Kashmir Impulse Desk
Jammu, Aug 15
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Saturday renewed the government’s demand for restoration of statehood, saying he hoped the region would celebrate its next Independence Day as a state rather than a Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters after the Independence Day ceremony at M.A. Stadium in Jammu, Choudhary said restoration of statehood remained a “fervent demand” and referred to assurances previously given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
“We hope that next year when we celebrate Independence Day, J&K will be a State again,” Choudhary said.
He said people had become frustrated with the Union Territory arrangement and that patience over the issue was running out.
In his Independence Day address, Choudhary had also highlighted what he described as a sense of grievance in Jammu over a lack of equitable opportunities.
He alleged that institutions including universities, the Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Technology and AIIMS in the Jammu region were headed by people from outside the region and claimed local professionals were not receiving their due share.
He also raised concerns about employment in the industrial sector, saying locals were being given a secondary role.
Choudhary called for introspection on the issue and recalled that at the previous year’s Independence Day function there had been an expectation that J&K would celebrate the 2026 occasion as a state.
He renewed his appeal to the prime minister and home minister to fulfil their commitment to restore statehood.
The deputy chief minister also focused on youth employment, saying the Omar Abdullah government was working to create opportunities in government and private employment while expanding self-employment avenues.
He referred to recruitment in various departments and vacancies sent to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board and Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission and expressed hope that the recruitment process would be completed quickly.
In his Independence Day address, Choudhary said the government remained committed to balanced and inclusive development across J&K, with priorities including roads, bridges, electricity, water supply, healthcare, education, agriculture and industry.
He said strengthening industry was essential to creating jobs for local youth and that young people should receive priority in emerging employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
He also highlighted efforts in education and healthcare and said farmers remained central to the region’s economy, with the government seeking to improve support for agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors.
Choudhary warned of the threat posed by drug abuse among young people and urged families, educational institutions, civil society and the youth to participate in efforts to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
He called on young people to channel their energy into education, sports, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building.
Environmental protection was another focus. Referring to increasing cloudbursts, floods, landslides and other extreme weather events, he urged people to participate in afforestation and conservation efforts.
He said initiatives such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ should extend beyond planting trees to ensuring that trees survive and are cared for.
Choudhary said the government had acted to restore connectivity and provide assistance following recent natural disasters and promised continued support to affected communities.
He also highlighted J&K’s cultural heritage and said the government wanted to promote its art, traditions and craftsmanship nationally and internationally while creating greater opportunities for artisans.
The deputy chief minister called for collective efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous J&K and said the government’s objective was to ensure quality education for children, better returns for farmers, greater safety and empowerment for women and opportunities for young people.
He paid tribute to freedom fighters and security forces and described the national flag as a symbol of sacrifice, unity and collective aspiration.
The ceremony in Jammu included a parade and cultural programmes by students from government and private schools and was attended by senior civil and police officials, elected representatives and members of the public.
