Srinagar, Oct 7 (UNI) Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President and Member Parliament Abdul Rashid Sheikh popularly known as Engineer Rashid on Monday urged the political parties not to form the government until the statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Whoever the party will form the next government will be a Union Territory government will have mere powers”, Rashid told media persons in Srinagar on Monday.
He said “If any party or alliance or with the support of independent candidates get the majority all parties should focus on to press the central government to restore the statehood as promised to be after the elections so that, to some extent, the dignity of Jammu and Kashmir could be restored.”
Rashid emphasized to extend his parties support, if required by the parties on the issue of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have a humble request to INDIA block, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC), Apni Party (AP) and others to unite and not to form the next government until statehood is restored,” Rashid asserted.
He said if the National Conference Vice President himself has said that the new government would have powers not more than a Municipal Committee, it becomes mandatory for him and other leaders to seek statehood before forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I know the INDIA alliance have got the votes from Kashmiri people but Congress observes silence on Article 370”, he said and added “I have a request to all these parties not to form the government until statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.”
Rashid stressed that only an empowered government under full statehood can guarantee real development and safeguard the rights of the people.