Srinagar, July 24: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Friday visited the family of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain, who was killed in a militant attack while on duty at Lal Chowk in Anantnag, and said the country would remain indebted to the family that has lost two generations in the service of the nation.
Leading a BJP delegation to the slain policeman’s home in Lalpora, Verinag, Sharma expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said he had also facilitated a phone conversation between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the martyr’s son.
“Head Constable Ashiq Hussain was martyred two days ago while protecting this country and performing his duty at Lal Chowk, Anantnag. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir is mourning his loss,” Sharma said.
Recalling the family’s history of sacrifice, he said Ashiq Hussain’s father had also laid down his life in 1995.
“Thirty-one years ago, in February 1995, Ashiq Hussain’s father from the same family was martyred. Today, the son has also sacrificed his life while protecting the nation. Not just we, but the entire country is indebted to this family, and I do not think we can ever repay that debt.”
Sharma said Amit Shah had conveyed his condolences directly to the family.
“The Home Minister had asked me that when I visit here, I should connect him with the family. He also said that when he comes to Kashmir, he will definitely visit them,” Sharma said.
Assuring the family of continued support, he added: “On behalf of my party and the Government of India, I have assured them that a family which has given two martyrs to the nation will never be left alone. This will not remain only in words; they will practically feel that the nation and the Government of India stand with them.”
Responding to a demand from villagers that Lalpora be developed as a model village in recognition of its sacrifices, Sharma said efforts would be made to create a lasting memorial.
“This is a family of two martyrs. To keep their name alive and to give Lalpora its identity, we will make every effort to ensure there is some memorial — a statue, a ground, a school or some other mark of remembrance in this village,” he said.
Asked about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma said terrorism had declined significantly over the past few years but had not yet been completely eliminated.
“You have to go back 36 years. This is not a fight between two families; it is a conflict in which another country has been involved. It has been targeting our people. But if you look at the last four or five years, there has been a major decline in such incidents. This attack came after almost one to one-and-a-half years. Earlier, we used to see ten bodies in a day. Entire buses of passengers were taken off and shot. We have seen brides and grooms being killed. Today’s incident reminds us that terrorism has not yet been completely rooted out.”
On the demand for a risk allowance for Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel, Sharma said he fully supported the proposal.
“There is no doubt that the Jammu and Kashmir Police have made immense sacrifices in protecting the nation. I completely accept that they should get a risk allowance. I had raised this earlier in Kupwara as well. Work is underway, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police truly deserve it. They are a unique police force that has fought terrorism and continues to do so.”
Addressing the long-pending demands of Special Police Officers (SPOs), Sharma said their salaries had improved since the BJP came to power and hinted that another enhancement could be announced soon.
“Earlier, SPOs used to receive only ₹3,000, and even that was not paid regularly. After the Modi government came to power, a mechanism was created under which their salaries increased in phases. Recruitment into the police also gives them special weightage. Their present demand is for salary enhancement, and it is under consideration by the Central Government. I am confident you will hear good news on this very soon.”
Sharma also commented on the recent collapse of a commercial complex in Verinag, saying the Jammu and Kashmir government should first assess the losses and seek Central assistance.
“The state government should first evaluate the damage and send a proposal to the Centre. The Centre is ready to help. The Chief Minister himself has said that Delhi is providing funds generously. Let the proposal come, and we will also extend all possible assistance.”
