Will strive for statehood restoration: JD (U) President

Baramulla, Aug 26: J&K JD (U) President, G M Shaheen on Monday today said his party will strive for restoration of statehood and release of political prisoners.

Talking to media persons on the sideline of a public rally organised in Kreeri area of Baramulla, Shaheen said that JD (U) is  part of the Central government and will restore statehood if it comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir after Assembly elections.

"We have already mentioned in our election manifesto that we will get all the youth released from Jail including those who were booked under stone pelting cases," he said.

G M Shaheen said he had already started the process for release of youth from jails. However, he said that the process stalled due to the announcement of Assembly elections in J&K.

"I have already submitted a list of 800 youths to the Ministry of Home Affairs. I will follow it after elections are over," he said.

Referring to the outreach program and the  public support, G M Shaheen said the people of Kreeri and other areas have given an overwhelming response to our party.

"We will be reaching out to people in other areas like Tangmarg and other places," he said.

Referring to the election manifesto released by other regional parties for Assembly Elections, Shaheen said these parties do not have majority in the parliament and are not part of the Central government as well.

"So making tall claims of providing free units of electricity is just befooling people. Where will they get it," Shaheen said.

He said even if the local parties form the government their Chief Minister will be completely "powerless".

"The chief minister will not have authority to transfer a police constable and they claim to provide free electricity," G M Shaheen said.

He said JD(U) was part of the Government in India and will use its resources for Jammu and Kashmir.

"We will get statehood restored and will get all youth released from Jails," he said.

He further stated that the doors of JD(U) party were always open for the candidates of Jamaat-e-Islami who are willing to participate in the Assembly elections.

"All the JeI members are welcome in my party. It is good that our party will get good candidates to contest Assembly elections," Shaheen said.