JAMMU / NEW DELHI, Jul 19: Mission Statehood President Sunil Dimple, along with supporters of the organisation, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A.
Addressing media persons during the protest, Dimple urged the Prime Minister to introduce a Bill in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He also demanded the reunification of Ladakh, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gilgit and Baltistan with Jammu and Kashmir, besides seeking implementation of the conditions of the Instrument of Accession and restoration of the state subject system.
Dimple also expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, stating that he observed a hunger strike in solidarity with him. He alleged that Wangchuk had been treated unfairly and asserted that the people of Ladakh have always stood in the nation’s interest while facing challenges along the borders with China and Pakistan.
During the protest, Dimple claimed that unemployment has increased in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state. He said Mission Statehood would continue raising these issues before constitutional and political forums.
He announced that he would consult senior Supreme Court lawyers regarding what he described as delays in the restoration of statehood and special status. He further said he plans to meet Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament from different states and political leaders during the Monsoon Session to seek their support for raising the issue in Parliament.
Criticising the BJP and its allied organisations, Dimple alleged that they had failed to seek the restoration of the erstwhile Dogra state. He also opposed a proposed anti-statehood protest scheduled outside the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on July 20.
Dimple said Mission Statehood had launched its campaign for the restoration of statehood on August 5, 2019, and claimed that the movement had since grown into a mass public campaign. He reiterated that the organisation would continue its struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and Articles 370 and 35A.
Among those present at the protest were Rahul, Dev Raj, Mukesh, Vicky, Rakesh and Manjoor Ahmad.