Jammu: The Indian National Congress chapter in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has reiterated its demand for the early restoration of full statehood to the territory, strongly criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for maintaining total silence over the issue.

According to Beyond the Time News, addressing a press conference in Jammu, IIOJK Congress Working President Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma and other party leaders said the Congress stands for unity, integrity and regional identities of the territory, and remains committed to fighting for restoration of full statehood at the earliest.

The Congress leaders lashed out the divisive slogans and communal policies, saying these were meant to dilute and weaken the movement for the restoration of statehood in the territory.

They questioned the silence of BJP legislators in IIOJK as well as members of the Indian parliament from the occupied territory for their total silence over the issue of full statehood after getting huge mandate in the Jammu region, to fight for the rights of people. But their actions, they maintained, were contrary to the interests of the region.

They further said that the closure of a premier medical college in Reasi, despite the investment of crores of rupees, was a major setback for the youth and people of Jammu region. Instead of addressing shortcomings in rules, norms and other deficiencies, the BJP-led Indian government chose to shut down the institutio to the disadvantage of people.

The IIOJK Congress leaders also raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the territory, particularly in various parts of Jammu region. They demanded immediate action to restore normalcy and ensure a sense of security, particularly in the remote villages.