“Says parties skipping Delhi demonstration are “enemies of the people”; sets year-end deadline for key bridges on Bandipora-Srinagar road”
Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, June 10: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said the Women’s Reservation Bill would not be passed in its present form if it is reintroduced in the parliament, while simultaneously calling for a massive public mobilisation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi next month to press for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
Addressing reporters during a visit to Bandipora, Choudhary said any legislation concerning reservation would have to conform to constitutional provisions and the aspirations of the people.
“If the Women’s Reservation Bill is moved again, it will not be passed in its present form. Any decision on the legislation will be taken according to the Constitution,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged people from across Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the proposed Jantar Mantar protest scheduled for the first day of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, describing the restoration of statehood as a collective political demand.
He said political parties that fail to join the protest would be exposed before the people. “Those who do not participate in the Jantar Mantar demonstration for restoration of statehood are enemies of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Choudhary asserted.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Omar Abdullah-led government remains committed to fulfilling all promises made to the people during the Assembly elections and would continue to pursue the restoration of constitutional and democratic rights.
During his visit, Choudhary reviewed progress on several infrastructure projects in Bandipora.
Accompanied by Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat and Sonawari MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, he inspected ongoing works along the Bandipora-Srinagar road corridor and directed officials to expedite execution of key connectivity projects.
He accused previous PDP-BJP governments of failing to fulfil major development commitments in the region, pointing to delays in bridge construction and road infrastructure.
The Deputy Chief Minister set a year-end deadline for completion of two major bridges linking Bandipora with Srinagar, saying the projects would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time and boost economic activity in the district.
He said the present government is focused on delivering tangible development on the ground and ensuring that long-pending projects are completed within fixed timelines.
