Delay in restoration of Statehood denies J&K residents their constitutional rights: Karra

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra today urged the Govt of India to honor its commitment with respect to restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.Addressing a largely attended gathering of Congress Leaders and workers at Srinagar party headquarters, Karra reiterated the Congress party’s unwavering demand for statehood, emphasizing that it is a matter of principle and justice to people of J&K.

 The event witnessed the presence of all District Presidents, elected MLAs, and representatives across Kashmir, including members of frontal organization. Their participation reflected a united front within the party, standing resolute in their demand for the reinstatement of the region’s rights and guarantees.Karra reminded the Govt of India of its repeated assurances, made both in Parliament and from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir with respect to restoration of statehood. He emphasized that statehood is not merely a political demand, but a constitutional right, critical to safeguarding the region’s identity, resources, and dignity.

 “Statehood guarantees that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have full rights over their jobs, land, and natural resources. These rights are fundamental to the identity of our state and its citizens, Karra added and said the BJP Government took away these guarantees in 2019, so it is our (Congress Party’s) duty to fight for their restoration,” Karra stated.Criticizing the Government for failing to deliver on its commitments, Karra said, “The Prime Minister himself, on September 19, while addressing a rally in Srinagar, promised statehood restoration. Yet months have passed, but no concrete action has been taken. These promises now ring hollow reflecting an insult to the urges and aspirations of the people on the part of Govt of India.

 As the Winter Session of Parliament commences, the Congress party urges the Government to prioritize this issue and present a clear roadmap for restoring statehood. “Every day of delay adds to the disillusionment amongst the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Statehood is not a favor; it is our right. We demand immediate action on the commitments made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister,” Karra asserted.

 The event marked a strong and united voice from the Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir, with party leaders and workers reaffirming their resolve to fight for the restoration of statehood. The Congress leadership underscored that statehood is vital to ensure that aspirations of the people are responded with justice, dignity and rightful control over their land and resources.Those who spoke on the occasion included Senior Congress Leaders Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat, Surinder Singh Channi, Nissar Ahmad Mundoo, Abdul Rahim Rather, Abid Imtiyaz Bhat, District Presidents Irfan Naqib, Abdul Rashid Lone, Umer Jaan, Zaffar Farooq Salati, Reyaz Manhas, Er.Muzaffar, Iqbal Mir, Javed Ahmad Mir, Mushtaq Ahmad Tantray, Sheikh Aijaz,

 Those who were present included Senior Leaders Abdul Gani Khan, Mohd Iqbal Mir(Ang), Shaheena Neda, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Mir Ruvais, Amanullah Mattoo, Mahila District Presidents Nargis, Humaira, Shabnam,  Surjeet Singh Bakshi, Javed Ahmad, Youth leaders Mir Muzaffar, Yasir Mundoo, Ishfaq Ahmad and various other leaders and workers across Kashmir province.