Bukhari to meet PM for restoration of statehood to J&K

Tribune News Service

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Jammu, January 30

In a first move by any Kashmiri leader since August 5, when Article 370 was scrapped and the state divided into two Union Territories, former Finance Minister Altaf Bukhari will lead a delegation to meet the Prime Minister with a petition to restore statehood in J&K.

Altaf Bukhari issued a statement here on Thursday announcing the list of demands that he and his delegation members will be making to the Prime Minister.

It was unanimously decided that a group, led by Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, should call on the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country and pursue demands like restoration of statehood, purpose-oriented domicile rights (for land and jobs), etc, which fall within the jurisdiction of the Union government and Parliament.

The meeting declared the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as unprecedented which needs to be addressed through extraordinary measures. It was seriously felt that people of Jammu and Kashmir are caught in a difficult day-to-day situation and have been left to the mercy of an ‘unresponsive administration’.

During the meeting, two committees were formed. One will deliberate on the nuances of constitutionality required for formation of any political setup. The second committee will reach out to the intellectuals, academicians, social activists, Chamber of Commerce, tradesmen and other representatives of the society to explore all possibilities through which the people of J&K are taken out of the socio-economic and political quagmire.

The demands put forth by a group of political leaders, led by Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, before Lt-Governor Girish Chandra Murmu on January 7 were also discussed.

The meeting also underlined the urgency for the release of all political prisoners, including former three Chief Ministers, lawyers, businessmen, trade leaders and youth irrespective of their political affiliations who are under detention in J&K or rest of the country.

The meeting advocated for full restoration of mobile Internet speed as well as broadband services in Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking serious note of the present dismal economic situation, an immediate relief for agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, hoteliers, business, trade, houseboat owners and transport community in Jammu and Kashmir was demanded in the meeting.