Proud to move special status resolution in J&K Assembly: Dy CM Choudhary

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday said he was proud to move a resolution seeking restoration of J-K's special status in the first Assembly session of the Union Territory, calling it a reflection of the wish of the people who want safeguards for their land and jobs.

The resolution, which was passed in the Assembly on November 7 by a voice vote, seeks a dialogue between the Centre and the elected representatives of J&K for the restoration of special status of the erstwhile state.

The BJP members protested the passing of the resolution by the National Conference government with repeated disruptions of the House during the five-day Assembly session.

"I am feeling proud for moving a resolution seeking restoration of special status which was moved by the Assembly recently. It was the wish of every individual who wants protection of land and jobs.

"While the BJP leaders called me 'Jaichand', I want to ask the people of Jammu if they want this special status or not? They (BJP leaders) are misleading the people... We all know that this is the demand of the commoners, including the farmers, labourers and businessmen, irrespective of their religious identity," Choudhary said while addressing a function at the National Conference headquarters here.

He also claimed the resolution is meant to safeguard the future of the coming generations, adding that it is in accordance with the promise made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah who assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir of protecting their land and jobs.

"We have a dozen states in the country which enjoy special status… (Bihar Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar wanted special status for his state, but the BJP MLAs enacted a drama (in the Bihar Assembly). We will expose them (BJP) as our resolution is in the interest of the people," Choudhary said.

The deputy chief minister also accused the BJP leaders in J&K of taking orders from "outside", holding them directly responsible for "destroying" the region over the past 10 years. "Instead of offering employment to the local youth, they (BJP) have provided land and big contracts to outsiders by ignoring the local industrialists. They boast of winning 29 seats in the Jammu region, but they should be thankful that the National Conference did not contest the elections on majority of the seats. Had we did, their fate would have been like their president (Ravinder Raina)," Choudhary, who defeated Raina from the Nowshera constituency, said.

He also said the NC will show BJP the real picture in the upcoming local bodies and panchayat elections.