Karra leads Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ outreach in Srinagar

JKPCC chief assures students of support over exam stress, paper leak concerns Reiterates demand for restoration of statehood Srinagar, July 2: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday led a student outreach programme under the nationwide “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign in Srinagar, engaging with around 1,000 students, teachers and parents amid growing concerns over alleged paper leaks, exam disruptions and rising academic stress. The interactive session saw students sharing concerns over repeated examination postponements, alleged irregularities in recruitment processes, delays in competitive exams such as NEET, unemployment and mounting psychological pressure. Many described a growing “crisis of trust” in the education system, citing uncertainty and financial strain due to repeated coaching and exam cycles. Addressing the gathering, Karra assured students that their “hard work and sacrifices will not go waste” and said the Congress party stands with them in demanding transparency and accountability in the education and recruitment systems. “Students are the future of the nation. Their aspirations cannot be compromised. Congress will continue to raise its voice until justice is ensured,” he said, adding that every student deserves fair examinations, timely recruitment and equal opportunity. Karra also reiterated the party’s demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, saying Congress was the first to launch protests on the issue at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and expressing satisfaction that other parties were now echoing the same demand. “Restoration of statehood is not a political slogan but a democratic right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. On the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra, Karra welcomed pilgrims and said Kashmir’s tradition of hospitality and communal harmony would continue. The programme concluded with a pledge by the Congress leadership to continue its outreach across Jammu and Kashmir under “Chhatron Ki Goonj,” focusing on education reforms, mental well-being, transparent recruitment and youth employment.