𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐉&𝐊 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

SRINAGAR: The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), a civil society body made up of former bureaucrats, technocrats, and professionals, has expressed serious concern over the continued delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

In a recent meeting, the GCC criticized the ongoing political uncertainty, warning that it is eroding public trust in democratic institutions and negatively impacting various sectors. “The current dual system of governance poses serious risks,” the group said in a statement issued after the meeting.

They also highlighted alarmingly high levels of educated unemployment and a failing public grievance redressal system. The group warned that hopes pinned on the formation of an elected government after more than six years of central rule could lead to widespread disillusionment if not fulfilled.

Citing the Supreme Court’s December 11, 2023 verdict—which urged the restoration of statehood to J&K “at the earliest”—the GCC called on the Union Government to expedite the process. They also reminded that the Attorney General had promised the court swift action on the matter.

The GCC, a non-political platform, includes retired judges, academics, doctors, engineers, and civil servants. While the group has often voiced concerns on governance and civil rights in the region, the statement circulated via WhatsApp did not list the attendees of the meeting.