Strengthen Omar led Govt for strengthening democracy, J&K and the Nation: Rattan Lal Gupta

• Says Centre must push bill of restoration of Statehood in current session of Parliament

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Provincial President for Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, on Tuesday called upon the Government of India (GoI) to honour its repeated commitments regarding the restoration of full-fledged statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that such a step is imperative for ensuring lasting peace, political stability, and inclusive development in the beleaguered region.

While interacting with party functionaries from Budhal Constituency of District Rajouri at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu, Gupta urged New Delhi to translate its assurances—made both inside and outside Parliament—into concrete action. He emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have unequivocally demonstrated their faith in democratic institutions by participating enthusiastically in both the Parliamentary and Legislative Assembly elections.

“The onus is now on the Union Government to rise to the occasion and fulfil its solemn promise of restoring statehood,” Gupta said. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to fully realize the dividends of democracy and the spirit of cooperative federalism as enshrined in the Constitution of India.”

Gupta underscored that strengthening the Omar Abdullah-led elected government is crucial for reinforcing democratic governance in the Union Territory. “A politically empowered and administratively autonomous Jammu and Kashmir is integral to a stronger and more cohesive India,” he asserted. “The National Conference has always stood at the forefront in safeguarding the nation’s unity, secular fabric, and constitutional values. Our party has made immense sacrifices in defence of the country’s integrity and pluralistic ethos.”

He further stated that it is incumbent upon the Centre to create an enabling political and financial environment that allows the democratically elected government to function without impediments. “New Delhi must extend all necessary institutional and fiscal support to the elected dispensation so that it can effectively address the aspirations of the people across regions. The restoration of statehood will not only reinforce democratic legitimacy but also significantly enhance governance outcomes and developmental momentum under the present government,” he added.

Reiterating the party’s consistent stand, Gupta said that the restoration of full-fledged statehood is not merely a political demand but a constitutional imperative essential for deepening democratic accountability and strengthening India’s federal structure.