Srinagar, May 19 (JKNS): National Conference chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are “tired of hearing the phrase appropriate time” regarding the restoration of statehood and asserted that the time for fulfilling the promise is now.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, Sadiq said that the Prime Minister, Home Minister and even the Supreme Court had assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that a three-step process would be followed, delimitation, elections, and restoration of statehood.
He said that while delimitation and elections have already taken place and an elected government is in place, the promise of restoring statehood is still pending.
“We have been told from day one that when the appropriate time comes, statehood will be restored. If this is not the appropriate time even after one and a half years of an elected government, then when will it be?” he said.
Sadiq added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir participated in elections in large numbers, giving a clear mandate, and that this mandate must be respected by restoring statehood without further delay.
He remarked that repeated references to “appropriate time” are no longer acceptable to the people.
On governance issues, Sadiq also appreciated the Jammu and Kashmir administration, particularly highlighting initiatives related to solid waste management in Srinagar. He said that the Rs 361 crore project for scientific waste management and legacy waste disposal reflects serious administrative effort.
He further said that the initiative to convert legacy waste into RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) for use in cement plants would not only help environmental protection but also benefit other districts of Jammu and Kashmir in the long run.
He appreciated the current government’s focus on civic infrastructure and said it was important for improving urban living conditions.
However, Sadiq reiterated that while developmental work is welcome, the core political promise of restoring statehood remains unfulfilled and must be addressed at the earliest.
He also remarked on political developments after 2019 and maintained that the people of Srinagar have given a strong mandate to the National Conference, which, he said, should be respected. (JKNS)
