JAMMU, Jul 17: Workers of Dogra Front and Shiv Sena (DFSS), led by party president Ashok Gupta, on Friday took out a rally through Jammu city, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir should continue as a Union Territory until terrorism is completely eradicated.
Addressing the gathering, Ashok Gupta welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s action against government employees allegedly involved in terrorist militant activities, stating that the dismissal of around 90 employees since 2020 reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. He said strict action against those involved in anti-national activities is essential to safeguard peace and security in the region.
Gupta said Jammu and Kashmir remains a revenue-deficit Union Territory, claiming that its current financial position does not support the restoration of statehood. He maintained that priority should be given to achieving financial self-reliance before raising the demand for statehood, adding that confrontation with the Central Government would not benefit the people of the region.
He also urged the present ruling dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir to fulfil its election promises, including the provision of 12 free LPG cylinders, 200 units of free electricity and one lakh jobs for the youth.
The rally concluded with participants reiterating their support for the continuation of Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory status until normalcy and lasting peace are fully restored.
Among those present were Abhishek, Bittu, Ganesh, Bantu, Prem, Kalu, Rampal, Naresh, Ram and several other party workers.