TMC Delegation Advocates for J&K’s Statehood & Local Government Empowerment
Srinagar 21 May 2025: A five-member delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for the restoration of statehood and full empowerment of the local government. The delegation, led by Derek O’Brien, Nadeem-ul-Haq, Mamata Thakur, Manas Bhuiya, and Sagarika Ghosh, met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss pressing issues affecting the region.
Key Highlights from the Visit
1. Meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
The delegation held a 90-minute discussion with the Chief Minister, addressing critical concerns such as:
- Statehood restoration and federal governance.
- Challenges faced by border villages due to cross-border shelling.
- Relief and rehabilitation efforts for affected communities.
2. TMC’s Stand on Federalism & Statehood
TMC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to federalism, stating that empowering an elected government is a constitutional necessity. They emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is a legitimate aspiration of its people and must be fully restored.
3. Crisis in Border Villages
The delegation highlighted the devastating impact of cross-border shelling in Poonch, Uri, and Rajouri, where more lives have been lost than in the Pahalgam attack. They stressed the urgent need for relief measures to support affected families.
4. Relief & Rehabilitation Efforts
The Chief Minister assured that his administration is working on:
- Medical aid for injured civilians.
- Rebuilding schools and colleges damaged by shelling.
- Compensating small businesses affected by the crisis.
- Launching rehabilitation programs for displaced families.
5. TMC’s Message of Solidarity
The delegation described their visit as a journey of empathy and support, pledging to advocate for the development of neglected areas. They emphasized that every life matters and called for greater attention to the suffering of border communities.
Political Implications
The visit comes amid renewed discussions on Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and governance, with TMC aligning itself with demands for statehood restoration. The delegation’s trip to Poonch aims to further assess the impact of Pakistani shelling on local communities.
Bottom-Line
The TMC delegation’s visit underscores the importance of statehood restoration, federal governance, and relief efforts for affected communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Their advocacy for empowering the local government reflects a broader political push for inclusive governance and regional stability.
