National Conference (NC) legislators are set to march in New Delhi to intensify pressure on the central government regarding the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The move comes amid signs of a more assertive political posture by party leader Omar Abdullah on the statehood issue.
Background of the Statehood Demand
Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its special status under Article 370 in August 2019 and reorganized into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since then, political parties in the region, particularly the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party, have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood. The central government has maintained that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, but no concrete timeline has been announced.
Details of the March
The march, expected to involve all NC Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs), is scheduled to take place in the national capital. The legislators plan to gather at Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest site, and then proceed to Parliament House to submit a memorandum to the President. The demand will center on the immediate restoration of statehood, which the party argues is essential for the democratic and developmental rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Political Implications
Observers note that this marks a significant escalation in the National Conference's strategy. Previously, the party had relied on parliamentary debates and diplomatic channels. The street protest signals a shift toward more direct action, possibly driven by frustration over the lack of progress on the statehood issue. Omar Abdullah, who has been a vocal advocate for statehood, recently stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot wait indefinitely for their rights.
Reactions from Other Parties
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed solidarity with the march, though it has not confirmed participation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which rules at the center, has criticized the move, calling it a political stunt. BJP leaders argue that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought peace and development to the region and that statehood will be considered only after normalcy is fully restored.
Security Arrangements
Delhi Police have been alerted about the planned protest. Security arrangements are being made to prevent any untoward incident. The NC has assured that the march will be peaceful and within legal bounds.
The march is expected to take place within the next two weeks, as per party sources. The outcome remains uncertain, but it underscores the deepening political divide over the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
