Restore state status of J&K says Congress ahead of PM Modi's meeting

We believe that destroying it is a direct attack on democracy and constitutional principles

Ground Report | New Delhi: On Sunday, ahead of the all-party meeting convened by PM Narendra Modi on the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress has once again demanded the restoration of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "The Congress Working Committee on August 6, 2019, had categorically demanded the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, which continues even today."

Surjewala said, "By abolishing full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party government has caused great hurt to democracy there. The legislature should be retained there and the people should be given a chance to vote and choose their representative."

ALSO READ: WHY INDIA IS THE MOST RACIST COUNTRY?

"We believe that destroying it is a direct attack on democracy and constitutional principles," he said. Surjewala said that the central government should accept this demand of Congress on Jammu and Kashmir in the interest of constitution and democracy.

However, Congress spokesperson Surjewala did not say whether the party would participate in the meeting to be held on June 24. The statement from the Congress comes after invitations were sent to 14 politicians from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including four former Chief Ministers, to attend a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on June 24.

According to news agency PTI, this meeting is expected to decide the road map for holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The Gupkar alliance, a group of mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir, will meet on Tuesday to decide whether to attend the Prime Minister's meeting.

ALSO READ: AJIT DOVAL AND PAKISTAN’S NSA WILL BE FACE TO FACE AGAIN

After the Gupkar alliance meeting last week, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah had said that he was ready for talks with the Centre. He said that he has not closed any door or option, if he invites then the decision will be taken at that time.

You can connect with Ground Report on Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp, and mail us at [email protected] to send us your suggestions and writeups