‘Statehood is the fundamental concern for everyone in J&K’
* A Coordination Committee will be established shortly
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: In response to speculation regarding a rift with the National Conference, the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, Tariq Hameed Karra, reaffirmed that his party remains a vital part of the Omar Abdullah-led Government in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Karrra hinted at the upcoming formation of a Coordination Committee consisting of members from both the Congress and the National Conference. “We are actively campaigning for the restoration of Statehood and engaging with our constituents and workers. The Congress has its unique constituency, and in our discussions about Statehood, we also address various community concerns which must be taken up with the government for resolution,” Karra stated while speaking to reporters.
In response to a query, Karra emphasized, “We are part of the government and can advise the Omar-led administration. Our duty is to bring public issues to the forefront, and neglecting these matters would be unfair to the citizens.” He expressed anticipation regarding the formation of a coordination committee soon to alleviate any misunderstandings in Jammu and Kashmir.
Karra mentioned that the JKPCC has been conducting a 15-day campaign in the Jammu region advocating for the immediate restoration of Statehood since February 13, during which five of the ten districts have hosted workers’ conventions.
“The restoration of Statehood is not solely a Congress Party issue; it is central to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament and beyond, action remains pending. Additionally, Supreme Court guidelines indicate that Statehood should be reinstated post-Assembly elections as promptly as possible,” asserted Karra.
Questioning the silence of BJP leaders who have received significant support in Jammu, Karra urged them to clarify their position on Statehood and to explain why they are not pressing the Central leadership on this matter if they are indeed in favor of restoring Statehood.
Karra highlighted that despite the establishment of a popularly elected government last October, many bureaucrats continue to operate with an authoritarian mindset reminiscent of the LG Administration. He cited the conditional approval granted for the Congress workers’ convention in Kishtwar district as an example.
“In Kishtwar, we observed indications of a democracy yet to be fully realized post-elections. Autocratic practices continue to prevail under the guise of democracy. We were denied permission for outdoor meetings and advised not to address prevailing issues,” he elaborated.
“While the BJP claims that the situation has improved in J&K, there persists an attitude that suggests democracy remains unrestored. Our intention was not to stir unrest; there was no anti-national sentiment,” he added.
Karra expressed concerns about delays in restoring Statehood and the pressing need to address everyday issues such as electricity and water supply, tourism promotion, job creation, and the regularization of daily wage workers and SPOs who have served for many years. He called for a special power package for Chenab Valley districts, home to several major hydro-electric projects currently under development.
Karra also defended the attendance of his son, Waleed, a doctor, at a recent official meeting chaired by Health and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo in Srinagar, stating that he attended in his capacity as the constituency in-charge for Central Shalteng.
Additionally, he called for a review of the Indus water treaty, asserting that the people of J&K have suffered extensively due to it and deserve special attention.
He criticized the Municipal Corporation’s management in Jammu and Srinagar’s so-called Smart Cities, where residents often lack regular water supply and face undue financial burdens, such as online payments for tanker services that were previously free. “It is the government’s responsibility to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply, especially in Smart Cities where residents are being taxed,” he explained.
Karra denounced the power tariff hikes and meter installations that further strain citizens, noting that residents in rural areas are being subjected to water taxes without a reliable water supply. The initiatives under the Jal Jeevan Mission, along with the promise of ‘Har Ghar Nal, Har Ghar Jal,’ have largely failed, as many rural areas have become mere installations without actual water supply.
Concerning recent violent incidents in Billawar, Kathua, he insisted that a timely investigation should be conducted to uncover the truth. The PCC chief was accompanied by senior leaders including Raman Bhalla, Ravinder Sharma, Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, and others.
