Jammu: National Conference Provincial President for Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta on Saturday accused the BJP-led Union government of delaying the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood despite the fulfilment of conditions cited earlier by the Centre.
Addressing a meeting of party functionaries at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan in Jammu, Gupta alleged that the Centre had repeatedly shifted its position on the issue. He said delimitation had been completed, Assembly elections had been held, an elected government was in place, the security situation had improved and tourism and pilgrimages were continuing peacefully.
According to a party statement, Gupta questioned the delay in restoring statehood and sought an explanation from the Centre over what he described as repeated assurances by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister on the issue.
He claimed that the demand for restoration of statehood transcended political affiliations and reflected the democratic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Further delay, he alleged, would undermine public confidence and raise concerns about the Centre’s commitment to democratic principles and federalism.
Gupta urged the Union government to introduce and pass a Statehood Restoration Bill during the ongoing session of Parliament, saying it would strengthen democratic governance and restore public confidence.
Announcing the party’s proposed protest in Delhi, Gupta said it was intended to press the Centre to fulfil its commitment on statehood. He also called upon National Conference workers to stage protests at all district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir on July 20 in support of the demand for immediate restoration of statehood, the statement added.