NC, Cong reiterate demand for restoration of statehood to J&K

With the situation gradually returning to normal in Jammu and Kashmir following heightened military tensions after India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan, the ruling National Conference (NC) has reiterated its demand for the restoration of statehood.

This marks the first time the NC has renewed its demand for statehood since last month’s terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people lost their lives.

Alliance partner Congress has also announced plans to resume its campaign for the restoration of statehood.

Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message extending greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day, NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq urged the PM to similarly address the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day. As we celebrate the strength of India’s unity in diversity, we humbly urge Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji to also grant Jammu & Kashmir its rightful place by restoring its statehood. Our aspirations must be respected and promises fulfilled,” Sadiq, who is also an MLA, posted on X.

Another NC leader, Sarah Hayat Shah, added, “We expect you to fulfil your promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.” “J&K should be empowered and brought on par with other states so that people don’t feel alienated and can develop a sense of belonging,” she said.

The Congress party, meanwhile, stated that it would soon relaunch its campaign for the demand. “From day one, we have been demanding that statehood be restored at the earliest,” said Ravinder Sharma, chief spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee. “It is an injustice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the restoration of statehood continues to be delayed.”

Sharma said that although the party had initially launched a campaign regarding the demand, it was halted due to the recent situation. “We will resume it soon,” he confirmed.

Following the Pahalgam attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had remarked that he would not use the terror incident to press for statehood from the Centre, stating it would amount to “cheap politics.”

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Union government has maintained that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time.