JAMMU, May 24: Sunil Dimple today led a strong protest demonstration demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir statehood and the return of special status under Article 370. The protest was organised under the banner of Mission Statehood and witnessed participation from several supporters and activists.
Addressing the protesters, Sunil Dimple criticized what he termed as the “dual policy” of the Central Government. He alleged that while the Centre is ready to grant special status, Article 371 provisions and statehood to Ladakh along with seven districts and an Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir continues to remain without statehood despite repeated assurances.
Dimple alleged that the 90 Assembly MLAs of Jammu and Kashmir have failed to strongly raise the issue of restoration of statehood. He said they should learn from Ladakh leaders, particularly Sonam Wangchuk, and the people of Ladakh who, according to him, have consistently struggled for their demands. He further alleged that the BJP Government has not fulfilled the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament regarding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir statehood.
He termed the delay in restoration of statehood as a failure of elected representatives, especially BJP MLAs, alleging that they have not raised the issue effectively. Dimple claimed that the BJP fears restoration of statehood as Assembly elections would become mandatory thereafter. He also reiterated his demand for restoration of Article 370 and Article 35-A.
During the protest, Sunil Dimple said that the movement for restoration of statehood and Article 370 would continue with full strength. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to fulfil their commitments regarding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir statehood. He also referred to the Supreme Court verdict and demanded immediate restoration of statehood.
Dimple further demanded the unification of Ladakh, PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan with Jammu and Kashmir and called for implementation of the Instrument of Accession conditions signed by Maharaja Hari Singh along with restoration of the State Subject law and Standstill Agreement provisions.
He alleged that the absence of statehood has adversely affected employment, development, prosperity and progress in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
Among others present during the protest were Mohinder Kumar, Deepak Kumar, Sudesh, R K Jannu Wala, Ricky Bhasin, Hasan Khan, Mohmad Amien, Ibrahim, Daleep, Vikas Kumar and several others.