Over 120 Senior Indian Figures Demand Immediate Restoration of Statehood to IIOJK

In a significant development that has deeply shaken India’s political circles, more than 120 senior Indian figures including former ministers, retired senior bureaucrats, experienced diplomats, respected journalists, leading scholars, and prominent human rights activists have openly criticized the Narendra Modi government’s policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These influential voices have issued a strong and joint statement urging the immediate restoration of full statehood to IIOJK, openly exposing New Delhi’s misleading claims of normalcy and democracy in the region.

These respected Indian personalities have collectively declared that the current situation in IIOJK is deeply troubling and demands urgent corrective action. Their message is direct and uncompromising: restore IIOJK’s statehood immediately, respect democratic norms, and fulfil the promises repeatedly made by the Indian government.

Modi’s Actions Undermine Democracy and Federalism

This joint letter provides a clear and strong condemnation of Modi’s decision to downgrade IIOJK from a full-fledged state into two separate Union Territories. The signatories argue that this decision is not just an administrative measure but a harmful political step undermining India’s democratic structure. They caution clearly that Modi’s move sets a troubling example, potentially weakening India’s federal arrangement and threatening the democratic rights and autonomy of other Indian states in the future.

The Indian figures involved have warned that Modi’s policies toward IIOJK could lead India towards greater political instability. They argue that reducing IIOJK to Union Territories disregards the fundamental principles upon which India’s federal and democratic system rests. By openly challenging Modi’s narrative, these senior Indian leaders have made it clear that silence from Indian Parliamentarians on this issue would further harm India’s constitutional values and democratic credibility.

Promises Broken, Suffering Continues

The letter also highlights how the Modi government has repeatedly failed to keep its promises to restore statehood to IIOJK. Despite frequent assurances from senior BJP officials and Modi himself, the Indian government has yet to fulfil its commitments. These respected Indian figures insist that restoring statehood is crucial, not just politically, but morally and constitutionally.

The region has endured continuous hardship, including severe restrictions, frequent curfews, unjustified arrests, prolonged internet shutdowns, and widespread human rights abuses. The Modi government’s claims of normalcy have been repeatedly contradicted by reports from independent observers and human rights groups. Thus, the signatories strongly urge immediate parliamentary intervention to restore full statehood to the region, asserting that this is essential to rebuild trust and reduce the deep sense of frustration among the people of IIOJK.

Federal Structure at Risk

The joint statement further emphasizes that Modi’s decision to change IIOJK’s status poses a serious threat to India’s federal structure. They have proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent any future central government from downgrading states to Union Territories, highlighting Modi’s actions in IIOJK as a clear example of dangerous political interference.

This powerful warning from within India underscores the seriousness of the situation. Unless Modi’s authoritarian style of governance is challenged and reversed, these senior figures caution, India risks permanently damaging its constitutional integrity and democratic stability.

Moment of Decision for Indian Parliamentarians

This historic statement places the Indian parliament at a critical crossroads. Will Indian lawmakers continue their silence, tacitly supporting Modi’s controversial policies, or will they stand up and fulfil their constitutional duty to restore democratic rights and statehood to IIOJK? The letter strongly demands immediate parliamentary action, making it clear that the restoration of statehood is essential for peace, democracy, and public confidence.

The choice facing Indian parliamentarians is clear: uphold democratic principles and constitutional obligations or risk further erosion of India’s democratic credentials. The senior figures’ joint appeal has made it clear that continuing silence or inaction is no longer an option.

The Voice for Occupied Jammu and Kashmir

This collective statement is not simply a protest; it represents the voice of India’s conscience speaking out against Modi’s harmful policies in IIOJK. The fact that these voices come from respected former ministers, diplomats, and civil servants who once served the Indian state underscores how deeply Modi’s actions have affected India’s democratic traditions and global image.

The international community, Pakistan and global human rights groups, are closely watching. The clear admission by prominent Indian personalities that Modi’s policies have severely damaged democratic norms represents a significant moment. Modi’s claims and propaganda now stand exposed, not just by international observers but by credible, respected voices from within India itself.

Restore Statehood Immediately

The demand is clear, firm, and urgent: the Indian government must immediately restore full statehood to IIOJK without further delay. The message from these senior Indian leaders is straightforward: statehood restoration is essential to addressing the deep grievances and restoring public trust among the residents of the region.

The international community and the people of IIOJK await an answer. The Indian parliament must now decide: will it uphold democratic values or continue to compromise its democratic credentials by supporting Modi’s damaging and controversial actions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir?