Our fight for what was snatched on August 5, 2019: Sartaj Madni

Srinagar, Dec 9: Senior PDP leader Sartaj Madni has reiterated that his party’s primary struggle is not merely for the restoration of statehood but for reclaiming the identity and autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir that was "snatched away" on August 5, 2019.

Addressing a press conference, Madni described the abrogation of Article 370 as a pivotal event that undermined the region's unique identity and status, reports KNS.

“Statehood is a small issue in comparison to what we lost on August 5, 2019. Our identity, our dignity, and the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir were taken away that day. Until we regain what was ours, statehood alone won’t solve the problem. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have said multiple times that statehood will be restored. If they are committed to it, why hasn’t it happened yet, ” Madni said.

The PDP leader clarified that the party’s fight extends beyond statehood, aiming to restore the pre-August 2019 status of Jammu and Kashmir. “Our fight is for what was snatched from us—our rights, our identity, and our sense of belonging within the Indian Union. Statehood will only hold meaning when these fundamental issues are addressed,” Madni stated.

He further emphasised that the PDPs fight is centered on restoring its political and constitutional rights.

Madni called the recent surveys of Muslim worship places as part of divisive politics and governance failures of BJP. “Instead of addressing unemployment, inflation, and other pressing issues, they are diverting the nation’s attention by stoking religious sentiments. This is nothing but a politics of distraction,” he remarked.

He also questioned the efficiency of the Union Territory administration, pointing out its limitations in addressing the people’s grievances and chided that CM knew what his powers will be in UT “Our former Chief Minister once said he would not contest elections because he didn’t want to stand at the Lieutenant Governor’s door for something as trivial as a transfer. This speaks volumes about the governance structure we are currently subjected to,” he said.