IIOJK Calls for Restoration of Statehood

The people of IIOJK continue to face political upheaval, leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah are once again calling for the urgent restoration of statehood to address the region’s deep-rooted grievances.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), both Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah have called for the restoration of statehood to address the aspirations and grievances of the Kashmiri people. Speaking in Srinagar, Chaudhary emphasized that restoring statehood and special status is not only a constitutional right but also crucial for the peace and development of the region.

He noted that the downgrading of IIOJK to a Union Territory in 2019 had inflicted deep pain on the local population and shattered their sense of self-esteem. Chaudhary made it clear that such actions had undermined the dignity of the people and ignored their fundamental rights.

Farooq Abdullah, a key political figure in IIOJK, showed similar sentiments, urging the Indian government to respect the aspirations of the people of the region. Abdullah emphasized the importance of restoring the region’s constitutional rights and ensuring that the voices of Kashmiris are heard and respected. “We hope the aspirations of IIOJK’s people will be respected,” he said, stressing that this step is necessary for restoring stability and trust in the region.

Both political leaders believe that the restoration of statehood is pivotal not only for rebuilding the fractured trust between the people and the government but also for fostering much-needed development and peace in the troubled region.

The call for restoring IIOJK’s statehood has become a recurring demand in recent years, especially after the controversial revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped the region of its special status. This move has left many Kashmiris feeling alienated and without a voice in their political future.

Chaudhary and Abdullah’s statements reflect growing concerns that without restoring statehood, IIOJK will continue to face political instability and social unrest. Both leaders agree that the region’s future can only be secured through a process of reconciliation and respect for the people’s democratic rights.

The calls for restoring statehood to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir underscore the urgency of addressing the political and emotional wounds inflicted by the region’s recent history. For many in the region, statehood is more than a political necessity; it is a vital step towards restoring dignity, securing peace, and ensuring that the aspirations of the Kashmiri people are respected by the state.