SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary said on Thursday that Jammu and Kashmir have lost their pride and honour following the revocation of their special status and statehood.
Speaking to reporters here, Chaudhary said, “This is a democratically elected government, and it has been hardly 3.5 months since we assumed power. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inherited a broken state to govern. However, with the blessings of the people, no one will be able to defame our government. The results will be visible soon. By next year in February, we will be in a different position.”
Expressing optimism about the restoration of statehood, he reminded the Centre of its commitment. “The Centre had promised that statehood would be restored, and I hope Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will keep their promise.”
He further emphasised the challenges of governance under the Union Territory setup, calling for an urgent restoration of full statehood. “We are unable to deliver fully in the current Union Territory setup, and we believe that statehood must be restored soon.”
Additionally, he raised serious concerns over the increasing drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging it to be a deliberate conspiracy to destroy the youth.
“Drugs are being peddled into J&K as part of a conspiracy to ruin our younger generation.”
Chaudhary also reiterated his party’s stance against all forms of addiction, including liquor consumption. (KNO)
