New Delhi, Jul 19: National Conference MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan raised the issues of restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, constitutional rights, empowerment of the elected government and the safety of Kashmiris outside the Union Territory during the All-Party Floor Leaders’ Meeting convened ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The meeting, convened by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, along with floor leaders and representatives of major political parties from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, attended the meeting. Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan represented Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the meeting, Ramzan described the August 5, 2019 decisions as a “black day” in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the measures 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 people of Jammu and Kashmir had delivered a clear verdict in the 2024 Assembly elections by rejecting the policies associated with the August 5, 2019 decisions. According to him, the electoral mandate reflected the people’s aspiration for the restoration of their constitutional rights and full statehood.
Raising the issue of statehood, Ramzan reminded the meeting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, on several occasions, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on the floor of Parliament, assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir 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 Assembly elections.
Questioning the delay, Ramzan said nearly two years had passed since the formation of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, but the promise of restoring statehood remained unfulfilled. He urged the Centre to honour its commitment without further delay instead of repeatedly stating that it would be done at an “appropriate time.”
He further said that despite Jammu and Kashmir having a democratically elected government with a strong public mandate, several key powers continued to remain vested with the Lieutenant Governor. He demanded that the elected government be fully empowered to function in accordance with the people’s mandate and called for the immediate restoration of full statehood, constitutional rights and state subject laws.
Ramzan also raised humanitarian concerns regarding prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir lodged in jails outside the Union Territory. He urged the Centre to transfer prisoners facing serious charges back to jails in the Valley, saying it would facilitate timely access to legal counsel and court proceedings while reducing the financial burden on their families travelling long distances. He also sought a compassionate review of cases involving individuals accused of minor offences, stating that despite earlier assurances, no tangible progress had been made.
Highlighting the safety of Kashmiris living outside Jammu and Kashmir, Ramzan said students, labourers, traders, businessmen and professionals from the Valley often become targets of harassment and intimidation whenever untoward incidents occur elsewhere in the country. He said the issue had been repeatedly raised before the Union Home Minister, in Parliament and at other forums, and urged the Central Government to ensure the safety, dignity and protection of Kashmiris residing across the country.
Referring to the National Conference’s proposed protest in New Delhi demanding restoration of statehood, Ramzan, on behalf of the party and its president Dr Farooq Abdullah, appealed to all opposition parties to participate in the programme in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the protest would serve as a democratic reminder to the Central Government to fulfil its commitments and restore the statehood and constitutional rights that were taken away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
