Srinagar, 3 October (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra today demanded an impartial inquiry into the Leh violence that resulted in the deaths of four persons on September 24, insisting it should be conducted by a sitting High Court judge or, if not possible, a retired judge of integrity.

While talking to reporters here, he said, “Whatever happened in Leh, we will not repeat it, but there should be an inquiry. And the inquiry should be through an impartial sitting High Court judge. If it is not possible to provide a sitting High Court judge on a fast track, then there should be an inquiry through a credible man of integrity, who is a retired judge,” he said.

Earlier, while paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries, Karra highlighted their leadership and commitment to a self-reliant India. “Today is the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is known as the father of the nation. Today is also the birthday of our second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Along with remembering their leadership, the entire Congress Party across the country celebrates to recall their principles, passion, philosophy, and ideology,” he said.

Karra noted that Gandhian philosophy continues to resonate globally. “You will be surprised that Gandhi, as father of the nation, ideologist, and philosopher, is even remembered in the United Nations today,” he said.

On the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Karra said decisions regarding seat sharing and alliances will be taken at the central level by Congress leadership. He added that senior party leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh has already been appointed as observer.

Responding to a question on Independent legislator Mehraj Malik, Karra said he should be allowed to participate in the Assembly session. “If we remember, even Engineer Rashid was allowed to participate in Parliament when he was in Tihar Jail. Keeping that analogy, Mehraj Malik should also be allowed,” he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar