J&K situation figures at JU(D) meeting: Shaheen

Srinagar, June 29: Some issues related to Kashmir figured in the national executive council of the Janata Dal (United) meeting convened in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Bihar Chief Minister and NDA ally Nitish Kumar on Saturday.

The meeting saw participation from key national executive council members, including G M Shaheen, the President of JU(D) Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, several critical issues pertaining to Kashmir were brought to the forefront. G M Shaheen urged the urgent need to revoke cases against stone pelters and advocated for the transfer of Kashmiri youth from jails outside the region back to Kashmir. He also emphasized the importance of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a demand that has been gaining momentum among various political and social groups in the region.

Shaheen said that he was given assurances from the national leadership that these matters would be taken up with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. "We have been assured that the issues concerning the revocation of cases against stone pelters, the relocation of Kashmiri youth from outside jails to their home state, and the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will be discussed with the NDA alliance," Shaheen said.

The senior JUD leader said that the focus on Kashmir at the JU(D) national executive council meeting underscores the party's commitment to addressing the longstanding issues faced by the people of Kashmir . “The call for revoking cases against stone pelters aligns with efforts to foster peace and reconciliation, while the push for relocating Kashmiri youth from distant jails back to Kashmir aims to mitigate the challenges faced by families and individuals affected by these incarcerations,” he said adding that peace has returned to Jammu and Kashmir. “These youth should be given chance.”

Pertinently the restoration of statehood has been a central demand of various political entities in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The assurance from the JU(D) leadership to raise these issues with the NDA government marks a significant step in advocating for the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.