Jammu, July 9 -- Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory is essential for strengthening democracy, improving governance and accelerating development.
Addressing public meetings at Bari Brahmana and Vijaypur in Samba district and Hiranagar in Kathua district, Choudhary said the continued delay in restoring statehood was adversely affecting the region's future and democratic institutions, according to a National Conference (NC) statement.
He said Jammu and Kashmir, being a strategically important border region and a major tourist destination, required a fully empowered elected government capable of taking decisions in the interest of the people. Choudhar...