Jammu, Feb 19: The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, criticized the central government for manipulating the feelings of the citizens regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He stated on Wednesday that they are prepared to take to the streets to pressure the Centre to meet this demand.
“This is a critical matter as public trust in the Prime Minister and Home Minister is eroding due to their failure to deliver on the commitment regarding statehood restoration,” he remarked.
“The offices of the Prime Minister and Home Minister hold significant authority, and any statements made by them are viewed as genuine promises. However, the betrayal of public trust is a clear violation, with implications that will resonate for a long time,” Karra addressed during a workers’ convention in Kishtwar.
He emphasized that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were conducted as per the Supreme Court’s directives; otherwise, the Centre showed no “real intention” to hold elections and restore democracy, even after more than five years have passed.
“There was another directive (from the Supreme Court) for the prompt restoration of statehood, but the Centre has failed to comply. The Congress party is fighting this matter vigorously and aims to see it through to a logical resolution,” he added.
Karra noted that his party had cooperated with the National Conference during the assembly elections, and after the results, Congress was invited to join the cabinet. However, they chose to remain out on the principled stance of statehood.
“Our leadership made a wise decision knowing that a government would be ineffective without statehood’s powers, and today we feel justified as the elected government cannot execute even minor decisions in the public’s interest,” the Congress leader stated.
He asserted that statehood is the inherent right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “We are not asking for the restoration of our rights, dignity, identity, and status; we will fight for it instead.
“We are prepared to take to the streets if necessary,” he said, urging the public for their support.
