Kupwara, Dec 27: National Conference senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Saturday said he, along with fellow MPs Shami Oberoi and Sajad Ahmad Kichloo, recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and raised concerns over the harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers and students in various parts of the country.
“Our delegation apprised the Home Minister about several incidents where Kashmiri shawl sellers and students from Kashmir have allegedly faced intimidation and harassment,” he said while talking to the media on the sidelines of a workers’ convention at Environmental Hall in Handwara.
Ramzan said he was pleased with the recent statement issued by the Home Ministry, according to which strict action will be taken against those found involved in the harassment of Kashmiris.
During his address, Chowdry Ramzan reiterated his party’s commitment to continue raising the issue of Article 370. He said the issue remains central to Kashmir’s political, constitutional and emotional identity and will be pursued at every appropriate forum.
The newly elected Rajya Sabha member said whatever has been promised to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the election manifesto will be fulfilled by the National Conference government. “The mandate given by the people is a sacred trust and will be honoured with sincerity and transparency,” he added.
Responding to a question about Hurriyat, he said the conglomerate had long ago lost relevance in Kashmir, adding that most former Hurriyat leaders are now part of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
About GMC Handwara, he said, following his meeting with the Union Health Minister, the timeline for its completion has been extended by one more year. “Hopefully, the project gets completed within the stipulated time,” he said.
District President Kupwara and MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone said the party’s decision to send Chowdry Ramzan to the Upper House of Parliament has been a good one. “He has nicely represented the voice of people in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament,” he added.