JAMMU: Sunil Dimple, President of Mission Statehood, organized a significant protest rally against the BJP-led Union Government for failing to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. The demonstration took place on the Jammu-Kashmir National Highway at Rehari Chungi, where protesters blocked traffic to voice their demands.
During the rally, Dimple addressed a crowd of supporters, including traders and transporters, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to announce the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, along with the special status under Articles 370 and 35A, in the current parliamentary session. He criticized BJP leaders for not providing a clear timeline for restoring statehood, stating that despite a Supreme Court order mandating prompt action, both the Prime Minister and Home Minister remain non-committal.
Dimple announced plans to convene all-party meetings in Jammu soon to strategize for the early restoration of the state's special status and Articles 370 and 35A, expressing frustration over the BJP's reluctance to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
He also called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to engage with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding essential relief measures for residents. These measures include providing free electricity, drinking water, twelve free LPG cylinders, double rations for all Jammu and Kashmir citizens, and an employment package for educated youth.
Furthermore, Dimple demanded that Prime Minister Modi recommence the Darbar Move practice, emphasizing that traders have suffered significant losses due to its suspension. He urged for the implementation of the conditions outlined in the Instrument of Accession signed between India and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the reinstatement of the state subject system.
Dimple reiterated his demands for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to halt the installation of smart meters until free electricity is provided to residents. He insisted that starting January 1, 2025, all Jammu and Kashmir residents should receive twelve free LPG cylinders and double rations.
Prominent leaders supporting Dimple in this protest included Sanjay Sethi, Narender Chowdhry, Tilak Raj, Sanjay Kumar, Sourav Kumar, Happy, Rocky Kapoor, Aman Singh, Bitu Kumar, Ashok Sharma, Tarsem Lal Sanjee, among others.
