Says “ Let Congress Clarify Its Stand Omar Govt’s Resolution”
Srinagar | September, 30: Asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party remains committed to the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir within the constitutional framework, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma stated that statehood cannot be linked with the pre-1953 position or the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.
Talking to reporters after the conclusion of the Assembly session, Sharma questioned the statehood resolution passed by the House and sharply criticized references to the pre-1953 arrangements, calling the seven-day session historic for the wrong reasons. “Fruitful from which angle? You dashed the hopes of all sections. People were waiting for your Statehood resolution, which you chant as an answer to every question,” reports quoted him as saying. He added that after the abrogation of Article 370, the complete Constitution of India applies across the region, and raking up past positions only delays the statehood process.
Sharma questioned Congress leadership over its stance on the resolution, asking whether they intend to bring back division and separatism. He also called upon the Speaker to step down on moral grounds for permitting an unconstitutional resolution in the House. On the pre-1953 matter, the Leader of Opposition noted that the issue should be examined by appropriate constitutional institutions, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir possesses an inclusive character across diverse social and religious communities.
Shifting focus to governance, Sharma accused the Omar Abdullah-led administration of failing to address public grievances during the session. Officials said the opposition had compiled a dossier titled “Promises versus Performance” highlighting issues of contractual staff, daily wagers, health workers, and public department employees. He noted severe staff shortages in hospitals, school deficiencies, and tap-water connectivity gaps under the Jal Jeevan Mission, adding that dissatisfaction among ruling party members themselves was evident during the proceedings.
Regarding the security situation, Sharma highlighted a significant decline in local terrorist recruitment, stating, “No youth from Jammu and Kashmir had taken up arms against the country during 2025 and 2026 and the participation of around 50,000 youth in a tournament in Pulwama is an indication of changing circumstances.” Reports said he pointed out that the support ecosystem for foreign terrorists has weakened considerably across the region.
