SRINAGAR: Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has questioned the central government’s assertions of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding the restoration of the region’s political and constitutional rights. Tarigami argued that compromising these rights would neither serve national interests nor establish lasting peace.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Tarigami’s remarks came during a function in Jammu, where he was paying homage to the party’s General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. He specifically sought an explanation from the government regarding fresh threats issued to members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, despite repeated claims of peace returning to the Union Territory.
The Kulgam MLA also criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over recent protests in both Jammu and Srinagar concerning statehood. He questioned the BJP’s stance, noting their alignment with the central government and its effective control over the administration in the region. “The BJP is also protesting, as is the National Conference (for statehood). But tell me, I myself could not understand what exactly the BJP is protesting about. As far as the BJP is concerned, they have the Government of India with them, and even the government here is effectively in their hands—the administration and officials here,” Tarigami stated.
He further posed rhetorical questions about whom the BJP intended to hold responsible for governance and public order issues, given their position within the ruling structure. Tarigami also voiced his disapproval of the manner in which Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized, advocating for the restoration of rights he described as fundamental to the region.
“The people cannot be misled for too long. Times are changing, both in Kashmir and here in Jammu,” he remarked. Tarigami expressed concern that the legislative powers had been curtailed by the Centre, stating, “We hope that the legislature will be restored to its rightful position. The legislature has been rendered powerless—who has made it powerless? The Government of India has done so.”
He reiterated his call for the restoration of the rights originally granted by the Constitution and the Constituent Assembly, asserting that this was crucial for the region’s security and future. “The rights granted to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by the Constitution and the Constituent Assembly should be restored. That is where our security lies, and that is where our future lies as well… This is a question of the rights of Jammu. It is also a question of the rights of Kashmir. Therefore, weakening the people of Jammu and Kashmir does not serve the interests of the country. It will not help establish lasting peace,” Tarigami asserted.
The CPI(M) leader also raised questions regarding the protections for land and employment that were in place during the rule of the last Dogra ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh. He specifically challenged the BJP government to provide answers to the people of Jammu regarding subsequent changes in these laws.
Addressing the renewed threats against Kashmiri Pandits, Tarigami demanded accountability from the government. “They say the situation has improved and there is peace everywhere. This is what they say in Parliament and elsewhere. Then why is it happening again that a community—a minority community, which has already suffered immensely—is once again facing threats?” he asked. He called for the government to disclose the perpetrators behind these incidents and the measures being implemented to counter them, urging transparency and public confidence-building.
Tarigami also paid tribute to Sitaram Yechury, vowing to continue the struggle for the rights of workers, farmers, youth, students, and women. He appealed to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to maintain unity amidst political shifts.
Criticism was also leveled against the Centre’s handling of youth employment and student protests, referencing demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Tarigami also condemned the government’s economic policies, alleging the privatization of public assets at the expense of ordinary citizens, questioning whether these actions benefited the broader public interest or primarily served corporate profits.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
 leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami challenges Centre's normalcy claims in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding restoration of rights and accountability over security threats.){kind=link}