National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today exhorted all political parties to rise above partisan considerations and extend unequivocal support to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decisive initiative to strongly pursue the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament in New Delhi. Addressing a public meeting at POUNI in Reasi Assembly Constituency, which was organized by Raj Kumar Sharma District President Reasi, Tariq Bhat Vice President and Deedar Singh Block President, Mr Sadhotra said the demand for restoration of statehood is not a political slogan but a solemn constitutional and democratic aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, cutting across region, religion, caste and ideology.
He said the moment demands unity of purpose so that a strong and collective voice is presented before the Union Government in Parliament. He recalled that the Government of India had itself given clear assurances on multiple occasions regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
These assurances, he said, were not informal political statements but were placed on record before Parliament and also submitted in the form of affidavits before the Supreme Court of India. “
When commitments are made in Parliament and before the highest court of the country, they acquire a binding moral and constitutional weight,” he said. Mr Sadhotra said it is deeply unfortunate that despite such categorical assurances, the Bharatiya Janata Party has now taken a contradictory position, effectively stepping back from its own stated commitment. He said this shift has caused widespread disappointment among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who had placed faith in the repeated assurances made at the national level. He strongly criticised the BJP for inconsistent and politically convenient approach on an issue that directly concerns the democratic dignity, identity and constitutional rights of the people. He said statehood is not a favour to be granted or withheld at will, but a legitimate democratic right that has already been acknowledged and promised.
“The BJP owes an explanation to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for why it is now retreating from commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. Such backtracking erodes public trust and undermines the sanctity of constitutional assurances,” Mr Sadhotra said. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s proactive and firm initiative to raise the issue of statehood restoration during the forthcoming Parliamentary Session reflects political responsibility, will and a clear understanding of public sentiment. He said this step places the aspirations of the people at the centre of national discourse and must be supported by all democratic forces. Mr Sadhotra called upon all political parties, regardless of their ideological positions, to support this collective demand in the larger interest of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said restoration of statehood is essential for strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring accountable governance, and restoring the political dignity of the people of the region.
He added that continued delay in granting statehood has created a sense of democratic deficit and administrative imbalance, which needs urgent correction. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve full constitutional status and equal participation in shaping their future.
Mr Sadhotra reiterated that the National Conference will continue to pursue the cause of statehood restoration with full commitment and determination, and will work to build a broadbased political consensus so that the long-pending promise is fulfilled without further delay. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mohd Ayoub Malik, Jai Singh, Veer Ji Bhat, Lucky Ji, Ashwani Charak, Vishawjeet Samyal, Tariq Bhat, Dev Raj, Charan Dass, Rattan Lal, Babu Ram, Kailash Sharma, Bishan Bhagat, Usha Devi, Surinder Kour, Kamaljeet Kour, Deedar Singh, Arun Pal Singh.