Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra demanded a thorough judicial inquiry into the Leh violence of September 24, which tragically resulted in the loss of four lives. Speaking on Thursday at a press conference, he insisted that the investigation must be conducted by a sitting High Court judge or, if that is not feasible, a retired judge of integrity.
Karra emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Whatever happened in Leh should not be repeated, but there must be an inquiry. If a sitting High Court judge is not available on a fast track, then the probe should be entrusted to a credible retired judge.” His remarks highlight the importance of maintaining law and order in the region, especially in light of the tragic events that unfolded in Leh.
During the same media interaction, Karra paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. He praised their leadership, ideology, and commitment to a self-reliant India, asserting that Gandhian philosophy continues to inspire not just India but also resonates globally, including at the United Nations.
Karra’s concerns extend beyond the demand for justice. Regarding the approaching Rajya Sabha elections, he mentioned that decisions regarding seat sharing and potential alliances would be firmly in the hands of the Congress leadership at the central level. He noted that senior leader Digvijay Singh has been appointed as an observer in this context.
Additionally, he voiced support for Independent legislator Mehraj Malik, advocating for his participation in the Assembly session. He pointed out, “Even Engineer Rashid was allowed to participate in Parliament while lodged in Tihar Jail. By the same analogy, Mehraj Malik should also be allowed.” Karra’s comments underline the need for equitable treatment of all legislators regardless of their circumstances.
The call for a judicial inquiry into the Leh violence not only reflects a commitment to justice but also aims to rebuild trust in the legal system. The incident, which has stirred significant unrest in the region, demands careful scrutiny to prevent future occurrences. As JKPCC leads the charge for accountability, locals anxiously await further developments in this pressing issue.
