Join statehood protest if you stand with J&K: Dy CM to BJP

Hiranagar, Jul 9: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday appealed to people from across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly BJP, to participate in the proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the restoration of statehood, saying the movement should not remain confined to the National Conference alone.
Talking to reporters, Choudhary said the people of Jammu should, like those in Kashmir, come forward and demonstrate their support for the restoration of statehood.
“This is not only the responsibility of the National Conference. Every political party, including the BJP, Bar Associations, journalists, businessmen, students and all those who have sympathy with Jammu and Kashmir should join the protest,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said invitations had also been extended to the Bharatiya Janata Party and expressed hope that all political parties would participate.
“We have even appealed to the BJP to join. Let us see whether they participate,” he said.
Responding to speculation about the stability of the government, Choudhary alleged that the BJP could form a government only by purchasing legislators and not through public support.
“If they want, they can form a government by buying MLAs so that the whole world knows who is willing to be sold. Governments can be formed by buying MLAs, but not by winning the hearts of the people,” he said.
He also criticized the BJP over issues including the NEET examination paper leak and alleged irregularities in donations collected for the Ram Temple, claiming these reflected the party’s governance.
Referring to the incident at the government function, where an individual reportedly entered the venue and raised slogans demanding a National Law University (NLU) for Jammu, Choudhary reiterated his demand for action against the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Hiranagar, alleging a security lapse.
He said responsibility should be fixed for the incident and appropriate action taken against those found accountable. [KNT]