Jammu and Kashmir: Former CEC Dr. S.Y. Quraishi Advocates for Statehood Restoration at Memorial Lecture

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – The 2nd Mohammad Shafi Pandit Memorial Lecture, held in Srinagar, became a platform for former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, to articulate a strong case for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Quraishi also emphasized the moral and cultural imperative for the dignified return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to their ancestral homes.

Former CEC Urges Statehood Restoration

Speaking at the event, Dr. Quraishi described the 2019 decision to downgrade Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory as a “grave injustice” that requires prompt correction. He highlighted that despite assurances made to the Supreme Court about restoring statehood “as soon as possible,” several years have passed without fulfillment. Dr. Quraishi asserted that genuine governance requires elected officials to possess full administrative authority, rather than operating under bureaucratic control. He argued that continuing to withhold statehood undermines both the credibility of democratic institutions and the trust of the region’s populace.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that the lecture also paid homage to Mohammad Shafi Pandit, described as Jammu and Kashmir’s first Muslim IAS officer. Speakers at the event, including Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, chairman of the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), and former Chief Secretaries of Jammu and Kashmir, Chewang Phunsog and Braj Raj Sharma, underscored Pandit’s significant contributions to administrative innovation, public service, and civic engagement. Anecdotes shared during the lecture highlighted Pandit’s integrity, administrative acumen, and unwavering commitment to public welfare throughout his distinguished career in various governmental roles, including Agriculture Secretary, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Finance Secretary, and Chairman of the Public Service Commission.

Emphasis on Return of Displaced Pandits

Dr. Quraishi’s address extended to the issue of the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, characterizing it as a moral obligation and a cultural necessity. He expressed disappointment that the community has not yet been able to return to their homes, stressing that true reconciliation necessitates the revival of the Valley’s shared ethos. He invoked the principles of Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat, and Jamhooriyat, advocating for a renewed commitment to coexistence and cultural restoration.

The memorial lecture, organized by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed to honor the legacy of Mohammad Shafi Pandit. The event, held at the Institution of Engineers (India), Sonwar, Srinagar, served as a reminder of Pandit’s lasting impact on governance and public life in the region. The discussions also touched upon the challenges facing the current administration in Jammu and Kashmir, with speakers emphasizing the importance of democratic legitimacy and effective governance.

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