Jammu, Feb 27: Accusing BJP and its MLAs from Jammu of the betrayal of Dogras over the issue of statehood after getting a huge mandate from Jammu, Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday targetted the central govt and the BJP for criminal silence whereas Congress is fighting for the restoration of Dogra identity, dignity, status, culture and rights.
Addressing a party convention of Jammu Urban, Karra referred to Dogra turban on his head and said that the Congress party is fighting for the dignity and honour of this turban, but those who secured a huge mandate from Dogras are silent for the restoration status and rights.
They should answer the people why they are silent over the most important commitment made by the Prime Minister in public and before the Supreme Court and the Parliament. He said that during the two-week-long tour of Jammu province people have wholeheartedly extended their support to the struggle for restoration of statehood and the day is not far off when Congress will not hesitate to hit the streets.
He said that our struggle has the full support of people of all sections and regions and our leadership as it first issue of the party in our manifesto. We stand by that and fight till last.
Urging workers of Jammu city to gear up for intensifying the struggle for statehood and increase mass contact for a full-fledged struggle as well as for ULB elections as and when held by the government, JKPCC Chief asked the party leaders, contesting candidates and workers to forcefully raise the issues of common people regarding power, water, ration, trade etc.
He also referred to the demands of daily wagers, casual, need-based, contractual, NHM workers, Anganwadi, asha workers, SPOs, other temporary employees etc. and favoured early resolution of their issues.
He said early restoration of full statehood and full powers is necessary for solving the problems of people and unemployed youth.
The convention was presided over by DCC President Thakur Manmohan Singh.
Raman Bhalla expressed great concern over the rising crime rate in Jammu City and its outskirts after losing statehood and special protection to land, and jobs. People of Jammu are feeling insecure and losing jobs, trade, culture and language, and peace of mind with an unsecured future.
Choudhary Lal Singh strongly raised the loot of our resources, land, and invasion of the Dogra culture and termed it the greatest injustice by the BJP. Our identity, dignity, status, and rights to land, and resources have been destroyed. Our forefathers and Dogra rulers fought to safeguard our identity and rights.
There is rising crime and drugs in the region and future generations are in danger.
