Don’t consider J&K as UT: Dy CM

Srinagar, Nov 9: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Saturday said that the National Conference (NC) is dedicated towards restoring Statehood to the region, saying that they don’t consider J&K Union Territory but a State.
“We are clear on our stand for the restoration of statehood. We will continue to fight against the forces who downgraded J&K to a Union Territory,” Choudhary said.
Speaking with the reporters, Dy CM said that security forces should strengthen the measures and carry out their duties diligently. “The attacks must stop,” he said. “This is the people’s government, and the National Conference leadership, especially Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, will not tolerate this at all.”
He said that the Home Minister Amit Shah admitted in the Parliament that land and jobs in Jammu and Kashmir belong to its residents. But safeguarding these would require special status for the region, which appears contradictory to his own statement. Additionally, he did not condemn the National Conference’s resolution advocating for the return of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
Replying to a query, the Dy CM said that they expected the BJP to address issues such as employment, industrial policies, illegal mining, ASHA workers, daily wagers, and the influx of drugs into J&K during the assembly session, but they didn’t, as these issues appear to hold little interest for them. Instead, it seems their primary focus is on securing power and positions, he said.
He further criticized the BJP’s current stance, adding, “The BJP in J&K seems more concerned with their own benefits, commissions, and maintaining influence. Ironically, this is the same BJP that once promised to fight against corruption and injustice, yet their actions on the ground today tell a different story. It’s clear where their priorities lie.”
Meanwhile, addressing attendees post inauguration of a new Water Supply Scheme (WSS) at Asia’s second-largest Fruit Mandi, Choudhary, the Deputy CM highlighted the lack of representation that Jammu and Kashmir has faced over the past decade due to the absence of a stable government, saying this void has led to various challenges for the region.
“We were distanced from the people under the previous regime, which often overlooked the issues that matter most to Kashmiris. Now, we are committed to addressing these concerns.”
“National Conference has continued to push for Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood in the legislative assembly. We passed a resolution for statehood, as promised. This fight isn’t just ours; it’s a collective one to secure the future of J&K, from job security to economic development,” he said, urging citizens to remain cautious of those seeking to mislead the public.
Dy CM praised Minister Javed Rana for his work in securing a reliable water supply to the Fruit Mandi, calling it “the best a leader can do” to support local infrastructure.
He also lauded the global demand for Kashmir’s apples but acknowledged ongoing challenges in production, including adverse weather conditions and the threat of counterfeit pesticides.
He urged the concerned authorities to address these grievances and proposed a special task force dedicated to protecting the integrity of Kashmir’s apple industry.
Choudhary assured stakeholders that infrastructure projects, such as the Maharjpora and Seer bridges, will be investigated, and any officials responsible for delays will face strict action. He directed the District Commissioner and Chief Engineer to provide detailed reports to expedite action.
Additionally, he confirmed that the truck yard will be tendered within ten days and that construction on Mazbug Bridge, already under contract, will conclude by March 2025.
The Dy CM expressed confidence that the National Conference and its leadership, particularly under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, remain devoted to meeting the promises made to the people. He called on the public to place their trust in the party, assuring that it will guide them through the challenges inherited from previous administrations. (KNO)