Srinagar, Feb 14: Taking a jibe at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) MLA Sheikh Khursheed on Saturday alleged that those holding illegal land have no right to label others as land grabbers. He also accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of political silence despite a massive mandate.
Khursheed said a BJP legislator who branded Kashmiris as land grabbers must first clarify his own position. “Those who hold illegal land cannot sermon others or give them the tag of land grabbers,” he said.
He accused BJP leader Javid Qureshi of illegally occupying a fisheries hut in Handwara. “The government property cannot be occupied in the name of any political party and questioned why authorities have not taken action,” the AIP leader said.
Khursheed alleged selective enforcement by the administration. “The poor people are targeted in the name of law, while influential figures escape scrutiny,” he claimed. “Lakhs of rupees in revenue could have been generated if such assets were properly outsourced instead of being occupied.”
The MLA accused the BJP of sustaining its politics through regional and religious division. He said the party has nothing to offer except attempts to divide Jammu and Kashmir.
“Jammu and Kashmir is one unit, and divisive statements can deepen regional tensions, especially when Jammu holds a major share in reservation quotas,” he warned.
Khursheed claimed that NC and BJP are hand in glove. “Both parties adopt one stance inside the Assembly and another outside,” he said.
The MLA said the NC failed to raise core political issues in the House despite seeking votes on those commitments during elections. “People are disappointed. The government has stepped back from the political aspirations of the people,” he said.
Acknowledging that the government is gradually delivering on developmental measures such as free gas cylinders, 200 units of free electricity and marriage assistance, Khursheed said development alone is not enough.
“The ruling party secured votes on promises related to Article 370, Article 35A, restoration of statehood, release of political prisoners and stopping termination of employees. If they cannot stop these measures, they should at least speak up,” he said—(KNO)
