'Restoring statehood in J-K top priority'

Press Trust of India

Srinagar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the restoration of statehood and democratic process is a very important first step in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the security situation has not improved in the valley as claimed by the BJP. Gandhi asked why Union Home Minister Amit Shah does not take out a yatra from Jammu to Kashmir if the security situation has improved.

Bomb blasts and targeted killings are still taking place in the Union territory, Gandhi said, when asked about the BJP's claims that the security situation in J-K has improved. "If it (security) had improved, then the security people would not have had the conversations that they had with me.

"If what they claim is the case, then why doesn't the BJP hold a rally from Jammu to Lal Chowk? If the situation is so good, then why doesn't Mr Amit Shah walk from Jammu to Kashmir? I don't think that argument holds," the former Congress chief said. Gandhi said he has come to Jammu and Kashmir with an open heart and open arms to help people in whatever way he can.

"Love, affection and listening, I believe, are powerful forces. I don't want to comment on the historical aspect of it, I want to look forward and I (have) come here with an open heart... and open arms to help in whatever way I can," Gandhi told reporters here at the end of the 4,000-km Bharat Jodo Yatra.

The Congress leader was asked about the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru when he unfurled the national flag at Lal Chowk in 1948.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi hoisted the national flag at the city's iconic Lal Chowk after concluding his foot march. Responding to several questions about the restoration of statehood, the Congress leader said it should be the first step taken in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Statehood and restoration of democratic process is a fundamental and very important first step. The other steps will come later and I do not necessarily have to comment on it here," he said, referring to a question about holding talks with Pakistan.

"All states have an assembly. Democratic process is the right of the people and it should be restored in Jammu and Kashmir. A solution should be found for the people of Ladakh as well," he added.

In response to a question about the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, Gandhi said the Congress Working Committee has already made its stand clear on the issue. Article 370 granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019.