Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 20
National Conference MP Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of fostering a hostile atmosphere for Kashmiris, alleging that people from Jammu and Kashmir faced suspicion and harassment both within the Union Territory and elsewhere in the country.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Ruhullah said conditions had not normalised since 2019 and alleged that relations between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union government had instead deteriorated.
“Instead of normalising Kashmir, it has been polarised,” he said.
Ruhullah cited verification procedures, restrictions on highway movement and the continued detention of prisoners without trial as examples of what he described as an atmosphere of suspicion in Kashmir. He also expressed concern over alleged harassment of Kashmiris in other states, referring to a recent incident in Karnal, Haryana.
On protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Ruhullah said the demonstrations reflected efforts by students, activists and citizens to reclaim democratic space.
He said democratic freedoms had been suppressed over the past decade, describing the protests as an exercise of the right to expression. However, he cautioned that it was too early to conclude that democratic space had been fully restored.
Drawing parallels with Kashmir, the MP referred to shutdowns in Delhi, the detention of activists and internet restrictions during recent protests. He said Kashmiris had experienced similar measures on a much larger scale.
Ruhullah also called for criminal proceedings against the chief election commissioner if allegations of compromise were established and sought a review of elections conducted during his tenure.
He said sustained public engagement was necessary to challenge authoritarianism, ensure accountability and safeguard constitutional and democratic institutions.
Responding to National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on the abrogation of Article 370, Ruhullah said the August 5, 2019, decision was wrong and argued that criticism alone was insufficient.
He questioned what the government and political parties were doing to reverse the decision through institutional, democratic and peaceful means.
Ruhullah also criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government’s performance after two years in office, saying people were disappointed with both its political agenda and governance.
He cited electricity supply, employment, reservation, student concerns, interns’ demands, prisoners’ cases and protection of local jobs as issues requiring attention. He questioned what tangible achievements the government could cite in addressing public grievances.
The MP said uncertainty over constitutional guarantees and the restoration of statehood had added to public disappointment, urging the government to provide clearer answers on these issues.
The BJP has frequently defended its policies in Jammu and Kashmir as measures aimed at integration and development. Ruhullah’s remarks add to the political debate over the region’s post-2019 governance, civil liberties and relations with the Union government.
