Congress demands statehood to Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu, Oct 26:The Congress today reiterated its demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a press release said.

The party also impressed upon the Centre to take along the newly elected government for defeating terrorism. According to a press note, rich tributes were to Maharaja Hari Singh on the occasion of historical day of accession of J&K with Union of India.

Congress leaders said that BJP insulted Maharaja and Dogra rulers by downgrading the Dogra the state and reducing it to a UT and not restoring the state after more than five years.

The senior leaders questioned BJP and Centre Govt. for the delay in the announcement of statehood despite repeated commitments and advertisements in the media. The real tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh would be to restore full statehood immediately. They said congress would intensify its struggle to seek early restoration of statehood including adopting agitational mode if the demand is not fulfilled at the earliest, they added.