SRINAGAR: Amid persistent rainfall in the national capital, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Tuesday staged a protest at Jantar Mantar, reiterating its demand for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Organised under the party’s “Delhi Chalo” programme, the protest was led by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra and saw participation from Congress leaders and workers representing various districts of the Union Territory. The protestors gathered in significant numbers, holding placards and chanting slogans urging the Union Government to fulfil its commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Despite adverse weather, the enthusiasm of our workers has not diminished,” Karra told reporters at the protest site. “We are here to demand justice, dignity, and the democratic rights that were unconstitutionally taken from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Statehood must be restored without delay.”
Karra was joined by senior Congress leaders including Vikar Rasool Wani, Raman Bhalla, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and others who echoed the demand, describing the continued delay in restoring statehood as a deliberate attempt to politically disempower the region.
While the Centre has on multiple occasions stated that statehood would be restored “at an appropriate time,” Karra said the prolonged delay reflects a lack of political will.
Congress functionaries present at Jantar Mantar accused the BJP-led government of failing to honour its word. “This is not just about statehood. It’s about identity, representation, and accountability,” said Ghulam Ahmad Mir.
The JKPCC has vowed to continue raising the issue both within and outside Parliament. “We will amplify this demand through every democratic platform available to us,” Karra added. [KNT]
