In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference senior leader, Rattan Lal Gupta, has urged the Modi-led Indian government to restore the promised statehood to the territory to rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.According to Kashmir Media Service, Gupta made the remarks while interacting with a delegation of the Scheduled Tribe community in Shiba, Jammu. He said the restoration of statehood was crucial for honouring the democratic mandate of the people.

The delegation apprised him of the hardships faced by the community and appreciated the role of the Omar Abdullah-led NC leadership in promoting inclusive development.The NC leader strongly condemned the arrest of public representative Meraj Malik under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA), terming it a disturbing move by the authorities. He said Malik’s arrest had triggered widespread protests in Doda, adding that it was BJP leaders making provocative remarks who were vitiating peace in the territory. Gupta demanded Malik’s immediate release and stern action against those inciting communal tensions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)