Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD: National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today made a forceful appeal for the immediate restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the dualcontrol has adversely impacted governance and eroded public confidence in institutions.
Addressing a public meeting at Raipur (Satwari) in Jammu South Constituency which was organized by Jatinder Singh Lucky, Akshay Kumar and Ginni Singh. Mr Sadhotra said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are bearing the brunt of a dual administrative control that lacks accountability and responsiveness. The governance has taken a serious hit. Decisions that affect the everyday lives of citizens are either delayed or lost in bureaucratic Wrangles, he said, adding that this system is no substitute for the inherent powers of a democratically elected government. Dual administrative control has created chaos and confusion.
Mr Sadhotra reminded the Centre of its repeated assurances, both in the Parliament and before the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored.
“The BJP should not make this a matter of political prestige. This is not about any one party or ideology. The demand for restoration of statehood is a broad-based and deeply rooted aspiration that cuts across party lines,” Mr. Sadhotra said,
adding that the continuing delay is tantamount to a betrayal of the people’s mandate.
Mr. Sadhotra also raised a specific demand concerning residents living in areas
under cantonment jurisdiction. He called for the streamlining of building permission rules, particularly the relaxation of the 100-yard restriction around army establishments for repairs, renovations, and structural modifications. This
has become imperative as families are growing, splitting, and evolving. The rigid norms are severely affecting the housing needs of genuine residents, he said and called for a humane and practical approach in such matters.
Responding to issues raised by the local residents, Mr. Sadhotra said that their concerns about the condition of the road network, along with the need for seamless functioning of essential utilities would be strongly raised at relevant platforms and followed up for resolution.
Reiterating the National Conference’s commitment to upholding democratic values and people’s rights, Mr. Sadhotra said, “We will continue to amplify the
voice of the people and fight for the restoration of full democratic rights, including statehood, which is essential for peace, dignity, and development in
Jammu and Kashmir.”
Many youth joined the National Conference headed by Akshay Kumar. Mr Sadhotra welcomed the new entrants for joining the party and hoped that their
joining will strengthen the party and our leadership.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Ayoub Malik Provincial Secretary, Chander Mohan Sharma District President (Urban), Raghubir Singh District President (Rural-A), Ch Naresh Bittu District President (Rural-B), Ashwani Charak Block President, Parvinder Singh Block President, Gurnam Singh Block President, Veer Ji Salathia, Som Nath, Manmohan.DD
