Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday renewed his demand for the restoration of statehood, special status and constitutional guarantees for the Union Territory, saying that doing so was essential to strengthening federalism in India.
Addressing the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Abdullah said the decision taken by Jammu and Kashmir's political leadership 80 years ago to accede to India was the "right" one. He said the sacrifices made during the turbulent period of 1947 should be honoured by restoring the rights and constitutional safeguards that, according to him, were taken away from the region.
Referring to the situation across the Line of Control, Abdullah said that had the constitutional changes of 2019 not taken place, people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) could have been protesting to seek reunification with Jammu and Kashmir.
His remarks came amid reports of protests and clashes in PoK, where people have been demanding greater democratic and political rights. Abdullah said he was pained by the situation there and linked it to his argument that Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional position should be restored.
The chief minister also stressed that restoring statehood was not merely a political demand but an issue connected to India's federal structure. He argued that states must have adequate authority over matters falling within their constitutional responsibilities and said the strengthening of federalism should begin with Jammu and Kashmir.
"Whatever was snatched from us should be returned to us," Abdullah said while reiterating his demand for the restoration of statehood. He maintained that returning the region's constitutional guarantees would honour the sacrifices of those who fought and died for Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah also raised concerns over the increasing centralisation of areas such as education, pointing to national-level examinations such as NEET and JEE. He argued that education and health traditionally fall within the responsibilities of states and that greater centralisation has reduced their decision-making powers.
The chief minister's Independence Day remarks are likely to renew the political debate over the future constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly his government's demand for restoration of statehood and special constitutional guarantees.
