Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 18: Senior National Conference (NC) leader, former Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, and Chairman of the J&K Rural Development Society (JKRDS), Haji Mubarak Gul, asserted that statehood is a fundamental right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir during his first visit to Jammu today.
The visit marked his first appearance at Nagrota in Jammu after securing victory in the Legislative Assembly elections for the seventh consecutive time from the Eidgah constituency in Kashmir.
During his journey from Srinagar to Jammu, Gul was greeted enthusiastically at various stopovers, including Chenani, Udhampur, and Nagrota. Senior party leaders and JKRDS functionaries participated in the events, with former Minister and JKRDS senior vice-chairman Babu Rampal leading the celebrations alongside other dignitaries.
Speaking at the gathering, Gul expressed his deep emotional bond with Jammu, saying, “Though I was born in Kashmir, Jammu has always been close to my heart, standing with me in both joy and sorrow since 1977.” He emphasized the historical and cultural ties that unite the regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, highlighting their mutual reliance for socio-economic progress.
Reflecting on the events of August 5, 2019, which led to the reorganization of J&K and the separation of Ladakh, Gul expressed regret over the political fragmentation. “Although Leh and Kargil are now administratively separate, the hearts of their people remain connected to us,” he stated, reiterating his firm belief that the demand for statehood is not merely an appeal but a Constitutional Right.
The event also included the introduction of JKRDS officials and senior party colleagues. Prominent attendees included Qazi Jallalludin (secretary, JKRDS), Ashok Koul (Chairman, Minority Cell JKRDS), K L Abrol (provincial Chairman, JKRDS), Sham Lal Gupta (provincial secretary, JKRDS), and other district-level Chairpersons. Senior NC members such as Dr Vikas Sharma (zonal secretary), Ankush Abrol (provincial joint secretary) and Arvind Jamwal also participated.
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