Jammu, March 8: Senior Congress leader and MLA Tariq Hameed Karra has called for a united stand on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that it is not a privilege of any single political party but the right of every citizen.
Speaking in the J&K Assembly during the discussion on the motion of thanks for the budget, Karra urged all political parties to rise above their differences and push for statehood together.
“With one resolute voice, we must champion the restoration of statehood, rising above political divides,” he said.
Karra welcomed the Rs 1.12 lakh crore budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, calling it a “lifeline” after seven years under an undemocratic setup. He highlighted its focus on economic growth, social welfare, and sustainability, saying, “This budget is not just a document, it is about what works for our people. With its grit and vision, it delivers.”
Describing the current Assembly as an extraordinary institution, Karra stressed that it symbolizes the return of democracy to J&K after a prolonged struggle, facilitated by the Supreme Court’s intervention.
“This isn’t the same Assembly that existed before August 5, 2019. Today, it is the citadel of aspirations for 1.2 crore citizens of J&K,” he said, warning that failure to meet public expectations—especially those of the youth—could breed cynicism and weaken faith in democracy.
Karra urged the House to focus on the future, asking, “Do we have the time to debate historical and trivial issues, or should we move forward?”
Highlighting J&K’s geographical advantage, Karra said the government should benchmark global tourism leaders like Switzerland and Thailand to boost tourism’s contribution to the economy from 7% to 15% in the next 4-5 years. He also called for leveraging artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure to improve the ease of doing business and plug revenue leakages.
Criticizing past budget allocations, he pointed out that in 2021-22, 30% of the budget was allocated to policing and security, while health and education received only 6% and 4%, respectively.
“If security concerns have reduced post-2019, why does policing still get such a large chunk? Just imagine what these allocations would look like if that were not the case,” he remarked.
On humanitarian issues, Karra stressed the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for Kashmiri Pandits and refugees from 1947, 1965, and 1971.
“The return of Kashmiri Pandits must not be a cosmetic or superficial effort but a permanent and dignified solution,” he said, adding that their plight cannot be addressed through Bollywood movies.
“If there is normalcy in J&K, the government must take concrete steps for their homecoming,” he said.
Karra concluded by urging elected representatives to unite for the greater good, saying, “What binds us together is our shared identity as citizens of J&K. It is our historic responsibility to lift the region out of despair and instability.” (KINS)
Statehood J&K’s right: Karra
