New Delhi, Dec 16: Members of Parliament from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday to present a detailed memorandum outlining pressing constitutional, humanitarian, and administrative issues affecting the Union Territory.
The delegation, comprising Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, and Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, engaged with the Home Minister in New Delhi to seek urgent attention on matters impacting the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
The NC MPs expressed deep concern over the plight of Kashmiri prisoners lodged outside the Union Territory. Highlighting the hardships faced by families—particularly mothers, children, and elderly parents—the delegation pointed out the financial, logistical, and emotional challenges of visiting loved ones in distant prisons. They noted that many detainees remain incarcerated despite the absence of serious charges, effectively punishing individuals for their socio-economic status rather than any proven wrongdoing. The MPs urged the Home Minister to review the current policy, release those against whom no substantial charges exist, and ensure that the treatment of prisoners upholds dignity, justice, and compassion.
The memorandum also stressed the importance of restoring full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, reminding the Centre of previous assurances by the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister. The MPs cited the Supreme Court judgment of December 11, 2023, which emphasized the completion of democratic processes, including elections, as a crucial step toward reinstating Statehood. They urged the government to implement clear, time-bound measures to fulfill these commitments, noting that delays continue to cause administrative, democratic, and emotional distress among the people of the Union Territory.
Another critical issue raised was the non-notification of Business Rules governing administrative functioning in J&K. According to the NC MPs, the absence of these rules has led to ambiguity, overlapping authority, and uncertainty, weakening the role of elected representatives and affecting public accountability. They requested that the rules be notified promptly to ensure transparent, efficient, and democratic governance.
The memorandum concluded by emphasizing that addressing these three areas—humanitarian justice for prisoners, restoration of Statehood, and clear administrative rules—is vital for rebuilding trust, dignity, and democratic normalcy in Jammu & Kashmir. The NC delegation urged the Union Home Minister to take immediate and appropriate action.
