Srinagar, Sep 28 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra today held the BJP-led central government responsible for the ongoing unrest in Ladakh, which has claimed four lives and left nearly 90 injured, accusing it of betraying the people with “false promises” and resorting to “oppressive” measures.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Karra said the current agitation in Ladakh was a direct consequence of the BJP’s failure to honour commitments made to the people after the abrogation of Article 370.
“When Article 370 was abrogated, the same people who are today protesting were showcased by the BJP to celebrate that move. Now, those very people feel deceived. Their agitation is a rejection of the false promises made by the BJP in its manifesto, including granting Sixth Schedule status to Leh and creating separate parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil,” Karra said.
He pointed out that prominent Ladakhi activist Sanam Wangchuk, who was arrested under National Security Act (NSA) and his family had long associations with the BJP.
“His brother is even the vice president of BJP’s Leh unit. But their current struggle reflects the betrayal they feel at the hands of the BJP,” he added.
Karra strongly condemned the violence in Ladakh, including the firing incident.
“We do not endorse violence.We condemn the firing in which innocent people, including children, were shot in the chest and head. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of trying to shift the blame onto the opposition.
“Instead of acknowledging their weaknesses and mistakes, and engaging in dialogue, the BJP is targeting Congress. This is unfortunate. If their promises had been fulfilled, today’s situation would not have arisen,” Karra said.
Calling the government’s approach “repressive, oppressive and dictatorial,” Karra warned that the situation in Ladakh would not improve unless the Centre changed course and engaged meaningfully with the people.
