Kathua, 23 February (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra has demanded the BJP to clarify its stand on the delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood, despite repeated commitments from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
Addressing a massive District Congress Committee (DCC) gathering in Kathua, Karra questioned the Centre’s parameters of a “proper time” for restoration, warning that further delay would force the Congress party to intensify its movement, with people taking to the streets.
Karra accused the BJP and its elected representatives of betraying the people by remaining silent on this crucial issue. He criticized the disbanding, division, and downgrading of the historical Dogra state. Expressing concerns over the delay in finalizing business rules, he pointed out administrative confusion regarding the distribution of powers, which is affecting governance and unresolved public grievances.
JKPCC working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla also addressed the gathering, highlighting the Congress party’s pivotal role in the region’s development. Bhalla emphasized that without Statehood, issues like state land rights, the refugee package, Punjabi language recognition, and unemployment cannot be resolved, accusing the BJP-led Centre of deliberately delaying the process.
Former MP Ch Lal Singh raised concerns about agricultural land in Kathua being converted for commercial and industrial purposes, harming future generations and the environment. He also alleged rampant illegal mining in the district. Dr Manohar Lal Sharma echoed similar concerns, citing land, sand, and drug mafias, as well as recruitment scandals jeopardizing the future of youth.
Karra also condemned the mysterious killings in Billawar and the death of Makhan Din, demanding a judicial inquiry. He deputed a team of senior leaders, led by Dr Manohar Lal Sharma and district president Pankaj Dogra, to investigate and report on the incidents.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
