Ghulam Nabi Azad, a senior Congress lawmaker, on Tuesday called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood before assembly elections, as well as land and job rights for the region's residents.
Speaking to reporters outside the Kheer Bhawani temple complex in Tullamulla area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, Azad said Kashmiri Pandits who left the valley in early 1990s in the wake of eruption of militancy be brought back.
“The elections…should be conducted soon. But before the elections, the statehood should be restored, which is very important. Kashmiri Pandits should be brought back.
“Our land and job (rights), which were taken away after Article 370 was revoked, should be secured like they were before (August 5, 2019) through a new law when the statehood is restored, he said.
On August 5, 2019, the Centre announced abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution and its bifurcation into union territories.
The former J-K chief minister visited the temple shortly after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit earlier in the morning. Gandhi had left for Hazratbal shrine when Azad reached Tullamulla.
“I came from Delhi today, but the flight reached late and that is why we could not meet here. But since it was in my programme, I came here and will also go to Hazratbal, he said.
