JAMMU, Jul 13: Decorated Army veteran Col R.K. Sharma, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal (Retd.), on Monday asserted that the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is not a political favour but the legitimate democratic right of its people. He said the demand transcends party politics and reflects the aspirations of all sections of the Union Territory.
Addressing the issue, Col Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir occupies a unique place in the constitutional history of India as it is the first and only state to have been reorganized as a Union Territory.”The purpose for which the reorganization was carried out in 2019 has largely been achieved with improved security, administrative integration and development initiatives. Now the time has come to restore statehood so that democratic processes can be completed in full,” he said.
Col Sharma maintained that the people of J&K deserve the restoration of statehood in the interest of democratic governance, constitutional propriety and stronger public accountability.He further stated that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have borne the maximum brunt of every conflict the country has faced since 1947. “From the 1947-48 war, the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, to Kargil in 1999 and Operation Sindoor, it is the people of this border state who have made the greatest sacrifices and faced the maximum hardships. They have stood firmly with the nation in every hour of crisis,” he said.
“The restoration of statehood should not be viewed through a partisan political prism. It is a matter of democratic rights, dignity and effective governance. An elected state government accountable to the people will ensure that citizens can raise their concerns, seek answers and participate fully in shaping their future,” Col Sharma added.
He observed that while the Union Territory has witnessed progress in infrastructure, security and development, the restoration of an elected state government with full constitutional powers would further strengthen democratic institutions and ensure greater participation of the people in the decision-making process.
Col Sharma urged the Central Government to fulfil its commitment regarding the restoration of statehood at the earliest, stating that such a step would reinforce public confidence and further accelerate the region’s overall development.
Reiterating his faith in India’s democratic institutions, Col Sharma expressed hope that the long-pending aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir would soon be realised, enabling the region to move forward with renewed confidence, stability and inclusive progress.