Srinagar, July 19: National Conference Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Saturday pitched for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, constitutional rights and state subject laws during the All-Party Floor Leaders’ Meeting convened ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament in New Delhi.
The meeting, convened by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Union Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, besides floor leaders and representatives of major political parties from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Addressing the meeting, Ramzan termed the August 5, 2019 decisions a “black day” in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that they were taken unilaterally and deprived the people of their constitutional rights, identity and statehood by reducing the erstwhile state to a Union Territory.
He said the outcome of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections reflected the people’s rejection of the policies linked to the August 5 decisions and represented a clear mandate for the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights.
Seeking immediate restoration of statehood, Ramzan reminded the meeting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had publicly assured that full statehood would be restored. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s observations calling for restoration of statehood at the earliest after delimitation and elections.
Questioning the delay, he said nearly two years had passed since the formation of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, yet the promise remained unfulfilled. He urged the Centre to honour its commitment without any further delay instead of repeatedly stating that it would be done at an “appropriate time.”
Ramzan further said that despite the presence of a democratically elected government with a strong public mandate, several key powers continued to remain with the Lieutenant Governor. He demanded that the elected government be fully empowered and called for the immediate restoration of full statehood, constitutional rights and state subject laws.
Raising humanitarian concerns, the NC MP sought the transfer of prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir lodged in jails outside the Union Territory back to the Valley. He said such a move would facilitate access to legal counsel and court proceedings while easing the financial burden on their families. He also urged the government to compassionately review the cases of those accused of minor offences, saying that despite earlier assurances, no meaningful progress had been made.
Ramzan also highlighted concerns over the safety and security of Kashmiris living outside Jammu and Kashmir. He said students, labourers, traders, businessmen and professionals from Kashmir often become targets of harassment and intimidation following incidents elsewhere in the country. He urged the Central Government to take effective measures to ensure their safety, dignity and protection.
He also appealed to opposition parties to join the National Conference’s proposed protest in New Delhi for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Extending the invitation on behalf of the party and its president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Ramzan said the protest would serve as a democratic reminder to the Central Government to fulfil its commitment to restore statehood and the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
