Srinagar, 10 June (H.S.): National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former Minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra expressed serious concern over the continued delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating it is obstructing holistic development and undermining public aspirations.

Addressing a day-long workers’ convention of Jammu Rural District ‘A’, chaired by district president Raghubir Singh Manhas, Sadhotra asserted that statehood is not merely political status but a matter of people’s dignity and empowerment.

He said the downgrade to Union Territory has demoted the historically significant region and compromised its distinct identity. “Governance from a distance cannot replace the empowerment that comes from locally elected Governments,” he remarked, urging the restoration of democratic rights to enable citizens to determine their developmental priorities.

Sadhotra criticized the prolonged absence of an elected Government for over five years and the bureaucratic style of administration, which he said has created a democratic vaccum and hampered progress, especially in youth development and employment. He emphasized that with a democratic Government now in place under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, it must be allowed to function as per the people’s will.

Provincial secretary Ayoub Malik urged grassroots workers to intensify outreach efforts and promote the party’s pro-people agenda. On the occasion, several youth joined the party. Ved Prakash Sharma was appointed organizer of Jammu North Assembly Constituency and tasked with preparing for urban and rural local body elections, supported by an 11-member committee formed by the district president.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar