Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary expressed optimism on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
Speaking at a public meeting organized by the National Conference at Tali Morh Bari near Jammu, Choudhary recalled the events of August 5, 2019, and criticized the arbitrary decision to downgrade Jammu and Kashmir from a full-fledged state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have never accepted the 2019 move. The promise made by the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah to restore statehood at an appropriate time must now be fulfilled,” he said. “This Monsoon session of Parliament is the ideal moment to push a bill restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.”
Choudhary expressed hope that the Prime Minister would announce the restoration of statehood during his August 15 address to the nation from the Red Fort.
He also highlighted key initiatives of the Omar Abdullah-led government, including free travel for women on government buses, raising marriage assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, providing 200 units of free electricity to AAY households, and increasing pensions for senior citizens, widows, and the physically challenged.
National Conference provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta noted that the party’s sweeping victory in the 2024 assembly elections sent a clear message rejecting the 2019 decision to downgrade Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory. “The democratic mandate must be respected,” he asserted.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to balanced development, Gupta said the National Conference has stepped up its outreach efforts across the Jammu region. “We are engaging with the people to hear their concerns, ensure timely solutions, and raise awareness about the achievements of the Omar Abdullah government over the past 10 months,” he said.
Gupta added that the party remains steadfast in supporting the aspirations of the people and will continue to advocate for the restoration of full statehood and the rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens.
