In fiery speeches, MPs from Jammu and Kashmir spoke on Operation Sindoor, raising important questions and demanding that the government not “tamper with the demography of Kashmir” during the Lok Sabha Parliament session.
Baramulla MP and Awami Ittehad Party chief Engineer Abdul Rashid on Tuesday condemned the Pahalgam attack on April 22 and appealed to both the government and opposition to initiate dialogue on Kashmir.
He also emphasised that the issue of Kashmir does not reside in the hands of external factors. “The solution to the Kashmir issue does not reside in the hands of Trump or any external actor, it lies solely with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He also said that while everyone is invoking Jawaharlal Nehru, “if you truly revere him, then honour his legacy by fulfilling the promises he made and implementing the resolutions he stood for.”
Speaking on demographic manipulation and cultural erosion, he said, “Do not dare to tamper with the demography of my Kashmir or attempt to dilute its cultural identity.”
Speaking on the custody parole granted by a Delhi court until August 4, Rashid opened his address by urging members across party lines to acknowledge the pain of Kashmiris.
“This might be the last time I stand in this House. I have been compelled to pay ₹1.5 lakh just to travel from Tihar Jail to Parliament, merely to represent the people who chose me,” he added.
Meanwhile, Aga Syed Ruhullah, MP from Srinagar, raised serious concerns about the treatment of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack.
His remarks came amid ongoing discussions on Operation Sindoor.
Ruhullah, whose speech was frequently interrupted by other members, criticised the disproportionate actions by state institutions and agencies in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
He said the Pahalgam incident had drawn widespread condemnation across Jammu and Kashmir, with locals observing shutdowns, organising protests, and expressing solidarity with the victims.
“The people of Kashmir unequivocally condemned the attack and mourned the loss of lives. Shops were closed, and the Valley grieved collectively,” he said.
He further voiced alarm over reports of harassment faced by Kashmiri students and businesspersons in northern states.
“Are these actions grounded in law, or are they driven by prejudice?” he added.
Ruhullah also criticised the post-attack security response, accusing certain institutions of targeting civilians rather than focusing on external threats.
“Instead of addressing the real source of terrorism, the response has turned inward toward innocent people,” he said.
