Cong for restructure of J-K constitution, more LoC CBMs

Jammu, Nov 16 (PTI) The Congress Sunday promised restructuring of the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, making it a federal state by setting up separate regional councils for Kashmir and Jammu regions.

The party also committed itself to speed up cross-border
confidence building measures (C.B.M.s) by ensuring banking and
communication facilities and reopening of four trans LoC
routes between the two parts of the state.

"When elected to power, the party will restructure the
constitution of the state into a federal one by setting up
separate regional councils for Kashmir and Jammu regions and
further decentralisation and devolution of powers to district
and block level councils to ensure effective participation of
people in democratic system," Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh
Congress Committee (J.K.P.C.C.) chief Saifuddin Soz said here.

Soz also the union water resources minister, speaking
after releasing party manifesto, said, "this constitutional
mechanism will guarantee unity and integrity of regions and
the state."

The Congress, Soz said, remained fully committed to the
comprehensive devolution of power to the state so that people
would be free to realise their full potential.

Over the Kashmir issue, the manifesto said: The party
stands to promote and strengthen process of "result-oriented
dialogue" with all stakeholders.

The party also vowed to take initiatives for confidence
building measures to promote cross LoC travel and trade. To
attain this, it would seek to streamline procedures of travel
across the LoC, Soz said.

In implementing these reforms, the party would ensure
availability of banking and communication services. It would
make efforts to open five trans-LoC routes of Kargil-Skardoo,
Nobra-Turtak-Askardo, Damchok-Kailash Mansarovar and
Jammu-Sialkot and Jhangar-Mirpur roads, the manifesto said.

Ahead of the polls, the Congress promised to review the
cases of detainees, who are not involved in grave offences.

J&K Panchayati Raj Act would be amended, if voted to
power, to bring in conformity with the provisions as contained
in the 73rd amendment of country's constitution.

The party would implement the recommendations of the 6th
Pay Commission to bring relief to the service class. The
Congress also promised an employment package for category
class-IV, daily-wage workers and casual labourers. PTI AB
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