Statehood restoration prerogative of Parliament: Sunil Sharma

Srinagar, May 24: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma Saturday said that restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is the prerogative of the Parliament and the Bharatiya Janata Party, not of regional parties like the National Conference or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Sharma, who was on a visit to shelling-hit areas of Kupwara, also hailed Operation Sindoor as a decisive strike. He also defended the Tiranga rallies against Congress criticism, and issued a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that any provocation would meet with unprecedented retaliation.
The Leader of Opposition stated that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood lies solely in the hands of the Parliament and the central leadership, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Statehood will come, we will bring it, but not at the request of the National Conference or the PDP,” he said.
“NC and PDP’s role is limited to subsidised LPG, ration, and pension,” he said, urging the people of Kashmir not to be misled. He emphasized that neither party holds any significant presence or influence in Delhi, with only three MPs combined. “In Parliament, they are not even counted. Outside of Jammu and Kashmir, most people don’t even know what the National Conference is.”
He contrasted this with the BJP’s political clout, claiming the party rules over 20 states. “Even if you add up their strength, we still have over 1,600 MPs more,” he said. “So, there is no question of comparison.”
Defending Operation Sindoor, which was hailed as a significant military success by the BJP, the Leader of Opposition dismissed Congress’s criticism that the operation and subsequent Tiranga rallies were politicized. “The Tiranga is not a symbol of a political party; it represents the pride and honor of India. To carry it is an act of patriotism, not politics,” he said.
He accused the Congress and what he termed the “evidence gang” of disrespecting national sentiment. “They asked for proof of surgical strikes, proof of airstrikes—now they’re questioning Tiranga rallies. This is part of their DNA. If someone holding the Tiranga shouts slogans in favor of our army, is that politics? Congress should apologize.”
Addressing recent threats from Pakistani leadership, including remarks that Pakistan might “shut down India’s breath” in retaliation for water blockade measures, the Leader of Opposition issued a sharp warning. “We are peace-loving, but if provoked, the response will be such that Pakistan will not find a place on the world map,” he said.
He recalled a historic moment involving former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who told then-U.S. President Bill Clinton that while Pakistan may have nuclear weapons, any misadventure would lead to its erasure. “That spirit of deterrence still lives in India today,” he said.
Although he refrained from commenting on foreign policy directly—citing his role as a leader in a Union Territory—he emphasized India’s growing global stature and military strength. “The Indian Army is the third-largest in the world, and India is the fastest-growing economy. Let there be no doubt about our capabilities.”
The Leader of Opposition also acknowledged the destruction caused in border areas following Operation. He detailed the damage to homes, cattle sheds, and local businesses, assuring that a senior delegation is touring the affected areas, to assess losses and offer support.
“Despite the destruction, people living near the LoC are proud that for the first time in world history, a strong military response followed a terrorist act at Pahalgam, claiming 26 lives. This has sent a clear message across the border,” he said. (KNO)