Jammu, Feb 2 : National Conference leader Altaf Kullo on Monday demanded that political prisoners held outside Jammu and Kashmir be brought back to the region, calling it a humanitarian necessity.
Speaking to reporters outside the J&K Legislative Assembly in Jammu, Kullo said the party has repeatedly requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure that political prisoners are shifted back to Jammu and Kashmir.
“We have always supported bringing them back to their own places. They must be returned to J&K,” he said.
Kullo also commented on PDP leader Iltija Mufti’s visit to Bijbehara in his constituency. He opposed reports of a proposed railway line in the area. “We do not need railway connectivity there and strongly condemn the proposal. Our MP, Mian Altaf Sahib, has also opposed it. We will meet Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to highlight that a railway line to Pahalgam is unnecessary, as it is a short stretch and does not require a rail link,” he said.
Taking a dig at Iltija Mufti, Kullo said she should focus on her own constituency. “She should look after the area where she lost to an NC candidate by a large margin instead of showing sympathy for Pahalgam,” he added.
He further asserted that the people of Pahalgam do not require outside support. “As long as their MLA Altaf Kullo is active, the people of Pahalgam do not need any assistance,” he said.
Kullo also demanded the restoration of statehood. “We want statehood back, we do not accept the decision of August 5, and we consider it unconstitutional,” he stated. (Agency)
