Jammu, 15 June (H.S.): The Congress Party today launched a five-day ‘Padyatra’ in Jammu district (Urban) under the banner of the “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” campaign, intensifying its demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir while raising several pressing issues affecting the people across the country and the Union Territory.
The ‘Padyatra’ was formally inaugurated by J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra, in presence of senior leaders Raman Bhalla, Mula Ram, Yogesh Sawhney, Th Balbir Singh, Ved Mahajan, Manmohan Singh along with other leaders and workers.
The march witnessed enthusiastic participation from party cadres and local residents who joined the campaign to voice concerns over inflation, soaring petrol and diesel prices, unemployment, the NEET paper leak controversy, and what Congress termed as the continued neglect of Jammu and Kashmir by the BJP-led government at the Centre.
The Congress leaders also strongly condemned the killing of three Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman after a US military strike on a tanker accused of violating a blockade on Iranian ports, calling it a deeply unfortunate incident and demanding that the Government of India take up the matter seriously to ensure accountability and protection of Indian citizens working abroad.
Addressing the gathering Karra said that the “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” movement is not merely a political campaign but a people’s movement aimed at restoring the democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that despite repeated promises and assurances made by the BJP leadership, the people of J&K continue to be deprived of their full democratic rights and identity.
Karra stated that Congress will continue its struggle both on the roads and in every democratic forum until statehood is restored. He said the present government has failed to address the issues of rising inflation, unprecedented unemployment, increasing fuel prices, and economic distress being faced by common citizens. Referring to the NEET paper leak issue, Karra demanded resignation of Union Education Minister.
Raman Bhalla said that Congress has always stood with the people during difficult times and will continue to fight against anti-people policies of the BJP government. He said the ongoing Padyatra is aimed at taking the voice of the common people directly to the government and exposing the failures of the present regime on every front.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
