Restoration of Statehood Essential to Uphold Constitutional Values, Says Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, July 27: National Conference president and veteran statesman Dr. Farooq Abdullah has reiterated his firm stance that statehood must be restored to Jammu and Kashmir if the Indian Constitution is to be truly respected. Speaking to PTI, Abdullah asserted that the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory was not only a political injustice but also a constitutional anomaly, and he questioned the gains of such a move.

“If the Constitution of India is to be upheld, then the very principle that states are never downgraded to Union Territories must be honoured,” said Abdullah. “In fact, across India’s constitutional history, Union Territories have been elevated to states—not the other way around. So, what purpose did they serve by reducing Jammu and Kashmir to a UT?” he asked.

He recalled the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the promises that accompanied it. “They told us that terrorism would end, that peace would prevail. But has militancy disappeared? Or has it, in fact, increased?” Abdullah posed rhetorically, suggesting that the current Union Government’s approach has failed to achieve the promised outcomes.

Referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Abdullah was sharply critical of the administrative set-up, stating that the tragic incident could have been averted had a democratically elected local government been in charge of the region’s security. “Even the Lieutenant Governor admitted a lapse. I appreciate his honesty, but I believe he should have taken moral responsibility and resigned,” he added.

Expressing concern over the lack of democratic representation, Abdullah pointed to the vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir and the absence of elections to fill two vacant Assembly seats. “This is a tragedy. Why has Jammu and Kashmir been denied its rightful voice in the Parliament? What is the Election Commission doing?” he asked, underscoring the growing democratic vacuum in the region.

The National Conference chief also welcomed the growing political consensus in the Parliament on the issue of statehood. “Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have written to the Prime Minister, demanding restoration of statehood. The central government had earlier committed to this—both in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. We are only asking them to honour that promise,” he said.

Addressing speculation about internal rifts within the National Conference, Abdullah dismissed the notion, affirming that the party functions on democratic principles. “We are not like the BJP, which has become an autocracy. In the National Conference, everyone has the right to express their views,” he said, referencing public differences voiced by Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.

On regional geopolitics, Abdullah maintained a pragmatic stance regarding Pakistan. “Let’s be realistic—Pakistan is not going to back down. But war is not the answer. We must pursue a solution that is honourable for India, honourable for Pakistan, and above all, honourable for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he stressed.

He also welcomed the mainstream political re-entry of former separatist leader Bilal Lone, saying, “I’m glad to see he now recognizes Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India. After years in political wilderness, I hope he will now work constructively for the welfare of the people.”

In his comprehensive remarks, Dr. Farooq Abdullah once again brought focus to the core issues of constitutional dignity, democratic representation, regional stability, and the urgent need for reconciliation and governance rooted in local accountability. His statements come at a time when demands for statehood are gaining momentum across political lines, both within Jammu and Kashmir and in the national discourse.

Restoration of Statehood Essential
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