Jammu, 15 August (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday expressed hope that the Union Territory would regain full statehood by the time the country celebrates Independence Day next year, asserting that restoration of statehood is a clear demand of the people.

Choudhary said that restoration of statehood to J-K is a clear demand of the people and also a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is our clear demand. This is not merely our demand; it is also a promise made by the prime minister and the home minister to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he told reporters here after the Independence Day address.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar