Jammu, Feb 2 (JKNS): Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, on Monday said that India remains focused on its own growth and development and is not impacted by internal or unilateral decisions taken by neighbouring countries, amid reports suggesting Pakistan may avoid playing a cricket match against India in the forthcoming World Cup.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Budget Session here, Choudhary, as per news agency JKNS, said that such decisions are inconsequential for a country like India.
“If it is their choice, it does not affect us in any way. India is a large and strong nation,” he said, while stressing that sports should not be mixed with politics. “When politics enters sports, it harms the spirit of the game,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister also took a dig at the BJP over its assurance regarding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the promise made during elections remains unfulfilled.
“The BJP had assured people that statehood would be restored after the elections. The Leader of Opposition must clarify when this commitment will be honoured,” he said.
Choudhary further said that Jammu’s economy had earlier benefited from the Darbar Move, under which the seat of the government alternated between Jammu and Srinagar.
“The economic activity visible in Jammu markets today is a result of the Darbar Move initiated during Omar Abdullah’s tenure. It was stopped during the BJP regime,” he claimed.
Raising concerns over academic institutions, the Deputy Chief Minister questioned the BJP over vacancies and alleged regional imbalance, stating that no vice-chancellor from Jammu province is heading any university.
“This is a serious matter,” he said, also flagging concerns over employment opportunities for locals and alleging that several positions were filled by outsiders.
“I do not belong to Jammu or Kashmir alone, I am an Indian,” Choudhary remarked. (JKNS)
