Congress backs NC’s statehood protest, calls for united political fight
Srinagar: The in-charge of Indian National Congress chapter in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Ahmad Mir has said that the Congress will participate in the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, asserting that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is a people’s issue and not confined to any political party.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, speaking to reporters said the Congress has consistently opposed the decisions taken on August 5, 2019 and has been raising the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights and statehood at every available forum.
He said the party had chosen not to seek ministerial positions despite having the opportunity, as it believed the people’s mandate was for the restoration of statehood and powers to the elected government. “There is no point in becoming ministers when there are no real powers,” he said.
Referring to the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the Congress welcomed the call and would participate in the programme.
He urged all political parties to rise above political differences and join the protest, saying no one should allow ego to come in the way of a common cause. “Everyone should unite and raise a common voice for the restoration of statehood,” he said.
He also expressed support for Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk’s peaceful agitation, saying the people of Ladakh had pursued their demands through democratic means without resorting to violence. He said anyone working peacefully for the welfare of the people deserved support.
