J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra today accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “isolating” India on the global stage, claiming that even neighbouring countries are now “threatening” it.
Addressing a press conference in South Kashmir’s Kulgam after kick-starting the party’s ‘Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq’ campaign, Karra also questioned the benefits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign tours, which he said involved the spending of crores of rupees.
“The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru used to safeguard India’s foreign policy. That remained the case until the BJP came to power,” he said.
He stressed that under BJP rule, the situation has deteriorated to the extent that even India’s neighbours are now threatening it.
“Countries that once considered India their elder brother are now turning against it. The BJP has isolated the country globally,” he said.
Karra questioned why the countries visited by the Prime Minister as part of his foreign diplomacy efforts did not stand with India during episodes of cross-border shelling.
On the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the JKPCC President demanded accountability for the alleged security lapses and called for transparency in the Government’s response.
“As far as the Pahalgam attack is concerned, the Government has admitted failure. But we believe the failure occurred much earlier – in intelligence gathering and security measures,” he said.
He added, “Even if it was a failure, where did the attackers go? Sketches were circulated, but nothing happened after that. It’s been two months. Where are they? Are they in J&K or somewhere else? Why haven’t they been caught?”
Karra stressed the need for accountability and clarity on whether any investigation has been initiated.
“Was any commission formed? Has there been any probe? We don’t know what might have happened internally, but the Government must make it public. Who is responsible for the security and intelligence lapses?” he asked.
He also took aim at the External Affairs Minister, saying that certain statements made by him have “damaged the country’s foreign policy.”
“We’ve never seen a country inform its enemy that it won’t attack them – only the areas from where terrorism originates. This weakens our diplomatic position,” Karra said.
The party launched its “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq” campaign in Kulgam’s Chawalgam, renewing its demand for the restoration of Statehood to J&K.
JKPCC President, presiding over the convention, accused the BJP-led Centre of deliberately delaying Statehood to deny people their rights.
“Despite assurances in Parliament and even the Supreme Court’s directive, the delay is deliberate. Congress will not rest until Statehood is restored,” Karra said.
He questioned the silence of J&K BJP, asking whether they even support the demand. “If they do, why don’t they speak up and pressurize their central leadership?” he said.
JKPCC President also raised concerns over US involvement in Kashmir affairs, saying it violates the Shimla Agreement and reflects a failed foreign policy. “The Prime Minister must clarify whether the Shimla pact still stands,” he said.
CLP leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir, addressing the gathering, said Congress would continue to fight for people’s rights. “J&K is the worst victim of BJP’s divisive politics. Innocent lives were lost, yet the Centre spins stories of peace to cover up its failures,” he said.
