‘Law and Order demands a crackdown on criminals, mafia activities’
*Plans to conduct conventions in all districts
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 12: Criticizing the BJP-led Central Government for failing the people of Jammu & Kashmir regarding the restoration of Statehood, Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra stated that the Centre has no intention to fulfill its commitments in this regard, urging the public to intensify their struggle for reclaiming their identity and dignity.
While addressing a press conference at the PCC office today ahead of a 15-day mass contact campaign launching from Udhampur tomorrow, the JKPCC chief stated that Congress will actively engage with the people to bolster the movement for Statehood and send a clear message to the Centre to honor its commitments, rallying the community for a larger struggle towards this goal.
The campaign will also align with the national party initiative titled “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, and Jai Samvidhan,” aimed at safeguarding the Constitution, democracy, and the independence of institutions.
Karra noted that this campaign seeks to understand the challenges faced by various segments of society and to highlight these issues for discussion in the upcoming Assembly session next month.
During district reviews held in the Kashmir Valley last week, workers brought attention to numerous daily challenges faced by the populace, including those impacting farmers, unemployed youth, traders, transporters, daily wage workers, and rising costs due to substantial taxation and other economic issues like education and healthcare—particularly concerning electricity tariffs and the promise of free power units.
Despite the recent Assembly elections and the formation of an elected Government, citizens continue to face hardships due to a lack of dual control and diminished powers. Karra further elaborated that the Central Government had periodically promised the restoration of Statehood without delay following Assembly elections but has shown no intention of making this a reality four months after elections.
He emphasized that people must advocate for their rights and the restoration of their status, dignity, and identity as a full-fledged state, while assuring that the Congress party will lead the charge in this struggle. He called on the community to support Congress in its efforts for the immediate restoration of Statehood.
Karra expressed concerns regarding the coalition Government’s challenges in meeting public expectations in delivering responsive governance amidst the absence of full Statehood.
Joined by Congress working president Raman Bhalla, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, Th Balwan Singh, Yogesh Sawhney, and Ved Mahajan, Karra raised security concerns following recent terrorist incidents, including a blast in the Akhnoor Sector that claimed the lives of two soldiers, one being a Captain.
The PCC chief also highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in Jammu and demanded a prompt crackdown on the mafia and criminal activities to restore public safety. He condemned a recent suicide incident in Billawar, calling for a judicial inquiry into the case.
Furthermore, Karra addressed the long-standing issue regarding ‘Gair Mumkin’ ‘Khads’ that infringes upon the rights of numerous citizens, demanding prompt action to resolve this matter effectively.
He raised alarms over ongoing mining activities that are damaging the local ecology, affecting waterways, and contributing to the exploitation of natural resources, with everyday materials being priced exorbitantly. He urged the Government to take urgent measures to rectify this situation and ensure affordable access to construction materials for the populace.
