Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNS): Taking jibe at absence of certain MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory Foundation Day celebrations, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that those who swore oaths under the UT status but chose not to attend demonstrate a duplicity of character.

Speaking on occasion of UT Foundation Day Celebrations at SKICC, Sinha said that that those who pledged to uphold the Constitution as J&K remains a Union Territory were missing from the celebrations. "The Home Minister has clearly outlined in Parliament that we are to see delimitation first, followed by elections, and then statehood at an appropriate time. Yet, today, some who took that oath chose not to attend. This speaks to a duplicity of character. We are currently a UT, and when statehood is restored, we will celebrate that," Sinha said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Sinha said that next three months will be crucial in strengthening security efforts against militancy and called citizens to help in maintaining peace.

Reiterating the government’s assurance of statehood, Sinha said that statehood for J&K, as promised by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, will be granted at the appropriate time.

He criticized those who boycotted the Foundation Day event, suggesting that their absence undercuts the spirit of unity and purpose intended.(KNS)