Why hasn't J&K's statehood been restored after six years?
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Synopsis
As Jammu and Kashmir marks six years since the revocation of Article 370, the Congress party raises critical questions about the government's failure to restore statehood. With ongoing concerns over local conditions, is it time for a change in approach? Dive into the debate surrounding the region's future and the promises made.
Key Takeaways
- Six years since the abrogation of Article 370 have prompted critical questions from the Congress party.
- The government is accused of failing to improve conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Political leaders are calling for the restoration of statehood and democratic rights.
- Incidents of violence continue to challenge claims of improvement.
- Public sentiment remains divided over the government's actions.
New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) On the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, the Congress party on Tuesday raised concerns regarding the government's inaction in restoring statehood to the region.
The party claimed that despite assurances, the circumstances in J&K have not seen any improvement, with the government merely exerting control without addressing the actual issues faced by the citizens.
In an interview with IANS, senior party leader and former Union Minister Pawan Bansal stated: "The Narendra Modi administration had its own agenda, and they have executed it. Whether this will yield any real benefits is debatable, but it has occurred. When they revoked Article 370, they asserted that conditions would improve. Simultaneously, they transformed a significant province of our nation, which was a state, into a Union Territory."
Bansal further questioned whether the situation in J&K had actually gotten better, citing incidents in areas like Pahalgam as evidence against this claim.
"Tourists were encouraged to visit, yet what about our own citizens? They selectively targeted individuals from the Hindu community. A vulnerable pony rider who attempted to assist was also killed. This starkly illustrates that the situation has not progressed. For six years, the government has primarily publicized supposed advancements, while the true state of affairs remains grim,” he remarked to IANS.
"It has been six years. Why has the region remained a Union Territory? It previously had provincial statehood. Why not reinstate it? While it may have been challenging to manage as a state, the government lacks full democratic powers under a Union Territory system. To genuinely win over those who have been marginalized, empower those elected by the populace. This approach is superior to depending solely on military oversight and frequent confrontations, which lead to the loss of lives—both civilian and military. What are we truly accomplishing? The BJP government has maintained its dominance there, nothing more. Restoring statehood is undeniably warranted at this juncture," Bansal concluded.
Congress MP Imran Masood echoed these sentiments, stating, "All rights of the people of Jammu have been stripped away. Statehood has been removed. Nothing has been provided to them."
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. The ongoing debate surrounding Jammu and Kashmir's statehood reflects broader national concerns about democracy and governance. While political narratives often diverge, the core issue remains the welfare and rights of the citizens. A commitment to transparency and accountability is essential in ensuring the voices of the people resonate in national discourse.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Article 370?
Article 370 provided special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and greater autonomy compared to other states in India. Its abrogation has been a point of contention regarding the region's governance and rights.
Why has statehood not been restored?
The government has not restored statehood yet, citing security and administrative challenges. Critics argue that this is a political strategy to maintain control over the region.
What are the current conditions in Jammu and Kashmir?
Reports indicate that despite government claims of improvement, many locals feel their rights have been compromised, and incidents of violence continue to occur.
What is the Congress party's stance on this issue?
The Congress party is advocating for the restoration of statehood and has criticized the government's handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for democratic rights for the people.
How has the public responded to the government's actions?
Public sentiment is mixed, with some supporting the government's decisions for security reasons, while others demand the restoration of rights and statehood.
