Statehood restoration delay unfortunate: Javed Rana

Jammu, Jun 10: Jammu and Kashmir Minister Wednesday Javed Rana said the delay in restoring statehood to the Union Territory was unfortunate and alleged that democratic values were being suppressed.
Addressing a gathering here, Rana said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were waiting for the fulfilment of commitments made regarding the restoration of statehood.
He said a meeting of the ruling party’s legislators and ministers held before the upcoming Monsoon Session had unanimously decided, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to continue pressing for the restoration of statehood.
Rana said that before the Assembly elections, assurances had been given that elections would be held, delimitation completed and statehood restored. While elections had taken place, he said the restoration of statehood was still pending.
“In a democratic system, such commitments should be honoured and democratic institutions strengthened. It is unfortunate that democratic values are being suppressed. This should not happen in a country like India,” he said.
The minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood should be restored so that its people feel they are an integral part of India’s democratic framework.
Commenting on the BJP-led government’s celebration of 12 years in office, Rana claimed that the country’s economic position and international standing had weakened during this period.
He urged the country’s leadership to review its policies and programmes and work towards strengthening India’s global position.
Rana said India could achieve the goal of becoming a “Vishwa Guru” if the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” was implemented in its true spirit and all sections of society were taken along in the development process. (KNS)