Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 15: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president, Tariq Hameed Karra, said today that the dual control system in the Union Territory of J&K is harmful to its people and is also not in the national interest.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a workers’ meeting at the party headquarters, Karra said, “I have been saying for a long time that this dual control system is very detrimental for the people of J&K. It is not in the national interest.”
Expressing apprehension about the potential restoration of statehood, Karra said any amended form of statehood would be unacceptable. “I am afraid that if a bill is brought to restore J&K’s statehood with amendments, what will those amendments entail? What will the final outcome be? I have repeatedly said we do not accept statehood in an amended form. I hope my predictions are wrong,” he said. He added that the BJP-led Government’s approach might result in a “lame” statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
The Cong chief accused the Government of punishing the people of Jammu and Kashmir without reason and warned against stoking unrest. “They are creating unrest among the youth and the population of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. Highlighting the uncertainty among Government employees, he said, “The employees of J&K are in a state of confusion. They do not know whether they are answerable to an elected Government or the lieutenant governor. This dual control system is directly affecting the poor people of J&K.”
He criticized the rise in electricity tariff, which he said increase every three months without clarity on who controls the power department. “Who is responsible for this? Is it happening intentionally? Let us not create further unrest here,” he warned.
Karra also alleged discrimination against local officials. “Local officers are given second-class postings while outside officers treat their time here like a picnic. This is mental torture,” he said.
Highlighting the Congress party’s stance, Karra said it has consistently raised the issues of Jammu and Kashmir at both national and international levels. “Rahul Gandhi has represented the people of J&K, their statehood, and their rights, which were taken away, in the Parliament and other forums,” he said.
The post Dual control detrimental for J&K, amended statehood unacceptable: Karra appeared first on Daily Excelsior.