Restoration of Statehood is essential for ensuring stability, peace, prosperity: Rattan Lal
Calls for special attention to the developmental needs of border areas of Kathua and Hiranagar border belt
14/11/2026
Kathua,November 14 (KIP)- Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, Jammu Province, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), today emphasised that restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is essential for strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring political stability, promoting peace and accelerating inclusive development across the Union Territory.
He was addressing a meeting of party functionaries and workers at Palli Morh, Kathua, held under the chairmanship of District President Kathua Rural Sham Narain Mehta. Vijay Lochan, Chairman SC Cell, was also present on the occasion.
Gupta said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for the fulfilment of the commitment made by the Prime Minister of India and Home Minister of India regarding restoration of full Statehood. He maintained that an elected government with full constitutional powers and an accountable democratic administrative structure is important for addressing people's aspirations and ensuring effective governance.
Highlighting the special circumstances of border areas of Kathua and Hiranagar, Gupta said that residents living in border belts face distinctive challenges and deserve focused attention from the administration. He stressed the need for better road connectivity, reliable drinking water and electricity, quality healthcare, educational facilities, employment opportunities and adequate infrastructure.
He further said that border residents have to cope with difficult geographical conditions and security-related concerns, and their welfare must remain a priority. Special attention should be given to farmers, traders, labourers, youth, women and economically weaker sections living in these areas.
Gupta said that the Omar Abdullah-led Government is committed to inclusive development and addressing the genuine problems of people across Jammu and Kashmir, including remote, rural and border areas. He stressed that development must reach every household, irrespective of region, religion or social background.
He also urged party functionaries to remain connected with the public, listen to their grievances and highlight genuine issues before the concerned authorities so that people's problems receive timely attention.
Vijay Lochan also emphasised the need to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes and other weaker sections, ensuring their equal participation in development and democratic processes.
Speaking on the occasion, District President Sham Narain Mehta called upon party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level and work collectively to address the concerns of the people of Kathua district.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to strengthen the party organisation and continue raising the genuine demands and aspirations of the people, particularly those residing in border and far-flung areas.
Among others who were present included: Raj Kumar, Reham Ali District President ST Cell, Darshan Lal, Ajay Kumar, Banu Dev Singh, Vijay Verma, Varun Singh, Ankit Sumbria, Abhi Singh, Nikhal Verma, Subash, Bachan, Ganesh and others party functionaries were also present.