NC joining statehood movement a welcome step: Congress
JAMMU: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Congress Working President Raman Bhalla has welcomed the National Conference’s proposed protest in Delhi next week for restoration of statehood, calling it a positive, albeit delayed, step towards achieving a common objective.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Bhalla’s remarks came hours after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that the July 20 demonstration in Delhi by the National Conference will mark the beginning of a new phase in its campaign for statehood to the occupied territory.
“Congress has been at the forefront of the struggle and has repeatedly raised the issue both in Jammu and Kashmir and at the national level. It is good that the National Conference has finally joined our struggle for the restoration of statehood. Though the move comes belatedly, it is a step in the right direction,” Bhalla said on the sidelines of a party protest rally at Nai Basti in Jammu.
Bhalla said Congress has been fighting for statehood for nearly two years, including protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and in every block of J&K. He reiterated that restoration of full statehood is essential for accountable governance, strengthening democratic institutions, and addressing the aspirations of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
