Congress seeks immediate intervention of Lt Governor on Katra situation

Congress criticizes repressive measures over  leaders of Katra protestors

Seeks  immediate release of detained leaders for creating conducive atmosphere for dialogue

Statehood denied in the year 2024, people feel betrayed – Karra

Jammu December 31 : Congress today criticized  the  authorities for the repressive measures being adopted to deal with Katra situation and  sought  immediate intervention of Lt. Governor for the  release of detained leaders to create conducive atmosphere for dialogue, if the authorities are sincere in finding an amicable solution to the ongoing situation.

 Addressing a press conference here today JKPCC President Shri Tariq Hameed Karra along with top leadership of the party lashed out at the authorities for  repressive policy of the administration to deal with the Katra situation where the representatives of the protestors are being meted out ill-treatment and detained , stating that such kind of approach has further vitiated the atmosphere of dialogue and is not in tune with the claims of the Shrine Board authorities for finding amicable solution to the contentious issue by taking on board all stakeholders.

Accompanied by Working Presidents  Shri Tara Chand & Shri Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Mr. Ravinder Sharma, Th. Balwan Singh,  Sh. Yogesh Sawhney, Sh. Ved Mahajan, S.S. Channi and Namrata Sharma, JKPCC Chief questioned is this the proper approach to deal with the stake holders, when their representatives have been detained for indefinite  periods,  in allegedly inhuman and unhygienic conditions. Will this kind of ill-treatment to the local leaders of different shades, will create conducive atmosphere for finding amicable solution to the ongoing situation of confrontation, he questioned.

Mr. Karra said that from  day first, on Nov.27, the Congress party intervened for the release of detained leaders  through Div Com. Jammu and a high level delegation of congress visited Katra to meet the agitating people for  solidarity. But the present approach of repression will not yield positive results. He also questioned why only leaders of Congress  party are being  refused permission to reach Katra to meet people, while the leaders of all other political parties are visiting there or joining the cause.

He said that congress has approached the highest authority of Lt. Governor to intervene in the matter and ensure release of all detained leaders, if they want a solution through dialogue, taking care of the interests and concerns of all stake holders. The congress party has sought earliest appointment from the LG to discuss the situation and also conveyed him the desire of the party to send a high powered delegation to meet people.

Mr. Karra said that unnecessary haste and  repression being shown in the matter conveys a wrong message especially taking on board  the concerns of livelihood of Pony-walas  Pithu-walas, Palkiwalas, local traders, shopkeepers, transporters, vendors etc. and the religious aspects and sentiments. He also expressed concern over the hardships being faced by the visiting pilgrims due to the situation which emerged out at Katra. He reiterated the party stand that the authorities of Shrine Board and administration take on board all the stake holders to find out a consensus situation over the issue, while the congress not opposed to developmental aspects.

Karra said that people of J&K feel betrayed once again in the year 2024 as the restoration of statehood promised through rallies, public meetings besides on the floor of Parliament and Supreme Court was not fulfilled. There is great resentment and unrest amongst the people of all walks over this issue while reiterating the congress pledge to fight for the rights of the people.