NEW DELHI: M Y Tarigami, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), has criticized the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi government for prioritizing the obliteration of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) history over addressing critical challenges such as unemployment, healthcare, and rising prices.
Tarigami’s remarks come in the wake of the removal of ‘Sher’ from the name of Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) by the BJP government.
In a statement, Tarigami highlighted the Modi government’s persistent efforts to reshape history by altering the names of significant roads and buildings. He expressed concern that these symbolic changes were overshadowing the pressing issues faced by the region’s residents.
Criticism on Modi Government’s Actions
The recent removal of the term ‘Sher’ (lion) from the name of the convention centre, a reference to the National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, has drawn widespread attention. The omission signifies a broader trend of the Modi government’s apparent determination to erase historical references associated with Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP’s decision to remove ‘Sher’ from the convention centre’s name has been met with criticism, with many interpreting it as an attempt to distance the region from its historical legacy. The move has sparked conversations about the broader implications of historical revisionism and the preservation of cultural and political heritage.
As the Modi government focuses on symbolic changes, critics argue that the pressing socio-economic challenges facing IIOJK residents remain inadequately addressed. Tarigami’s remarks reflect the frustration of those who believe that the government’s priorities should be centered on addressing the immediate needs and concerns of the people rather than altering historical symbols.
