Srinagar, Jun 23 (KNO): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary and Member Parliament (MP), Tarun Chugh on Tuesday said the Centre remains committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be fulfilled.
Addressing a press conference here on the 73rd death anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the BJP leader, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Prime Minister has already indicated that statehood would be granted to Jammu and Kashmir, and the commitment remains intact.
“The promise has been made, and it will be fulfilled,” Chugh said.
Paying tributes to Mookerjee, he said the Jana Sangh founder sacrificed his life for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. He alleged that several questions surrounding Mookerjee’s arrest and death in custody in 1953 remain unanswered and demanded that all records related to the case be made public.
"The country deserves to know the truth," the BJP leader said. He asked why details related to the case had remained hidden for decades.
He also called for the declassification of archival records related to the 1947 tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that successive governments failed to adequately document the killings, destruction and atrocities committed during the invasion.
Chugh said thousands of people belonging to different communities, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Pandits and Christians, suffered during the violence and said the full extent of the tragedy was never brought before the public.
Urging authorities to open government archives, he said people should have access to historical records so future generations can understand the sacrifices made during the conflict. Drawing a comparison with efforts across the world to preserve memories of historical tragedies, he said events related to the 1947 invasion should also be documented and highlighted.
Chugh said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the party remains committed to protecting its interests and territorial integrity.
Responding to opposition's allegations of corruption, he said the BJP follows a policy of zero tolerance against corruption and remains committed to transparency and accountability.
Referring to the visit of the Parliamentary Committee to Kashmir, the BJP leader said such visits reflect the growing engagement with Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted the successful hosting of the G20 meeting in Srinagar as a sign of increasing global confidence in the region.
Inviting tourists from across the country and abroad, Chugh said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing peace, development and rapid infrastructure growth. He cited major projects, including the Chenab Railway Bridge, railway connectivity and the Zojila Tunnel, as examples of the transformation taking place in the Union Territory. “Do not be misled by negative narratives. Come and see Jammu and Kashmir for yourself. This is a land of peace, hospitality and progress,” he said—(KNO)