Srinagar, July 7: District Congress Committee (DCC) Srinagar President Dr. Audil Farooq Mir on Tuesday claimed that the Congress Party was the first political force to consistently raise the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood, asserting that the issue was pursued as a constitutional commitment rather than a political slogan.
Dr. Audil said Congress had raised the demand with “clarity and conviction” when several other parties were still undecided on the issue. He maintained that the party continued to pursue the cause through public outreach, constitutional interventions and democratic campaigns.
Highlighting the role of JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, Dr. Audil said the “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” campaign became a major movement that took the Statehood demand from districts of Jammu and Kashmir to the national platform.
He said Karra provided leadership to the campaign, which, according to him, was aimed at protecting the democratic identity and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Audil also referred to the communication by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said Rahul Gandhi’s assurance at Jantar Mantar further reflected the party’s commitment to the issue.
“While others adopted the slogan later, Congress had already taken up the cause,” Dr. Audil said, adding that restoration of full Statehood remains a democratic necessity for Jammu and Kashmir.
He reiterated that the party would continue its efforts through constitutional and democratic means until full Statehood is restored.
