Shiv Sena (UBT) warns of protest over statehood ahead of Budget session

Shiv Sena (UBT) J&K unit issued a stern warning to the Central Government on Wednesday, stating that its leaders will protest outside the Assembly on March 3, the first day of the Budget session, if the promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is not fulfilled.

In a press conference at the party’s office, UT chief Manish Sahni called the continuation of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory an insult to the common people. “The Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, all ministers and MLAs are enjoying personal facilities to the fullest, but public issues are being side-lined and people are being crushed in the mill of the dual power system as the era of accountability has come to an end,” he said.

Sahni accused the BJP government at the Centre of remaining silent on its promise to restore statehood, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his ministers have failed to go beyond verbal protests.

He urged all parties to rise above their political and personal interests and press the central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Sahni warned of protests outside the Assembly in Jammu on March 3 and demanded that MLAs unite for a protest inside the House to “send a strong message to the central government.”

Sahni also raised concerns about the continuous celebration of foundation days of other states by the Raj Bhawan, stating, “The L-G wishing them is like rubbing salt on the wounds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”