Srinagar, Dec 16, KDC: The newly nominated Members of Parliament from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) have submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, raising humanitarian concerns regarding prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir lodged outside the Union Territory and seeking early restoration of full statehood and notification of Business Rules.
According to the memorandum, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Dot Com, Rajya Sabha MPs Chowdhry Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo and Gurinder Singh Oberoi said the issues raised were of “profound constitutional, democratic and humanitarian importance” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The NC MPs expressed concern over prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir lodged in jails outside the Union Territory, stating that thousands of families, including mothers, children and elderly parents, continue to suffer due to the distance and financial constraints. The memorandum said many families are unable to travel long distances, engage legal counsel or even meet their incarcerated relatives.
The MPs said representations received by them point to long and exhausting journeys, humiliating procedures, harsh restrictions and prolonged waiting. They added that in several cases detainees continue to remain incarcerated despite serious charges not having been proven.
“A Kashmiri is not a born criminal, nor a threat. A Kashmiri is a human being and an Indian citizen, deserving of dignity, justice and compassion,” the memorandum stated, urging a review of the policy of lodging prisoners outside Jammu and Kashmir and the release of those against whom no serious charges are established.
On statehood, the MPs recalled assurances given by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister on the floor of Parliament that full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be restored. They also referred to the Supreme Court judgment dated December 11, 2023, noting that the Court recorded the Union government’s submission that statehood would be restored at the earliest and directed completion of democratic processes, including elections.
Following the conduct of elections and the formation of an elected government, the memorandum said the people of Jammu and Kashmir now legitimately expect that the assurances recorded by the Supreme Court will be honoured. It added that continued delay in restoring statehood is causing democratic, administrative and emotional distress.
The NC MPs urged the Government of India to initiate clear, concrete and time-bound steps for the early restoration of full statehood in line with constitutional principles and judicial observations.
The memorandum also flagged the non-notification of Business Rules governing the functioning of the administration in Jammu and Kashmir despite the formation of an elected government. The MPs said the absence of Business Rules has resulted in ambiguity, overlap of authority and uncertainty in governance, undermining public accountability and the authority of elected representatives.
They requested that the Business Rules be notified at the earliest to ensure smooth, transparent governance in accordance with democratic norms and constitutional propriety. (KDC)
