By Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 5

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Tariq Hameed Karra, on Sunday sharply criticised a recent trade arrangement with the United States, calling it harmful to farmers and economically vulnerable groups, while accusing the central government of yielding to external pressure.

Speaking at a Congress rally in Ghou Manhasan in the Marh constituency, Karra said that Donald Trump was “dictating terms” in a manner that favoured US interests, and alleged that the Government of India had compromised its position.

He linked the government’s stance to what he described as external pressures, referencing controversies such as the Epstein files and the Adani case, though he did not provide evidence for the claims.

Framing the issue in historical terms, Karra said India had traditionally maintained an independent foreign policy, particularly during the tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru, and argued that the current situation marked a departure from that approach.

He described the trade deal as “anti-farmer” and “anti-poor,” warning that it would raise costs for essential commodities and place additional strain on households. 

“The economic interests of our countrymen are at stake,” he said, adding that rising prices of fuel and other goods were already being felt.

Karra also questioned the silence of Narendra Modi on the issue, calling for greater transparency and accountability from the central leadership.

Turning to local politics, he criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the centre for what he described as its handling of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the delay in restoring statehood. 

He argued that decision-making remained concentrated in New Delhi, despite the presence of an elected government in the region.

“The dual control system is the root cause of uncertainty and lack of accountability,” he said.

Karra also urged voters to hold the Bharatiya Janata Party accountable for what he described as unfulfilled promises, including economic development and relief measures for farmers affected by natural disasters.

Other Congress leaders echoed similar concerns at the rally. Raman Bhalla, a working president of the party’s regional unit, accused the government of pursuing policies that favor large corporations at the expense of ordinary citizens.

He pointed to rising prices, unemployment and job insecurity as evidence of what he described as a widening economic strain on the public.

The remarks reflect broader political tensions in the region, where economic concerns and questions of governance continue to shape public debate, even as national and international issues increasingly intersect with local politics.