SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Monday welcomed the passage of the resolution seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the Legislative Assembly, saying it reaffirmed the “honour, dignity and constitutional rights” of the people.
Speaking to party workers at the National Conference sub-office in Jammu, Sadhotra said restoration of full statehood was a legitimate democratic and constitutional demand that went beyond political, regional, religious and caste considerations.
“Statehood is not a favour to be granted to the people. It is a matter of their democratic rights, dignity and constitutional status,” he said.
Sadhotra said the elected Assembly had articulated the aspirations of the people and referred to assurances made by the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister regarding restoration of statehood. He also said the government had given an assurance before the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored after delimitation and elections.
He criticised BJP members for their conduct during the Assembly proceedings, alleging that they disrupted the debate instead of placing their objections before the House.
“If the BJP had substantive objections to the resolution, the appropriate parliamentary course was to remain in the House, participate in the debate and vote,” he said.
Sadhotra also criticised Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma over the language used by him in the Assembly, saying the office demanded restraint and adherence to parliamentary decorum.
“Differences with the government are natural in a democracy, but they must be expressed through reasoned debate and parliamentary language. Personal and unparliamentary attacks only belittle the office one occupies,” he said.
He said the resolution should be viewed in the broader democratic context and maintained that people across Jammu and Kashmir had a legitimate interest in the restoration of full statehood and the institutional space associated with an elected government.
Sadhotra said the National Conference would continue to raise issues concerning the rights, dignity and democratic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
