Congress IIOJK Leader Criticizes India’s Refusal to Restore Statehood to IIOJK

The demand for the restoration of statehood in IIOJK continues to grow as Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra denounces India’s refusal to honor promises made to the region.

Tariq Hameed Karra, the president of the Congress IIOJK chapter, recently addressed a workers’ convention in Doongi, district Rajouri, where he strongly criticized Indian Minister Kiran Rijiju’s statement on the restoration of statehood to Indian Illegally Occupation Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Karra stated that Rijiju’s refusal to provide any timeline for statehood’s restoration reflected New Delhi’s unwillingness to honor its commitments.

Karra’s comments come as part of Congress’s ongoing campaign in the region to demand the restoration of IIOJK’s statehood, which was revoked in August 2019. During the convention, Karra reaffirmed Congress’s stance that the party would only participate in the IIOJK government once the rights of the people are fully restored.

The convention, which also featured Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, Congress District President Shabir Ahmed Khan, and other senior party leaders, drew significant attention from the local community. Karra emphasized that Rijiju’s refusal to set a timeline for statehood restoration sent a strong message that New Delhi had no intention of granting statehood to IIOJK in the near future.

He also criticized the BJP-led Indian government for its repeated betrayals regarding the restoration of statehood. Karra pointed out that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had repeatedly promised the restoration of statehood in public rallies, before the Supreme Court, and on the floor of the Indian Parliament. However, according to Karra, these promises have not been fulfilled, leaving the people of IIOJK disillusioned and frustrated.

As part of Congress’s mission “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq,” Karra urged the people of IIOJK to prepare for a struggle to regain their identity, dignity, and status as a state. He called for unity in the face of what he described as ongoing injustices, encouraging the people to take action and demand their rightful restoration.

Karra’s statements reflect the growing political dissatisfaction in IIOJK, with many calling for the Indian government to honor its promises and restore the region’s statehood. Congress’s continued advocacy for the rights of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains a central focus of its political agenda in the region.