The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has announced its participation in the National Conference’s (NC) statehood restoration protest scheduled for July 20 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. This move signifies a united front between the two political parties on the issue of restoring the former state’s status. In addition to the Delhi protest, the J&K Congress plans to hold its own demonstration on July 19, a march culminating at the Lieutenant Governor’s House in Jammu.
Tariq Hamid Karra, the president of the J&K Congress, revealed the party’s decision during a press conference held in Jammu. He emphasized that the movement advocating for the restoration of statehood was initially spearheaded by the Congress party. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the NC has extended an invitation to prominent Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, to join the demonstration. However, Karra clarified that the extent of participation by the central leadership would be a decision made by the Congress high command.
Karra articulated that statehood embodies the collective aspirations, emotions, and sentiments of the 1.4 crore people residing in Jammu and Kashmir. He extended a welcome to any individual, non-governmental organization, or political party willing to join this movement, stressing that the campaign transcends political affiliations. He further stated that the Congress welcomes the involvement of other political parties in the campaign for statehood restoration, maintaining that the issue is of paramount importance and extends beyond mere political coordination. When questioned about the relationship between the Congress and the NC, Karra redirected the focus, stating, “The issue before us is much larger. Let us not focus on smaller issues. Right now, the larger issue deserves our attention.”
The J&K Congress president also directed criticism towards the BJP-led central government, alleging that the ruling party has failed to uphold its commitments concerning the constitutional and political status of Jammu and Kashmir. Karra outlined further plans by the Congress to exert pressure on the central government if its commitment to restoring statehood remains unfulfilled. The party is contemplating a significant march from Lakhanpur, which serves as the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab, all the way to Lolab. Karra indicated that the logistics for this march are currently being worked out and that it would commence on an appropriate date should the government not address its unfulfilled promises. “We hope the Government of India fulfils its unfulfilled promises. If it does not, the Indian National Congress will undertake the march from Lakhanpur to Lolab on an appropriate date. We are working out the logistics,” Karra stated.
Prior to the potential Lakhanpur-to-Lolab march, the J&K Congress has organized a dharna near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh in Jammu. This protest is slated to begin at 10:30 am on July 19, and it will be followed by a protest march to the Lieutenant Governor’s House, scheduled to commence at noon on the same day. These actions are part of a broader strategy by the party to vocally advocate for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, a demand that has been a significant point of contention and political discourse in the region.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.