Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 30: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra today accused the Centre of resorting to delay tactics and showing no real intent to restore J&K’s Statehood.
Addressing a press conference in north Kashmir’s Kupwara after a program held under the Congress’ “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” campaign, Karra said that the ongoing struggle for the restoration of Statehood is not for the benefit of any political party, but for the people of J&K. Click here to watch video
“This struggle is not for any political party-neither the Congress nor the National Conference. It is for the people of J&K. We raised this issue in Jammu and are now taking it forward in Kashmir. By July 9, we will complete the campaign,” he said.
He asserted that the special rights guaranteed under Articles 370 and 35-A were abrogated on August 5, 2019, “unilaterally” and in an “undemocratic manner.”
Since then, he added, both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have repeatedly assured, inside and outside Parliament, that Statehood would be restored.
“But each time, a new excuse is given-sometimes it’s security, sometimes delimitation, then elections, and now formation of the Government. Even after eight months of Government formation, there’s still no clear intent to restore Statehood,” Karra said.
He reiterated Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s commitment to continue fighting for the rights of the people and to restore the lost dignity and honour of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The culmination of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir demonstrates Rahul Gandhi’s tireless efforts and his uncompromising fight for justice-not only for the people of J&K but across the country, where democracy and democratic rights are under assault under BJP rule,” Karra said.
He added that the Congress, both before and after the elections, has consistently demanded the restoration of Statehood, which he said is the rightful claim of the people of J&K.
“But as we saw only excuses being made, we decided to turn this into a public movement across J&K under the ‘Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq’ campaign, which will also reach the block level across Kashmir,” he said.
Reacting to reports suggesting that re-elections are a prerequisite for restoring Statehood, Karra dismissed them as psychological pressure tactics.
“This is a mind game being played to intimidate MLAs by suggesting that if they push for Statehood, they may be forced to contest elections again,” he said.
Karra said the Congress, under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, has held the Modi Government accountable and “exposed its diversionary tactics.”
He described the Bharat Jodo Yatra as a historic movement in Indian political history, asserting that no other leader has walked thousands of miles to protect democracy and democratic institutions.
He further said the current situation in the country is “not favourable for the people,” alleging that the Modi Government has “no policy to empower citizens or promote development.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
