MALU SHARMA
BJP Ex MLA Dr Gagan Bhagat: We appreciate the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in holding an All Party meeting with the mainstream leaders. National Conference leaders strongly pitched for holding the elections to Legislative Assembly after restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We will support the delimitation process in every possible way to promote democracy. There is crucial need for an elected government, especially as developmental inertia is presently looming large. The people of Jammu are not happy with the bureaucratic domination that has led to gap between the people and the administration. I believe if we have to mitigate Dil Ki Doori, the Centre must restore statehood to build trust among the people.
Rakesh Wazir, President, Hotel & Restaurant Association Katra: It is heartening that the All Party Meet on Jammu and Kashmir was conducted in a very cordial environment. Dialogue is the key to end the problems and we welcome the initiative taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am thankful to the PM for this initiative. The stress on statehood and delimitation exercise for holding elections is an important milestone of the meeting. Moreover, the delimitation process needs to be started soon and elections held to have participatory governance. We are looking forward for the restoration of statehood and an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jehangir Hussain Mir, Ex Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with top political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir has been a “very positive step”. This was the first such high-level interaction since August 5, 2019, when the Centre revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and the state was bifurcated into two union territories. With public reach out initiated, we should be hopeful about restoration of statehood. I appeal to the Centre to undertake measures that would help build trust among the people. The government should support the business community, traders, small shopkeepers, people associated with tourism industry, industrialist and the farmers with an economic package to revive shattered the economy. These measures would help in infusing new life to the sinking market and generate employment opportunities. The Centre should make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits and provide financial assistance for their resettlement.
Ashok Koul, J&K BJP General Secretary (Organization): The Prime Minister of his own and without any agenda, held a meeting of the representatives of the political parties of Jammu and Kashmir. He heard the views of all the fourteen representatives and then conveyed them his own views. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. In reply to a question regarding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, he fully convinced the representatives that the statehood will be restored as early as possible. He said that the delimitation process, which is in progress and being expedited will pave the way for holding the elections. He said that the issue has already been cleared by the Home Minister and there is no question left to be talked about now.