JAMMU, Jul 8: The Jammu & Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has strongly urged the Central Government to immediately free the Jammu region from the prolonged political deadlock and security challenges associated with Kashmir. The party asserted that if the restoration of statehood to the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir continues to be delayed due to the prevailing situation in Kashmir, then the nationalist Jammu region should be separated and granted full statehood without any further delay.
Following a high-level party meeting, State President Manish Sahni launched a sharp attack on certain Valley-based leaders, stating that their irresponsible statements and advocacy of dialogue with Pakistan have further complicated the situation. He said that the people are well aware of the past political positions of those leaders who are now demanding the restoration of statehood.
Sahni further said that despite the successful completion of the Assembly elections and the formation of an elected government, Jammu & Kashmir has still not been restored to full statehood, reflecting a policy failure on the part of the Central Government. He added that it is the 5.3 million nationalist people of Jammu who are paying the price for this continued delay.
Expressing concern over recent reports of educational institutions in Kashmir allegedly glorifying individuals associated with separatist ideology, Sahni said that any attempt to undermine Dogra history and the region’s proud legacy of patriotism would not be tolerated.
He categorically stated that Jammu can no longer be made to suffer because of the circumstances prevailing in Kashmir. He demanded that Jammu be granted immediate full statehood along with constitutional safeguards under Article 371 to protect its cultural identity and ensure preferential rights in employment for its residents.
Sahni also remarked that even the Prime Minister, while promoting the “Vocal for Local” campaign during the Shri Amarnath Yatra, overlooked the interests of Jammu. He said that the National President of the BJP visited Jammu but left without making any clear announcement on statehood, choosing instead to focus on political rhetoric about toppling governments. Meanwhile, he noted that the National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, is planning a solitary protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 demanding the restoration of statehood.
Sahni warned that if an early decision is not taken to safeguard Jammu’s interests, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) will launch a large-scale democratic public movement.
Among those present on the occasion were Sanjeev Kohli, Balwant Singh, and Sanjeev Bhatt.