Srinagar: National Conference senior leader and lawmaker from Khanyar constituency of Srinagar city, Ali Mohammad Sagar, on wednesday, while participating in the discussion on Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime said that extending the GST law to Jammu and Kashmir will erode the special status of the state.
Sagar said that Finance Minister Dr. Haseeb Drabu has talked about the safeguards several times. However, Dr. Drabu has never clarified what these safeguards are.
He said that New Delhi has never fulfilled the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that there is complete loss of trust among the people.
Sagar said that when national conference brought the resolution of Autonomy in 1996 during Dr. Farooq’s rule, it had the consent of 75 members of the assembly, however, New Delhi put that resolution in the dustbin.
He said there have been many such instances when New Delhi promised sky to the people of Kashmir but never fulfilled the promise.
“What guarantees do you have that New Delhi will later give safeguards to the people of Kashmir.”
The Secretary General of NC said that he is not opposing Drabu when he says GST should not be extended in J&K. “But, the government should understand that the state of Jammu and Kashmir has become part of Indian union under a special provision,” he added.
“We do not talk about the law, we talk about the background.”
Sagar asked as to why across the political divide were opposing the GST regime. “Why are traders on strike, why is Hurriyat opposing it, why are we debating it,” Sagar questioned. “It is not about law, but it is about the hearts and minds of the people. It is about the betrayals, he added.
“People of the state have positive expectations from us. We have to think if we represent their aspirations. We make Hangama in the house. They read and they judge,” he said, adding, “Let us all contribute something positive for the people.”
“Today people do not trust us,” Sagar said. “We go out and make photo sessions, and inaugurations to give a feel that everything is fine. But that is not the reality.”
He said that CM Mehbooba Mufti talks about ‘Goli se nahi, boli se’. However, everything is happening in Kashmir with Goli (Goli se hi sara chalta hai.)
The districts and places that were earlier peaceful are not the same anymore. Ask Javed Mustafa Mir (Chadoora MLA) what is the situation in his area? Chadoora was once the most peaceful constituency of Kashmir, Sagar said.
He said that 250 students of Islamic University have joined militant ranks.
“When mainstream leaders die, a mere 2000-2500 people participate in his funeral. However, 50000-100000 people participate in the funeral prayers of militants.”
He told the government: “You cannot rule at the barrel of the gun.”
