Srinagar, Jul 24 (PTI) Senior CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami on Friday said violence cannot be defeated by violating innocent people’ rights, as “unabated harassment” only breeds anger and alienation, making the task of isolating anti-social and anti-people elements even more difficult.
His remarks came after over 3,500 suspected over-ground workers were detained across Kashmir since the killing of a policeman in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference here, Tarigami said the killing of the cop is a deeply unfortunate and highly condemnable incident, and called for a fair and professional investigation into the incident.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Police have been discharging their duties under extremely difficult and challenging circumstances, and such acts of violence deserve unequivocal condemnation. Those responsible must be identified through a fair and professional investigation and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” he said.
The MLA from south Kashmir’s Kulgam said the real culprits must be brought to book, but “indiscriminate and unabated arrests” are avoidable as they have repeatedly proved to be counterproductive.
“There are reports from various parts of south Kashmir that large-scale arrests have been carried out following the unfortunate killing. While everyone condemns such acts of violence, the response of the law-enforcing agencies must remain within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law. Proper investigation, supported by evidence, is the only effective way to apprehend those responsible,” he said.
Tarigami said past experience has shown that such an approach of “indiscriminate” arrests neither strengthens security nor serves the cause of peace. “Instead, it creates resentment and inadvertently advances the designs of inimical elements”.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered the consequences of violence for more than three decades. This painful experience has demonstrated that such situations require restraint, sensitivity and adherence to the law.
“Violence cannot be defeated by violating the rights of innocent people. Unabated harassment only breeds anger and alienation, making the task of isolating anti-social and anti-people elements even more difficult,” he added.
To effectively tackle violence, he said, the confidence of the people must be secured.
“This requires law-enforcing agencies to act professionally, fairly and transparently rather than relying on indiscriminate action. It has unfortunately become a recurring practice that individuals who were arrested and later released years ago are picked up again whenever such incidents occur,” he said.
He asserted that such an approach appears “arbitrary and inappropriate”.
“Indiscriminate arrests do not promote peace; rather, they help those who seek to create instability”.
Referring to the demolition of houses belonging to alleged terrorists in Anantnag in the aftermath of the killing, the CPI(M) leader said the growing bulldozer trend is establishing a “dangerous precedent of arbitrary punishment”.
“Demolishing residential houses of families remotely connected with alleged offenders amounts to collective punishment and devastates innocent households,” he said.
He referred to the Supreme Court’s directions that residential properties should not be demolished without following due process of law, including the issuance of proper notice and an opportunity to be heard.
“These safeguards must be respected in letter and spirit. The responsibility of the government is to provide shelter to its citizens, not to deprive them of their homes without due legal process. Upholding the rule of law is the hallmark of a constitutional democracy,” he said.
On the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi, Tarigami said the student movement is as a ray of hope, demonstrating that India’s youth are prepared to stand up for transparency, fairness and justice.
He saluted the courage and determination of the youth of the country.
“The message emerging from the youth movement is clear: the people cannot be taken for granted. Governments must listen to the voices of the people, respect democratic dissent and address genuine concerns through dialogue rather than repression,” he said.
The “heavy-handed” response by the Delhi Police against student protesters has sparked widespread national “outrage and condemnation”, he added. PTI SSB PRK
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