NC MLA’s insulting remark against Kashmiri residents, evokes criticism from BJP and PDP

Srinagar, Sep 9 (AHN) An objectionable and disrespectful remark by the ruling National Conference MLA and party spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, seen as insulting and humiliating for all the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, has evoked strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Tanvir Sadiq, speaking on 44th death anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah yesterday told reporters that before his government came to power, the people of Kashmir didn’t even have a pair of trousers to wear.

“Entire locality had only one pair of trousers and people would use it by turns before Sher-e-Kashmir (Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah) came to power”, Tanvir told reporters yesterday.

Altaf Thakur, BJP spokesperson said the remarks were insulting and highly disrespectful.

“He has spoken against our culture, dignity and history. This is not tolerable at all”, Altaf Thakur said.

He said what Tanvir Sadiq said cannot be taken as a political statement at all.

“It is outright disrespectful. I believe the NC spokesperson has no knowledge of our history and our centuries old history of Sufis, saints and wisemen,” he added.

"Tanvir Sadiq should mind his words. You are not merely making a political statement - you are insulting the people of Kashmir and their heritage. Such disrespect will not be tolerated," Thakur said.

BJP has demanded withdrawal of the statement by the NC leader and a public apology for having made that statement in the first place.

Opposition PDP said on its X handle, “Will National Conference spokesperson tender an unconditional apology for the derogatory remarks against Kashmiris?"

Tanvir Sadiq had been referring to overwhelming poverty in Kashmir due to absentee landlordism when the peasants, who produced the grain would not get enough share even to suffice their family needs.

When Sheikh came to power after independence in 1947, he passed the revolutionary land to tiller laws and thereby abolished absentee landlordism.