Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 29: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) organized a massive protest march from Panjtirthi to Parade Chowk today, condemning rising terrorism in the region and demanding the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Led by JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra, the protest also saw demonstrators burning an effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the Centre’s alleged failure to curb terrorism in Jammu.
Senior Congress leaders, including working presidents of JKPCC Tara Chand (ex-deputy CM) and Raman Bhalla, former minister Yogesh Sawhney, and District Congress Committee president Manmohan Singh, participated in the demonstration. AICC secretary Neeraj Kundan, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, and several other senior leaders also joined the protest.
Addressing the gathering, Tara Chand strongly condemned the recent terror attacks and expressed grief over the loss of security personnel. He criticized the Central Government for its failure to maintain peace in the region. “The people of J&K have suffered enough. We demand full statehood with constitutional guarantees to protect our rights and dignity. The Government’s inability to provide security is unacceptable,” he said.
Raman Bhalla echoed these concerns, holding the BJP-led government responsible for the deteriorating security situation. “The rise in terror incidents has created an atmosphere of fear. Our soldiers are being martyred, and the Government remains ineffective. The restoration of statehood is our fundamental right, and we will continue our struggle until it is achieved,” he asserted.
Yogesh Sawhney criticized the Central Government’s policies, stating that they have left locals frustrated. He also condemned Pakistan for fostering terrorism in the region. “Instead of providing employment and opportunities, the Government has failed to ensure the safety of civilians and security personnel. We demand immediate action to control terrorism and restore statehood,” he stated.
Manmohan Singh emphasized the need for unity among the people of J&K. “The sacrifices of our soldiers will not go in vain. We will not accept anything less than full statehood with all guarantees,” he said.
The protest was organized by DCC Jammu Urban through Block Congress Committees, with prominent party members actively participating.
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