Centre must honour its promise of restoring statehood to J-K: Dy CM Choudhary

Srinagar, Oct 26: J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasized the need for the central government to fulfill its promise of restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir.

“The honourable Prime Minister and Home Minister assured that once elections were over and the government was formed, statehood would be restored. This commitment is essential to end the confusion and bring stability to Jammu & Kashmir,” he said in an interview with news agency KNS.

Choudhary said the CM Omar's recent visit to New Delhi was focused on the welfare of the region.

"Omar has gone there for the betterment of Jammu & Kashmir, for the employment of unemployed youth, for the construction and development, and for improving hospitals and schools," he said.

On recent incidents of violence, Choudhary voiced strong disapproval, stating, “It is a pity and a tragedy that such incidents occur. We condemn them strongly and express condolences to the families affected.”

He said that National Conference understands the pain of losing loved ones in such attacks as several of NC leaders have been killed in the past, he said.

Choudhary reiterated the party’s stance on Article 370, noting, “the National Conference has always been for special status. We will not let outsiders take our land or employment.”

He said, “When statehood is restored, other matters will gradually resolve themselves.”

Though it may not happen immediately, the Deputy CM said they are trying to "restore the Darbar Move practice since day 1."