Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has voiced strong hopes that the central government will honor its commitment to restore statehood to the region. He indicated that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had recently discussed this crucial issue, along with several other development-related matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir, during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Choudhary emphasized that these discussions are a regular feature whenever the Chief Minister visits Delhi, regardless of the specific Union minister he meets.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the agenda of the Chief Minister’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah included not only the restoration of statehood but also the rationalization of reservation policies, the finalization of business rules, and preparations for the inaugural international film festival scheduled to be held in Srinagar. Choudhary expressed his expectation that the Home Minister would act upon the promises made in Parliament, before the Supreme Court, and directly to the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the return of statehood. He further stated that failing to fulfill this promise would constitute a betrayal not only of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also of Parliament and the judiciary itself.
Addressing the ongoing strike by MBBS interns protesting alleged disparities in their monthly stipends since August 31, Choudhary assured that the government is considering the matter comprehensively. He explained that the complexity of the issue necessitates a thorough review rather than an immediate announcement. He acknowledged the vital role of doctors, referring to them as the second most important figures after God in treating the populace.
The Deputy Chief Minister also commented on a recent anti-government protest staged by the BJP in Srinagar on September 2, dismissing it as a mere “drama” orchestrated to divert public attention from pressing issues affecting the people of Jammu. He challenged the opposition party to address questions concerning the representation of local officers, academics, and professionals in key positions within the Union territory. Choudhary described Lal Chowk in Srinagar as a historic symbol of democracy and accused the BJP leadership of engaging in superficial displays of concern to mislead the public. He alleged that the BJP was deliberately “blindfolding” the people of Jammu by shifting focus away from their genuine problems.
Choudhary asserted that Jammu is experiencing internal suffering, with widespread discontent among various segments of the population, including transporters, hoteliers, industrialists, and unemployed youth. He urged the BJP leadership to address these grievances directly in Jammu, suggesting they do so from the ‘Ghanta Ghar’ on Shalimar Road, beneath the statue of Maharaja Sahib, rather than holding protests in Srinagar. He questioned why the BJP leadership was not engaging with the people of Jammu on their home turf to answer their concerns.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Minister raised concerns about the appointment of senior officers from Jammu and Kashmir to significant roles outside the Union territory, while local officers, in his view, were not being afforded similar opportunities. He specifically questioned why officers from Jammu and Kashmir, capable of serving as Directors General in other states or Ladakh, were not being appointed to such positions within their own Union territory. He highlighted that several local IPS officers possess the requisite qualifications for these roles.
Choudhary also questioned the appointment processes in universities and other prominent institutions, asking why local candidates from Jammu were not being considered for positions such as directors and vice-chancellors. He stressed that this issue is intrinsically linked to the aspirations of young professionals and employees from the region. He pointed to the existing practice of officers from Jammu and Kashmir being deputed to various parts of the country and other Union territories, and questioned the rationale behind not appointing local officers to equivalent positions within Jammu and Kashmir, including that of Deputy Commissioners. He concluded by asking if this situation constituted discrimination.
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.