Modi’s Broken Promises: Opposition’s Call to Restore Statehood and Rights in IIOJK

In a strongly worded joint letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, leaders of the Opposition, have called for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the grant of Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh. Their call is rooted in the constitutional rights of the people of IIOJK, who have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood since it was revoked in 2019, in an unprecedented and undemocratic move by the Modi government.

A Betrayal of Democracy: The Stripping of Statehood

The BJP government’s unilateral decision to deprive IIOJK of its statehood and reduce it to a Union Territory was a political betrayal with no precedence in post-independence India. The Modi government’s actions have not only undermined the democratic rights of the people but have also set a dangerous precedent for disempowering regions that have been integral to the country’s political landscape. Despite promises made by Modi himself, including in 2024 speeches, the government’s failure to restore statehood reveals a staggering disregard for its commitments and for the rights of the Kashmiri people.

Modi’s Broken Promises: A Government in Denial

The Modi government continues to ignore its own promises to restore statehood. Prime Minister Modi had repeatedly assured that the revocation of Article 370 would be followed by statehood restoration, a promise made publicly and in parliament. Yet, five years later, the people of IIOJK remain without political representation, disempowered, and living under a military occupation with no end in sight. The continued failure of the BJP to act on these promises is not just a political failure, but a betrayal of democratic values and human rights.

Ladakh’s Constitutional Safeguards: A Growing Concern

In addition to the demand for statehood restoration in IIOJK, the Opposition leaders also called for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, where the Sixth Schedule status is necessary to protect indigenous communities and their cultural identity. The current lack of safeguards in Ladakh leaves its population vulnerable to exploitation, reinforcing the need for immediate intervention and protection of its unique social fabric.

IIOJK’s Rights Are Non-Negotiable: A Test for Indian Democracy

The restoration of statehood is a fundamental right of the people of IIOJK, not a political concession. It is essential to restore the autonomy that was unjustly stripped away, and to reinstate the region’s democratic integrity. The Opposition’s demand is a critical moment for India’s democratic credibility. If the Modi government continues to ignore the people’s legitimate demands, it will further expose the flaws in India’s democratic system and deepen the alienation of the region. The BJP’s continued denial of these rights only strengthens the perception that India is increasingly becoming an authoritarian state.

The Global Responsibility: Accountability for India’s Actions

The international community must play a role in holding India accountable for its unfulfilled promises and human rights violations in IIOJK. The world cannot remain silent as India continues to suppress the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people. Statehood restoration is not just an internal Indian issue; it has significant implications for regional peace and global stability. The United Nations and other international bodies must press India to adhere to its commitments and fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

Conclusion: Urgent Action Needed

The call for statehood restoration in IIOJK is not just political rhetoric rather it is a demand for justice and human dignity. The BJP government must take immediate action to restore statehood and honor the constitutional rights of the people of IIOJK. Failure to do so will only lead to further instability in the region and a deterioration of India’s democratic standing. The time for political maneuvering is over; the time for justice and accountability is now.