JAMMU, Oct 27: Dr. Vikas Sharma, Zonal Secretary and Coordinator of the Central Zone of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), reiterated the party’s demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government to fulfil their commitment in this regard without further delay.
Addressing a youth meeting organised by Abhishek Uppal, Dr. Sharma, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest, said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were awaiting concrete action on the long-pending issue of statehood.
“Restoration of statehood is not merely a political demand; it concerns the constitutional rights, aspirations and democratic representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The people expect the commitment made to them to be fulfilled without any further delay,” he said.
Interacting with the youth, Dr. Sharma emphasised that the restoration of statehood was important for strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring greater administrative accountability and accelerating the region’s development process.
He said that, in the party’s view, the restoration of full statehood would provide greater democratic and institutional space to address issues concerning development, employment and public welfare. He added that the aspirations of the people, particularly the younger generation, must be given due consideration in policy-making and governance.
Dr. Sharma also questioned the BJP leadership’s approach towards unemployment, development and the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reacting to the criticism of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by BJP leaders, he said, “Instead of repeatedly focusing on Omar Abdullah, the BJP should explain what it delivered for the common people during its tenure from 2014 to 2024.”
Highlighting unemployment as a major concern among the youth, Dr. Sharma called for greater transparency, accountability and effective measures to expand employment opportunities. Referring to the widely discussed promise of creating two crore jobs annually, he asked the BJP leadership to provide a clear account of the employment opportunities created and the extent to which young people had benefited.
Dr. Sharma also raised concerns over local representation and employment opportunities in higher educational institutions. He called for greater attention to the aspirations of local youth and urged the authorities to ensure that qualified candidates from Jammu and Kashmir received fair opportunities in universities and other institutions.
Concluding his address, Dr. Sharma urged the youth to remain informed and actively engage with issues affecting their future. He said that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference would continue to raise concerns relating to the restoration of statehood, employment, development, social justice and public welfare.