The Senior National Conference leaders Surinder Choudhary Deputy Chief Minister J&K and Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President Jammu have strongly urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir from the ramparts of Lal Qila on this Independence Day, August 15.
While addressing a massive public meeting at Tali Morh Bari (Bari Brahmana) Jammu. Recalling the events of August 5, 2019. Surinder Choudhary said the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir from a full-fledged state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — was done arbitrarily and without the consulting the people of J&K. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have never accepted the 2019 decision. The promise made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Home Minister that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time must now be fulfilled,” said Surinder Choudhary because it is the most appropriate time to restore Statehood for Jammu & Kashmir from by pushing a bill regarding the same in current session of parliament
Surinder Choudhary highlighted the achievements of the Omar Led Govt. like free travel for women in government-operated buses, enhancement of marriage assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for AAY families, provision of 200 units of free electricity per month for AAY households, doubling of the monthly ration quota from 5 kg to 10 kg per person for AAY beneficiaries, enhancement old age pension, widow pension and handicapped pension from 1000 to 1500 and 2000 to senior citizen.
Rattan Lal Gupta emphasized that the recent Assembly elections of 2024 have sent a clear message that the massive mandate given by the people in favour of National Conference is a rejection of the 2019 move to bifurcate and downgrade the state of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that democratic mandate must be respected, he also reiterated the demand for empowerment of women folk and youths.
Reaffirming its commitment to equitable development, in the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has intensified its mass contact programme across the Jammu Province. “We are reaching out to the people to listen to their grievances, ensure timely redressal, and make them aware of the achievements of the Omar Abdullah-led government over the past ten months,” he said.
The party reiterated that it stands firmly with the aspirations of the people and will continue to advocate for the restoration of full statehood and the rights of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
While addressing the gathering Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu said that National Conference party is committed to uphold traditional secularism, socialism and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir State. Any attempt to divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of religion and region will be opposed and thrown out.
Those who addressed the gathering included: Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Mohinder Singh, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice Presidents Central Zone, Sudagar Gupta District President Samba, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu Province, Showket Choudhary, Suriya Begum DDC Bari Brahmana, Col Rashid, Rajinder Singh Block President, Prem Singh Block President Purmandal, Swarn Singh Block President, Joginder Singh Block President Vijaypur, Ajay Kumar Vice President, Yaseen Malik, Sushma Devi District President Samba Women Wing and others.