Srinagar, July 31 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Thursday reiterated his demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir with dignity, as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the floor of the Parliament.

Addressing a massive party convention in the Raiyar area of Khansahib in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Hakeem said, “Statehood in Jammu and Kashmir has been turned into a myth. It is not a charity but a constitutional right and must be restored with full honour and dignity.”

The convention witnessed enthusiastic participation of hundreds of workers, while dozens of new members joined the PDF caravan, boosting the morale of the party rank and file.

Taking a dig at other regional political parties, Hakeem said, “While we have always maintained clarity in our demand for dignified statehood, some parties are playing with the sentiments of people by issuing confusing statements. They must clarify what kind of statehood they are asking for mere symbolism or true autonomy backed by constitutional guarantees?”

On the issue of tourism in Budgam, Hakeem Yaseen urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to fulfill the commitment of lifting the ban on three key tourist destinations in Budgam Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan.

“Budgam, despite being the closest district to Srinagar airport and blessed with unmatched natural beauty, remains underexplored due to administrative neglect and unnecessary restrictions,” Hakeem said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“LG Manoj Sinha had assured a PDF delegation that the ban would be lifted. People here are suffering, and their livelihoods have been severely affected. We expect his promise to be honoured without further delay.”

He emphasized that opening these destinations would not only boost the local economy but also offer an alternative to the already overcrowded tourist circuits in Kashmir.

On the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Hakeem praised the security forces and administration. “As claimed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and other agencies, the terrorists involved in the brutal Pahalgam attack have been neutralized. I congratulate LG Manoj Sinha and the security forces for the successful and swift operation,” he said.

However, Hakeem also raised concerns about innocent civilians who were detained on mere suspicion in the aftermath of the attack.

“Now that the attackers have been identified and eliminated, those detained without credible evidence should be released immediately. Keeping them behind bars serves no purpose except increasing public alienation,” he added.

The PDF President concluded by asserting that Budgam deserves equal developmental focus and respect.

“We are not second-class citizens. Be it tourism, statehood, or justice, we demand what is rightfully ours, with dignity, not charity,” he said.(KNS)