Interacts with ST deputations; reiterated party’s unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and secularism
JK News Today
Jammu, September 14: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Senior Leader and Provincial President Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, today urged the Union Government to honour the democratic mandate of the people by restoring the promised statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said this was crucial for restoring trust in democratic institutions and processes.
Gupta made these remarks during an interaction with a delegation from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community of Shiba, Jammu, who apprised him of the challenges faced by the community. The delegation also lauded the ongoing efforts of the Omar Abdullah-led government in ensuring inclusive development and bringing marginalized communities back on the path of progress.
Gupta reiterated the party’s unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and secularism, stating that the National Conference is working in line with the vision of Sher-e-Kashmir, who stood for an inclusive and equitable society.
He also took strong exception to the recent arrest of public representative Mehraj Malik under the PSA, calling it a deeply disturbing move by the LG administration. “The Union Government and LG administration appear determined to create unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. The arrest of Malik has ignited protests across communities in Doda. If anyone is disrupting peace, it’s those BJP leaders who are making derogatory remarks,”Gupta asserted.
He demanded Malik’s immediate release and called for responsible action against those inciting communal tensions.
Expressing deep disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exclusion of Jammu and Kashmir from his recent flood-relief tours, Gupta said, “The PM visited several flood-hit states and announced hundreds of crores in relief, yet Jammu—despite suffering significant loss of life and property—didn’t receive a word of support or a single rupee in relief. This shows where we stand in BJP’s priority list.”
Gupta praised the Omar Abdullah-led government for doing its best to provide relief within its limited resources and called on the public to take note of the Centre’s indifference during this time of crisis.
Among those who were present included : Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Ch. Remat Ali Ex- Chairman BDC, Vikram Puri, Kuldeep Sharma, Ch. Rafiq and others.
