Srinagar, Jan 26: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, during the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Srinagar on Sunday strongly advocated for the restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards for local jobs and land in the Union Territory (UT).
“Statehood is the rightful demand of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and should be restored. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured this on the floor of Parliament. They also promised that jobs and land would be protected for locals,” he said.
Choudhary was speaking at the Republic Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar where he unfurled the national flag and inspected the march past.
He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are known for their hard work, hospitality, brotherhood but have gone through various challenges for the past some years especially after the state was turned into a Union Territory in 2019”, he said.
“This has created dissatisfaction in the hearts of the people. The demand of the people to return the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir should be fulfilled,” Deputy CM Choudhary said.
He said the Prime Minister had promised to restore the statehood and should fulfil it at the earliest.
“On this occasion we appeal to the central government to restore the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir that not only will bring back the self-confidence of the people but will open the ways for the development besides it will also strengthen the peace, prosperity democratic moles”, he said.
Choudhary also asked people to take a pledge to make India more beautiful and make Jammu and Kashmir powerful in every aspect.
The Dy Chief Minister said the promises made by the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir will be fulfilled in a phased manner.
He said whatever the promises have been made by their Government will be fulfilled one by one.
“The recent elections witnessed a massive voter turnout in which people put their trust in us after being promised several things. We are committed to fulfill all those promises one by one and the government led by Omar Abdullah has been working day-in and day-out to fulfill all the promises”, he added
Deputy CM Choudhary said that the increase in ration quota, employment and other issues will be ensured soon as the elected government has been working 24×7 in this regard.
He said that there is importance for peace, development, and the dignity of the region. Jammu & Kashmir is not just a piece of land. Restoring statehood is crucial to rebuilding the self-esteem of its people,” he said.
Reflecting on the Constitution’s significance on Republic Day, Choudhary called for fulfilling promises made to the people within its framework.
He praised NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, “Sher-i-Kashmir,” and his legacy of fostering prosperity and secularism in the region. He also expressed commitment to fulfilling electoral promises, including restoring special status, rationalizing reservation quotas, improving employment opportunities, enhancing electricity supply, and combating drug abuse.
Addressing the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, he said, “It is painful for everyone that Kashmiri Pandits had to leave the Valley. This government will work towards their return.”
Meanwhile, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah also reiterated the demand for restoring statehood. “India is a republic, and its Constitution must protect the aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir. Statehood should be restored,” he told reporters at Bakshi Stadium.
This was the first time in six years that an elected representative spoke at a Republic Day event in Jammu & Kashmir. It was also Choudhary’s maiden address as Deputy Chief Minister following the first elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
