Jammu, Feb 23: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government for its continued delay in restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, questioning whether the promise was just another “Jumla” by the Modi government.
Addressing a large workers’ convention in Muthi, Jammu, Karra accused the BJP of betraying the people of J&K, despite repeated assurances from the Prime Minister and Home Minister on restoring statehood.
He said the Congress Party will not rest until statehood is restored. “The BJP made this commitment on the floor of Parliament, before the Supreme Court and during recent elections,” he said.
However, he expressed surprise and disappointment over the silence of BJP’s local leaders and MLAs after securing a massive mandate in Jammu. “Is this not a continued deception by the central government? The people of J&K are suffering due to the absence of full powers with the elected government,” he said.
Karra said different sections of society—including unemployed youth, daily wagers, contractual and ad-hoc employees, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, SPOs and NHM employees—are struggling for justice.
The J&K Congress chief further said that Dogras are facing hardships. “They (Dogras) are the worst affected by the loss of identity, dignity and rights over land, jobs and natural resources,” he said. Karra accused the BJP of allowing outsiders to exploit J&K’s resources, thereby endangering Dogra culture, language, and peaceful coexistence.
The convention, organised by DCC Rural under Th Hari Singh Chib, was attended by senior Congress leaders including Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla, Ch Lal Singh and others.
Tara Chand in his address highlighted Congress’ historic role in uniting people and safeguarding constitutional rights. He called for the protection of Dalits and other marginalised communities.
Raman Bhalla accused the Modi government of snatching J&K’s identity and rights arbitrarily. He said Congress will continue to fight for statehood, and urged the Chief Minister and NC to take a more proactive role in pushing for an early resolution.
Ch Lal Singh accused the Central government of eroding Dogra identity and weakening laws that protected land, jobs and culture, originally introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh. “The land and job opportunities are being taken away from locals, and outsiders are being given undue advantage,” he alleged.
Several Congress leaders also raised concerns about rising crime rates in Jammu, drug mafia, illegal land grabs and unchecked industrial expansion which they said are damaging local agriculture and livelihoods.
