Congress To Join NC’s Statehood Protest, Urges All Parties To Unite

Srinagar, July 16: AICC General Secretary and Jammu & Kashmir Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Thursday said the Congress will participate in the National Conference's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, maintaining that the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood is a people's issue that transcends political affiliations. Speaking to reporters, Mir said the Congress has consistently opposed the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, and has been raising the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional rights and statehood at every available platform. He said the party had chosen not to join the government despite having the opportunity, arguing that the people's mandate was centred on restoring statehood and powers to the elected government. "There is no point in becoming ministers when there are no real powers," he said. Welcoming the National Conference's call for a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20, Mir said the Congress would actively participate in the demonstration. He appealed to all political parties to set aside differences and unite for the common cause of restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. "Everyone should come together and raise a united voice for the restoration of statehood. Political egos should not stand in the way of this common cause," he said. Mir also extended support to Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk's peaceful agitation, stating that the people of Ladakh have pursued their demands through democratic and non-violent means. He said peaceful movements aimed at public welfare deserve broad support. He further announced that the Jammu and Kashmir Congress will organise a major 'Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq' programme in Jammu on July 19, which is expected to draw party workers and supporters from across the Union Territory. A delegation of Congress leaders and workers will then participate in the Jantar Mantar protest in New Delhi on July 20.