Jammu Tawi: Sunil Dimple, president Mission Statehood movement, met with Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Member of Parliament, and leader of the India Bloc, to congratulate him on performing Umrah. During the meeting, Dimple raised several key political and regional issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Dimple urged Dr. Abdullah to immediately pursue the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the need for the reinstatement of special status, including the resolutions of Article 370 and 35-A, to protect the region’s identity, culture, and demographic balance. Dimple also expressed concern about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s stance on the matter, particularly the lack of a clear timeline for the restoration of statehood.
Further discussions included the Rajya Sabha seat elections, as well as a demand for the early holding of municipal corporation and panchayat elections in the region. In addition, Dimple criticized the lack of development in Jammu under the Smart City project, alleging corruption and mismanagement. He demanded the announcement of an employment package and a regularization policy for educated youth in the region.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah responded with patience, acknowledging the concerns raised by Dimple. He emphasized that the delay in restoring statehood was a significant factor affecting the region’s development, particularly in Jammu. He noted that Jammu has been particularly impacted since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Dr. Abdullah also praised Maharaja Hari Singh’s contributions to the accession of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to India and the establishment of the state subject system.
On the topic of the Darbar Move, Dr. Abdullah recalled that it was not just a government practice but a cultural bond between the regions, benefiting trade and commerce as well. He assured that efforts are underway to address these issues and bring the region back on track for development.
