Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, on Monday said that both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have assured not only the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but also the entire country and the Supreme Court, that statehood will be restored to the union Territory. He expressed hope that the commitment would be fulfilled soon.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the Balidan Stambh in Srinagar’s city centre, the Deputy Chief Minister said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were eagerly awaiting the restoration of the statehood they once enjoyed.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the Balidan Stambh in Srinagar city centre, the Deputy CM said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were eagerly waiting for the return of the statehood that once belonged to them.
“We anticipate that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister will honor their commitment to reinstate statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. I hope that day will soon arrive and bring happiness to the people,” he said.
He added that Jammu and Kashmir would reclaim the state that came into existence during the time of Maharaja Hari Singh and was later shaped under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah after its accession to India. According to him, the restoration of statehood would mean reclaiming a lost status.
The Deputy CM also reiterated the long-standing support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the nation, the armed forces, and security agencies.
“The history of Jammu and Kashmir shows that its people have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Army and security forces—whether during wars or the period of militancy,” he said.
He added that whenever Pakistan attempted to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir or undermine India’s unity, the people of the J&K made sacrifices alongside citizens across the country to uphold the national flag.
“Without any distinction of caste or religion, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always remained committed to India and will continue to keep the tricolour flying high with the same strength and zeal,” the Deputy CM said.
He said J&K’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood among people of all religions would remain intact.
“Our brotherhood of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian will always be there and will remain there for centuries. As long as the world exists, this brotherhood cannot be broken, no matter how much one tries to divide Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “Our resolve is always high. As we are celebrating the Republic Day, this is our pledge and oath,” he said.
