CPI Leader Calls for United Resistance against BJP’s Policies in IIOJK

In a rally held at Reban Zainpora village in Shopian district, senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami emphasized the urgent need for a united front to resist the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Tarigami’s call for solidarity aims to safeguard the identity and constitutional rights of the Kashmiri people, which he believes are under severe threat.

Addressing the rally, Tarigami condemned the arbitrary arrests of youth under draconian laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He shared his personal experiences of facing such oppressive measures, highlighting the harsh realities faced by those targeted by adverse reports from Indian agencies. These reports, he explained, make it nearly impossible for individuals to secure employment, thereby worsening their hardships.

Tarigami also criticized the Modi administration for its exploitation of Kashmir’s natural resources, particularly its water resources. He argued that this exploitation further weakens the region’s economic stability and autonomy. Moreover, he voiced strong opposition to the policy on apple imports, which he claimed jeopardizes the livelihoods of Kashmiri farmers who rely heavily on the apple economy. He reiterated the necessity of implementing crop insurance schemes to protect farmers from the unpredictable weather conditions that threaten their crops and livelihoods.

In his speech, Tarigami urged political leaders across the spectrum to maintain the dignity of political discourse and avoid degrading it. He stressed the importance of cohesive and respectful political engagement to effectively address the pressing issues facing the region.

Tarigami’s rally underscores the broader dissatisfaction with the BJP-led central government’s approach to IIOJK. His call for a joint struggle reflects the widespread perception that the central government’s policies are designed to erode the region’s unique identity and autonomy. The arbitrary arrests and use of stringent laws against dissenters are seen as tools to stifle opposition and control the narrative.

The exploitation of natural resources, particularly water, is a significant point of contention. Local resentment is fueled by the perception that these resources are being used to benefit other regions at the expense of Kashmir’s own development and prosperity. The issue of apple imports highlights the broader economic challenges faced by the region’s agricultural sector, with farmers left vulnerable without adequate insurance schemes to mitigate risks from adverse weather conditions.

Hence, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami’s rally in Shopian highlights the urgent need for unity and resistance against the BJP’s policies in IIOJK. His call for solidarity among political leaders and the protection of Kashmiri rights and resources resonates with the broader sentiment of resistance and demand for justice. The issues he raised—arbitrary arrests, exploitation of resources, and economic vulnerabilities—reflect the complex challenges facing the region. Tarigami’s appeal for dignified political discourse also points to the need for a respectful and cohesive approach to addressing these challenges, aiming to restore and protect the rights and identity of the Kashmiri people.