SRINAGAR: The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to involve the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the day-to-day functioning of the union territory government. The committee stated that this would ensure balanced and comprehensive development across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a public statement, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina emphasised the importance of representation for the people of Jammu, who overwhelmingly voted for the BJP in the recent assembly elections. Raina asserted that to avoid alienating the Jammu region, the BJP must be included in the governance structure.
“There is no denying that while the National Conference received a strong mandate from Kashmir, the BJP swept the elections in the Jammu region. The people of Jammu deserve to have their elected representatives involved in government. This can only happen if the BJP becomes a part of the union territory government,” said Raina.
He further called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to show leadership and magnanimity by including BJP legislators in the governance of Jammu and Kashmir. This, he believes, would promote inclusivity and help avoid polarisation in the union territory’s political landscape.
Raina noted, “Jammu and Kashmir has long been a symbol of secularism, brotherhood, and compassion, and it is essential that this spirit continues under the current administration. Bringing BJP into the government would also ensure a steady flow of funds from the central government, which is critical for ongoing development projects.”
The APSCC Chairman also addressed the long-standing issue of unemployment, which he described as a major challenge for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged Omar Abdullah to take a united approach to governance, ensuring peace, progress, and development for the entire union territory.
Raina also highlighted the Sikh community’s concerns, asking the new government to address their demands in a time-bound manner. He stressed the importance of resolving the issues facing the Sikh community, as part of the broader goal of inclusive governance.
