People angry over J&K’s bifurcation, want restoration of statehood: Cong leader

Congress leer Rajni Patil on Sunday claimed re was widespre anger and resentment among people of Jammu and Kashmir over “arbitrary decision” of BJP-led government to “disband and downgre” historically important state into two Union Territories.

Patil, All India Congress Committee in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, is on a five-day visit to UT said that people wanted restoration of statehood and were t happy with policies of ministration.

“ decision of BJP government to disband and downgre state into UTs was arbitrary, unilateral, unjust and against wishes of people of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir,” Patil told reporters.

She was referring to abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of constitution and its bifurcation into two Union Territories by BJP-led government at Centre on August 5, 2019.

“During my interactions with different sections of society over last two days here, I found great anger among m over downgring of historically important and socio-culturally rich Dogra state apart from being deprived of protection to jobs and lands,” Patil, who was flanked by party leers including state Congress chief G A Mir, said.

Patil met office bearers, former legislators and different district and frontal units of party and would leave for Srinagar on Monday as part of second leg of her tour before returning to Delhi on October 14.

She is likely to meet Lt Goverr Maj Sinha to take up various issues of people.

She furr claimed that Narendra Modi led government hoodwinked farmers ahe of 2014 general elections by promising to double ir income.

“ three laws enacted by government have deprived famers of ir due income and protection from exploitation at hands of rich and capitalists,” she said, ding her party would continue to strive for rights of farmers and protect ir interests.

She also claimed that ar failure of BJP is its inaction over rising incidents of crime against women in country.

Accusing BJP of having double standards “as seen in Hathras incident”, she said Congress amended country’s rape laws during its rule to make m stringent in wake of Nirbhaya incident but saffron party failed to strictly implement and execute m during its regime.

“ way BJP government tried to suppress voices against heius crime is most unfortunate,” she said. AICC leer furr accused BJP of exploiting sufferings of Kashmiri Pandit migrants and alleged that thing was being done for ir welfare, rehabilitation and safe return to valley.

“During my visit to Jagti Migrant Camp, I found resentment amongst m especially youth who see future,” she said.

She also criticised BJP government at Centre for its handling of COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “What could be worse than people suffering on account of lack of oxygen in hospitals in Jammu. BJP has neglected its duty as a ruling party after seeking huge mandate from people, especially in Jammu. people would certainly show m mirror in next elections,” Patil said.

She said Congress president Sonia Gandhi has entrusted her with important responsibility of looking after sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir and she would do everything possible to strengn party.

Meanwhile, Mir said Congress has always worked for establishment and empowerment of panchayats and participated in elections to municipal bodies to strengn democracy.

“We are rey to take part in upcoming bypolls but want redressal of our concerns over security scenario and conducive atmosphere,” he said.

Congress leer said his party struggled to get all provisions of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments incorporated in state laws for a strong and vibrant three tier panchayat raj and government must practically implement m.

He said Congress fully supports demand for inclusion of Punjabi, Gojri and Pahari in list of official langus in Jammu and Kashmir.

Im Credits: AP