Jammu: CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami today demanded regional autonomy and more powers to the people and sub-regions to preserve the unity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the ninth regional conference of the CPI(M) here, he condemned the alleged efforts of the ‘Sangh Parivar’ in dividing the society in the name of religion.

“Diverse ethnicities in different regions of the state constitute its strength,” Tarigami said.

“Carving out a political structure that recognises diversity and the necessity of preserving the unity of the state can be possible only when all constitutional measures are taken to provide regional autonomy and more powers to the people and sub-regions,” the CPI(M) leader said.

Hitting out at the Modi government, he said in the last four years, “nothing has changed on the ground despite getting votes on the slogan ‘Achhe din’ (good days)”.

Tarigami alleged that pro-rich and pro-corporate economic policies have made the life of the masses miserable.

“It is imperative for the poor and working class to unite and fight the menace of these regressive economic policies to get rid of this awkward situation,” he said.

State Secretary of the CPI(M) Ghulam Nabi Malik, who inaugurated the conference, highlighted the difficulties being faced by the working class across the country and exhorted the workers, peasants, youth and students to fight the “dangerous designs of polarising people on communal lines”.