Congress Demands Immediate Restoration of Statehood and Special Status for IIOJK

Amid rising concerns over the situation in IIOJK, Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain has called out the BJP-led government for delaying the restoration of full statehood and demanded urgent action.

Congress Member of Parliament Syed Naseer Hussain has issued a strong call for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). During his first visit to Jammu as the Congress in-charge for the region, Hussain expressed deep concern over the central government’s lack of a clear timeline for fulfilling this long-standing demand.

He questioned the delay in action, stating, “The government is in power now—so what’s the reason for the continued wait? We’ve raised our voice before and will keep fighting until full statehood is restored.”

In addition to restoring statehood, Hussain emphasized that IIOJK should be given special status, akin to what hill states like Himachal Pradesh currently enjoy. According to him, such measures are vital to ensuring fairness and safeguarding the region’s identity and rights.

He revealed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge plans to directly appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a formal letter, urging immediate steps toward reinstating statehood. The party is determined to keep the pressure on the government and make this issue a priority.

Hussain also challenged the government’s narrative regarding peace and development in the region. He pointed out that despite official claims of normalcy, the reality on the ground is vastly different. “People are still being killed. The truth is far from what’s being projected,” he said, highlighting the ongoing instability in IIOJK.

The Congress leader’s remarks reflect a broader concern within opposition parties and among residents about the Indian government’s approach to IIOJK after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. That move stripped the region of its special constitutional status and downgraded it from a state to a union territory—sparking widespread anger and unrest.

Hussain’s visit and statements come at a critical time, with upcoming elections and increasing public scrutiny over the BJP’s policies in the region. The demand for statehood and special status is not just a political issue, but a matter of dignity, autonomy, and democratic rights for the people of IIOJK.

Congress appears determined to keep the spotlight on this issue. With continued public outreach and pressure on the central government, the party is aligning itself with the voices demanding justice and representation for the people of IIOJK.

As tensions remain high and the debate intensifies, the future of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity hangs in the balance—waiting for decisive action from those in power.