MP Ramzan raises IIOJK statehood, governance concerns in Delhi meet
New Delhi: Member of Indian Parliament Chowdry Ramzan has strongly pitched for the restoration of statehood to occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying that despite a public mandate, the elected government in the territory is not being allowed to function independently or discharge its responsibilities towards the people.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Chowdry Ramzan raised the issue during a meeting of floor leaders of various political parties held at the Parliament House in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan, besides floor leaders of all major political parties.
Ramzan told the meeting that the continued denial of statehood has undermined democratic governance in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving the elected government powerless in addressing the day-to-day problems of the people.
He highlighted a range of political, social and economic issues affecting the territory, including the plight of prisoners from the occupied territory lodged in jails outside the region. He demanded their repatriation to enable them to access legal assistance as provided under law and also sought the release of prisoners involved in minor offences.
Ramzan urged the authorities to stop the harassment of labourers, students and traders from Kashmir in different parts of India.
