In a direct response to the Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s statement on the delay in granting Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, JKPCC (Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra today launched a scathing attack on the Modi-led government, accusing it of betraying its promises and undermining the future of J&K.
Addressing a large workers’ convention at Doongi, District Rajouri, Karra denounced the Centre for its reluctance to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, despite repeated commitments made by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Centre. He described Rijiju’s statement as a clear indication of the government’s true intentions, which have now shifted from promises to indifference, leaving the people of J&K disillusioned.
“The Modi Government’s refusal to set a timeline for the restoration of Statehood is a clear sign that they are not serious about honoring their promises. From statements in Parliament to promises made before the Supreme Court and during public rallies, the Centre has repeatedly let down the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Karra said, further criticizing the Centre for its broken commitments.
In his ongoing campaign, “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq” (Our State, Our Right), Karra appealed to the people of J&K to prepare for a collective fight to reclaim their dignity, status, and rights as a State.
Accompanied by senior Congress leaders, including Working President Raman Bhalla, MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed, former Minister Shabir Ahmed Khan, DDC Rajouri Sain Abdul Rashid, and several others, Karra highlighted the contrasting developments in J&K during the UPA government. He pointed out the establishment of vital infrastructure projects such as Medical Colleges, degree colleges, ITIs, sports stadiums, and more, particularly in the border belt of Rajouri-Poonch.
However, Karra sharply criticized the BJP for neglecting the region’s growth during its 10 years in power, particularly in sectors like connectivity, education, and healthcare. He also highlighted the abandonment of the Railway project initiated by Rahul Gandhi after his visit to Rajouri in 2012, which was later scrapped despite a detailed survey and projected cost of ₹13,608 crore.
“During the UPA government, there were numerous development projects for Rajouri. However, BJP leaders continue to make false claims while ignoring the real needs of the border areas,” Karra remarked.
Karra also expressed deep concern over the rising unemployment levels in the region, blaming the previous administration’s anti-youth policies. He emphasized the plight of daily wagers, adhoc, and temporary employees in various government departments, while pointing out that teacher recruitment had been halted, and recruitment for the army had been limited to the controversial Agniveer scheme. This, he noted, has contributed to an all-time high unemployment rate in the region.
Raman Bhalla, the Working President of JKPCC, sharply criticized the BJP-led government for undermining the powers of elected representatives by centralizing authority with the Lieutenant Governor. “Despite having elected representatives and a government in place, BJP continues to deprive the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their rightful powers and status,” Bhalla added.
MLA Rajouri, Iftikhar Ahmed, raised several crucial issues faced by the local residents, including the demand for tehsil status, issues related to water, power, and ration distribution, and large-scale unemployment. He urged the government to pay immediate attention to these concerns.
Shabir Ahmed Khan, DCC President, echoed the sentiments of the party, emphasizing the long-standing neglect of the Rajouri-Poonch region by the BJP government. He especially highlighted the abandonment of key infrastructure projects, including the railway and road projects, leaving the region further isolated.
As the call for the restoration of Statehood grows louder in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress is firmly positioning itself as the voice of the people, continuing to challenge the BJP government on its repeated betrayals and its failure to deliver on promises. The battle for the dignity and rights of Jammu and Kashmir remains at the heart of the Congress Party’s mission in the region.
