Karra Reiterates Demand for Statehood, Congress Pays Tributes to Nehru Across J&K
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, May 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) observed the 61st death anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, by paying rich floral tributes and recalling his enduring legacy and monumental contributions to the nation. In a series of commemorative functions held across Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leaders reflected on Nehru’s visionary leadership, his role as a freedom fighter, and his foundational work in building a modern, democratic, and inclusive India.
The central event took place at the Congress headquarters in Jammu, where JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra presided over the gathering. He was joined by Working President Raman Bhalla, senior party leaders, former ministers and legislators, along with members of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), District Congress Committees (DCC), Block Congress Committees, and various frontal organizations of the party.
In his address, Karra hailed Nehru as a global statesman, a dedicated freedom fighter, and the architect of modern India, whose democratic ideals and inclusive philosophy continue to inspire millions around the world. He lamented that while global communities respect and attempt to emulate Nehru’s values, there are sections within the country that fear his ideology and consistently attempt to undermine his contributions and tarnish his legacy. “Nehru’s vision for India was rooted in harmony, scientific temperament, and inclusive growth. Sadly, there are radical forces today who were once opposed to India’s unity and are now projecting themselves as ultra-nationalists,” Karra remarked.
Taking a dig at those who aligned with the Muslim League during India’s independence movement, Karra accused such forces of historical opportunism. He stressed that it was Nehru, along with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress Party, who fiercely opposed the partition of the country, while certain groups collaborated with divisive elements purely for political gain. “Now, those very elements attempt to rewrite history, projecting themselves as defenders of nationalism,” he added.
Karra emphasized that India’s progress in sectors ranging from education and industry to foreign policy and scientific research stands on the foundation laid by Nehru. “The best way to honor our founding fathers is by transmitting their vision, principles, and commitment to public service to the younger generation,” he asserted.
Reiterating the Congress Party’s long-standing demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Karra described the downgrading of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory as a constitutional and political injustice. “This decision goes against the spirit of federalism enshrined in the Constitution and must be reversed at the earliest,” he demanded.
Karra also made a strong appeal to the Government to install a statue of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at an appropriate location in Jammu city to honor his legacy. He further raised serious concern over the disappearance of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue from the historic Mubarak Mandi complex and Satwari Chowk, questioning the intent of the authorities and demanding its immediate restoration.
Prominent leaders who participated in the Jammu function included Balwan Singh, Ravinder Sharma, Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, Manmohan Singh, Indu Pawar, Rajnish Sharma, Narinder Sharma, Satish Sharma, T S Tony, Suresh Dogra, Gurdarshan Singh, Zahida Khan, Vijay Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Sanjeev Panda, Rajveer Singh, Neeraj Gupta, Kapil Singh, Rajeev Saraf, R A Inqlabi, Jatin Raina, M.L. Chalotra and several others.
Meanwhile, a similar commemorative function was held at the Congress office in Srinagar, where former JKPCC president Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed presided over the tribute ceremony. Senior Congress leaders from various districts, including DCC presidents and office-bearers from across the Kashmir Valley, paid floral tributes and reflected on Nehru’s contributions.
Speaking on the occasion, Peerzada lauded Nehru as the chief architect of post-independence India, noting his tireless efforts to build a progressive, secular, and inclusive nation where every citizen enjoyed equal rights and opportunities. “He laid the institutional framework that empowered people from all walks of life and upheld the values of democracy and justice,” he said.
Other leaders who addressed the gathering and paid tributes included Bashir Ahmad Magrey, Surinder Singh Channi, Abdul Gani Khan, Nissar Ahmad Mundoo, Shameema Raina, Mohd Iqbal Mir, Irfan Naqib, Zaffar Farooq Salati, Abdul Rashid Lone, Umer Jaan, Mushtaq Ahmad Tantray, and Shaheena Neda, among others. They collectively emphasized the need to preserve and promote Nehru’s secular and democratic legacy in contemporary India.
Congress units across several other districts also organized local functions to commemorate Nehru’s death anniversary, reinforcing the party’s commitment to upholding the ideals of its stalwart leader.
