PM Modi will soon restore statehood to J&K: Satish

Jammu, Dec 1: Minister for Food, Civil supplies and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma Sunday reiterated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi would very soon restore statehood to J&K and keep his word.

With regard to J&K government’s promise made to enhance ration, he stated that it would be done in a phased manner. “There are many lacunae. A survey is being conducted vis-a-vis ration card distribution, bifurcation, BPL ration (cards). We will enhance ration in a phased manner. Work is underway at a very fast pace. Soon you will see things being delivered.”

Sharma, who is also Minister for Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports and ARI & Training, was responding to media queries on the sidelines of an event in a private school here. He stated, “Yes, I agree that there are many shortcomings in every sphere. It will take at least eleven months to correct anomalies and problems compounded during the misrule of the last eleven years or so.”

“We want early restoration of the Darbar Move. Yet the very first thing I want back is our J&K state, bequeathed to us by Maharaja Hari Singh and Maharaja Gulab Singh. I am very optimistic that the Prime Minister will help us achieve it, at the earliest. I’m certain that LG Sahib will help us, on this account. After getting our state back, we will work hard to remove all shortcomings existing in the present set-up,” he said.

“Being an optimistic person, I believe that the Prime Minister will listen to the voice of J&K, its people. He understands the psyche of J&K, its real aspiration. It (restoration of statehood) is going to happen soon. Media should also support the (J&K) government in its endeavours on that account,” Satish Sharma said.

With regard to a question about the status of resolution on statehood passed by the J&K cabinet, the Minister said, “This only (New) Delhi will tell. Ball is in (New) Delhi’s court. We hope for an early decision so that we can get back our state which has been snatched from us for no rhyme or reason. This will facilitate us to take effective decisions to serve J&K and its people. Restoration of statehood means our dignity, our identity will be restored.”

He, however, evaded a query about the status of resolution, seeking special status and constitutional guarantees, passed by the J&K Legislative Assembly, stating, “I’m not the right person to comment on that. Even otherwise, there are certain related matters which are sub-judice.”

Extending gratitude to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for including him in his cabinet, Sharma said that he owed his life to the people of Chhamb (his constituency) for electing him to be a powerful voice of Jammu.

“I would serve the people of Chhamb as their servant throughout my life for the love and affection they showered on me. It’s all due to services rendered by my father. I would leave no stone unturned to live up to their expectations and fulfil their aspirations. I’ll work hard to raise Jammu’s voice at every possible forum in an effective manner. I’ll be the voice of Jammu’s youth, daily wagers, farmers, army personnel, transporters and businessmen,” he said.