Restore Statehood in J&K; Condemn Police Manhandling of Rajouri MLA: Manpreet Singh Mani

Jammu & Kashmir Indian Youth Congress (IYC) Secretary Manpreet Singh Mani today demanded the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir and strongly condemned the shameful manhandling of an elected Cong MLA Iftekhar Ahmed by police officials.

Speaking to the media, Singh said, “It is outrageous and unacceptable that a public representative—elected by the people—can be treated with such disrespect and aggression by the police.

He asserted that this act is not just an attack on an individual, but an assault on the institution of democracy itself. “The police force is meant to serve and protect—not intimidate and suppress. This kind of high-handedness only fuels the growing disconnect between the administration and the public.”

Highlighting the broader political context, Singh reiterated the demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. Mani said abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state in August 2019 have left the region disempowered, voiceless, and administratively stifled. “The people of Jammu & Kashmir have been reduced to mere spectators in the governance of their own land,” he said. “The promises made by the BJP have not translated into meaningful change on the ground. Instead, we see rising unemployment, curtailed civil liberties, and alienation among the youth.”
“The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve dignity, respect & representation—Singh concluded.