NC leaders reiterate call for statehood restoration

Jammu, Dec 22: Former minister and National Conference president central zone, Babu Rampaul on Sunday reiterated the party’s demand for the restoration of full-fledged statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to fulfill their promise to the people of J&K, who he said are “utterly frustrated due to unfair discrimination with them at the hands of Centre”.
Rampaul was addressing the office bearers and party workers during a programme in which Swaran Dev Singh, a retired PHE Inspector and President of PHE Union, Sub-Division Hiranagar officially joined Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), along with a substantial number of his supporters, according to a statement issued here.
The programme was organised by Dr Vikas Sharma, Coordinator Jammu District and Secretary of the Central Zone of JKNC. Babu Rampaul was the chief guest, while Ankush Abrol, Provincial Joint Secretary NC, served as the guest of honour. Rampaul garlanded Swaran Dev Singh and his supporters and welcomed them into the party fold.
Addressing the gathering, Rampaul emphasised the need to fortify the party’s base at the grassroots level. He highlighted the pivotal role of dedicated workers and local leadership in addressing the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “JKNC has always been a voice for the common people, and it is our collective responsibility to strengthen this movement at every level,” he remarked.
Rampaul said people have high expectations from the central government. “Granting full-fledged statehood would align with the larger interests of both J&K and the country,” he said.
Expressing concern over the delay in restoring statehood to J&K, Rampaul warned that prolonged inaction could foster discontent among the region’s people. He reaffirmed the National Conference’s commitment, under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, to promoting democratic governance and socio-economic welfare across Jammu and Kashmir.
Ankush Abrol, in his address, underscored the importance of youth participation in political discourse and called for a united effort to address pressing regional issues. He urged the attendees to work collectively for the welfare of the people and uphold the principles of justice and development championed by JKNC.
Dr Vikas Sharma extended a warm welcome to S D Singh and his supporters, appreciating their decision to align with JKNC’s vision for equitable development and progress in the region. He praised Singh’s commitment to public welfare and expressed confidence that his inclusion would invigorate the party’s efforts in Hiranagar and beyond.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a resolution to amplify efforts to strengthen JKNC’s presence across the region. The inclusion of Swaran Dev Singh and his supporters is seen as a significant boost to the party’s influence in Hiranagar.