Jammu: The President of the Congress chapter in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Tariq Hameed Karra, has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he calls deceitful tactics concerning the restoration of statehood. He emphasized that this is a legitimate right of the people in the region, and vowed to intensify the struggle if the demand continues to be unmet.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Karra addressed a large rally in Reasi as part of the “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” campaign, cautioning that the BJP-led Indian government is purposefully delaying the process to deny IIOJK citizens their rightful status. He stated that the Congress party would not hesitate to stage protests if the BJP’s obstructive policies persist.

Karra highlighted that statehood represents a fundamental democratic right for every IIOJK citizen, arguing that its continued denial violates democratic principles. He assured attendees that Congress is committed to seeing the movement through to its logical conclusion, adding that the campaign has mobilized public support and exposed the BJP’s reluctance to address regional concerns.

He further accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics, claiming the party is inciting communal and regional discord to distract from critical public issues such as unemployment and inflation. Karra urged the people of IIOJK to stay united and actively participate in the ongoing struggle for their rights, framing the restoration of statehood as a matter of dignity and self-respect for the territory’s residents.