Restore statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and liberate political leaders, demands Congress leader

Congress leader Tara Chand pointed out that entry from Punjab had been obstructed and unemployment surged in the Union Territory. He also demanded regularisation of daily wagers and other workers in government departments.

Jammu: Senior Congress leader Tara Chand on Sunday urged the Central Government to restore Article 370 and to ensure proper security and freedom of leaders of mainstream political parties .He also asked the Lieutenant Governor's administration to remove all hurdles for free movement at Lakhanpur , the gateway to J&K .He also added that scores of people including Vaishno Devi shrine pilgrims, businessmen and patients were obstructed with lengthy procedures to enter the Union territory from Punjab.

Speaking at a day-long workers convention at Khour in Chamb constituency here, the former deputy Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed massive destruction during decades long turmoil and rising unemployment was a major concern which needed to be addressed on priority. For initiation of political dialogue, the government should restore security cover of all leaders of mainstream political parties according to the areas and threat perception so that they can move freely from one place to another, he said.

Read:Post abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has become lawless: Lawyers

The convention discussed many sensational issues and unanimously passed a resolution for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the party said in a statement. Chand also demanded land safeguards and job protection for the local youth. He demanded special employment package for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir as he said that the corona virus pandemic had rendered millions jobless and many families were at the verge of starvation.The unemployment issue should be addressed by the government immediately, he said and demanded regularization of daily wagers and other workers engaged in various government departments.

(PTI)