AIP MLA Says Restoration of Statehood Is About Political Identity and Democratic Rights
Srinagar, September 28 : Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) senior leader and Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed on Monday extended his support to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, while questioning what he described as selective references to political commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking during the discussion on the statehood resolution, Sheikh Khursheed said the issue was linked not merely to administrative status but to the political identity and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the changes made to the region’s political and institutional identity had affected several symbols and aspects associated with the erstwhile state.
“Our political identity was taken away, our political rights were curtailed, our flag was removed and our emblem was taken away. What was taken away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be returned to them,” he said.
Khursheed also questioned the National Conference’s repeated references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 statement on restoration of statehood.
He asked why earlier political commitments associated with Jammu and Kashmir were not being recalled with similar emphasis.
“If the National Conference can repeatedly remind people of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise made in 2024, why does it not remind the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country about the promises and commitments made by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Kashmiris?” he asked.
He maintained that the political history of Jammu and Kashmir could not be viewed only through commitments made during a particular period or by a particular political leader.
“A promise does not lose its political significance merely because the person who made it is no longer in office. The commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a history, and that history cannot be selectively remembered for political convenience,” Khursheed said.
The AIP leader further argued that statehood should not be portrayed as a concession being granted to the people.
According to him, the demand concerns the restoration of political identity, democratic representation and the status previously enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir.
“Statehood is about our political identity, dignity and democratic rights. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not asking for a favour. They are asking for the restoration of what was taken away from them, including their statehood, political identity, flag and emblem,” he said.
During his intervention, Khursheed also displayed a poster featuring the former Jammu and Kashmir state flag and emblem, carrying the message: “WE DEMAND WHAT YOU SNATCHED FROM US UNDEMOCRATICALLY.”
His remarks came during a heated Assembly debate on the statehood resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The resolution seeking immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood was passed by the House on Monday, while BJP legislators staged protests and walked out during the proceedings.(KNC)
