NC’s Statehood protest a diversion from governance failures: Sunil Sharma
Srinagar, Jun 17 : Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Wednesday termed the National Conference’s proposed protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for restoration of statehood as a “political distraction,” alleging that the move was aimed at shifting public attention away from the government’s poor performance.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Sharma said the administration had failed to address key public issues, including electricity shortages, inadequate drinking water supply, and growing corruption. He claimed there was little visible governance on the ground and accused the government of lacking both performance and accountability.
The BJP leader said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should focus on public outreach, review meetings, and addressing people’s concerns instead of organizing protests. According to him, the planned demonstration was an attempt to divert attention from the government’s shortcomings.
The National Conference has announced a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar during the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press the Centre for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Earlier, while addressing a press conference marking 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, Sharma credited the Prime Minister with bringing major changes to Jammu and Kashmir. He said the region had witnessed significant improvements in security, public life, and economic activity compared to the period before 2014.
Sharma asserted that incidents of stone-pelting, prolonged shutdowns, and an atmosphere of fear had largely disappeared, allowing schools, businesses, and daily activities to function normally. He also said the government had curbed separatist influence and strengthened law and order across the region.
Highlighting what he described as a transformation in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade, Sharma said the people now live with greater confidence and stability. He added that while substantial progress had been achieved, efforts to further improve the situation would continue.
