Jammu/Srinagar: The Indian National Congress on Monday accused the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference of lagging behind in the struggle for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that Congress has remained at the forefront of the movement.
Reacting to recent remarks by NC President Farooq Abdullah, the party said the statements were an attempt to divert public attention amid growing resentment over the delay in restoration of statehood and the absence of a strong ground movement.
The Congress said it has consistently raised the issue and intensified its campaign, especially after the Assembly elections, by organising protests and mobilising public support for restoration of statehood.
Working President of JKPCC Raman Bhalla said the party had even refrained from joining the cabinet despite being entitled as a pre-poll alliance partner, in order to expose the BJP-led government over its “unfulfilled promise” of restoring statehood after elections.
Bhalla said Congress carried out sustained agitations under the slogan “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq”, including chain hunger strikes, “Srinagar Chalo”, “Jammu Chalo” and “Delhi Chalo” programmes. He added that senior central leaders, under the leadership of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, also raised the issue at the national level, including protests at Jantar Mantar and a march towards Parliament.
He said the Congress leadership had written to the Prime Minister urging fulfilment of commitments made regarding restoration of statehood, both in Parliament and in public.
Criticising the NC, Bhalla said instead of supporting the movement, the party questioned Congress’s efforts. He added that Congress had even offered NC leadership to lead the agitation, terming the issue as one concerning the entire population of Jammu and Kashmir.
Taking a dig at the NC, Bhalla said statehood “cannot be achieved by showering praises on the government that has betrayed the people of J&K,” and asked the party to explain its own efforts towards achieving the goal, including what became of its signature campaign.
The Congress reiterated that restoration of statehood remains a legitimate demand of the people and called for a united and sustained effort to achieve it.