Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar, Ali Muhammad Sagar, today said that “two power centres” in Jammu and Kashmir were obstructing the functioning of the elected Government.
Speaking for the first time during the ongoing Legislative Assembly session here, Sagar said the sentiments of people in both Jammu and Kashmir must be respected, accusing the BJP of pursuing “divisive politics.”
“There are two power centres in J&K, and the Government is not being allowed to function properly. You must listen to the people of J&K and address their concerns,” he said.
Apparently referring to the restoration of Statehood, Sagar said the commitment made by the Union Home Minister in Parliament remains unfulfilled.
“When the Prime Minister came to inaugurate a tunnel here, he said that ‘Modi does what he says.’ The Home Minister also said this in Parliament, but nothing has been done so far,” he remarked.
Emphasizing the need to understand the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Sagar cited the recent agitation in Leh over unfulfilled promises to Ladakh.
“A small campaign was launched there, and Delhi immediately began a dialogue. Why not J&K?” he asked.
Sagar said the NC has always upheld the spirit of secularism in J&K. “The Chief Minister is working effectively, but one party continues to pursue divisive politics,” he said.
He urged that the House and its members be given due regard. “I had said, even when Mufti Sayeed was alive, that we must live with love and brotherhood,” he recalled.
Addressing BJP members, Sagar said, “If you say you are like Hitler, that is wrong – democracy will prevail here. You must listen to the people of J&K and address their issues.”
Appreciating the Speaker for the smooth conduct of proceedings, he said, “People are saying that the Assembly is now focusing on real issues rather than drama.”
Referring to MLA Kupwara Fayaz Ahmad Mir’s claim that the Chief Minister had called people “bijli chor,” Sagar termed the statement “irresponsible.”
When Mir clarified that it was Dr Farooq Abdullah who had used the term, Sagar refuted it again, calling the claim “false.”
Reacting to the ruckus in the House following a remark by MLA Shagun Parihar, Sagar cautioned members to speak thoughtfully.
“We should all ensure that our words do not hurt the sentiments of any community. If we conduct ourselves responsibly, things will change for the better. Why won’t you speak to everyone – Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others?” he said.
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