SRINAGAR: A prominent Member of Parliament from Srinagar has sharply criticized the political leadership of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing a parallel between the region’s perceived failure to secure constitutional safeguards and the recent success of Ladakh in obtaining similar protections.
The Chenab Times has learned that National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi stated on Saturday that the central government’s decision to grant legislative and constitutional safeguards to Ladakh was a significant setback for the political establishment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehdi articulated his views to the media, suggesting that Ladakh’s achievement underscored the inadequacy of Kashmir’s leadership in advocating for and securing comparable rights for their region. He posited that if a comparatively smaller region like Ladakh could effectively challenge the central government and achieve its objectives, there was no valid reason for Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership to have failed in a similar endeavor.
“This is a slap on the face of the leadership of Kashmir,” Mehdi stated, emphasizing his point further. “If the leadership of a small region like Ladakh can fight against the Government of India and get their rights, then there is no reason why the leadership of Kashmir could not do so.” He implied that the people of Ladakh had demonstrated through their actions that the attainment of rights hinges upon a sustained political struggle and consistent resistance.
In response to remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sunil Sharma, who reportedly described Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as “missing,” Mehdi indicated that while the BJP was at liberty to file a missing person report, the public also deserved to be informed of individuals’ whereabouts. This comment seemed to address broader political discourse and accountability within the region.
Addressing the sensitive issue of alleged demolition drives and land retrieval operations, the Srinagar MP advocated strongly against what he termed “bulldozer justice.” He asserted that all disputes concerning land ownership or retrieval must be subjected to rigorous legal and judicial scrutiny, emphasizing the paramount importance of due process.
“There should be nothing beyond the court and the law,” Mehdi stressed. “Whether it is demolition, acquisition or retrieval of land, due legal process must be followed. Muslims and non-Muslims should be treated equally under the law.” He further elaborated that if legitimate documentation of land ownership exists and can be validated in a court of law, such claims should not be dismissed arbitrarily. Mehdi reiterated his call for the uniform application of laws across all parts of India, including Jammu and Kashmir, without any discriminatory targeting of specific communities.
The Chenab Times News Desk