Baramulla, November 9: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary asserted on Saturday that the National Conference is steadfast in its commitment to restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the party views the region as a state rather than a Union Territory. Choudhary’s comments underscore the party’s clear stance on reversing the 2019 downgrade of Jammu and Kashmir’s status, which stripped it of statehood and reclassified it as a Union Territory.
In a conversation with reporters, Choudhary outlined the party’s dedication to fighting against what he described as the “forces” responsible for this change. “We have consistently maintained our stand on restoring statehood, and we are determined to see this goal realized,” he affirmed. Choudhary emphasized that this position aligns with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who he believes deserve a government with enhanced autonomy and self-governance.
Choudhary also touched upon security concerns, calling for stronger measures from the security forces to curb terror activities and ensure stability in the region. He emphasized the need for security agencies to act with heightened vigilance, saying, “Our security forces must strengthen their efforts to ensure peace, stability, and an end to the terror attacks.”
Reflecting on the past decade, Choudhary criticized the lack of representation and accountability, attributing it to the prolonged absence of a stable and locally accountable government. “Under the previous regime, we were distanced from the people, and key issues impacting the lives of Kashmiris were frequently overlooked,” he remarked. Now, he asserted, the National Conference is committed to addressing these longstanding concerns and bringing government closer to the people.
Choudhary’s remarks come as a clear message that the National Conference intends to prioritize local representation, restore democratic institutions, and uphold the voices of the region’s residents as part of its broader push for the return of statehood.