Chasoti Tragedy Turned Into Photo-Op: Civil Rights Advocate Slams LoP Sunil Sharma, MLA Shagun Parihar
Mohd Irfan
In a hard-hitting interview with local news outlet, prominent civil rights activist and senior advocate of the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh High Court, Sheikh Shakeel Ahmad, hailed the restoration of the Darbar Move as a “revival of Jammu’s collapsed economy,” crediting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the bold decision. Taking a direct swipe at Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar, Advocate Shakeel accused them of turning the Chasoti cloudburst tragedy—where dozens of Machail Mata pilgrims lost their lives—into a “photo-op event.” Speaking on a wide range of issues, he tore into the BJP’s “selective politics,” slammed the silence of Jammu’s legislators, and called for accountability and compassion in governance across the Union Territory.
Interviewer: As you know, the bi-annual practice of the Darbar Move has been restored after a hiatus of four years. What do you have to say about this? Is it a good move on the part of the government?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: After a long time, the Darbar Move has finally been restored, which will boost the economy of Jammu’s traders, the Chamber of Commerce, and others. This has been a consistent demand of the Jammu traders. Earlier, the government had claimed that the Darbar Move caused a loss of about ₹280 crores. I express my gratitude to our Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for restoring it. The people of Jammu gave a rousing reception to the CM, and he reciprocated warmly — something everyone can see on social media.
Recalling the past, when Sheikh Abdullah visited Jammu, he was shown black flags and faced protests, with markets shutting down. But the recent euphoria and celebrations over the reopening of the Darbar Move are a welcome sign. This will go a long way in boosting Jammu’s economy.
Taking a dig at the BJP MLAs who have maintained a stoic silence over the reopening, I ask: why don’t they want cordial relations between Jammu and Kashmir? Because of the halt in the Darbar Move, iconic markets like Purani Mandi, Residency Road, and Raghunath Bazaar had turned deserted — the hustle and bustle were gone. Earlier, shops at Residency Road would even offer “Buy two shirts, get one free.” With employees and their families returning, footfall will increase, boosting trade, tourism, and rentals. Even local students will benefit, as children of employees will join tutorials and educational institutions in Jammu.
Interviewer: Do you think the tourist spots in Jammu have facilities comparable to those in Kashmir?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: You’ve rightly touched my jugular vein. It’s often reiterated that Jammu faces discrimination compared to Kashmir. Jammu too has MLAs — so why aren’t they representing the aspirations of Jammuities? People still recall Pandit Tarlochan Dutt, Girdhari Lal Dogra, D.D. Thakur, and Sheikh Abdul Rehman — they were true voices of the voiceless.
Unfortunately, today’s legislators prefer playing to the gallery instead of addressing the genuine concerns of the masses. Jammu is a powerful Union Territory, indirectly controlled by the central government, yet our own MLAs remain silent. Who stopped them from raising Jammu’s voice?
There are five bridges that collapsed — all built using so-called “space technology.” None of the 28 BJP MLAs had the courage to demand a CBI inquiry. Between ₹200 and ₹400 crores were spent on these projects, yet no accountability was fixed. Illegal mining continues unchecked; even the NHAI officials responsible were not suspended.
During flash floods, when an MLA visited the devastated areas, people pleaded for help. His shocking reply was, “Who told you to build your houses on a khad (streambed)?” Yet, during elections, the same MLA promised to take action. These MLAs have failed miserably to address public grievances. Beyond raising slogans, they have done little to speak about broken bridges, tourism, or youth employment.
Interviewer: Neither the opposition nor the ruling government seems to take up issues affecting the public. Instead, we witness only ruckus and pandemonium in the Legislative Assembly.
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: Sometimes it appears as though our Assembly is a fixed match. Two or three bills are passed — including those that raise legislators’ salaries from ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakhs. Have you seen any disagreement among them? They’re all on the same page.
Interviewer: By putting aside people’s manifestos, the leaders seem more concerned about themselves. What do you say?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: I agree. Their first concern is themselves — “Vikas Ho Gaya” (development has happened) only for them.
Interviewer: You mentioned a “fixed match.” The LG administration is taking credit for resuming the Darbar Move.
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: The credit for resuming the Darbar Move goes to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The BJP never wanted Jammu and Kashmir to come together on one page. Internally, they even talk about separating Jammu. Let me put it straight — they don’t want any Muslim to work in the Civil Secretariat. But Jammu people share genuine love with Kashmiris.
The truth is that Kashmiri bureaucrats and judges are often more efficient and braver. Jammu officers, on the other hand, have earned the dubious distinction of halting work under the garb of “rules.” People say Kashmiri officers are compassionate.
When I think of Jammu’s best officers, I recall none other than Chief Secretary Sheikh Ghulam Rasool. In the days to come, I believe the division between Jammu and Kashmir will eventually end. Religion has nothing to do with this — I hold no political affiliation. Tell me, with 28 BJP MLAs now in power, why does Jammu still not get justice? Earlier, there were only two or four BJP MLAs, yet the situation remains the same.
I mock the BJP MLAs for their selective outrage. Take the tragic natural disaster at Chasoti in Kishtwar, where about 150 devotees lost their lives. No responsibility has been fixed. Were these innocent victims not Sanatani? Why the silence? There was an advisory for the holy yatra — why was it still allowed? Even the Leader of Opposition didn’t raise this in the House.
Interviewer: Pictures were seen being clicked at the Chasoti disaster site.
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: That was nothing but vote-bank politics. Cameras were there; photos were taken for publicity. Who will fix accountability? Why was the Machil Yatra not stopped despite red alerts and advisories?
Look at the Katra Shrine Board tragedy — 34–35 devotees lost their lives. On August 16 there was an advisory, on the 25th a red alert, and yet on the 26th the tragedy happened. Not a single FIR was registered — only a casual diary entry. Were these devotees not Sanatani? Were they not Hindus? God forbid, if such an incident had occurred elsewhere, you can imagine the uproar in Jammu.
Interviewer: It appears there is no regard for sentiments. Recently, a shocking incident came to light — 35 cows were smuggled, yet there were no protests or outrage. Had the culprits belonged to another community, things might have been different. What’s your take?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: Gradually, people are realizing what’s happening. The FIR in this case was registered after a delay of one and a half years — and it was filed by a Sanatani. The complainant had to move court for justice. The Court, after hearing the JMC and Animal Husbandry Department, concluded that a cognizable offence was indeed made out.
Interestingly, among the ten accused was a former Mayor — a BJP leader and self-styled protector of the city. The High Court even banned him from visiting the Gaushala premises. The DC formed a committee to monitor its functioning, naming the former Mayor, four corporators, and a few Gaurakshaks as members. Despite the court’s stay, the former Mayor and others continued to visit and participate in activities there.
No arrests were made. No Gaurakshak came out in protest. Were their religious sentiments not hurt when 35 cows were smuggled? Had it been someone from another community, there would have been riots.
Interviewer: So, had the accused belonged to another religion, the situation would have been different?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: Exactly. Then their houses would have been burnt; their families booked; bail denied — all in the name of “law and order.” I thank Almighty Allah that the allegations were against the former Mayor and not someone else, or there would have been a law-and-order crisis.
Usually, such allegations are made against the tribal community, who are then beaten mercilessly by Gaurakshaks, while police watch. Videos of such assaults go viral. Thank God this time, the accused were not tribals. Those named in the FIR are sitting comfortably in their drawing rooms. Selective narratives are being built in Jammu to mislead people and communalize politics.
Our BJP legislators thrive on Hindu-Muslim politics. They fail to debate constitutionally or legally. Look at the Fourth Tawi Bridge that collapsed, disconnecting 30–40 villages, including Talab Tillo and Bhagwati Nagar. Did any of the 28 BJP MLAs sit in protest there? Their only intent is to inflame communal tensions, not serve people. How did Sat Sharma win? Everyone knows there was horse-trading and cross-voting.
Interviewer: Coming to the functioning of the elected government — neither ruling nor opposition parties seem to raise people’s issues. Around ₹2 crore was spent in one month on the free women’s transport scheme, and promises were made about free LPG cylinders, employment, and ration. Were these schemes properly deliberated before inclusion in manifestos?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: Elections today are fought on emotions. Those attacking Omar Abdullah for failing to deliver should first answer: where are the ₹15 lakh promised in every citizen’s account? That was their election manifesto. When questioned, they say it was a Jumla (rhetoric).
Interviewer: So, whether it’s the ruling or opposition side, the issues of the masses remain unresolved — people continue to suffer?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: Yes. I mentioned the ₹15-lakh promise because people vote under emotional influence. Only one year of the NC government has passed; give Omar Abdullah at least two to three years. The government should fulfill its poll promises.
Interviewer: Don’t you think there should be a fixed timeline for fulfilling poll promises — like 24 LPG cylinders, employment, free electricity, pensions, etc.?
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: I agree. In a democracy, that’s how it should be. If there’s any hope for Muslims, it lies with Omar Sahib — a true statesman, free from any blot. He’s different. It’s not that he doesn’t think about fulfilling promises — he’s already working toward them.
You might recall that during his election campaign, Omar Sahib removed his cap and humbly appealed to voters for support. He has faced many struggles, lost elections, yet bounced back. He’s under pressure even from within his own party. If NC has to remain relevant, it must deliver on its promises. Otherwise, how will it face the public?
NC remains the only party with presence across Basantgarh, Surankote, Bani, Basholi, Rajouri, Thannamnadi, and other areas. Why? Because it has a legacy. I have no personal affiliation with NC, but it’s a Tareeq (a movement). It was NC that gave land to the tiller through Sheikh Abdullah’s revolutionary Agrarian Reforms Act. He spent 20–25 years in jail for the people. Today’s leaders merely chant slogans. Sheikh Sahib’s reforms changed lives — land once owned by jagirdars went to poor farmers. Tell me, which of today’s leaders has made such contributions? Jammu and Kashmir has become a political laboratory. For the past five years under the LG administration, is there any grievance-redressal mechanism for common people? Did the LG ever visit our broken bridges? Did Mathur Sahib ask which officials’ negligence caused them?
Even as Chairman of the Shrine Board, did the LG speak about the deaths of devotees? Reports that should have been filed within seven or fourteen days have not been made public. There is zero accountability. But if a Gujjar moves from one place to another, he’s beaten to death. In Muradpur, Rajouri, one Gujjar was stoned to death by Gaurakshaks. It’s like a fixed match — some issues are hyped, others buried. “You pick your dead bodies; we’ll pick ours.” During the Chasoti disaster, both the MLA and the Leader of Opposition were seen lifting bodies. Where was the NDRF? Everything was left to local leaders. Our society is being divided — brothers and sisters pitted against each other. They are deliberately trying to vitiate communal harmony.
