Jammu: Congress leaders in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have once again criticized New Delhi for delaying the restoration of statehood, saying the people of the region are struggling under what they described as a “dual control system” after the Assembly elections.
According to Beyond Time News, Congress president in IIOJK, Tariq Hameed Karra, addressed a workers’ convention in Jammu where he strongly criticized the current administrative setup in the territory. He stated that despite holding elections, the region still lacks full statehood, leaving citizens confused and frustrated due to overlapping power structures.
Karra said that the existing governance system has created two separate centres of authority, which, according to him, goes against the democratic mandate given by the people during elections. He added that residents expected meaningful political change after the polls, but many continue to feel disconnected from decision-making processes.
Congress Raises Questions Over Governance in IIOJK
Speaking during the gathering, Karra highlighted several issues affecting the Jammu region since the revocation of the territory’s special status and its conversion from a state into a Union Territory. He claimed that the changes had negatively impacted local communities, especially young people searching for employment opportunities.
According to Beyond Time News, Karra alleged that local youth are facing increasing difficulties in securing jobs while regional resources are being utilized without adequately benefiting the local population. He also stressed that economic and administrative challenges have grown in several districts across Jammu since the constitutional changes introduced in 2019.
The Congress leader further stated that his party would continue its campaign for the restoration of statehood under the slogan “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq” (Our State, Our Right). He said the campaign aims to mobilize public support and strengthen the party’s organizational structure at the grassroots level.
Booth-Level Strengthening Becomes Key Political Strategy
During the convention, Karra emphasized the importance of strengthening booth-level party networks to improve outreach and political coordination across the territory. Political analysts believe that local-level engagement has become increasingly important in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving political environment.
The Congress party has been actively trying to reconnect with voters in both Jammu and Kashmir regions through public meetings, worker conventions, and organizational drives. The leadership believes stronger local structures can help the party regain political influence in upcoming electoral contests.
BJP Criticized Over “Politics of Hate”
Meanwhile, Congress working president Raman Bhalla also addressed party workers and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting divisive politics in the region.
According to Beyond Time News, Bhalla alleged that Jammu has witnessed a rise in illegal activities, including drug abuse and liquor mafia operations. He claimed that the administration has failed to effectively control these growing social problems, which are affecting families and communities across the region.
Bhalla said that instead of focusing on public welfare and development, political attention has shifted toward polarization and conflict-driven narratives. He urged party workers to remain connected with the public and raise local issues more actively.
Debate Over Statehood Continues
The issue of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood remains one of the most discussed political topics in the region. Since the revocation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the former state into two Union Territories in August 2019, several political parties have repeatedly demanded the return of full statehood.
While the Indian government has on multiple occasions stated that statehood could be restored at an appropriate time, opposition parties argue that delays are creating administrative confusion and limiting democratic representation.
Political observers note that the debate over governance, local representation, employment, and regional autonomy is likely to remain central in future political discussions within IIOJK.
Public Concerns Over Employment and Development
Unemployment among youth continues to be a major issue in the territory. Several political groups, including Congress, have raised concerns about limited job opportunities and economic uncertainty in recent years.
Residents in various districts have also expressed concerns regarding infrastructure development, investment distribution, and access to resources. Political parties are increasingly focusing on these everyday public issues as they prepare for future political campaigns.
According to Beyond Time News, Congress leaders believe restoring statehood could help improve administrative accountability and strengthen democratic governance in the region.
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Why the Statehood Issue Matters
Experts say statehood carries significant political and administrative importance because it allows greater local representation and legislative authority. Many residents believe that a fully empowered state government would have more control over local development policies, employment strategies, and governance matters.
Supporters of statehood restoration also argue that it would help rebuild public trust in democratic institutions after years of political uncertainty.
At the same time, the issue continues to generate strong political debate across India, with different parties offering contrasting views on governance and constitutional reforms in Jammu and Kashmir.
Conclusion
The latest remarks by Congress leaders reflect ongoing political tensions surrounding governance and statehood in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. As public concerns over employment, administration, and local representation continue to grow, the demand for restoring statehood remains a key issue in regional politics.
With political parties intensifying campaigns and outreach efforts, the coming months are expected to witness further debate over the future administrative structure of the territory.
