Statehood Delay Betrays People of J&K, PM and HM Urged to Fulfil Commitment Without Further Delay
DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Jul 3
Chairman of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Kissan Congress, Bharat Priye, on Friday wholeheartedly endorsed the stand taken by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra that the Congress Party will not become part of the Omar Abdullah-led government until the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Describing the demand for statehood as the collective aspiration of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir, Bharat Priye said the issue rises above political affiliations and represents the democratic rights, dignity and constitutional identity of the people. He asserted that restoration of statehood is not merely a political commitment but a solemn promise made by the country’s leadership, which must now be fulfilled without any further delay.
Priye said the Congress has consistently maintained that the restoration of full statehood is non-negotiable and should precede any discussion on sharing power. He praised Tariq Hameed Karra for adopting a principled and people-centric stand, stating that the party has rightly placed the interests of the people above political considerations.
“The voice for restoration of statehood is the voice of every man and woman in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a matter of democratic rights, self-respect and constitutional justice. The Congress Party’s stand reflects the genuine aspirations of the people,” Bharat Priye said.
He reminded that both the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister had publicly assured the people and Parliament that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time after the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir. Priye said the appropriate time has now arrived and there is no justification for any further delay.
“The Prime Minister and the Home Minister should now fulfil their promise. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited patiently and deserve justice.
Any further postponement would amount to a betrayal of the trust reposed by the people in these assurances,” he maintained.
The Kissan Congress Chairman said restoration of statehood would strengthen democratic institutions, enhance administrative accountability and empower elected representatives to address the developmental aspirations of the people more effectively. He added that a fully empowered elected government is essential for ensuring responsive governance, accelerating development and safeguarding the constitutional rights of the people.
Bharat Priye appealed to the Union Government to rise above political considerations and take an early decision to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying such a move would reinforce democratic values, honour the commitments made to the people and help usher in a new era of confidence, stability and inclusive development in the Union Territory.
