JAMMU: Poonch MLA Ajaz Jan on Tuesday reiterated the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the issue was raised on the floor of the House earlier and remains a core demand of the people.
He said the Union Home Minister had assured Parliament that statehood would be restored, and asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir must get their due rights.
“We are demanding restoration of statehood, safeguards under Article 371A, and that all those imprisoned outside Jammu and Kashmir be brought back to the UT and provided a fair trial,” Jan said.
Clarifying his stand, the MLA said he was not seeking blanket relief. “If someone is guilty, they should face the law. But if someone is innocent, they must be given justice and a fair trial,” he added.
Jan said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had voted with these expectations, pointing to growing unemployment as a major concern. “This is about the future of our children. Jobs are not available and unemployment has reached alarming levels,” he said.
He added that the issue of statehood was raised in the very first Assembly session and would continue to be pursued with greater intensity. “We raised it earlier, we are raising it now, and we will keep raising it forcefully,” Jan asserted.
