NLU protests being politicised by few vested interests
Darbar Move NC govt’s strong reply to those alleging discrimination
Srinagar, Feb 02: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday launched a strong counterattack against the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the regularisation of daily wagers is only one of several governance challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. He accused political rivals of raising selective issues for political mileage.
Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly in Jammu, Choudhary said the National Conference-led government remains committed to the regularisation of daily wagers and has already initiated steps in that direction. “Is there only the daily wagers issue in Jammu and Kashmir? Our government is committed to their regularisation and the Chief Minister has already constituted a committee to examine the matter,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, the Deputy CM said that some leaders “wake up every morning and start raising their voices without facts”, suggesting that the protests over the National Law University (NLU) were being encouraged for political purposes.
Hitting back at allegations of discrimination against Jammu, Choudhary said critics conveniently forget the steps taken by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to revive the Darbar Move, which he said has brought renewed economic activity to the winter capital. “Jammu today is abuzz with business because the Darbar Move was restored by Omar Abdullah,” he said.
Questioning the BJP’s stand on higher education institutions in the region, the Deputy CM asked why there has been no demand for local Vice-Chancellors in Jammu-based universities. “Look at Jammu University and the Central University of Jammu. Why is there no local Vice-Chancellor? Is Jammu so short of educated and capable people that we cannot have our own VC?” he asked, accusing the BJP of maintaining silence on the issue.
Referring to the demand for restoration of statehood, Choudhary said those backing protests on the NLU issue must explain why promises on statehood remain unfulfilled. “They should clarify why they are silent on restoring statehood, which they themselves promised,” he said.
Asserting his identity and roots, the Deputy CM said, “I am Surinder Choudhary, a Hindustani by birth. I belong to Jammu and respect Maharaja Hari Singh. Jammu and Kashmir is the Maharaja’s state, and those who oppose this idea are enemies of J&K.” He warned that if his party starts exposing its critics, “they will not be able to hide their faces even from their children.”
Commenting on Pakistan’s reported reluctance to play India in the ICC T-20 World Cup, Choudhary dismissed the issue, saying sports should not be linked with politics. “Let them not play. Why even discuss it? Sports and politics should never be connected,” he said.
Asked about the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s demand for setting up an NLU, the Deputy CM reiterated that development issues should not be politicised and must be addressed through dialogue and consensus. “He should answer why BJP is not restoring the Statehood despite assurances by the Prime Minister Narendera Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the floor of the House,” he said
