Tariq Hameed Karra Slams Centre and LG Administration Over Deteriorating Security Situation in Jammu

Samba, March 9: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra launched a scathing attack on the Central Government and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, accusing them of being completely clueless in handling the worsening security situation and law and order in the upper reaches of Kathua district.

Addressing a massive gathering of District Congress leaders and supporters in Samba, Karra said that the recent spate of killings in the Billawar-Bani belt had further exposed the false claims of the Central Government and LG administration regarding the so-called return of normalcy in the region. He emphasized that these shocking incidents, occurring in the backdrop of rising terror attacks, point to a serious failure of governance and security mechanisms.

Highlighting the recent mysterious killings of five people in two separate incidents, Karra accused the administration of displaying a biased approach instead of ensuring cooperation from all stakeholders to address the crisis. “It is shocking that even after these gruesome killings, the government has no answers about who is responsible, while its handling of the situation reflects sheer incompetence,” he said.

He also condemned the detention of senior Congress leader Ch. Lal Singh and his team at Ramkote Police Station to prevent them from visiting the affected families. Similarly, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma and other party members were stopped at Dinga Amb, barring them from expressing solidarity with the bereaved families. However, BJP MLAs and leaders were freely allowed to visit the victims, raising serious questions about the LG administration’s partisan approach.

Karra also strongly condemned the assault attempt on MLA Bani, stating that it was unacceptable for a public representative to be treated in such a manner while fulfilling his duty towards the people. Calling it an attack on democracy, he urged authorities to take immediate action against those responsible.

At the gathering, Congress leaders observed a two-minute silence to mourn the brutal killings of three victims, whose bodies were recovered a day earlier. The party extended its condolences to the grieving families and called for swift justice and accountability from the authorities.

Raising the issue of statehood restoration, Karra called out the BJP’s complete silence on the matter, despite repeated promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He demanded that the BJP clarify its stance, especially since it has remained mute post-Assembly elections.

“It is unfortunate that the BJP MLAs, who claim to represent the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have not spoken a word about the restoration of statehood—a fundamental right of the people and a matter of identity,” Karra said. He further accused the BJP of insulting the legacy of the Dogra rulers, who had expanded and safeguarded the state’s territorial integrity, only for their efforts to be undone by BJP’s decision to downgrade J&K into a Union Territory.

Karra and other senior Congress leaders took aim at the BJP government’s policies, citing various hardships faced by the people under its rule, including:

1. 1. Unlawful eviction drives and land dispossession affecting thousands
   2. Rising inflation, high tax burdens, and unprecedented unemployment
   3. Exorbitant power and water tariffs, causing distress among residents
   4. Unregulated illegal mining, harming local businesses and the environment

Several senior Congress leaders, including Raman Bhalla and Ravinder Sharma, joined Karra in criticizing the BJP’s silence over the Billawar killings and its failure to protect the people of J&K.

Prominent figures present at the gathering included Th. Hari Singh Chib, Indu Pawar, Ved Mahajan, Gurbachan Rana, Yashpal Kundal, T.S. Tony, Sanjeev Sharma, Durga Dass, Babbal Gupta, Jagdeep Singh, K.D. Singh, B.B. Kundal, Tirth Bhagat, Sanjeev Panda, Rajveer Singh, Jatin Raina, Jagpreet Kour, Vijay Chaudhary, Mandeep Chaudhary, and others.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to the people, Karra assured that Congress will not rest until statehood is fully restored, justice is delivered to victims, and the people’s rights are upheld.