Srinagar, October 26, 2024 – Jammu & Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today reiterated the critical need for the central government to fulfill its long-standing promise to restore statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. In a recent interview, Choudhary emphasized the urgency behind the statehood restoration, citing its potential to stabilize the region and clear the lingering uncertainties surrounding governance and local rights.
“The Prime Minister and Home Minister have assured that once elections conclude and the new government is in place, statehood will be reinstated. This commitment is crucial for the peace and stability Jammu & Kashmir deserves,” Choudhary stated in his interview with the news agency KNS. He emphasized that following through on these assurances would be pivotal in restoring people’s confidence in government intentions and ultimately improving local administration.
Central Government’s Promise and Path Forward
The call for restoring statehood has been a sensitive and pressing issue in Jammu & Kashmir. The region, which was reorganized as a union territory in 2019, has faced political and social shifts that have left citizens and leaders alike seeking more clarity on its future. Choudhary highlighted the importance of reinstating statehood to end the ongoing “confusion” surrounding governance in Jammu & Kashmir, which, he noted, would provide greater autonomy to local government officials to address issues unique to the region.
“Jammu & Kashmir has always had a distinct identity and a unique set of concerns. Returning to statehood will help restore a sense of normalcy and give local leaders the power to make decisions that best reflect the needs of our people,” Choudhary stated.
The Deputy CM emphasized that the region’s return to statehood is also essential for dispelling the growing doubts surrounding Article 370. While statehood and Article 370 are separate issues, the longstanding debate over Article 370’s nullification has fueled concerns over land ownership and employment opportunities for locals. Choudhary’s National Conference party has consistently advocated for the special status that Article 370 once provided, especially its role in securing rights for the people of Jammu & Kashmir against external influence.
Protecting Jobs and Land Ownership for Jammu & Kashmir Residents
Choudhary’s statements also underscored the importance of protecting local jobs and land ownership, a growing concern in Jammu & Kashmir as the government opens up economic opportunities in the union territory. “We will not let outsiders take our land or our jobs. These are rights that the people of Jammu & Kashmir have held for decades, and they must be protected,” Choudhary said, reasserting his party’s stance.
The National Conference’s firm position on protecting these local resources aligns with its longstanding advocacy for regional autonomy. According to Choudhary, the statehood restoration will alleviate many of these worries, as locally elected representatives will be in a stronger position to craft policies that secure these rights.
Choudhary pointed to the recent trip by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to New Delhi as a step in this direction. “Omar has gone to the capital with the welfare of Jammu & Kashmir in mind. He is working on creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and addressing healthcare and educational needs for our youth,” Choudhary explained. The CM’s visit, he added, is aimed at securing support from the central government to fund and back initiatives that would directly benefit the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Rising Security Concerns and Call for Peace
In addition to the statehood issue, Choudhary expressed strong disapproval of recent incidents of violence in the region, extending condolences to families affected by these tragic events. He noted that many National Conference leaders have themselves faced similar threats, acknowledging the pain and fear that such incidents bring to the community. “The National Conference understands the pain of losing loved ones in these attacks, as we have lost several of our leaders to similar incidents in the past,” Choudhary remarked.
Condemning the violence, Choudhary appealed for peace and stability, which he believes can be best achieved by resolving political and administrative uncertainties. He reaffirmed that restoring statehood could help mitigate such incidents by addressing underlying grievances and restoring people’s confidence in the government’s role in protecting their rights.
Economic Stability and the Importance of the Darbar Move
Restoring statehood, Choudhary explained, would not only bring about political clarity but also provide the necessary framework to foster economic stability. The Deputy CM cited the potential for restoring the historical “Darbar Move,” a unique biannual administrative tradition that sees government offices alternate between Srinagar and Jammu to cater to the distinct needs of the valley and plains.
“Reviving the Darbar Move is another step towards restoring normalcy and respecting the historical practices that make Jammu & Kashmir unique,” Choudhary said, describing how the tradition, in place since the 19th century, allows for more balanced administrative services across the region. He added that while this might not happen immediately, there is a strong commitment within the government to work toward its restoration as part of the statehood process.
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National Conference’s Role in Navigating Future Changes
Choudhary’s statements reflect the National Conference’s commitment to seeing the promises made by the central government come to fruition. The party has always advocated for special status and rights for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, and Choudhary believes that once statehood is restored, many other matters will “gradually resolve themselves.”
Choudhary’s call to action underscores the importance of returning decision-making power to the local leaders who, he asserts, have a better understanding of the region’s unique needs. The Deputy CM’s statements echo the National Conference’s broader commitment to a peaceful, stable, and self-sustaining Jammu & Kashmir.
Conclusion: Statehood as a Path to Stability and Progress
The restoration of statehood in Jammu & Kashmir, as Deputy CM Choudhary pointed out, remains a critical step in achieving peace and security for the region. While there is much work ahead, especially regarding economic opportunities, local rights, and special status concerns, Choudhary is optimistic that a government led by the people of Jammu & Kashmir will ultimately pave the way forward. In the meantime, leaders like CM Omar Abdullah are actively working to engage with the central government to secure resources and support to address the region’s most pressing needs.
For now, as the Deputy CM and his government continue to advocate for the state’s political and economic interests, Jammu & Kashmir stands at a juncture, awaiting the outcome of commitments made by the central government—commitments that, if honored, could finally bring lasting stability to the region and its people.
