SRINAGAR: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday strongly advocated for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that an empowered local government is essential to address the region’s needs.
A five-member TMC delegation, led by Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shortly after arriving in Srinagar. The delegation, visiting to assess the situation in border areas, discussed key issues affecting residents, particularly in Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri.
“Statehood is a legitimate aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the elected government must be fully empowered to serve them effectively,” Ghose said. She emphasised that her party supports the principle of federalism and believes governance should rest with elected representatives.
Ghose said the delegation held a detailed 90-minute meeting with Abdullah, who briefed them on the challenges faced by residents in border areas amid ongoing cross-border shelling. “He assured us that efforts are underway to provide medical assistance, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and offer compensation to affected families,” she added. (KNT)
