JAMMU, JANUARY 5 (KNS): National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary and Former Minister, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today strongly advocated for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the BJP’s reluctance to restore basic democratic and constitutional rights exposes its undemocratic stance.
“The BJP should have joined hands with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reclaim their lost glory, but they refuse to do so as their ideology thrives on fascism, and against the spirit of federalism” Mr. Sadhotra said while addressing a public meeting at Ramnagar which was organized by Ram Parshotam District President Udhampur Rural. National Conference Additional General Secretary expressed concern over delay in restoration of the statehood despite promises made in Parliament and commitments expressed before the Supreme Court of India, adding that the Centre’s hesitance and rigidity have prevented any concrete progress toward restoring statehood.
Mr. Sadhotra emphasized that restoring statehood is critical to honoring the democratic aspirations of the people, as reflected in the mandate they expressed in the 2024 Assembly Elections. “The restoration of statehood will ensure the transfer of power to the people, which are the cornerstone of democracy,” he asserted. Former Minister reaffirmed the National Conference’s unwavering commitment to the cause of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as essential to upholding the honor and dignity of the Region’s people. Highlighting the National Conference’s historic contributions since 1931, he underlined the party’s steadfast advocacy for the political rights and welfare of the people. He recounted the NC’s pivotal role in empowering the masses, strengthening unity, and driving development across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, which has now been reduced to a Union Territory after bifurcation.
“The National Conference will remain resolute in its fight for the restoration of statehood, a step necessary to restore the dignity and democracy of the region,” he affirmed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelCriticizing the BJP’s decade-long governance, Mr. Sadhotra remarked, “the BJP has miserably failed to address the genuine issues of Jammu and Kashmir. Whether during their coalition government or under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, the aspirations of the people have been consistently ignored, and development has been sidelined.” He reiterated the National Conference’s pledge to address the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir equitably, irrespective of caste, religion, or region. He assured that the NC would continue to work tirelessly for the welfare and development of all regions while upholding democratic principles.
Addressing the public meeting, National Conference Zonal President and Former Minister, Mr Abdul Gani Malik exhorted the workers to remain steadfast in their mission of serving the people, saying the party has surmounted turbulent winds with fortitude and they will continue to work for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir. MLA Ramban Mr Arjun Singh Raju, while speaking on the occasion, asserted that the National Conference will work in mission mode to full all the promises made with the people and work relentlessly for progress and prosperity of every segment of the society.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mohd Ayoub Malik Provincial Secretary, Sunil Verma District President Udhampur, Shafi Zargar DDC, Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jammu Urban, Raghubir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Naresh Bittu District President Jammu Rural B, Abdul Gani Teli President OBC, Ch Mohd Aslam, Sumita Bhan Kashmiri Pandit Migrant Leader, Dr Gazalla Noor, Anju Grover, Asha Mehra, Ashwani Charak, Randhir Singh Chib, Somnath Troach, Vijay Kumar (Ramnagar), Subash Kudyar, Mohd Aslam Parray (Batote).(KNS)