Jammu, Dec 24: The Congress Party has called for statehood before assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is imperative following the recent observations and directions by the Supreme Court during the hearing on the abrogation of Article 370.
The party asserted that holding elections without granting statehood would undermine the fundamental goal of reinstating democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing an conference of leaders and workers from the Vijaypur assembly constituency, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Chief, Vikar Rasool, said the Supreme Court’s remarks, setting a deadline for elections and emphasizing statehood restoration, serve as a comprehensive indictment of the Central government and the Lt Governor’s administration. Rectifying this injustice to Jammu and Kashmir is essential without further delay, calling for an apology to the people for this transgression, he said.
Rasool rallied party workers and Congress supporters, urging them to prepare for Lok Sabha and assembly elections while supporting democratic forces led by the Congress within the I.N.D.I.A alliance. He called on the people to “expose the false promises” of overall development by the LG’s administration, pointing to power and water crises.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of the PCC’s campaign committee, Tara Chand, said that the people have suffered due to the denial of services from their elected representatives. In light of the Supreme Court’s deadline for elections and statehood restoration, he demanded an explanation and an apology from the Centre and the LG’s administration for depriving the people of their democratic rights. He called for unity to expose the BJP’s damaging actions in Jammu and Kashmir.
PCC General Secretary and Senior Advocate, Mohinder Bhardwaj, reiterated the need for the Centre to honor the Supreme Court’s views and promptly declare statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the adverse effects of the Union Territory status, citing a lack of political representation, protection of land and job rights, and rising unemployment, particularly in the border areas of the Jammu region.
Expressing concern about the high unemployment rate of over 18%, Bhardwaj called for accountability from the Centre and the LG Administration. He questioned the failure to fulfill promises of special recruitment drives in JK Police and Central Paramilitary Forces, leaving the people suffering due to a lack of political empowerment.
