Jairam Ramesh Challenges Amit Shah on Jammu & Kashmir: Criticizes Security Lapses and Economic Mismanagement Since 2019
Jammu & Kashmir's Plight Under BJP Scrutiny: Congress Accuses Shah of Inaction on Statehood and Security Issues
New Delhi, 06-09-2024: Congress on Friday raised a series of pointed questions towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the government’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir, demanding clarity on several pressing issues. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took aim at Shah, questioning the delayed restoration of full statehood to the region, asserting that the security situation had “deteriorated” under his leadership.
In a strongly-worded statement, Ramesh asked Shah to explain why the Centre has been infringing on the political executive’s powers in Jammu and Kashmir. He also pressed for answers on the declining economic situation, which he said has only worsened since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Referring to Shah’s previous remarks in Parliament, where the Home Minister indicated that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time,” Ramesh expressed frustration over the lack of a clear timeline. He claimed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, having been deprived of statehood for five years, have lost faith in the government’s assurances and asked Shah to provide a straight answer on when full statehood would return.
Ramesh also questioned the government’s claims that terrorism had been curbed post-Article 370, citing a disturbing increase in attacks and rising infiltration across the region. According to him, incidents of terrorism in areas south of the Pir Panjal range have surged, with at least 51 security personnel killed since 2021, including recent attacks in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda. “Why has the government failed to salvage the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir?” Ramesh asked, calling on Shah to explain his vision for restoring peace in the Union Territory.
Addressing the economic situation, Ramesh claimed that despite grand promises of industrial investment following the abrogation of Article 370, the ground reality tells a different story. Although proposals worth ₹84,544 crore have been received in 42 industrial sectors since the 2021 policy announcement, only 414 units have been registered, with actual investments amounting to just ₹2,518 crore.
Additionally, Ramesh highlighted the unemployment crisis in the region, citing a report from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), which recorded one of the highest unemployment rates in India for Jammu and Kashmir at 23.1% in 2022. He criticized the delays in government job recruitments due to repeated allegations of paper leaks and bribery, leaving over 60,000 daily wage workers in the region struggling with minimal wages.
He also questioned why administrative powers regarding crucial decisions in policing and services were being shifted to the Union-appointed Lieutenant Governor under the recent amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, a move that he argued severely limits the functioning of any future state government.
As Jammu and Kashmir approaches its upcoming assembly elections, Ramesh’s statement reflects Congress’ criticism of the BJP’s governance in the region, with questions surrounding both security and economic development growing louder.
