Srinagar, Aug 01 (KNO): National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, on Saturday condemned the killing of two migrant labourers in the Kulgam terror attack, terming the targeting of innocent civilians a “cowardly act” and asserting that no religion permits the killing of innocent people.
Speaking to reporters here, Sadiq, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the attack had caused immense grief and deserved the strongest condemnation.
“The more we condemn this attack, the less it is. Targeting innocent people is not only cowardly but also against humanity. Those responsible for this barbaric act must be arrested as soon as possible and brought to justice,” he said.
He said the victims were poor, hardworking labourers who had come to Jammu and Kashmir only to earn a livelihood for their families. “These poor people had come here to work honestly and support their families. No religion teaches or justifies the killing of innocent civilians. Such acts have no place in our society,” he said.
Referring to the assistance announced for the victims’ families, Sadiq said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had sanctioned an ex gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.
“Apart from the Rs 10 lakh ex gratia announced by the Chief Minister, around Rs 6 lakh will also be provided through the Red Cross and other sources. While no compensation can replace a human life, the government is committed to extending every possible support to the bereaved families,” he said.
Responding to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s remarks seeking clarification from National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah over his statement on the Kulgam attack, the NC chief spokesperson dismissed the BJP leader’s criticism.
“Nobody takes Sunil Sharma seriously. Neither Delhi nor even his own party takes him seriously. My advice to him is to leave the post of Leader of Opposition and work in Kishtwar instead of making tall claims because nobody is listening to him or taking him seriously,” he said.
Reacting to Sharma’s assertion that there was no connection between terrorism and the restoration of statehood, MLA Sadiq said the decision rested entirely with the country’s leadership.
“The day statehood is restored, trust me, the Leader of Opposition himself will not even know beforehand. The Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister will decide it. The Leader of Opposition or anyone else neither has that authority nor will anyone seek their opinion,” he said.
Referring to the anniversary of the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes, Tanvir Sadiq said the BJP may celebrate the day, but the National Conference continued to regard it as the ‘darkest chapter’ in Jammu and Kashmir's history.
“We have always believed and will always believe that it was the darkest chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. We have pledged to undo what happened on that day. The National Conference will continue its constitutional and democratic struggle till its last breath to restore what was taken away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir unconstitutionally and undemocratically,” he added—(KNO)