Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Dr. Karan Singh has strongly advocated for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the central government has made a commitment to this effect and should fulfill its promise. Dr. Singh’s remarks came during an Interfaith Dialogue event held in Srinagar, where he reiterated his long-standing support for granting full statehood to the region.
Restoration of Statehood a Key Demand
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the interfaith event, Dr. Singh stated, “I think it should be done. The Government has also promised to restore statehood, and I believe it should be done.” He stressed that Jammu and Kashmir, once among the largest states in the country, should not have to petition for what rightfully belongs to it. The region was reorganized into two Union Territories in 2019, a move that Dr. Singh believes should be reversed to restore its previous status.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Dr. Singh views the current Union Territory status as a significant “diminution” of the region, which he referred to as the “crown of India.” He expressed concern that the delay in restoring statehood could lead to resentment among the populace, particularly in the Valley. He drew a parallel between Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule and that of Jawaharlal Nehru, suggesting that while Modi commands international respect, prolonged delays on key issues like J&K statehood could have repercussions.
Interfaith Harmony and Regional Balance
During the Interfaith Dialogue, Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and respect among different religious communities. He described Kashmir as a symbol of India’s pluralistic civilization and recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s perspective that the Valley represented a “ray of hope” during the Partition period due to its tradition of communal harmony. Dr. Singh advocated for strengthening this legacy and proposed the establishment of a permanent Interfaith Dialogue Centre in Kashmir to institutionalize engagement and promote peaceful coexistence.
He also touched upon the cultural heritage of the region, emphasizing the need to preserve and promote the Urdu language, which he described as an integral part of India’s composite cultural heritage. Dr. Singh’s views on statehood restoration align with recent statements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has also indicated that statehood would be returned to Jammu and Kashmir soon.
Dr. Singh also reflected on the historical context of Jammu and Kashmir’s relationship with India, noting its unique constitutional position since the Instrument of Accession signed by his father, Maharaja Hari Singh. He has previously expressed concerns about the changes following the abrogation of Article 370, stating that the debate used to center on autonomy rather than the current status. He believes that restoring statehood is crucial for genuine democratic representation and for allowing the people to choose their government and address their issues effectively.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
