‘Cong to launch campaign over economic crisis’
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 6: Describing decision of the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on J&K as “undemocratic”, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and In-charge J&K affairs of the Party, Ambika Soni today advocated for restoration of “statehood” status to Jammu and Kashmir after it was declared Union Territory on August 5.
Addressing a press conference here today, she expressed displeasure over the developments in Jammu and Kashmir during past three months and said that Cong would not like to go into its details, but whatever, has happened here, was “unfortunate, unfair and undemocratic.”
“Such a historically and culturally rich state was reduced into a Union Territory against the wishes of the people living here. The people/ major stake holders were never consulted and it was all done in hush-hush manner. This is humiliating and insulting for the people of this State,” she asserted.
She said the people of Jammu or even Kashmir never projected the demand of UT. There is strong anger amongst the people of Jammu and Kashmir as this decision has been imposed on them. The Government must restore, statehood status to the Jammu and Kashmir. The people will give their reply to the BJP at the most opportune time, she maintained.
In response to a question, the AICC leader said the areas of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir shown in new map of Jammu and Kashmir UT released by the Centre are already parts of India. “The three districts of PoK shown in new J&K UT map have always been part of India,” Soni said adding that Congress has very clear stand over it.
The party national general secretary was here in the town to hold deliberations with the PCC leadership with regard to agitation to be launched by the Congress countrywide in protest against economical crisis, rising unemployment and deteriorating condition of Industry and farming community.
“The statehood should be restored back,” she added and said that people here are upset as UT was declared without consulting them and they are concerned of their land and jobs.
Referring to the detention of three former J&K Chief Ministers, Ambika Soni said nobody knows when they are going to be released. If the situation as per the top BJP leadership, is normal in Jammu and Kashmir, then why these leaders and other activists, were still under detention or in jails. They should be allowed to move freely, Soni added.
The AICC leader said that whatever happened in Jammu and Kashmir during last three months was “undemocratic”. The people never wanted UT status for J&K. This large State has been reduced to merely a Union Territory. The people were never taken into confidence, Soni maintained.
The former Union Minister added that showing PoK areas in map is not enough but the question is that when the Government get them back.
“People will answer them during polls the way they are penetrating into everything,” she said and demanded conduct of Assembly polls saying that let the dust be clear.
Soni added that a nationwide agitation will be launched in December against economic slowdown and strategy and schedules have been discussed with J&K cadre and added, “GDP growth has declined, industrial and agricultural growth is badly hit,”
She also added that people of J&K especially the youth, have been befooled and they are feeling alienated due to unemployment and no future security.
“Under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, results in Maharashtra and Haryana have showed BJP the real face,” she said and stressed for conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
On change of nomenclatures of various places and buildings, AICC Secretary Dr Shakeel Ahmed said, “previous names of different buildings/ places were given due to the contributions of great leaders. If they (BJP) don’t like anybody, it doesn’t mean that on whose name the complex, road, Chowk or area is, has no role. That should be recognized,” the party leader said.
Expressing resentment over the developments taking place in the Jammu and Kashmir, he said that incidents of terrorism have witnessed some rise. The Government has failed to curb it. They must take adequate steps for the security and safety of the people and their properties. The BJP had made huge promises with the people before abrogation of Article 370 and even thereafter, and now it is time to fulfill all those promises made with the people of this State, he added.
PCC chief GA Mir spoke on the occasion. Senior leaders Raman Bhalla, Mula Ram, G M Saroori, Ravinder Sharma and others also accompanied.
Earlier, AICC general secretary along with AICC secretary convened a meeting of senior PCC leadership and discussed strategy to launch agitation/ awareness from December 5 to 15 in the State. In this regard protest programmes at district level will be held and the BJP leadership exposed for economic slowdown and unemployment problem in the country.
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