| Statehood key to J&K's peace, prosperity: Rattan Lal Gupta | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 14: Adv. Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has strongly reiterated the urgent need for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that only the popular government can ensure peace, prosperity, and overall development of the region.
In a press release issued here today, the senior NC leader asserted that the aspirations of the people of J&K can only be fulfilled when a fully empowered state government, with complete administrative and legislative control, is in place. He stressed that under the existing dual power system, the present J&K government headed by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remains handicapped, unable to function freely and effectively in addressing public grievances.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir have already expressed their will through the democratic process by electing their representatives, yet the absence of statehood continues to deprive them of their fundamental rights. Even the central leadership has repeatedly assured the restoration of statehood, but those promises remain unfulfilled, leaving the people disillusioned," he remarked.
Highlighting the grave challenges faced by the region, he asserted that the lack of an independent state government has led to administrative inefficiency and a deepening crisis. "Our security forces continue to make the ultimate sacrifice on the borders, yet there is no concrete roadmap for stability and peace. The recent martyrdom of two Army personnel, including a Captain, in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by suspected terrorists near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector is a grim reminder of the volatile situation. Such tragedies underscore the urgent need for a stable and accountable governance structure that prioritizes security, strategic policymaking, and public welfare," he said.
"Besides, the growing unemployment crisis is further aggravating public distress, and only a popular government with full autonomy can effectively address these burning issues," he added.
The Provincial President asked the central leadership to act upon its commitment and immediately restore statehood to J&K before the next Assembly elections. "The people of J&K have waited long enough. Statehood is not just a political necessity but a constitutional and moral obligation that must be fulfilled at the earliest. The time for delays and empty promises is over; the people demand action," he asserted.
He maintained that the Central Government must understand that without restoration of statehood, Development, peace and prosperity not possible in Jammu and Kashmir.
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