The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress party on Sunday demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah provide a specific timeline for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory during his three-day visit to the region.
Shah, expected to arrive later in the evening, was also asked to address concerns over what the Congress termed as the “utter failure” of the Ministry of Home Affairs in curbing the rising tide of terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ravinder Sharma, the chief spokesperson of the Pradesh Congress Committee, said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have long awaited the restoration of full statehood, which was promised multiple times by the Centre.
He asserted that the dual system of governance under the Union Territory structure has adversely affected the interests of the general public and is contributing to political unrest in the region.
Sharma described the current security scenario in the Jammu region as alarming, accusing the Union Home Ministry of failing to maintain peace and stability since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019.
Highlighting a series of terror incidents, he referred to the killing of seven members of the minority community in Dangri, Rajouri in January 2023, followed by several high-profile attacks on security personnel across the region, which resulted in numerous casualties.
He pointed out that terrorism had been nearly eradicated from the Jammu region under previous governments, but had resurged in recent years.
Drawing a comparison with the past, Sharma said that when the BJP was in the opposition, it regularly criticised the UPA government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh for its handling of cross-border infiltration and terror attacks. Now that the BJP has been in power for over a decade, he said, it must answer to the nation for its failure to contain terrorism.
He emphasised, however, that the Congress party does not politicize terrorism and stands in full support of the armed forces in their efforts to eliminate the threat.
The Congress leader also questioned the Modi government’s inaction regarding the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. He criticised the government for not ensuring their safe and dignified resettlement, nor increasing their monthly relief, benefits, or employment opportunities, despite being in power for 11 years.
He called on the Home Minister to clearly lay out the government’s plans for the rehabilitation of the displaced community.
Further criticizing the BJP’s political approach, Sharma accused the party of engaging in divisive politics that alienates minorities, particularly Muslims.
He said this has created a dangerous environment for the secular and pluralistic fabric of the nation. He condemned the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it an attack on secular values and the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
Sharma argued that the bill has deeply shaken the confidence of the Muslim community, leading many to feel that they are being treated as second-class citizens under the current regime.
Follow us
