Jammu: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir on Tuesday strongly advocated for a caste census in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that it would help determine the exact population of various communities and ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
Speaking during the Motion of Thanks on the Lieutenant Governor’s address in the J&K Assembly, Mir also reiterated the Congress’s demand for full statehood with legal and constitutional safeguards for locals in government jobs and land ownership.
Mir emphasized that the abrogation of Article 370 should not mark the end of J&K’s special provisions and urged the government to explore new legal frameworks for safeguards. He pointed out that constitutional amendments continue to evolve and suggested that fresh provisions for J&K could be introduced through future amendments.
On the restoration of statehood, Mir stated that reinstating Jammu and Kashmir’s status would empower the chief minister, strengthen democracy, and address several regional concerns. He welcomed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s remarks on statehood, saying they had generated fresh hope among the people, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill his commitment to J&K’s political future.
Mir also criticized the central government’s approach to special status, noting that states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh had sought and were being considered for special packages in exchange for political support. He questioned why similar demands for J&K faced opposition.
