NEW DELHI: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Thursday raised significant issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir at an All-Party Floor Leaders’ Meeting convened in the national capital ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The meeting, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, included Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, along with floor leaders and representatives from major political parties.
The Chenab Times has learned that MP Ramzan articulated the sentiment that August 5, 2019, marked a ‘black day’ in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He argued that the decisions made on that date were unilateral, leading to the deprivation of constitutional rights, identity, and statehood for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with the erstwhile state being downgraded to a Union Territory.
He pointed to the 2024 Assembly elections as a clear verdict by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that they had rejected the policies associated with the August 5, 2019 decisions. According to Ramzan, the democratic mandate reflects the populace’s aspirations for the restoration of their rights and full statehood.
During the meeting, MP Ramzan reminded attendees of public assurances made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He also referenced observations from the Supreme Court, which had called for the earliest possible restoration of statehood after the delimitation and election processes.
Questioning the ongoing delay, the MP noted that nearly two years have passed since the formation of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, yet the promise of restoring statehood remains unfulfilled. He urged the Government of India to honour its commitment without further delay, rather than reiterating that it would be done at an “appropriate time.”
Furthermore, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan highlighted that despite the presence of a democratically elected government with a strong public mandate, several key powers continue to be vested with the Lieutenant Governor. He emphasized the need for the elected government to be fully empowered to function in line with the mandate provided by the people. His demands included the immediate restoration of full statehood, constitutional rights, and state subject laws.
The Member of Parliament also brought forth humanitarian concerns pertaining to prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently lodged in jails outside the Union Territory. He called for the transfer of prisoners facing serious charges back to the Valley. Such a move, he stated, would facilitate timely access to legal counsel and court proceedings, and also enable their families to visit them without the burden of extensive travel and significant financial expenditure, while maintaining adherence to the rule of law and due process.
He appealed for a compassionate review of cases involving individuals accused of minor offenses, noting that despite earlier assurances of a review policy, no tangible progress has been observed. Additionally, he raised the issue of the safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside Jammu and Kashmir. Ramzan stated that Kashmiris, including students, laborers, traders, businessmen, and working professionals, often face harassment and intimidation whenever untoward incidents occur anywhere in the country. He urged the Central Government to treat this matter with utmost seriousness and ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of every Kashmiri living across different parts of India.
Referring to an upcoming protest to be organized by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference in New Delhi for the restoration of statehood, MP Ramzan extended an invitation to all opposition parties on behalf of the National Conference and its President Dr. Farooq Abdullah to participate. He described the protest as a democratic reminder to the Central Government to fulfill its commitments and restore the statehood and constitutional rights that were previously removed from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk