CPI(M) Leader Tarigami Urges Secular Forces to Unite for Restoration of J&K’s Statehood, Slams BJP’s Narrative on Article 370

Jammu, Feb 17: In a strong political statement, senior CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami has called upon all secular forces across India to unite and collectively demand the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He accused the BJP-led central government of misleading the nation through a false propaganda campaign surrounding Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state before its abrogation in August 2019.

Addressing a public gathering, Tarigami, a five-time elected legislator from Kulgam, emphasized that respecting the democratic mandate of the people is crucial for maintaining stability in the region. He warned that any delay or denial of this fundamental democratic right could have far-reaching consequences. “We want democracy to prosper in Jammu and Kashmir, but the Centre seems unwilling to restore statehood,” he remarked, criticizing the government’s continued reluctance to reverse the decision.

Tarigami made an emphatic appeal to all secular parties to set aside ideological differences and unite for the cause, asserting that the issue transcends regional or communal boundaries. “This is not just about one community or one region; it concerns the people of the entire Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, which was unilaterally separated from us,” he stated.

Taking a veiled dig at the Centre’s political strategies in Kashmir, Tarigami hinted at the inclusion of certain controversial groups in the election process, questioning their sudden participation. Referring to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami’s involvement, he remarked, “The use of anti-national elements for electoral gains cannot help the ruling party secure victory in Jammu and Kashmir.” He further noted that he had personally defeated a Jamaat-backed candidate to retain his Kulgam seat, highlighting the growing discontent among the electorate.

Criticizing the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state, Tarigami reiterated that his party had firmly opposed the move, terming it a “betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He warned that the repercussions of such actions could extend beyond the region, stating, “This poison will spread, and the people of the country should remain vigilant.”

Dismissing the BJP’s claims that Article 370 had fueled militancy or obstructed development, Tarigami reminded the nation of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich legacy of communal harmony. “Jammu and Kashmir stood as a shining example of religious coexistence even during the bloodshed of Partition. The idea that Article 370 was the root cause of violence is a deceptive narrative aimed at justifying an unconstitutional decision,” he said.

Tarigami also cautioned the people of Jammu against falling for what he called the BJP’s “false propaganda” on development and nationalism. He underscored that the erstwhile state’s special status had historically protected the economic and employment interests of local residents. “It was the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who introduced state subject laws in 1927 to safeguard land and job opportunities for the local population. These laws were not meant to divide but to empower the people of the region,” he explained.

The CPI(M) leader painted a grim picture of the current socio-economic conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that both regions—Jammu and Ladakh—were facing mounting challenges post-abrogation. “A nation is built by its people, not just by its mountains and rivers. Today, the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are disillusioned. Unemployment is at an all-time high, economic opportunities are shrinking, and the abrupt halting of the Darbar Move has severely impacted Jammu’s economy,” he said.

Tarigami’s remarks come at a time when political voices demanding the restoration of J&K’s statehood are growing louder. His call for unity among secular forces signals a broader strategy to counter the BJP’s influence in the region and mobilize nationwide support for the cause.