Mon Nov 11 16:59:43 UTC 2024: ## J&K Deputy Chief Minister Calls for Protection of Land, Jobs, Resources
**Jammu, November 11, 2024:** Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday urged for urgent measures to safeguard the Union Territory’s land, jobs, and resources from “exploitative elements.”
Choudhary, addressing a gathering at the National Conference office, asserted the need for protections similar to those enjoyed by 11 other states, including Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, to prevent exploitation by liquor mafia, mining mafia, and contractors from outside. He alleged that land was being sold to outsiders at low prices and jobs were being offered to people from outside J&K.
He criticized the BJP’s opposition to the National Conference’s resolution seeking restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees for J&K, calling them “misleading the people.” Choudhary claimed that the previous administration, under the BJP’s leadership, had given land and contracts to outsiders while neglecting local industrialists. He further accused the BJP of eroding the Dogra identity over the past five years.
Choudhary expressed his strong belief that restoration of special status is crucial for the future generations of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the people to reject any attempts to exploit the “Jammu versus Kashmir” ideology and to stand united in their demand for full statehood.
First Piper 