Challenges faced by people can be addressed through unity: Tarigami

Kulgam, Aug 27: Senior CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Tuesday said that the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir could be addressed through unity.

“We are in a quagmire and we can only come out of it by fighting together,” he told reporters after filing his nomination papers from south Kashmir’s Kulgam constituency. The seat is going to polls on September 18 during the first phase of polling.

Tarigmai, a four-time legislator, said that he has again presented himself in the peoples’ court to allow them to decide his fate.

“I do not know what I have done during all these year for the people of this constituency, but I request them to consider all the aspects before making their decision,” he said.

He said that he seeks the mandate from people as they alone have the power to decide on his fate.“I have no other door to knock on but that of the people,” CPI (M) leader said.

Tarigami appealed to the youth to come forward as it is the question of their future. “My agenda, both inside and outside the assembly, will focus on the future of youth. Wherever I speak I will speak straight away from my heart with no disconnect between my words and actions,” Tarigami said.

He said that he would continue to strive for the restoration of the dignity and identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “And this is my manifesto,” he said.

Tarigami said that both the people of Jammu and Kashmir are in long-standing economic distress. “The outsiders are securing the contracts for extracting the minerals from our rivers, whether it is the Veshaw or Jehlum,” he said.

Tarigmai urged the people to choose their representative carefully based on their performance. “My people in the past have made thoughtful decisions and I am sure they will do so again this time,” he said.

Later, the CPI(M) leader led a roadshow through several town bazaars, which culminated at Chawalgam Stadium, where he addressed thousands of his supporters.

Targami appealed to the people to vote for him if they believed that he could address their concerns. He said that the people of Kulgam are competent to make their decisions wisely. “My people understand the value of true leadership and do not compromise on their principles,” he said.