SRINAGAR, Feb 4: Tariq Hameed Karra, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), today criticized the BJP-led government’s narrative of normalcy in the region, asserting that recent security developments sharply contradict the party’s claims. Karra pointed out that the ongoing security challenges, especially the recent militant attack in Kulgam that led to the death of a retired army man, expose the government’s misleading portrayal of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Karra described the Kulgam attack as a “well-planned assault” that directly challenges the BJP’s claims of normalcy. “The manner in which the attack unfolded indicates that it was part of a carefully orchestrated plan. This tragic incident further reinforces the stark contrast between the government’s narrative and the reality on the ground,” Karra told reporters in Srinagar. He emphasized that such incidents demonstrate that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains volatile, contrary to the optimistic claims made by the government.
The JKPCC President urged the Central Government to acknowledge the reality of the situation and provide the nation with a truthful account of events in the region. “These incidents, including the Kulgam attack, expose the government’s falsehoods. The current developments not only debunk the government’s narrative but also show how detached it is from the ground realities in Jammu and Kashmir,” Karra remarked.
Karra further highlighted that both security indicators and the lived experiences of local residents indicate that the region remains far from stable. He called on the Government of India to reflect on the situation and present an honest, unembellished picture of Jammu and Kashmir’s security status. “The government must stop misleading the public and recognize that the situation on the ground is far more precarious than they are willing to admit,” he added.
When questioned about whether the Congress Party regrets its support for the National Conference (NC) government in the past, Karra responded that their decision was motivated by the need to prevent the BJP from gaining power in the region. “At that time, our primary objective was to ensure that the BJP did not come to power in Jammu and Kashmir. And we were successful in that endeavor,” he said.
In addition, Karra underlined the importance of clear and transparent business regulations to ease confusion and benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that ambiguity in business rules has led to significant difficulties for the people, particularly the poor, who often find themselves grappling with bureaucratic red tape and uncertainty. “There is an urgent need for clarity in business regulations. This is something we have consistently advocated for, as it would greatly help the people, especially those struggling with the complexities of governance,” he said.
However, Karra refrained from commenting on remarks made by some leaders suggesting that the framing of new business rules would serve to legitimize the government’s controversial August 5 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
On a separate note, Karra criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States, calling it a diplomatic misstep. He remarked that the Prime Minister was traveling as an “uninvited guest,” casting doubt on the significance and the reception of the trip on the global stage.