Will Move SC Over J&K Statehood Restoration Delay: Farooq Abdullah
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a tumultuous journey since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The move led to the downgrade of the state to a Union Territory, leaving the people of the region grappling with uncertainty and frustration. Amidst this backdrop, National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah has issued a stern warning to the Central government, stating that his party will approach the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to the now Union Territory.
Abdullah’s statement comes at a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir are eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of the Centre’s promise to hold assembly elections in the region. The National Conference President pointed out that the people of the region had expected their issues to be resolved immediately after the elections, but the delay in restoring statehood is causing immense frustration. “After the elections, people wanted their issues to be resolved immediately, but statehood (not being restored) is stopping us,” Abdullah said.
The NC President’s warning is not without merit. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been suffering due to a lack of democratic representation and governance structure in the region. The absence of an elected government has led to a power vacuum, allowing the Central government to exercise direct control over the region. This has resulted in a sense of disempowerment among the people, who feel that their voices are not being heard.
Abdullah’s statement is also a reflection of the growing discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir towards the Centre’s handling of the region. The NC President’s party has been vocal in its criticism of the Centre’s decision to scrap Article 370, terming it as “unconstitutional” and “anti-democratic”. The party has also been demanding the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre’s reluctance to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has been attributed to various reasons, including the need to ensure the region’s integration with the rest of the country and to prevent the revival of secessionist tendencies. However, these concerns can be addressed through a more nuanced approach that balances the need for national security with the right to self-governance of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In recent months, there have been reports of growing dissent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress on the statehood issue. The Centre’s failure to hold assembly elections, despite repeated promises, has added to the sense of uncertainty and disillusionment among the people.
The NC President’s warning to the Centre is a timely reminder of the need to address the statehood issue in Jammu and Kashmir. The restoration of statehood to the region is essential to restore democratic norms and ensure the participation of the people in the governance process. It is also crucial to address the economic and social issues facing the region, which have been exacerbated by the lack of governance and democratic representation.
In conclusion, Farooq Abdullah’s warning to the Centre over the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a timely reminder of the need to address the political and governance issues in the region. The Centre must take immediate action to restore statehood to the region, ensuring the participation of the people in the governance process and addressing the economic and social issues facing the region. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people’s trust and would further exacerbate the sense of discontent and disillusionment in the region.
