Qazigund, Oct 04 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday said that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is an integral part of India, citing Parliament’s resolution on the matter.
Expressing concern over the prevailing situation there, Karra, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The Congress firmly stands with the people of PoJK and condemns the undemocratic manner in which the situation is being handled.”
Karra said, “Parliament has already passed a resolution that PoJK is a part of India and whatever sympathy we have for it is right; the entire country is with them,” he said.
On Sonam Wangchuk’s wife approaching the Supreme Court to seek her husband’s release, Karra said, “This is the same Sonam Wangchuk whom the BJP once hailed when Article 370 and 35A were abrogated. How has he suddenly became anti-national overnight?” he questioned, adding that the BJP’s “My Way or Highway” mindset is responsible for his current plight.
Regarding the upcoming J&K Assembly session, Karra said the Congress will prioritize the demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “Statehood has been our consistent demand. The Congress has raised it in every district and received full support from our central leadership. Although this is a short session, for the Congress Party, the issue of statehood will be at the top,” he said.
Referring to forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls, he said, “The Congress Party has its own method. The central leadership will take a call on it.”
On the Gaza peace efforts, Karra reiterated Congress’s historic support for the Palestinian cause. “From Indira Gandhi to the present day, the Congress has stood firmly with the people of Palestine. Even last year, the CWC passed a resolution expressing full support for their cause,” he added—(KNO)