 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 28: Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of J&K National Conference, expressed hope that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his upcoming two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir beginning May 29, will announce a comprehensive financial package for the people of the region who have suffered immensely amid the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
In a press statement issued here today, the Provincial President stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those living in districts Poonch- Rajouri and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, have borne the brunt of the recent escalation in cross-border firing. "We have tragically lost nearly 23 innocent civilian lives, and the scale of damage to public and private properties and infrastructure, particularly in Districts Poonch- Rajouri and border areas of J&K, is massive and deeply concerning," he said.
Rattan Lal Gupta demanded a well-structured comprehensive financial package from the Centre which would not only provide much-needed support to the affected families but also aid in rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening infrastructure, and revitalizing the local economy.
"At this critical juncture, it is imperative for the Union Government to step in with concrete measures to aid the victims and rebuild the affected areas. I sincerely hope that the Hon'ble Home Minister will recognize the gravity of the situation and announce a substantial financial package for the people affecting cross border shelling of Jammu and Kashmir during his visit," he said
The Provincial President fervently urged the Home Minister Amit Shah to make best utilization of his visit to J&K by fulfilling the long-standing promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Rattan Lal emphasized that the people of J&K have upheld their democratic responsibility with dignity and commitment by actively participating in the recent Assembly elections and electing a popular government of their own. However, he lamented that despite repeated assurances, the Government at the Centre has yet to deliver on its word. "It has been more than six years since the special status was revoked, but beyond assurances, no tangible progress has been made towards the restoration of statehood," he said.
Expressing hope, Rattan Lal appealed to the Home Minister to honor the sentiments and aspirations of the people by announcing the restoration of statehood without further delay. |
