Rahul Gandhi raises restoration of statehood to J&K, slams Agniveer scheme

Gandhi was addressing the gathering here at Satwari Chowk after Bharat Jodo Yatra entered the Jammu district from the neighbouring Samba district before wrapping up the day's schedule of the Yatra.

Rahul Gandhi later flanked by senior leaders also paid obeisance at Shri Raghunath Temple and offered prayers.

“Several delegations met during the yatra in Jammu and everyone raised different issues. Some said that earlier the local officers were in the administration but now outsiders are running the government affairs and their concerns are not listened to,” Gandhi told the gathering and stated that the Congress party will fight for the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.

Secondly, he said that most people raised the issue of unemployment, adding, “the rate of unemployment in Jammu is “highest” in the country.

The people of Jammu previously had a choice to join the Indian Army but BJP started the Agniveer scheme, which is ‘weakening’ the Indian Army.”

“Without knowing the ethos, the Agniveer scheme was introduced. Even Army personnel too are aware of this fact but out of compulsion, they are tight-lipped. It is unfortunate that Agniveers after retirement are not entitled to a pension,” said Rahul Gandhi.

He said that a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits met him this morning and he was surprised to know that when they apprised him that recently a delegation met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha seeking relocation of Prime Minister Employment Package employees posted in Kashmir, but was replied not to ask for alms.

“I want to tell the Lieutenant Governor that they were not begging but asking for their rights. You (LG) must apologise from the community for your remarks,” said the Congress leader.

Meanwhile attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the Centre, Rahul Gandhi said, “a section of business tycoons are being benefitted and it led to rise in unemployment in the country.”

“Demonetisation was done to check the ‘black money’ but did the ‘black money’ stop?” Gandhi questioned adding that demonetization and GST are the weapons to damage small-scale traders.

Gandhi also asked the media to highlight the issues bothering the masses and expressed gratitude to the public for showering love on Bharat Jodo Yatra and strengthening him.