Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Mar 6: Following the controversial remarks on “Martyrs Day” by the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma, senior Congress leaders on Thursday urged politicians to be ‘responsible’ and avoid using derogatory words.
JKPCC president Tariq Hammed Karra, while speaking to the reporters here asked the leaders to focus on pressing public issues rather than engaging in divisive debates over historical events. “Unfortunately, there was use of derogatory words, which brought two sides at loggerheads. Although everyone has the right to put forth his words in a democratic set-up, the use of words should be such that they should not invite any provocation or counter-provocation”, he said.
The JKPCC chief while reacting to Sharma’s statement said, “If we start scratching history like this, it will be very difficult to justify a lot of things to a lot of people.”
Karra stressed that the assembly should work towards progress instead of reviving past disputes.
Echoing similar sentiments, senior Congress leader G.A. Mir expressed disappointment over the heated exchanges in the house, which led to opposition members walking out. “Today’s objective was to debate and discuss the real issues of the people, but unfortunately, things took a different turn,” Mir said.
He lamented that after more than seven years without an elected assembly, leaders should focus on problems like unemployment and public grievances rather than dwelling on historical disputes.
“This house has been formed after seven years. The issues of the people, the concerns of unemployed youth, and other pressing matters should be highlighted. The government should respond to them. That should be our target,” Mir said.
The Congress leaders’ remarks come amid an escalating political row over the significance of Martyrs’ Day. While regional parties uphold its importance, the BJP has consistently questioned its relevance.
