Centre Reluctant to Restore Full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir: Tariq Hameed Karra

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LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI NOV 26:-Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has accused the central government of being unwilling to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Addressing a public rally in Rajouri district on Tuesday, held to mark the 75th Constitution Day, Karra claimed that the Union Government is planning to retain control over key departments, which he believes form the backbone of any state.

Karra reiterated that the Congress party would not accept any amendments that would dilute the restoration of J&K’s full statehood. “We have information that some powerful individuals in the central government are not in favour of restoring statehood in its original form. They intend to keep crucial departments under their direct control,” Karra said. He stressed that such a modified statehood would be unacceptable to the Congress.

On the issue of Article 370, which was abrogated by the BJP-led government in August 2019, Karra reiterated the party’s principled stance, calling the move “unilateral and undemocratic.” He referred to a resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on August 6, 2019, condemning the government’s actions, and stated, “They had no right to take such a step without consulting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

When asked about the ongoing debate over Article 370, Karra said that while the National Conference (NC) was advocating for its restoration, the Congress’ primary demand remains the restoration of full statehood to J&K. “We fought the elections on the basis of restoring statehood, and that is the realistic and rightful demand,” he added.

Karra also responded to the recent assembly elections in the Union Territory, where the Congress secured only six seats, five of which were in Kashmir and one in Rajouri. The party leader indicated that a fact-finding committee has been set up to investigate the reasons behind the poor performance. “The committee is finalising its report, which will be available shortly. There are concerns of foul play, and once the report is reviewed, we will approach the Election Commission with our complaints,” Karra said.

Despite the disappointing electoral outcome, Karra expressed gratitude to the voters and the party’s alliance partners, particularly in Rajouri, for their support. He stated, “The voters rejected the BJP’s attempts at religious polarisation and stood firm in favour of communal harmony and brotherhood.”

As the Congress party continues to press for the restoration of statehood, Karra’s remarks suggest that the political struggle in Jammu and Kashmir remains far from over.