Srinagar, Nov 19 (KNS): Senior Congress leader and MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, on Tuesday said his party's stance on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, stressing that the recent resolution passed in the state Assembly is a reflection of the people's mandate.

Mir stated that the resolution, which calls for the restoration of statehood, is a clear directive and should be honored by the central government.

Speaking to KNS, Mir stated, "We have fought elections together, and this is a coalition government. There is no question of withdrawing from the government. While we may not be part of the cabinet, that is a matter for the Chief Minister to decide. What is important now is the resolution passed in the Assembly, which represents the voice of the people."

Mir also pointed out the commitment made by the Union Home Minister in Parliament regarding the restoration of statehood. "The Home Minister himself has stated that once delimitation is done, elections will be conducted, and then statehood will be restored.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAll these stages have been completed, and it is now time for the government to engage with elected representatives. The resolution passed in the Assembly is a call for that engagement, which should lead to the restoration of statehood."

Commenting on the BJP's reaction to the resolution, Mir noted that the party had, in a way, appreciated the resolution, but simultaneously did not allow the house to function effectively. "I don't know what message they have got from the higher-ups," he added, expressing his confusion over the BJP's contradictory approach.

Mir concluded by recalling how Jammu and Kashmir  state was converted into a Union Territory in a matter of 24 hours, and argued that statehood should be restored just as swiftly, particularly with the upcoming legislative session. (KNS)