 killings last year. The accused irrespective of status or rank must be brought to book,” Tarigami said.
Referring to the last year’s summer unrest which left 112 civilians dead in police and forces’ action, Tarigami said Government of India should listen to the Kashmiri youth. “Although I may not subscribe to mode of expression of the Kashmir youth, it is high time for the Government of India to listen to them to know their problems and aspirations. However, if nobody listens to them, I fear their anger may take the shape of a revolution,” he said.
Tarigami said the improvement in the ground situation in the Valley should pave way for revocation of special powers to the forces and “draconian laws” including Public Safety Act.
“The Army and the state Government claim that there has been considerable improvement in situation and decrease in militancy and infiltration. So there is no justification in continuing of draconian laws and empowering the forces with special powers including AFSPA. We have seen how the PSA and other laws are being misused. If a Court orders release of a detainee, he is re-arrested. The law protectors have turned into its violators. It is high time for such laws and special powers to be revoked,” he said.
Coming down heavily on the BJP, Tarigami said such parties are bent upon to divide the state. “Kashmir was divided once and we will not let the bloody history to repeat again. The geography and ideologies of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh might be different, but the people have always lived in harmony. Unfortunately, Kashmir has been turned into a big industry by some political parties to satiate their vested interests. If BJP has to do petty politics or assume power at the Centre, let them go to Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh and spare Kashmir,” he said.
On the BJP’’s plans to hoist tri-color at Lal Chowk on January 26, Tarigami termed it as mere hoax and a publicity gimmick. “Such disruptive attempts can only lead to further deterioration in the situation. Some people are desperately trying to divide the people of the state and exploit our rich diversities for divisive purposes. I urge people to foil such designs and remain united,” he said.
Tarigami maintained that Indian Parliament has an important role in resolution of Kashmir issue. “When the three interlocutors were appointed, we had stressed that Kashmir is a political issue and has to be resolved politically. Parliamentarians can play a key role in resolving the issue,” he said.
He also demanded hassle free movement of Kashmiris through the Line of Control. “Let Kashmiris on the two sides be allowed to meet each other. The LOC should not stand as a barrier but a facilitator,” he said.
Earlier, Tarigami expressed concern over the rising prices of essential items and their non-availability. He said the daily wagers and poor were finding it difficult to provide food for their families.
He castigated the State Government for failing to ensure proper distribution of essential items to people in winter. “The administration is in a slumber. Corruption is rampant. They have no address and one can only find policemen on the streets. It is the responsibility of the Government to come to the rescue of its people. On priority, the rate of rice should be reduced to Rs 2 per kg on the pattern of Tamil Nadu. If Government fails to provide basic amenities, people will be forced to take to streets,” he said.
Later, Tarigami tried to lead a protest rally from Pratap Park to Press Colony. However, police peacefully dispersed the rally and detained Tarigami. Later he was escorted to his Gupkar residence.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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