The Fight for Statehood: A Promise Unfulfilled
Mohd Yousuf Tarigami began his address with a clarion call that has defined his political career: the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “We stand here not as supplicants but as rightful heirs to a promise made and broken,” he declared, his tone a mix of resolve and reproach. He reminded the Assembly of the central government’s oft-repeated assurances—delimitation, elections, then statehood—yet, nearly six years after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the region remains under the shadow of Union Territory status. “This is not just a political downgrade; it is a wound to our dignity,” he said, his words cutting through the murmurs of the chamber.
The MLA from Kulgam painted a vivid picture of a region stripped of its autonomy, where the elected Assembly’s powers are curtailed by an unelected Lieutenant Governor. He questioned the legitimacy of a system that sidelines the people’s representatives, asking, “How can we claim to govern when our hands are tied by a nominee of Delhi?” Tarigami’s critique was not merely rhetorical; it was a challenge to his fellow legislators to rise above party lines and demand what he called “the bare minimum of democratic justice.” His invocation of the 2024 elections—where the National Conference-led INDIA alliance, including his CPI(M), secured a resounding victory—served as proof of the people’s desire for self-governance. “The voters spoke loudly last year,” he said. “It’s time the Centre listened.”
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Local Struggles in Focus: Yaripora’s Waste Woes
Mohd Yousuf Tarigami moved from imagination to reality by drawing the Assembly’s attention to a real problem affecting his Kulgam constituency: Yaripora town’s poor trash management. “The machinery meant to fix this lies rusting, our streets are choking, and our children breathe polluted air,” he said in an annoyed voice. According to him, by March 10, 2025, none of the promises made during the early days of the Budget Session—such as the setting up of efficient disposal systems and contemporary waste segregation units—had come to pass. Yaripora is a microcosm of larger administrative challenges, he claimed, and “this is not just neglect; it’s a betrayal of our people’s trust.”
Mohd Yousuf Tarigami’s focus on this issue was strategic, blending the personal with the political. Tarigami described scenes of overflowing garbage bins and exasperated residents, humanizing a problem that might otherwise be dismissed as mundane. “If we cannot clean our towns, how can we claim to rebuild our state?” he asked, drawing a parallel between local governance and the larger quest for empowerment. He urged the government to act swiftly, demanding not just repairs to the machinery but a comprehensive plan to ensure clean, livable communities. The Assembly, often fractious, seemed to pause as his words landed—a rare moment of unity in recognizing a shared struggle.
Workers’ Rights: The Backbone of a Just Society
On March 10, Tarigami gave a passionate defense of the workers in Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging his communist background in a speech that would not be complete without it. With each phrase, his voice rose as he uttered, “Those in power are blind to the daily wagers, the casual laborers, the men and women who keep this region running.” Calling for their quick regularization, he underlined the predicament of temporary workers, many of whom have been employed for years without adequate pay or job security. “They are the foundation of our economy; they are not charity cases,” he said, criticizing the government for its passivity.
Tarigami’s proposal was concrete: a resolution to grant permanency to these workers, a move he argued would boost morale and productivity alike. He cited examples from Kulgam—road workers, sanitation staff, hospital attendants—whose precarious employment leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. “We cannot build a future on the backs of those we refuse to lift up,” he said, his rhetoric weaving a vision of social justice that has long defined his career. His appeal extended beyond ideology, inviting even his political rivals to support the cause. “This is not about Left or Right,” he added. “It’s about right and wrong.”
Mohd Yousuf Tarigami; On Land Rights and Identity, A Battle for Heritage
Mohd Yousuf Tarigami’s speech also focused heavily on the difficult subject of land rights, which evokes strong feelings in Jammu and Kashmir. Calling it “an affront to our heritage,” he focused on reports that a Sri Lankan national had been given state land in Kathua. With obvious rage, he questioned, “Who approved this?,” and called for openness from the government. And why aren’t our people informed? He connected the event to the regulations that extended land ownership to non-residents after 2019, framing it as a part of a broader pattern of dispossession.
“Our land is not a commodity to be traded,” Tarigami proclaimed, his words resonating with a chamber all too familiar with the erosion of local control. He tied this grievance to the broader fight for statehood, arguing that only full legislative authority could safeguard Jammu and Kashmir’s resources. His call for a rollback of such allotments was met with nods from across the aisle, a sign that this issue transcends partisan divides. Tarigami’s ability to connect the dots—land, identity, and autonomy—underscored his knack for turning policy into a narrative of resistance.
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A Plea for Unity: Beyond Political Rivalries
Mohd Yousuf Tarigami‘s tone changed to one of reconciliation as his address came to an end, calling his fellow MLAs to put aside their differences in favor of the common good. He extended an olive branch to people he had opposed in the 2024 elections, saying, “Today, we must stand as partners; yesterday, we fought elections as rivals.” He underlined that the preservation of land, worker welfare, and statehood are all common concerns rather than party ones. Drawing on the history of the area’s collective resistance to outside forces, he contended that “our strength lies in our unity.”
This appeal was a determined attempt to energize the Assembly rather than an act of foolish hope. Tarigami highlighted the 2024 election’s record-breaking turnout as proof that the people are prepared to take back control of their government. He remarked, “The people have shown us the way.” “We have a chance to take the lead now.” Instead of allowing the Assembly to slack off under bureaucratic control, he pushed the administration to demonstrate its dedication to democracy by giving it more authority. He had a clear vision: a Jammu and Kashmir where the future is shaped by elected leaders rather than meetings.
The Stalwart's Inheritance
Mohd Yousuf Tarigami’s March 10 address was more than a speech—it was a testament to his enduring relevance. At 75, with over five decades of political activism behind him, he remains a formidable presence, blending the pragmatism of a seasoned legislator with the zeal of a revolutionary. His victory in 2024 against a Jamaat-e-Islami-backed candidate reaffirmed Kulgam as a CPI(M) bastion, a rare outpost of leftist ideology in a region dominated by regional and religious forces. Yet, his appeal transcends ideology, rooted in a deep connection to the people he serves.
As the Assembly session wound down, Tarigami’s words lingered, sparking debates among MLAs and onlookers alike. His critique of the Centre, his focus on local grievances, and his rallying cry for workers and land rights encapsulated the challenges of a region in transition. Whether his calls will prompt action remains uncertain—the government’s response in the coming days will tell—but one thing is clear: Tarigami is not done fighting. “We will keep raising our voices until justice is ours,” he concluded, leaving the chamber with a promise and a challenge.
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