Srinagar, Sept 9: The BJP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday criticised ruling National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq over his alleged derogatory remarks about the people of Kashmir.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur strongly objected to Sadiq's remarks about poverty in Kashmir before the National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah came to power. Sadiq had claimed that at the time, an entire village would sometimes have only one pair of trousers to wear.
Thakur described the statement as “deeply disrespectful and insulting” to Kashmiris, saying political differences could not justify remarks that demeaned the dignity, culture and history of an entire society.
“Tanvir Sadiq should mind his words. You are not merely making a political statement—you are insulting the people of Kashmir and their heritage. Such disrespect will not be tolerated,” Thakur said.
He also questioned whether the NC spokesperson was aware of Kashmir's centuries-old identity as a land of seers, scholars and spiritual traditions.
Thakur demanded that Sadiq withdraw his remarks and publicly apologise to the people of Kashmir.
The PDP also sought an apology from the NC MLA.
“Will National Conference spokesperson tender an unconditional apology for the derogatory remarks against Kashmiris?” the party posted on its X handle.
Sadiq, speaking to reporters on the 44th death anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, had said Kashmir faced abject poverty at the time of Independence. He credited Sheikh Abdullah with taking several landmark measures that, according to him, helped lift the people of Kashmir out of poverty.
