Taking exception to Governor Satyapal Malik describing political parties as “irrelevant” in Kashmir, CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said on Tuesday the governor should analyse the setback that J&K would suffer if the political process became irrelevant.

In a statement, Tarigami said the recent statement of Malik that “neither political parties nor other organizations are so relevant in Kashmir as youth” could have been avoided. “Rather, he could have advised the political leadership to introspect why the political process in Kashmir is becoming irrelevant. It is not a healthy trend but a serious concern,” said Tarigami.

He added: “The political parties and political process being irrelevant is the reason for anger building up. We hope that the Governor having vast political experience will analyse and see how serious the implications for the people of the state and the country will be if political parties and political process becomes irrelevant. It is due to this reason that the void created by such situations is filled by extremism and violence.”

Tarigami said there was need for serious and sincere initiative from political leadership of the country to arrest this trend of making political parties and political process irrelevant. “But unfortunately, whatever is happening on ground is contrary to it. On ground only security centric measures are being taken to tackle the situation. Perception is growing that the focus of the policy of New Delhi is only security centric vis-a-vis Kashmir. Governor could have advised the political leadership of the country presently at the helm of affairs to introspect why the political process in Kashmir is becoming irrelevant,” he said.

Tarigami said “our party’s stand has been that it (Kashmir) is not an exclusive law and order issue but a political problem”. “The alienation is deep and massive. CPI (M) had always been demanding to hold dialogue with voices of dissent in the state. The policymakers need to understand it that nothing could be achieved by force and it is only political dialogue which can bring peace. Violence will only deteriorate the situation further. The issue could be solved only through a dialogue and the biggest issue in Kashmir is alienation among people. If it isn’t addressed, the political uncertainty will continue,” he added.

The Left leader said confidence of the youth had been shattered and hopelessness was deepening. “It needs to be seen how the confidence of youth is restored. Use of excessive force can’t solve it as ways and means other than use of force have to be found,” said Tarigami.