Srinagar, Apr 22 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday paid tributes to the victims of last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, but asserted that the promise of democracy in the union territory stands diminished as governance has become “reactive rather than anticipatory”.
“I first offer a heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives. We honour their sacrifice and the extraordinary courage of the young ponywallah who gave his life in an attempt to save others,” Karra said in a statement.
The Congress leader, however, noted that for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, remembrance is accompanied by a continuing sense of anguish.
“The promise of democracy appears diminished when institutions lack meaningful authority, and when citizens continue to live under the shadow of recurring security concerns,” he said.
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Expressing concern over the prevailing administrative approach, Karra said governance has become “reactive rather than anticipatory”.
“Equally concerning is the persistence of political approaches that overlook the contributions, sacrifices, and legitimacy of mainstream democratic voices within J&K — thereby widening the distance between the state and its people,” he added.
At such a juncture, the JKPCC president said, statesmanship demands reflection, course correction, and above all, a willingness to listen, understand, and act in the larger national interest. (KNS)