Actor-turned politician, Urmila Matondkar who joined the Congress in the month of March this year, has severely criticised the Modi government for the ongoing security clampdown in Kashmir. Addressing the media, the Congress leader said that her husband, a businessman who hails from Kashmir, has not been able to contact his parents for the last 22 days. His parents reside in Jammu & Kashmir. She said, “The question is not only about abrogating Article 370. It was done in inhuman manner.” Urmila further added, “My father-in-law and mother-in-law stay there. Both are diabetic, have high blood pressure. Today is the 22nd day, neither me nor my husband have been able to speak to them. We have no clue if they have medicines available at home.”
However, Twitter users have advised her and her husband to visit Kashmir or use landline given that landlines have been restored in most of the places in Kashmir. Ravi Rai, a Film Director tweeted, “@OfficialUrmila have you tried to meet your ailing in laws in Kashmir and the Govt has stopped you? If yes, then we can show the documents of refusal to the entire nation and stand with you in solidarity. But be clear, it’s all about you longing for your in laws and not an agenda.”
@OfficialUrmila have you tried to meet your ailing in laws in Kashmir and the Govt has stopped you? If yes, then we can show the documents of refusal to the entire nation and stand with you in solidarity. But be clear, it's all about you longing for your in laws and not an agenda
— Ravi Rai (@Raviravirai) August 30, 2019
Prashant Patel Umrao, an advocate also tweeted, “Ask him to use landline phone or visit directly. @UrmilaMatondkar.”
https://twitter.com/ippatel/status/1167371145747677185
Some users also suggested that Urmila Matondkar and her husband should bring them to Mumbai since there is no restriction on flights from Srinagar given that Mumbai has better medical facilities than Jammu & Kahsmir or any other part of India.
Yet another Twitter user stated, “Why were your parents not in Mumbai if they were not well? I am sure Mumbai has much better hospital than kashmir. He should have taken a flight and gone too. Why is he still in Mumbai.”
Why were your parents not in Mumbai if they were not well? I am sure Mumbai has much better hospital than kashmir. He should have taken a flight and gone too. Why is he still in Mumbai.
— Ajay Yadav (@adcajay) August 30, 2019
It must be kept in mind that Urmila Matondkar’s husband is a businessman. The sentiment that has echoed on Twitter is that as such, they shouldn’t really have much of a problem in flying to Kashmir and looking after the aged couple.
Mumbai has better health facilities than Kashmir so instead of doing drama bring ailing parent's to Mumbai & instead of enjoying take care of them.
— Sanjay G.Varu (@SanjayGVaru) August 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/papudilse/status/1167485963875966976
It must be kept in mind that the government has not imposed a clampdown in Kashmir without any reason. The intent behind the move is to keep the local people safe from Pakistan sponsored terrorism and anti-social elements. The security clampdown in Kashmir has ensured that the state has remained largely peaceful. Besides, in an emergency situation citizens are provided help from the authorities. The matter at hand is a larger law and order issue and it is the duty of the government that peace and tranquility is maintained so that people’s lives are protected.
It must be noted that earlier this month, the Supreme Court had refused to lift curbs in Jammu & Kashmir. The apex court bench hearing the petition against communication restrictions had observed, “This is a very sensitive issue and needs to be considered seriously. Facilities should be given but at the same time it must be ensured there is normalcy and no life is lost.” This is exactly what needs to be understood. The state is passing through a sensitive phase and that is why restrictions were imposed in the first place.