Srinagar, Aug 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Saturday said restoration of statehood remains the “fundamental goal” of the Union Territory’s government and asserted that the people of J&K will continue to fight for their political and constitutional rights.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day function at Kupwara, Wani as per Kashmir Convener said the mandate given by the people was not merely to form a government but to work for their honour, rights and a better future.
“We are not protesting against anyone. We are protesting in favour of our people. We want that the workers of Jammu and Kashmir should achieve their rights in the field of democracy and loyalty,” Wani said.
He said the government has been consistently pursuing the statehood issue, recalling that the Centre had given a sequence of assurances — first delimitation, then elections, followed by restoration of statehood.
“Both things have been accepted — delimitation has been done, election has been done — but the issue of statehood has not been resolved yet,” the Advisor said.
Wani said statehood is not merely an administrative arrangement but is connected to the “recognition of the people, democratic rule and a better future”.
Hoisting the tricolour at the District Police Lines in his home district, Wani described the day as one of “sacrifice, respect and responsibility” and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sardar Patel and other freedom fighters, along with activists and soldiers who laid down their lives for the country’s independence.
“The real power of India is its democracy, secularism, tolerance and culture. Despite all the religions, languages, customs and traditions, we are a nation,” he said.
He said the constitutional principles of equality, justice, freedom and respect have strengthened India’s democracy.
Advisor to CM Wani said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have faced difficulties for a long time but have kept alive the hope of democracy, peace and progress.
“Today, the demands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are very clear. We want peace, development, employment, opportunities for the youth, democratic rule and sustainable development,” he said.
The Advisor stressed the need to create an environment where youth can access education, skills, employment and business opportunities.
“We want that our young people do not seek employment, but become employers. Our farmers should be successful, our merchants should progress, our industrialists should reach the world, our tourists should get a job, Jammu and Kashmir’s economy should be strong,” he said.
He also called for protecting land, employment, natural resources, cultural heritage and the local economy, adding that future generations should be able to move forward with confidence.
Wani congratulated the Deputy Commissioner and SSP for the district’s developmental progress, noting a significant improvement in Kupwara’s comprehensive development score from 37.8 to 65.8.
He said the Keran block had secured first position nationwide in the Aspirational Block Programme Delta Ranking, while 16 vibrant villages were steadily moving towards development.
He called for ensuring better roads, health facilities, quality education and modern infrastructure for residents of border areas, describing living near the border as a “national responsibility”.
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