Amid row over remarks during condolence, Aga Ruhullah says will keep speaking for Kashmiris

Budgam : National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday defended the remarks he made during a condolence visit at the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after the demise of his uncle, Mustafa Kamal, saying he would continue to raise the issues of the people of Jammu and Kashmir despite criticism over the timing of his statement.

Speaking to reporters in Budgam, Ruhullah, per news agency, said his remarks were directed at government policies and the unresolved issues faced by the people, not at any individual.

He said if his statement caused hurt because it was made during a condolence gathering, he was willing to apologise for the timing.

“If some leaders felt it was inappropriate to speak while the family was in mourning, I apologise. One can remain silent for a day or two out of respect, but after that the realities faced by the people remain unchanged. I will continue to speak for the rights of the people,” he said.

The MP said Mustafa Kamal was close to him and that he was well aware of his political ideology. “I know what Mustafa Kamal Sahab stood for. I believe his soul would be at peace knowing that I continue to uphold the party’s ideology by raising the voice of the people,” he said.

Drawing a comparison between personal grief and the suffering of the people, Ruhullah said leaders should show the same sensitivity towards the hardships of Kashmiris.

“Just as everyone feels the pain of grief in their own home, who will feel the pain of the Kashmiri people? For the past 70 years, the people have lived through suffering and injustice. Their pain also deserves the same sensitivity and concern,” he said.

Referring to Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani’s statement that “those who truly care for Jammu and Kashmir will join us at Jantar Mantar on July 20,” Ruhullah said Wani should first seek the people’s mandate before making such remarks.

“First ask him to get the people’s mandate and then decide whether he has the authority to speak on these issues. Only then should he make such statements,” Ruhullah said.

The MP also reiterated that he would continue to raise public issues, including electricity tariff revision, delays in construction permissions and other civic concerns, saying these were promises made to the people before the Assembly elections and that their grievances must be addressed—(KNO)