Tariq Karra writes to CM,demands strict action against those responsible
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has strongly condemned the unfortunate incident in Bandipora in which Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat was allegedly manhandled by workers of the National Conference led by Jalal Akbar Lone, younger brother of MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone.He termed the incident as a serious departure from democratic norms and against the very spirit of Alliance Dharma.
Karra, in a statement issued here, said that while political differences are a natural part of democracy, there can never be any justification for intimidation or physical confrontation with anyone. He observed that the fact that such an incident involved constituents of the ruling alliance makes it even more unfortunate and raises serious concerns about mutual respect among alliance partners.
Expressing anguish over the subsequent press conference held by National Conference workers to justify the incident, the JKPCC President said that any attempt to rationalize or defend such conduct only aggravates the situation and sends a disturbing message to the people about the functioning of democratic politics.
The JKPCC President has written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging his personal intervention in the matter. In his letter, Shri Karra has sought an impartial examination of the incident and strict action against those responsible. “The elected representatives in the Union Territory are already functioning under a challenging dual-control administrative mechanism, making it all the more necessary for all democratic forces to work together in safeguarding the dignity of elected institutions,” he said.
Karra further expressed hope that the Chief Minister’s timely intervention would help restore confidence among alliance partners and uphold the principles of Alliance Dharma. He cautioned that any recurrence of such incidents, or any attempt to justify them, would only weaken the trust and goodwill that are indispensable for the smooth functioning of the coalition and the larger democratic mandate entrusted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.