Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader and the Mirwaiz of Kashmir, has stated that the National Conference (NC) has failed to uphold its commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that any protest or political movement should extend beyond the demand for statehood to encompass the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, the release of political prisoners, and a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
Mirwaiz Urges Broader Agitation for J&K Rights
Mirwaiz Farooq made these remarks during his Friday sermon at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. He confirmed receiving an invitation from NC president Farooq Abdullah to participate in a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, which aims to pressure the central government for the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The NC has extended invitations to several political leaders across the country for this event. Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that the party is seeking permission for this demonstration.
The Mirwaiz emphasized that following the constitutional changes enacted in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was downgraded to a Union Territory, and its constitutional safeguards were removed, leaving the populace disempowered. He stated that any genuine effort by political alliances or individuals working towards the restoration of the people’s rights in Jammu and Kashmir is crucial at this juncture. He specifically highlighted that the mandate given to the NC by the people of Jammu and Kashmir necessitates the fulfillment of promises made, including the revival of the region’s pre-2019 status, statehood, and the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A.
Political Landscape and Demands
The current political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir is heavily focused on the restoration of statehood, a demand that has been consistently raised by various political parties in the region. The NC has been actively organizing rallies and planning the protest in Delhi to amplify this demand. However, Mirwaiz Farooq’s statement suggests a broader agenda that addresses not only political status but also the human rights aspect, particularly concerning individuals detained for political reasons.
The Mirwaiz’s call for the agitation to include the rights of political prisoners and youth languishing in jails, some for years without trial or despite receiving bail, underscores a significant dimension of the region’s socio-political issues. He also stressed the need for addressing the people’s desire for lasting peace and dignity through conflict resolution. This perspective aligns with the broader aspirations of many in Jammu and Kashmir who seek a comprehensive resolution to the long-standing issues.
The National Conference has extended invitations to a wide array of political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti, and Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party, in an effort to build a united front. However, the response from these parties and the overall impact of such unified efforts on the central government’s stance remain to be seen. The political strategies and the extent to which different stakeholders can align on these core issues will be pivotal in shaping the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk