Suspecting all Kashmiris not in national interest: Tarigami

Suspecting every Kashmiri in the aftermath of the Delhi blast was not in the national interest and would not help improve the security situation, senior CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters here, Tarigami said the blast near the Red Fort in the national capital was “unfortunate” and that every Kashmiri condemns the killing of innocents. “Killing innocent people is not acceptable. Every Kashmiri sent a message that they do not accept the killing of innocents by coming out on roads to protest against the Pahalgam terror attack,” he said.

The CPI(M) leader said the perpetrators of the Delhi blast must be brought to justice through an in-depth investigation. However, he criticised the use of the term “white collar” terrorists and cited the 2013 killing of Dr Sheikh Jalal-ud-Din, former Director of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), who died along with two police guards in a militant attack.

He also recalled the killings of Dr Abdul Ahad Guru in 1993, National Conference leader Maulana Mohammad Syed Masoodi in 1990, and Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq — religious leader and father of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq — also in 1990.

“What are they labelling as white collar? Dr Jalal-ud-Din was also white collar, Dr Guru was also white collar. Which bullets killed them? Whose bullet killed our scholar and first MP Maulana Masoodi? Which bullet killed Mirwaiz? Today, you suspect every doctor and every Kashmiri? This is not in the national interest. It is not suitable for improving the security situation. This is my advice,” he said.

On the proposal by the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd to introduce a 20 per cent surcharge on consumers during peak hours, Tarigami said it was an “injustice” to the people.

“The department has sent a proposal only, no decision has been made yet. But I appeal to the Chief Minister to rescind this proposal and also provide the relief that has been promised to BPL individuals,” he said, referring to the ruling party’s pledge of providing 200 units of free electricity.