NC’s Statehood Protest a Political Stunt, Statehood Will Be Restored at Right Time, Highlights Peace and Development in J&K : BJP MP Khatana

Shabroz Malik

 

Baramulla, June 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Member of Parliament Ghulam Ali Khatana on Thursday visited the residence of BJP District President Baramulla, Ghulam Hussain Dar, at Harinara Singhpora Pattan to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

 

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the visit, Khatana strongly criticised the National Conference’s proposed protest in New Delhi over the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a political exercise rather than a genuine effort to address public concerns.

 

Khatana launched a sharp attack on the National Conference, describing its recent political activities and proposed protest in Delhi over the restoration of statehood as a “political stunt.”

 

Referring to the National Conference’s planned demonstration, Khatana said the party had received a public mandate to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir but had failed to deliver on its electoral promises. He alleged that the party’s recent meetings and campaigns were aimed at generating headlines rather than addressing public concerns.

 

“The people gave them a mandate, but they have failed to fulfill the commitments made before the elections. These meetings and protests are merely political exercises meant to create news,” he said.

 

The BJP MP further alleged that several National Conference legislators were maintaining distance from the party leadership, indicating dissatisfaction within the party ranks. He also claimed that the present government had left many public issues unattended, citing staff shortages in educational institutions and a lack of visible progress on several local concerns.

 

On the issue of statehood, Khatana asserted that the power to restore statehood rests with the Central Government. He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government have already committed themselves to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

 

“Statehood is the rightful aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It will be restored at the appropriate time. The Central Government is committed to fulfilling this promise,” he said.

 

Highlighting changing ground realities in the Union Territory, Khatana said the younger generation of Jammu and Kashmir is now focused on peace, education, development, and employment. He described the growing awareness against drug abuse among youth as a positive sign for society.

 

The BJP leader also praised the role of the security forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police, saying their cooperation with local communities had helped maintain peace and stability in the region.

 

“I congratulate the security forces who are working closely with the people and supporting them. Their efforts have contributed significantly to maintaining peace and normalcy,” he said.

 

Responding to a question about a young cricketer from Uri who was recently selected for Team India, Khatana said the achievement should serve as an inspiration for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

“There was a time when Kashmir was associated with violence and unrest. Today, young people from the region are making their mark at the national level. This transformation reflects the changing aspirations of our youth,” he said.

 

Khatana maintained that sustained efforts by the Prime Minister, security agencies, and local administration had created a more stable environment in the region. He said peace and development had enabled farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens to pursue their goals without disruption.

 

The BJP MP also alleged that decades of militancy and violence had cost thousands of lives and brought immense suffering to families across the region. Stressing the need to preserve peace, he said Jammu and Kashmir must move forward on the path of development rather than return to the turmoil of the past.

 

“Our objective is to keep Kashmir away from violence and bloodshed. The younger generation wants peace and prosperity, he alleged that decades of violence and separatist politics had led to the loss of thousands of lives, Khatana claimed that nearly 40,000 people had lost their lives due to violence and unrest, leaving countless families devastated and forcing many young people into graveyards and cremation grounds instead of schools, colleges, and workplaces.

“We do not want Kashmir to return to that era. Our aim is to keep Kashmir away from bloodshed and violence and move it towards peace, development, and prosperity,” he said.

 

Concluding his remarks, Khatana said all aspirations related to development, prosperity, and statehood would be achieved through a gradual process of progress and transition. He expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would continue advancing towards peace, stability, and economic growth.

“Statehood will come at the right time. Our commitment is to ensure peace, development, and a better future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.