Speaking on the Governor’s address, M.Y. Tarigami, CPI(M) MLA said that killing of unarmed civilians and indiscriminate lath charge as experienced by NHM employees yesterday in Jammu has become order of the day. We have been consistently demanding that the House should discuss this situation but we are not being permitted to do so.In my view this is the result of the policy pursued by the BJP government at the centre and the coalition government of the state. ‘Tough’ is the key word in its Kashmir policy. The governments, particularly, the central government is desperately seeking the security solution of a fundamentally political problem which is bound not to succeed. The constituency for dialogue in the country as a whole and in the state is growing but unfortunately, the Modi government is reluctant to initiate such a process seriously. Chief Minister is talking many things but she has not so far expressed the required will to ban the use of pellets which has created havoc and blinded many in the state.Prevention of Hurriyat leaders from moving around and restricting their movement will not help in easing the situation. This government instead of considering the revocation of AFSAPA and withdrawing of PSA, has added more draconian laws like gag on employees to express views on government policy and JK Public Property (Prevention of damage) Ordinance 2017.
The governance in our state is virtually at the lowest ebb. Institutions like legislature, District Development Boards and other forums are gradually being made irrelevant. While Kashmir continues to reel under frozen temperatures and people in Jammu are forced to suffer during summers because of non-availability of sufficient energy. But here in our state over Rs.5000.00 crores meant for upgradation of power infrastructure remains unutilized. There is no mention of any concern regarding alarming rise in the unemployment of the educated youth. This callous attitude is bound to compound further the ongoing unrest in the state.The job policy under SRO 202 is meant only to contractualize the limited recruitment opportunities. Reverse this policy before it is too late, he urged. Corruption is rampant at every level. You can buy favours almost at every level. But there is no concern mentioned about this rising menace in the address. Nearly 11 lac kanals of state, nazool, EP land continues to remain under encroachment. Despite public concern and Hon’ble High Court’s intervention, the government is not seem to be seriously attending to this problem.While concluding his speech, he cautioned the government not to rely on making statements only but do something concretely to minimize the sufferings of the people. He urged the Chief Minister to initiate the process of empowering women by tabling a bill for their reservation in the legislature. (PTK)