Former Planning Minister and MLA Bandipora, Usman Majid, on Wednesday strongly condemned the violent attack carried out by Congress workers on his supporters and workers in Watapora and Qazipora villages. He described how Congress workers stormed into the homes of his supporters, assaulted them, and even ripped off the clothes of the women present. Majid termed these actions as an affront to democracy and a blatant violation of basic human dignity.
Majid revealed that women workers in the Watapora area were molested during the attack, highlighting the brutality of the incident. He noted that one of the victims had visible scratches on her body, which clearly indicated the severity of the assault. He added that the close relatives and associates of Nizamuddin Bhat, the Congress candidate, were behind this despicable act, calling for immediate action against those responsible. He emphasized that such incidents not only violate human dignity but also demonstrate the desperation of those resorting to such vile tactics.
“I strongly condemn the murderous attack carried out by Congress workers on my supporters and workers. Such heinous actions are not only an attack on democracy but also a clear sign of frustration over our growing influence in the region,” Majid said.
He urged the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Bandipora to intervene immediately, file an FIR against the culprits, and ensure justice is served. Majid asserted that every citizen has the right to vote and support freely, without being subjected to intimidation, violence, or such shameful assaults.
Majid also condemned the alleged assault on Kashmiri Pandits by Congress workers in Bandipora, calling it a shameful attack on democracy and communal harmony. He accused Congress workers, including Ghulam Nabi Tantray, a close aide of Congress candidate Nizamuddin Bhat, of threatening and intimidating the Kashmiri Pandit community to vote for Congress. Majid described how Kashmiri Pandits were physically abused, threatened, and coerced into voting for the party. “The Kashmiri Pandits were targeted, thrashed, abused, and roughed up simply for refusing to cast their votes under pressure. Such tactics are illegal, disgraceful, and completely contrary to the principles of democracy,” Majid asserted.
He highlighted the vital role of the Kashmiri Pandit community in the social and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, lamenting that they have already suffered immensely over the years and should be protected, not targeted. “The Kashmiri Pandits have faced enough hardships, and now, instead of ensuring their safety, they are being threatened and abused. This must stop immediately. The safety of every Kashmiri, regardless of religion, must be ensured,” Majid emphasized.
Majid urged the Election Commission of India and the district administration of Bandipora to take swift action, demanding that those responsible, including Ghulam Nabi Tantray, be brought to justice and that the voting process remains free, fair, and secure for all citizens. He also called on the Congress leadership to hold their workers accountable, criticizing the party for failing to live up to its promises to protect the Kashmiri Pandit community. “The Congress party has long claimed to stand for the safety and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits, but their actions show otherwise. Such hypocrisy will not be tolerated,” Majid stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting democratic values and ensuring that no community, including the Kashmiri Pandits, is subjected to violence, fear, or coercion during the electoral process.
