Tariq Hameed Karra Accuses Modi Government of Betraying People’s Trust Over J&K Statehood

Kishtwar, February 19: Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra has strongly criticized the Modi government, accusing it of playing with the sentiments of the people by failing to restore J&K's statehood. He warned that this continued neglect of public demand is eroding faith in the institutions of the Prime Minister and Home Minister due to their unfulfilled commitments to the people.

Addressing Congress Workers, Karra Highlights Trust Deficit in Government Promises

While speaking at a workers’ convention in Kishtwar, Karra was accompanied by senior Congress leaders including Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla, Ch Lal Singh, Ravinder Sharma, Naresh Gupta, DCC President Asif Naqeeb, Pyare Lal Shan, Sheikh Irshad, Sheikh Zaffrullah, Firdous Mingnoo, Vijay Sharma, Sanjeev Panda, and others. He stated that when the Prime Minister or Home Minister makes a public commitment, it carries immense weight. However, the lack of action on their assurances regarding J&K’s statehood has led to a severe breach of trust.

Supreme Court’s Intervention Paved the Way for J&K Elections, Not Centre’s Intentions

Karra pointed out that the recent elections in Jammu & Kashmir were held only due to the Supreme Court's intervention. He emphasized that if not for the court’s directive, the central government had no real intention of restoring democracy in the region even after five long years.
He further reminded the gathering that the Supreme Court had also directed the Centre to restore J&K’s statehood at the earliest. However, the government has been continuously delaying the process, compelling Congress to fight for this cause relentlessly on all available platforms.

Congress Rejected Cabinet Position to Uphold the Fight for Statehood

Karra reaffirmed that Congress had contested the elections as part of a coalition and was invited to join the cabinet after the results. However, the party chose to stay out of the government on principled grounds, refusing to compromise on its demand for full statehood.

He asserted that Congress had made the right decision, as the absence of statehood has left the elected government without adequate powers to make significant policy decisions in the public’s interest. He stated that even minor decisions are being obstructed by the administration, exposing the limitations of the current governance structure.

Congress Condemns LG Administration’s Undemocratic Actions

Karra strongly criticized the Lieutenant Governor's administration, stating that despite an elected government being in place, authoritarian tactics continue to be deployed. He pointed out that Congress was even obstructed from holding a workers’ convention, highlighting the administration’s hypocrisy in claiming normalcy while suppressing political expression.

He accused the LG administration of blindly following the BJP’s agenda, disregarding democratic norms and suppressing political opposition to maintain its hold over J&K’s affairs.

Statehood Is a Right, Not a Favor – Karra Vows to Take the Fight to the Streets

Asserting that Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood is not a privilege but a fundamental right, Karra vowed that Congress would never beg for its restoration. Instead, the party will continue its struggle, seeking public support to intensify the demand. If necessary, he promised to take the fight to the streets, urging the people to stand up for their dignity, identity, and political rights.

He reminded the gathering that Congress played a crucial role in securing India’s independence through enormous sacrifices, led by stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He condemned those who had once sided with British rulers for attempting to dictate lessons on democracy and patriotism to the Congress party and the nation today.

Congress Stands in Solidarity with Kishtwar Residents on Power Issues

Karra also addressed the pressing concerns of Kishtwar and Chenab region residents regarding uninterrupted electricity supply and fair power tariffs. He demanded that the government introduce a suitable mechanism to provide free or subsidized electricity to the region, acknowledging the people’s justified concerns.

He emphasized that Congress is committed to standing with the people in their demands for basic rights and services, holding the government accountable for its failure to address their grievances.

Strengthening Congress Leadership and Recognizing Party Veterans

On the organizational front, Karra emphasized the need to develop and encourage second-line leadership within the party. He stressed that credibility, public acceptance, and electoral viability should be the key criteria for leadership promotion within Congress.

He called for unity among party workers and urged them to work with camaraderie, ensuring that every leader and worker feels equal within the organization. He reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside grassroots members to strengthen the party at every level.

During the event, PCC President Tariq Hameed Karra felicitated veteran Congress leader Haji Hassan Mir, acknowledging his longstanding service as Block President in Kishtwar. The recognition of Mir’s contributions reflected Congress’s commitment to honoring those who have tirelessly worked for the party and the people over the years.

Congress Will Continue the Fight for J&K’s Rights and Dignity

Karra concluded by reaffirming that Congress would not rest until J&K’s statehood is fully restored. He urged the people to stand firm in their demand for dignity, identity, and democratic rights, assuring them that the party will fight on all fronts to achieve their aspirations.

With mounting public support and unwavering determination, Congress remains committed to ensuring that the people of Jammu & Kashmir get back their rightful status, governance powers, and the justice they deserve.