Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Sep 17 (KNO): Ahead of the upcoming Assembly session, MLA Sheikh Khursheed has questioned the Centre’s approach towards Jammu and Kashmir, asking why the region cannot be offered the same ‘reconciliation and humanitarian treatment’ that has been extended to Ladakh and other parts of the country.
Talking to reporters here, AIP senior leader and MLA Langate, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Jammu and Kashmir needs a durable and lasting peace. The elected government should raise issues concerning people beyond the demand for restoration of statehood.”
“If Ladakh, Delhi can get reconciliation, why not J&K?” Khursheed asked, referring to the Centre’s engagement with people in Ladakh and the handling of protests elsewhere.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir should not be treated differently and called for greater attention to issues related to restrictions, detentions, recruitment, security verifications and civil rights.
Langate MLA also urged the authorities to consider relief and a humanitarian approach towards people affected by the protests of 2008, 2010 and 2016.
He said that if relief and ex-gratia assistance could be provided to victims in other situations, similar consideration should be extended to those affected during the periods of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
The MLA also questioned the continued incarceration of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, saying an elected representative should be entitled to due process and a fair consideration of his bail plea.
Khursheed said the elected government has a responsibility to take up these issues with the Union Government, rather than focusing only on restoration of statehood.
He also raised concerns over restrictions on religious gatherings, security verifications, alleged seizure of people’s phones and restrictions on access to areas such as Bangus.
On recruitment, Khursheed questioned the practice of appointing Special Police Officers without what he described as a transparent recruitment process, saying educated youth should have equal access to fair recruitment opportunities.
He also questioned restrictions on people’s movement and access to traditional grazing areas, saying such measures needed to be examined in the context of claims of peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Khursheed said reconciliation with the people of Jammu and Kashmir was essential for lasting peace and urged the Centre, Lieutenant Governor and elected government to address the issues being faced by people on the ground—(KNO)