Release detainees before dialogue: Karra

Jammu, Dec 31: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra Tuesday demanded the immediate release of the persons detained, before the administration set into motion any dialogue with stakeholders protesting against the Katra ropeway project.

He also described “denial of statehood as the biggest betrayal of 2024 with J&K people despite promises made by BJP and its top leadership multiple times vis-a-vis its restoration.”

Karra, while addressing a press conference here at party headquarter, said, “Given the emergent nature of the issue (Katra protest), it was deemed fit to hold a press conference despite the ongoing mourning period. Katra is presenting a dismal picture. Instead of the administration playing an intervening role to resolve the issue and amicably address the concerns of different sections of people, it seems to be aggravating the matter with its high handed, hegemonic attitude.”

“We have read the statement of the Lieutenant Governor in newspapers that the administration is willing to talk to all stakeholders. But our question is - Which stakeholders are they going to talk to? Majority of them (stakeholders) are detained, some in Reasi jail and others in Udhampur jail and that too in inhuman and unhygienic conditions and along with criminals,” JKPCC president alleged.

He said that it was not in tune with the claims of the Shrine Board authorities for finding an amicable solution to the contentious issue by taking on board all stakeholders.

“The Congress party has sought the earliest appointment from the LG to discuss the situation and also conveyed to him the desire of the party to send a high powered delegation to meet people,” Karra said.

He asserted that Congress was not against development but it wanted that a project, even if it aimed at tourism promotion, should not be pursued unilaterally against the wishes of stakeholders.

“We reiterate Congress' stand that dialogue should be held with all stakeholders i.e., representatives of ponywallas, pithuwallas, traders or Baridars. But before entering into a dialogue, release all those detained to create a conducive atmosphere. At the same time, it should not happen that some nominated members are projected as stakeholders and dialogue is initiated,” Karra said.

“We want immediate intervention of the Lieutenant Governor for the release of detained leaders, if the authorities are sincere in finding an amicable solution to the ongoing situation,” he said.

JKPCC working presidents Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla; chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma besides other senior leaders joined Karra in the presser.

JKPCC president criticised the administration for, what he alleged, “resorting to repressive methods against the protesters, who are exercising their democratic right.”

He also took exception to the denial of permission to Congress leaders only to visit and meet the protesters and other stakeholders. “Why are only leaders of Congress party not being allowed to enter Katra to meet people while the leaders of all other political parties, including NC, are visiting there or joining the cause? Is it because Congress is able to relate to protesters and vice versa” Karra questioned.

He said that the Congress demanded that a consensus should be developed on the issue. “It should not be seen that it’s being thrust upon or pushed unilaterally to fulfil the underhand arrangement of somebody,” Karra said.

Responding to another question, JKPCC President said, “Biggest betrayal of the year is denial of statehood to J&K people by the BJP and its top leadership. Despite having promised multiple times in and outside the Parliament and even on the soil of J&K, statehood has not been granted so far.”

With regard to Katra agitation, Karra said that on the very first day of protest i.e., November 27, the Congress party had intervened for the release of detained leaders through Divisional Commissioner Jammu and that too twice to ensure it.

“A high level delegation of Congress had visited Katra to meet the agitating people for solidarity. But the present approach of repression will not yield positive results,” he said.