Call Srinagar MP’s resignation a sacrifice, urge Mehdi not to disappoint those who placed hopes in him
Budgam, Nov 03 : Attendees at the public gathering organised by Srinagar Member Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in Budgam on Tuesday welcomed his decision to resign from the National Conference (NC) and his parliamentary position, describing it as a significant political step while expressing hope that it would lead to a new movement focused on public issues and accountability.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), several participants said Ruhullah’s decision had raised expectations among people, particularly the youth, who they believe have suffered due to prolonged political uncertainty and what they described as repeated political exploitation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Aga Sahib has fulfilled a commitment made to people during the election campaign. His decision reflected his stated position that he would not remain associated with the party if it went against the promises made to the electorate,” one of the participants said.
He said Kashmir had remained away from the political process for a considerable period, with young people and ordinary residents bearing the consequences of political experiments and exploitation
Any emerging political movement should provide space to people who had themselves suffered and remained affected by the prevailing circumstances, the participant said, adding that the involvement of honest and committed individuals was essential for meaningful change
Another participant Angad Singh Khalsa appreciated Mehdi for giving up his political position, describing the decision as a sacrifice
“I appreciate Aga Sahib for leaving the chair while beingin power. It is a big sacrifice, although people here have made even greater sacrifices by laying down their lives,” Khalsa said.
Referring to Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of Tufail Mattoo, who was handed Ruhullah’s resignation during the gathering, Khalsa said the gesture reflected respect for a family that had been seeking justice since 2010.
He said Tufail Mattoo’s family had yet to receive justice, adding that Ruhullah’s decision to hand over his resignation through his father was a significant gesture.
Khalsa described the announcement as the beginning of a new political initiative and urged people to support leaders who, he said, were raising issues concerning the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He appealed to people to stand together so that their concerns and sentiments were taken seriously.
Adil Ahmad, another participant, said Ruhullah’s decision was personal but stemmed from a commitment he had made to the people.
He said the announcement had raised expectations among Kashmiris and urged the MP not to disappoint those who had placed their hopes in him.
“Our expectations from Ruhullah Sahib have increased. We would want him to stand by the hope he has given to the people and not disappoint them,” Ahmad said. “Political parties have often sought votes by appealing to people’s emotions and sentiments but failed to address their concerns after coming to power.”
Ahmad said any leader seeking public support must remain committed to issues concerning people, particularly those facing imprisonment and families awaiting justice.
“This community has witnessed immense suffering. If a leader does not speak for those in jails and those who have lost their lives, and does not fight for their rights and justice, I would not consider that person a leader,” he said.
The credibility of any emerging political leadership, the participants said, would depend on its willingness to consistently raise issues concerning the people rather than merely seeking electoral support.
They said the proposed political initiative would be judged by its ability to address public concerns and provide a platform to people who have remained affected by political and social challenges in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)
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