SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma on Wednesday said people from the Union Territory would gather at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to press for the restoration of statehood, asserting that the proposed protest would proceed irrespective of whether official permission is granted.
“Whether we get permission or not, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will reach there to demand their rights,” Sharma told reporters, describing the restoration of statehood as an issue of dignity and constitutional rights.
Referring to recent demonstrations in Jammu, the minister said the protests reflected growing public discontent over the delay in restoring statehood. “No one expected that people would come out and sit on the streets. Our people came, and we feel neglected. I believe the time has come for us to regain our lost pride and honour,” he said.
Sharma also alleged that Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed an erosion of its institutional status following its reorganisation into a Union Territory in August 2019.
“The injustice has happened from Delhi. From an SSP being reduced to a DSP, and a DSP being reduced to a head constable, it is a perfect example of demotion,” he said, using the comparison to illustrate what he described as the downgrading of the region’s administrative and institutional standing.
His remarks come amid renewed political mobilisation by the ruling National Conference, which has been demanding that the Centre fulfil its commitment to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
