Tarigami Urges CM Omar Abdullah to Address Issue of Political Detainees with Centre

Tarigami Urges CM Omar Abdullah to Address Issue of Political Detainees with Centre

CPI (M) MLA from Kulgam, Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, on Thursday called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to use his influence to raise the issue of political detainees who are languishing in prisons outside the state with the Centre. Tarigami made this request during a discussion on various grant demands in the legislative assembly.

Political Detainees and the Urgent Need for Action

Tarigami emphasized the need for the Jammu and Kashmir administration to adopt a lawful approach to prevent unlawful activities, stating, “Unlawful activities can be prevented if the administration adopts a lawful approach. Unlawful activity can be faced within the range of law.” He further drew attention to the plight of political detenues, particularly those held in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir, including the notorious Tihar Jail.

While acknowledging that the issue may not be entirely within the Chief Minister’s domain, Tarigami urged Omar Abdullah to convey the message to the relevant authorities at the Centre. He stressed that political detainees’ cases should be reviewed immediately, and those detained outside the region should be transferred back to jails within Jammu and Kashmir, allowing their families and relatives to visit them more easily.

Issues Concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s Travel Restrictions

In addition to the issue of political detenues, Tarigami also highlighted the difficulties faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in obtaining travel documents such as passports. He attributed these hardships to the extensive police verification processes, which, he claimed, create unnecessary barriers for residents of the region.

Request for Equal Wages for Daily Wagers

Tarigami also discussed the issue of daily wagers, stressing the need for their wages to be brought on par with those in Ladakh. In 2017, an SRO was introduced to define wage slabs for daily wagers and temporary workers. Tarigami pointed out that daily wagers in Ladakh, which was once part of Jammu and Kashmir, are paid minimum wages in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act. He requested the government to align wages in Jammu and Kashmir with those in Ladakh, ensuring fair compensation for daily workers in the region.

Concerns Over University Governance

The Kulgam MLA also expressed concerns over the growing trend of granting routine extensions to university professors, which, he argued, is undermining the educational standards in the region. He criticized universities for becoming "event-oriented centres," where the focus has shifted from raising educational standards to organizing events. Tarigami called for a review of this practice, urging the government to stop the frequent extensions and refocus on enhancing the quality of education in universities.

Conclusion: A Call for Change and Action

Tarigami’s speech at the legislative assembly underscored the need for immediate action on several critical issues facing Jammu and Kashmir, including the treatment of political detainees, the welfare of daily wagers, and the state of higher education. His call for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up these issues with the Centre reflects a strong desire to address longstanding grievances and improve governance in the region.

As political discussions continue to unfold in Jammu and Kashmir, it remains crucial for the administration to engage with these concerns in a transparent and effective manner, ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected and that the state's development needs are met.