Tara Chand seeks early restoration of J&K Statehood, raises concern over paper leaks

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 7: Working president of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and former deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today strongly reiterated the demand for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir while expressing concern over repeated question paper leaks in the NEET examination and other national-level competitive tests.

He was addressing a monthly meeting of prominent Congress workers from the Akhnoor and Chhamb Assembly constituencies at Khour, where senior party leaders, office bearers and grassroots workers discussed the prevailing political situation, organizational issues and public concerns.

Referring to recurring examination paper leaks, Tara Chand said such incidents had exposed serious shortcomings in the Government's ability to conduct fair, transparent and credible examinations, adversely affecting the future of lakhs of deserving students. He demanded strict accountability, a transparent investigation into the leaks and comprehensive reforms to restore public confidence in the examination system.

Reaffirming the Congress party's long-standing stand, Tara Chand urged the Central Government to restore full statehood to J&K without further delay. He said the people had been waiting for the restoration of their democratic rights and constitutional status and that the Government must fulfill its repeated commitments.

He also called upon both the Central and J&K Governments to honour the promises made before the Assembly elections, particularly on employment, development, public welfare, infrastructure and good governance. According to him, the electorate expects tangible action and governments must remain accountable to the people.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to intensify organizational activities across the Akhnoor and Chhamb constituencies and strengthen the party at the grassroots level.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Madan Lal Sharma (district vice president), Jagattar Singh, Rajkumar, Kalidass, Bodh Raj Sharma, Bitu Chib, Sham Lal Sharma, Rohit Kumar, Tarsem Singh, Jaggu Ram and Ishwar Dass.