J&K Legislators Urged to Stand for Secularism and Minorities: CPI(M)’s Tarigami
Jammu, April 7: In a fervent call to action, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami urged legislators in Jammu and Kashmir to rise above religious and regional divides to protect minorities and safeguard India’s secular foundation. His comments were directed at the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, which has sparked widespread controversy and protest.
During a demonstration outside the Legislative Assembly Complex, Tarigami decried the procedural delays that had hindered substantive debate on the amendment. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to prioritize constitutional values over divisive agendas, stating, “We must act not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the minorities and the secular fabric of this nation. This is a collective fight.”
The protest, supported by members of the National Conference (NC), Congress, and various independent groups, highlighted growing concerns about the amendment’s potential impact on minority rights and secular governance. Frequent adjournments in the Assembly have further stymied efforts to address these concerns effectively.
Tarigami framed opposition to the amendment as a broader commitment to uphold constitutional secularism, asserting that any legislation undermining minority protections would weaken the nation’s democratic ethos.
The CPI(M) leader’s remarks have gained resonance amidst nationwide debates over policies perceived as eroding India’s secular framework, with many urging policymakers to adopt inclusive and equitable approaches to governance.
