SRINAGAR: CPI(M) leader and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Friday condemned the killing of a policeman in Anantnag, saying those responsible must be brought to justice through a fair investigation, while cautioning against indiscriminate arrests and any action outside the framework of law.
Addressing a press conference, Tarigami expressed condolences to the family of the slain policeman and said the Jammu and Kashmir Police were performing their duties under difficult circumstances.
He said those behind the attack should be identified through a professional investigation and prosecuted in accordance with the law. However, he alleged that large-scale arrests had been carried out in parts of south Kashmir following the incident and claimed that such measures had, in the past, proved counterproductive.
Tarigami said the response of law enforcement agencies should remain within the ambit of the Constitution and the rule of law. He argued that indiscriminate arrests neither strengthened security nor promoted peace, but instead created resentment and alienation.
The CPI(M) leader also criticised what he described as the growing trend of “bulldozer justice”, alleging that demolition of residential houses of families allegedly linked to accused persons amounted to collective punishment. He said any demolition should be carried out only after following due process of law and referred to Supreme Court directions on the issue.
He also sought the release of political detainees lodged outside Jammu and Kashmir or, alternatively, their transfer to prisons within the Union Territory to facilitate family visits.
Commenting on the ongoing student protests in Delhi over the alleged NEET examination irregularities, Tarigami expressed support for the agitation, saying the protesters were demanding transparency, accountability and a fair investigation into the allegations.
He also voiced support for environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike and criticised what he termed attempts to weaken scientific temper and distort history through changes in educational curricula.
Referring to reports of police action against student protesters in Delhi, Tarigami alleged that the authorities had resorted to excessive force and reiterated that governments should address public concerns through dialogue and democratic engagement rather than repression. He also referred to allegations regarding the use of a “Kashmiri model” of crowd control during the protests.
He said the ongoing youth movement reflected growing public demand for accountability and adherence to democratic values, the party said.