Jammu, 11-11-2024: In a recent workers’ conference of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, Deputy Chief Minister and senior National Conference leader Surinder Choudhary delivered a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its failure to uphold promises, particularly the restoration of Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. As attendees gathered to reaffirm their support for the National Conference’s (NC) agenda, Choudhary called out the BJP-led Central Government, stressing that promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been sidelined, leaving the region in a vulnerable position.
The conference, chaired by Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of JKNC’s Jammu unit, was aimed at addressing the growing discontent among locals regarding the revocation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the former State into Union Territories. Gupta, in his opening address, criticized the BJP’s policies, calling them “anti-people” and asserting that over the past decade, these policies had systematically eroded the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed to a historic resolution recently passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, driven by the efforts of Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary, calling for a serious dialogue on the restoration of the region’s special status. Gupta emphasized the importance of this resolution, describing it as a vital move toward reclaiming the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary further expanded on these sentiments in his speech, delivering a strong critique of the BJP’s governance, specifically its unfulfilled promises related to the Statehood issue. Choudhary argued that the Central Government’s actions, particularly the abrogation of Article 370 and subsequent bifurcation of the State, had exposed Jammu and Kashmir to external exploitation, diminishing local authority over land, jobs, and resources. According to Choudhary, restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status is not only a matter of political significance but is also critical to safeguarding the region’s economic and social rights.
Choudhary noted that while states like Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat benefit from similar protections aimed at preserving local employment and land ownership, Jammu and Kashmir has been left without such safeguards. This, he contended, places the people of the region at a disadvantage, as they are now more vulnerable to external economic interests that may not prioritize local welfare. “The rights of our people are at risk,” Choudhary said, emphasizing the need for protections to maintain control over land and employment for the region’s residents. “The resolution we passed is a step towards undoing the injustice done by the Central Government.”
Minister for Food Supply and Transport Satish Sharma also spoke at the event, underscoring the need for equal representation and praising Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his commitment to inclusive governance. Sharma highlighted Abdullah’s efforts to ensure balanced representation for Jammu, asserting that such measures are crucial to a fair and effective political structure. According to Sharma, the restoration of full Statehood is not merely a political demand but a necessary step toward a stable and self-reliant future for Jammu and Kashmir. “The future of J&K and its people hinges on restoring its full Statehood, ensuring that their voices and concerns are addressed equitably,” Sharma remarked, commending Abdullah’s leadership and vision for a balanced regional approach.
The conference drew a substantial gathering, including several senior leaders, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), former Ministers, and district functionaries, all of whom expressed unanimous support for the movement to restore Statehood and special status. Many of these leaders took the stage to express their views, emphasizing the importance of protecting the political, economic, and cultural interests of Jammu and Kashmir. Their collective sentiment highlighted a shared commitment to stand against the erosion of regional autonomy and to ensure that the region’s distinct identity is respected and preserved.
Choudhary’s speech reflected a strong resolve within the National Conference to continue its fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and Statehood. The Deputy Chief Minister outlined a vision for a future where Jammu and Kashmir’s people have the right to govern their own affairs without undue external interference. He underscored that the NC’s campaign was not only about reclaiming political autonomy but also about economic empowerment and social justice for the people of the region. He argued that the current administrative arrangement undermines the region’s economic potential and disrupts the social fabric that holds its communities together.
The NC leaders at the conference also expressed concerns over what they described as the BJP’s failure to recognize the distinct identity and challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They contended that the policies of the BJP have alienated the local population and deepened socio-economic divides. This sentiment was echoed by attendees who called for a more localized approach to governance, one that respects the unique historical, cultural, and social context of Jammu and Kashmir.