Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, Aug 10
People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has made a strong appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to end the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood by announcing a concrete timeline for its restoration. Speaking at consecutive party conventions in Arizal, Khansahib, Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, on August 8 and 9, Yaseen said that ambiguity over the return of statehood is fueling confusion and unrest among the people. “Rumours and speculation are dominating the public discourse. This must end with a clear announcement in Parliament,” he said. Yaseen emphasized that the restoration of statehood must come not as a concession, but as a constitutional right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Statehood is not a charity. It is our right and should be reinstated with full honour and dignity as promised by the Union Government,” he asserted.
He warned that continued delays were affecting public morale and hampering development, particularly with rising unemployment and economic uncertainty.
“The region’s youth are bearing the brunt, struggling under the weight of unpaid loans, EMIs, and stalled projects,” he said.
Tourism, Hydel Projects Stalled; LG Assurances Await Implementation
Yaseen also urged the administration to lift tourism restrictions in Budgam’s key destinations such as Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan, saying that the bans are strangling the tourism economy and depriving thousands of families of their livelihoods.
“The LG assured me that the restrictions would be lifted. We expect those promises to be kept without delay,” he added.
He further called for immediate action on mini-hydel projects in Suknag and Shaliganga, which he said are fully ready but stuck due to delays in tendering. “These projects are vital for generating employment and meeting local energy needs,” Yaseen said, urging fast-tracked execution.
Demands Constitutional Guarantees, Not Symbolic Promises
Yaseen warned that symbolic or vague promises are no substitute for constitutional guarantees. He urged the Centre to roll back orders and bans that undermine the region’s autonomy and restrict freedom of expression, including the banning of books.
“Democratic freedoms must be respected. The current restrictions only deepen mistrust between the people and the government,” he cautioned.
In a scathing critique of the Congress party, Yaseen blamed it for initiating the political disempowerment of Jammu and Kashmir, citing the 1953 dismissal of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as the start of a “long betrayal.” He urged the youth to critically engage with history and understand the root causes of the region’s current status.
