SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today criticised the dual control over Jammu and Kashmir’s administration and the prolonged delay in restoring statehood, claiming that these issues have severely disrupted governance, exacerbating the hardships faced by the people.
Addressing a public meeting in Reasi, organised by NC leaders Tariq Bhat and Raj Kumar Sharma, Sadhotra recalled the Government of India’s commitment to the Supreme Court and Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir would be granted statehood following elections. Despite this promise, he noted, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre has delayed this crucial decision, worsening the plight of the region’s residents.
Sadhotra emphasised that the dual control system has impeded governance, slowed down development, and hindered the effective delivery of services. He argued that Jammu and Kashmir, a sensitive region, requires focused attention on development, improved service coordination, accelerated recruitment processes, and a better approach to meeting the aspirations of all communities. He stressed that this can only be achieved through a unified and committed administrative structure.
Reflecting on the hardships faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the absence of a representative government over the past decade, Sadhotra pointed out that the lack of accountability and the disconnect between the administration and the public had led to a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Development projects had stagnated, and essential services had been compromised during this period, he added.
Reiterating the NC’s long-standing demand for the restoration of full statehood, Sadhotra called for an end to the political uncertainty. He reminded the central government of its pledge to restore statehood following elections and urged it to honour this commitment. “Denying the people their constitutional rights is unacceptable. The prolonged wait for statehood is increasing political uncertainty and making governance ineffective,” he said, advocating for the establishment of a democratically elected government that could better address public concerns and ensure transparency in governance.
Sadhotra also appealed to government officers and bureaucrats to engage more proactively with the public, address grievances promptly, and speed up the implementation of development projects to improve service delivery.
Former Minister Abdul Gani Malik, also speaking at the event, reaffirmed the National Conference’s demand for the immediate restoration of statehood, urging the central government to fulfil its promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for lasting development and resolution of their issues.
Choudhary Khursheed Ahmed, MLA from Gool Gulabgarh, highlighted the NC’s track record of serving the people without discrimination, noting that the Omar Abdullah-led government was committed to fulfilling its promises in a mission mode.
