Centre cannot deny democratic/ constitutional rights to J&K people: Rattan Lal Gupta

• Urges HM Amit Shah to restore Statehood, end dual power system in J&K as promised

KATRA: The people of Jammu and Kashmir have played their inning fairly and bravely in the journey to restore democracy in the region. Now, it is imperative for the Central Government to honor its commitment by promptly restoring full-fledged statehood to the J&K. This was stated by Adv Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), while addressing a day-long workers’ convention at the holy town of Katra. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Raj Kumar Sharma, District President Reasi.

Making a strong appeal, the senior NC leader urged the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, to take concrete steps towards fulfilling the Centre’s commitment of restoring statehood. “The people of J&K have displayed patience, resilience, and faith in the Constitution and democracy. It is time for the Central leadership, especially the Home Minister, to recognize this and act without further hesitation,” he said.

Rattan Lal Gupta emphasized that the continued denial of statehood is not only unjustified but also a betrayal of repeated assurances given by the country’s top leadership i.e, Prime Minister and Home Minister on multiple occasions. “The return to a full-fledged democratic setup with an elected government and legislative powers is essential for ensuring equitable development and safeguarding the unique identity of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Earlier, Raj Kumar Sharma, District President Reasi and Ashok Mehta Block President Katra apprised the senior functionaries of the Party about the growing discontent among people due to lack of basic amenities and developmental stagnation by the earlier government headed by the BJP in J&K. “Development has come to a grinding halt due to the hollow policies of the previous administration. The local populace is bearing the brunt of bureaucratic indifference,” they said.

Addressing the workers, the Provincial President said the present National Conference government headed by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to amplifying the voice of the common man and will continue to strive for equitable development across all regions of the Union Territory.

Seeking blessings from Mata Vaishno Devi, Rattan Lal Gupta asked the party cadre to gear up for the upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies polls in J&K. He emphasized that these grassroots-level elections are crucial for empowering people at the village and municipal levels, and that the National Conference must ensure a strong presence to uphold democratic values. He urged workers to reach out to every household, strengthen booth-level committees, and spread awareness about the party’s vision for inclusive development and restoration of people’s rights.

Senior NC leader Abdul Gani Malik former minister and Zonal President Udhampur Reasi Zone spoke on the achievements of Omar led Government in a short span of five months. “Women have received unprecedented attention with initiatives like free travel in government buses, enhancement of Girls marriage assistance Rs 50000/= to Rs 75,000/=, free 200 power units for AAY families, 10 kg free ration per person, per month for AAY families etc. These steps reflect the NC Government’s commitment to women empowerment,” he added.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary JKNC, emphasized the need to remain united and vigilant against divisive forces. He urged party workers to maintain strong grassroots connect and take the party’s pro-people agenda to every doorstep.

Bimla Luthra former MLA, S. Tejinder Singh Aman Provincial President Jammu YNC, Pardeep Bali, Vijay Lochan, and Rakesh Singh Raka reiterated that the NC is not against the development of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine regarding the upcoming ropeway project, but cautioned that it should not come at the cost of local livelihoods. They said that the present Omar Abdullah-led National Conference is committed to promoting development that is inclusive, people-centric, and respectful of the socio-economic fabric of the region. “Development should not be imposed at the expense of the poor. Our party stands for progress with compassion and dignity,” they added.

The convention concluded with a collective resolve to safeguard the democratic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among those who were present included : Tariq Butt Zonal Secretary Udhampur Reasi, Sher Singh District Vice President Katra, Ram Parkash Suri, Deepak Attri, Ashok Mehta, Rattan Lal, Dirdar Singh, Khem Raj Sharma, Vikramjeet Singh, Jugal Kishore, Tara Mani, Ayub Malik, Mohd Iqbal, Tufail Mohd, Ajay Kumar and other District and Block functionaries were also present.