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SRINAGAR: Tensions between the National Conference (NC) leadership and its Srinagar MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah, escalated as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed Ruhullah’s criticism as insignificant. The influential Shia leader from the Aga clan hit back, urging the party to rise above personal egos and prioritise the suffering and aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir’s people. “It’s unfortunate that the conversation has been reduced to personal attacks. I’m not the story—Ruhullah is just a name. The real story is the existential threat to Kashmir. Do our leaders know where our jailed youth are? Do they remember the promises to restore our dignity? We didn’t fight to honour dictators with shawls and bouquets—we fought for justice,” Ruhullah told reporters.Addressing what he called personal attacks from within the NC, Ruhullah said he was prepared for confrontation but would not let the people’s concerns be sidelined. “They’re making it personal. If they want an ego-driven fight, I’m ready. But first, answer this: our issues are bigger than personal grudges,” he asserted.Expressing concern for detainees, Ruhullah criticised the government’s silence. “Thousands of our youth are languishing in jails. Do our leaders even know their whereabouts? Where are the promised jobs? Our religion and culture are under attack—where’s the fight for that?” he asked. He clarified that his remarks were not rebellion but a call for accountability. “I’m nothing without the mandate of the people. They deserve answers. What have we done in a year for our incarcerated youth?” he asked.Reaffirming his loyalty to the public, not party ranks, Ruhullah said, “The people voted for their identity, not for me. Those loyal to them will prevail; those who betray their trust will face consequences.”In a message to the government and NC members, Ruhullah urged them to view criticism constructively. “Instead of targeting me, focus on the reservation issue affecting our youth. That’s where the government’s attention should be,” he said. Meanwhile, NC MLA Majeed Larmi, responding to Ruhullah’s criticism of the party leadership, challenged him to resign from his parliamentary seat and contest fresh elections if he believes the Chief Minister has failed to deliver. “If Ruhullah claims the Chief Minister has done nothing, he should resign from the MP seat he won on the NC ticket,” Larmi told reporters here. He added, “Step down, contest a new election, and let the people decide.”
