Srinagar: Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), has voiced concerns over the current approach to peace in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stating that peace cannot be realized through intimidation and suppression.
According to Kashmir Media Service, during a public meeting and several rallies in the Kulgam district, Tarigami highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the region, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to overcome these challenges. “Today is the question of our future. Our youth are in jails and have FIRs against them. The answer is not concessions or intimidation, but a united fight,” he asserted.
Tarigami criticized the use of forceful tactics and the silencing of dissent as means to achieve peace, stressing that suppression does not equate to peace and silence should not be interpreted as consent. He remarked on his efforts over the past five years to advocate for the rights and identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir across various states in India, particularly against policies he believes undermine the region’s identity.
The CPI-M leader’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions and ongoing political debate regarding the future of Jammu and Kashmir, with Tarigami positioning himself as a staunch defender of democratic engagement and local autonomy.