Rejects Division Demands, Flags Risks in BJP’s NLU Pitch, Law University Must be In Kashmir; Calls for United J&K-Ladakh
Srinagar, Feb 3: Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday reaffirmed that the restoration of statehood and special status remains a core and consistent demand of the National Conference, asserting that the party has been raising the issue since the very formation of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), Minister Itoo said, “We have always demanded the restoration of statehood and special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Our MLAs protested for it because it is a genuine demand. From the day this government was sworn in, we have raised this issue at different stages.”
She said the democratic authority of the elected government has been weakened over time. “Our powers have been curtailed, and the rights of our youth have been taken away,” she said.
Responding to questions about demands for separate divisions for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, the Minister said there is no such demand from the people. “The National Conference has always stood for a united Jammu and Kashmir. We believe in unity,” she said, adding, “We also want Ladakh to be reunited with Jammu and Kashmir, and a full-fledged Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh state restored, as it existed earlier.”
On the BJP’s demand for setting up a National Law University (NLU) in Jammu, Itoo voiced strong concerns, warning against regional discrimination in education. “Muslim students from Kashmir study in Jammu, but medical colleges were closed on regional lines. Tomorrow, the BJP could do the same with the Law University saying Muslim students cannot study there and only Hindu students can. That could even lead to the cancellation of the university,” she cautioned.
She said establishing the Law University in Kashmir would be a better and more inclusive option. “Thousands of students from Jammu are already studying in Kashmir in MBBS, engineering and universities. Kashmir has never objected to this and will never do so,” she said.
Reiterating the party’s ideology, Itoo said, “Our manifesto and our mission are clear to ensure people of Jammu and Kashmir live together in harmony, whether Muslim, Sikh or Hindu. This was the vision and slogan of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Hindu-Muslim-Sikh unity,” she added. (KNC)
