Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu Dec 16: A delegation of Members of Parliament from Jammu & Kashmir, comprising Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, and Shammi Oberoi, today met the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting key humanitarian, political, and administrative concerns relating to the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the MPs raised serious humanitarian issues concerning prisoners from Jammu & Kashmir lodged in jails outside the Union Territory. They pointed out that the detention of prisoners far away from their homes causes immense hardship to their families, particularly women, elderly parents, and children, who face difficulties due to long distances, financial constraints, and procedural hurdles. The delegation urged the Union Government to review the existing policy and facilitate the transfer of such prisoners to jails within Jammu & Kashmir or nearby states on humanitarian grounds.
The delegation also strongly reiterated the demand for the early restoration of full Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, stating that it is a legitimate aspiration of the people of the region. They recalled the assurances given by the Government of India and referred to the observations of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, emphasizing that the restoration of Statehood is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and restoring public confidence.
Another major issue highlighted during the meeting was the delay in notification of the Business Rules for the Union Territory. The MPs stated that the absence of notified Business Rules has adversely affected administrative functioning and decision-making. They stressed that the immediate notification of the Business Rules is crucial to ensure smooth, effective, transparent, and democratic governance under an elected government.
Sources said the Hon’ble Union Home Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the delegation and assured them that the issues highlighted in the memorandum would be examined at the appropriate level.
The meeting reflects the continued efforts of Members of Parliament from Jammu & Kashmir to advocate for humanitarian relief, restoration of democratic rights, and administrative clarity, in line with the aspirations of the people of the Union Territory.
