No Hope From Centre Govt on Statehood, But Won’t Stay Silent on Our Constitutional Rights”: Congress Chief Tariq Karra
Nadeem Nadu
Jammu, Feb 4 (KNC): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday said that while the Congress has no expectations from the present government on the issue of statehood, it will continue its struggle for the restoration of constitutional rights.
Speaking to reporters outside the J&K Assembly complex in Jammu, Karra, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), said that the visit of the Union Home Minister would not change the ground reality. “We do not have any hope from this government—whether it is about statehood or any other issue—but that does not mean we will remain silent. Our silence should not be mistaken for weakness,” he said.
Highlighting the Congress party’s efforts, Karra said, “We have taken out marches for statehood from Srinagar to Delhi. Even the ruling National Conference has protested outside the Assembly, which is a welcome step. Our struggle will continue until statehood is restored.”
On Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to review the security situation, Karra questioned the Centre’s repeated claims of normalcy. “It is unclear on what basis the Centre is claiming that everything is under control. For the past 13 days, an encounter has been going on and security forces have not been able to conclude it. Over the last several months, encounters have been taking place continuously in different districts,” he said.
Expressing concern over the loss of lives of security personnel, Karra said the sacrifices of jawans were being overlooked. “There is hardly any such incident where our jawans are not martyred. This raises serious questions about the actual security situation on the ground,” he added.
Referring to the promises made after 2019, the Congress leader said public trust is built only when commitments are honoured. “We were told that terrorism would be eliminated after 2019 and even claims were made that rivers of milk and honey would flow. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is in a situation where even 12-day-long encounters are not being brought under control. On whom will people place their trust then?” he asked.
Karra further said that trust depends on the government’s actions, commitments, and credibility. “The Home Minister says everything is under control. If that is true, then why are attacks and encounters continuing in both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions?” he questioned. (KNC)
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