Delay in J&K's statehood restoration undermines people's trust in democratic system: Dr Farooq

Srinagar, Sep 2: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that “One day, New Delhi will regret its decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout history, the central government has had numerous opportunities to win the hearts and minds of the people of J&K, but its security-centric approach has always overshadowed its potential for building trust.” Dr. Farooq also pointed to the massive participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the 2024 Assembly elections, which reflected their faith in the Indian Constitution and democracy. Despite this, he noted that the government had failed to restore statehood, a promise that remains unfulfilled.

He further criticized the delay in restoration of statehood saying, “The intent behind the August 2019 unilateral decisions was to bring Jammu and Kashmir at par with the rest of India, but the reality has been quite the opposite. Instead of integration, we are being treated as an exception, placed on a lower pedestal.” Dr. Farooq stressed that the promises made by New Delhi to restore statehood were vital for the people’s trust in the democratic system, and the continued delay only tends to undermine that trust.

He met with a delegation of party functionaries from Anantnag West, led by MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi.

The delegation briefed Dr. Farooq on various organizational matters, ongoing public outreach programs, and raised concerns regarding the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.