Srinagar, Oct 31: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday declared October 31—observed as the Union Territory Foundation Day—as a “day of mourning” and a “day of regret” for Congress.
He was speaking to the media persons following the party’s programme at Congress Bhawan here to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 40th death anniversary,
He said, “How can you expect every conscious person in Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate after their state was taken away arbitrarily, undemocratically, and unconstitutionally? Their rights were stripped, and they were divided into two union territories. For us, this is not a day of celebration but a day of mourning.”
Responding to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s criticism of those who chose not to attend UT Foundation Day celebrations, Karra said: “He can criticise us, but it is not acceptable to disregard the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Having taken away their rights, how can one expect their representatives to partake in this so-called celebration?”
When asked about Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the restoration of statehood, the MLA acknowledged the significance of maintaining protocol.
“Whenever a new government is formed, it is customary for the Chief Minister to meet the central leadership. Omar met with them to represent the emotions and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Regarding his remarks on making structural changes within Congress, the JKPCC chief declined to elaborate. “I don’t wish to discuss these matters in the media or turn this into a media debate,” he said.
