BJP Should Restore J&K Statehood Before Judging Elected Govt: NC

Srinagar : The National Conference on Monday dismissed the BJP’s protest in Jammu over unemployment and development issues as “drama”, challenging the party to first restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and then assess the performance of the elected government.

NC chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the BJP had every democratic right to protest but should first fulfil its “long-pending” commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“Give us statehood and then see the results,” Sadiq told reporters in Srinagar.

“They (BJP) they are the one who defeated the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Sadiq told reporters in Srinagar.

He said that the BJP had promised to restore statehood after completing the delimitation exercise and holding Assembly elections, but had failed to keep its word till now.

He also alleged that several important matters remained pending with the Centre, affecting the functioning of the elected government.

“… Our files are still pending. We still do not have an Advocate General. The reservation file is still with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Why are they not returning these matters? Why are they not allowing an elected government to function?” he asked.

Accusing the BJP of creating unnecessary obstacles, Sadiq described the protest as “drama” and said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were aware of the circumstances that had led to the present situation.

“People of Jammu and Kashmir know the reality. The damage caused by the BJP and the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir is unprecedented,” he said. (Agencies)