Aqib Khan

Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNS): JKPCC President, Tariq Hameed Karra reiterated the Congress Party’s principal demand of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that their election campaign had been centered on this issue.

“Our fundamental objective was statehood, along with rights over land and jobs. For us, being ministers is not as important as achieving this objective,” he said.

Karra expressed his disappointment that, despite promises made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister on multiple occasions, statehood has not been restored even after the completion of elections.

He highlighted that Congress had hoped statehood would be reinstated before elections but was left dissatisfied when that didn’t happen. “We now demand the Government of India restore statehood. Only under statehood can we address other critical issues,” Karra stated, adding that the government’s authority remains limited without it.

When asked whether Congress had discussed statehood with alliance partner Omar Abdullah, Karra responded that their election fight was primarily for statehood and that this demand continues to drive their efforts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He also mentioned that the decision to allocate ministerial portfolios rests with the government’s prerogative, reiterating that Congress’s focus remains on the broader objective of securing statehood rather than ministerial positions.

Karra further acknowledged the unity shown by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the elections, in rejecting politics based on religion and regional divisions.

He noted that Kashmiri citizens felt marginalized and like second-class citizens in their own land but managed to overcome these sentiments by voting for change.

Towards the end of the interview, Karra addressed the issue of VIP culture. He supported National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s call for an end to this culture, which inconveniences ordinary citizens.

“The VIP culture and the distinction between first-class and second-class citizens have reached a peak. People are fed up, especially when an army convoy or police vehicle passes and entire roads are blocked,” Karra said. (KNS)