NC-Congress to boycot UT Foundation Day celebrations

SRINAGAR — The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have decided to boycott the upcoming Union Territory (UT) Foundation Day celebrations, citing their commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

Tanvir Sadiq, senior NC leader and legislator from the Zadibal Assembly segment, made the announcement, emphasizing that the party refuses to participate in any UT Foundation Day program.

While talking to reporters in Srinagar, Tanvir Sadiq said the NC believes that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood must be reinstated, and the government will subsequently revive the traditional “Darbar Move” practice.

This practice, which involves the bi-annual shift of the state’s administrative capital between Srinagar and Jammu, was discontinued after the J&K’s special status was revoked.

Tanvir Sadiq asserted that restoring the Darbar Move would mend the relationship between Kashmir and Jammu, which he claimed the BJP has damaged.

The NC leader also reiterated the party’s pledge to address pressing issues, including electricity tariff and ration concerns. He assured that the National Conference government would fulfil all 26 promises and 12 guarantees made to the people.

A Congress legislator referred to the event as a “black day” in Jammu and Kashmir’s history, questioning the celebration of the downgrading of a state when the people expect the restoration of statehood.

Recently, the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet passed a resolution for the restoration of statehood, which was cleared by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Omar Abdullah submitted the resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, LG Sinha will serve as the chief guest at the UT observance day at the main event, which will take place at SKICC Srinagar.

The erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state was divided into two union territories following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.