NC leader urges Centre to table J&K statehood restoration bill in Monsoon Session

Jammu, Jul 18: Two days ahead of his party’s proposed protest in Delhi next week, senior National Conference (NC) leader Rattan Lal Gupta on Saturday urged the Centre to introduce and pass the Statehood Restoration Bill during the Monsoon session of Parliament.

Jammu NC president Gupta emphasised that the demand transcends political affiliations and represents the collective aspiration of J&K people. “Any further delay will only deepen public disappointment and raise serious concerns about the Centre’s commitment to democratic values and the federal structure of the country,” he said.

Addressing a meeting of party functionaries at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan in Jammu ahead of the proposed protest in Delhi on July 20, Gupta launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union government over the continued delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, saying the people have been subjected to “broken promises, constitutional discrimination” despite fulfilling every condition laid down by New Delhi.

He said the Centre has repeatedly shifted the goalposts on the issue of statehood. “First, we were told that delimitation had to be completed. Then it was said Assembly elections must be held. Later, peace and normalcy became the excuse. Today, all these conditions stand fulfilled.

“…tourism is witnessing unprecedented growth and crores of devotees are undertaking the Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Yatras peacefully. What excuse remains now?” he asked.

Gupta said the BJP owes an answer to the people of J&K for “reneging on repeated public assurances” made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the restoration of statehood.

He urged both the PM and the home minister to demonstrate their commitment by introducing and passing the Statehood Restoration Bill during the Monsoon session of Parliament starting on July 20.

Referring to the statehood protest in Delhi, Gupta said the agitation is aimed at reminding the BJP leadership of its solemn commitments.

“We will continue to hold the BJP accountable until it honours the promise repeatedly made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to restore full statehood without any further delay,” he said.

Gupta urged party workers to hold strong protests in each district headquarters on July 20 in support of the demand, asserting that the NC will continue its peaceful and democratic struggle until justice is delivered to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI)