- Cong wraps up phase-I of ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ Campaign
- Congress Legislature Party to Meet on Mar 2
SUMIT SHARMA
Jammu: Lashing out at the BJP for betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hamid Karra remarked that those who had celebrated the abrogation of Article 370 by distributing sweets on August 5, 2019, now realize it was a wrong decision.
He pointed out that these individuals now seek the restoration of statehood as they see jobs and opportunities, once available to their children, being taken away by outsiders.
Karra, emphasizing his commitment to the region’s honor, referred to the Dogra turban on his head and stated that the Congress party is fighting for the dignity and respect of the turban. However, he criticized those who had secured a huge mandate from the Dogras but remained silent on the restoration of statehood and rights.
“They (BJP) must answer why they are silent on the crucial commitment made by the Prime Minister in public, before the Supreme Court, and in Parliament,” Karra said, addressing the convention as the party wrapped up Phase-I of its ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ campaign.
He further urged Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to maintain the dignity of their positions and called it unfortunate that the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been restored. Karra added that if they cannot uphold the dignity of their office, they should respect the Supreme Court’s ruling, which directed the central government to conduct elections and restore the statehood of J&K.
Karra also pointed out the lack of clarity in the demand for statehood restoration and the administrative friction it has caused in various matters. He criticized the J&K Union Territory administration for failing to provide employment to youth and for not resolving issues related to PHE workers, daily wagers, Anganwadi workers, Asha workers, and data entry operators. He condemned the Smart Meters and Smart City programs, labeling them as “major scams” of the BJP.
The 15-day ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ campaign, a vital part of the wide mission launched by the JKPCC under Phase-I, concluded today in Jammu Urban. To mark the end of this phase, Congress organized a one-day workers’ convention in Jammu, spearheaded by Manmohan Singh (District President, JKPCC Jammu Urban). Phase-II of the campaign will cover all districts in the Kashmir region.
The convention was attended by Tariq Hamid Karra (State President, JKPCC), former Deputy CM Tara Chand, Working President Raman Bhalla, ex-minister Yogesh Sawhney, Mahila Wing Vice President Smt. Kanta Bhan, ex-ministers Shabir Khan and Choudhary Lal Singh, Chief Spokesperson Rajinder Sharma, S. Taranjit Singh (Tony), and senior Congress workers.
Other party leaders such as Choudhary Lal Singh, Tara Chand, and Yogesh Sawhney also addressed the gathering, echoing similar concerns. Raman Bhalla highlighted the issues of the Ammunition Depot, Smart Cities, and Smart Meters, commenting that irregular electricity cuts were harassing the public. He also expressed concern over the rising crime rate in Jammu.
Meanwhile, Karra said that Kashmir and Kashmiriyat are incomplete without the Pandits who are living in different parts of the country after their mass migration from the valley following the eruption of militancy in 1990.
Karra was speaking to a group of Kashmiri Pandits during his visit to the Jagti migrant camp to exchange Mahashivratri greetings, a party spokesman said.
“Kashmir and Kashmiriyat are incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits,” he said, adding that there is a lot of pain in his heart over the suffering of the migrant community and their being away from home.
He assured the Pandits that all their issues would be highlighted in every possible manner. The speakers recalled the contributions of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the welfare of the community.
The participants discussed their issues of concern and the hardships faced by them, including the lack of adequate health facilities in the township, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Ahead of the upcoming Assembly Budget Session, Indian National Congress has called for a meeting of its party legislators. The meeting, aimed at discussing key strategies and preparations for the session, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 2nd, at 2:00 PM at the Congress Party Headquarters in Jammu.
All honorable members of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) have been requested to ensure their presence at the meeting, which is expected to focus on important issues and legislative matters ahead of the Budget Session.
