‘Who will feel the pain of Kashmiris?’ Ruhullah Mehdi vows to keep raising people’s issues
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, senior National Conference leader and Indian parliament member from Srinagar, Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, has defended his recent remarks made during a condolence visit to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence, saying he would continue to raise the issues confronting the people despite criticism over the timing of his statement.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking to reporters in Budgam, Ruhullah Mehdi said his remarks were directed at government policies and the unresolved issues facing the people, not at any individual. He had visited Omar Abdullah’s residence to offer condolences on the demise of the Chief Minister’s uncle, Mustafa Kamal.
Ruhullah said if his statement hurt anyone because it was made during a condolence gathering, he was willing to apologize for the timing. “If some leaders felt it was inappropriate to speak while the family was in mourning, I apologize. One can remain silent for a day or two out of respect, but after that the realities faced by the people remain unchanged. I will continue to speak for the rights of the people,” he said.
Drawing a comparison between personal grief and the suffering of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Ruhullah said political leaders should show the same sensitivity towards the hardships endured by Kashmiris.
“Just as everyone feels the pain of grief in their own home, who will feel the pain of the Kashmiri people? For the past 70 years, the people have lived through suffering and injustice. Their pain also deserves the same sensitivity and concern,” he said.
