Says, We Are Not Defeated, We Trust the Supreme Court to Understand J&K’s Sentiments
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar: DD, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday urged faith in India’s highest court and appealed for restoration of statehood and redressal of local grievances, while criticising what he called attempts to derail dialogue for political gain.
Speaking to reporters, DyCM Choudhary said, “History of Jammu and Kashmir shows we are not people who give up. We have faced great distances and trials and we do not panic. We place our faith in the law of India and in the highest court of the land the Supreme Court because it is the one institution that the entire country trusts, beyond religion and community.”
Choudhary said, “We hope the honourable judges, when they give their decision, will understand the sentiments of Jammu and Kashmir. They will also understand what happened in Ladakh in 2019 how that region, which once celebrated, reached its present position.”
He added, “We have always said this is the Maharaja’s state. Maharaja Hari Singh himself said, ‘This is my state.’ Before taking decisions that alter the status of the state, why not consult the heirs of the Maharaja?”
“If the BJP truly loves Jammu and Kashmir and wants its progress, it should restore statehood so our children do not remain unemployed. If they truly care for development, they must grant state status,” he said.
On bureaucratic delays and business rules pending with the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the DyCM said, “The Lieutenant Governor must understand the reality on the ground. He has been in office for five to six years and people have grievances. Industrialists tell me the industry policy has irregularities. If you talk about mining, there are allegations of illegal activity. If roads and bridges were washed away in floods, and apples and other produce were destroyed, people ask why action is not taken. I will tell the LG plainly, release the pending files and business rules, and take action where irregularities are alleged.”
Referring to earlier statement where he asked LG Sinha to get himself permanent ly appointed as his tenure as LG of J&K ended, Choudhary alleged a personal fallout.
“I had urged the LG to regularise himself as we have to regularise daily wagers because many employees are on daily wages and their positions remain unsettled. After I raised that, vehicles that were parked in my motor garage were taken back. I have had security for the past 11 months because of threats related to my post as Deputy Chief Minister. Suddenly those vehicles were taken back, it suggests there is no longer a threat. I have barely escaped death three times in those vehicles. I say again to the LG, release the files you have held up, issue the business rules, and act against those involved in wrongdoing and get yourself regularised,” he said.
He said, “We ask only for fair treatment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Give clear orders on pending matters, and ensure accountability where there are complaints.” (KNC)
