NC and Congress Renew Call for Restoration of Statehood to IIOJK Amid Easing Tensions

As tensions ease following Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes, political voices in IIOJK are once again demanding the restoration of the region’s statehood — a right stripped away under the BJP regime.

With the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) gradually stabilizing after Pakistan’s retaliatory attack on Indian military installations, the demand for the restoration of statehood to the occupied territory has resurfaced, led by regional and national political parties.

The National Conference (NC) and the Indian National Congress, both key political stakeholders in the region, have renewed their call for reversing the revocation of IIOJK’s special status and restoring its full statehood.

Tanvir Sadiq, chief spokesperson for the NC and a sitting MLA, issued a public appeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via social media. “Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We humbly urge PM Narendra Modi to also grant IIOJK its rightful place by restoring its statehood. Our aspirations must be respected and promises fulfilled,” he added, drawing attention to the unjust differential treatment faced by IIOJK compared to other Indian regions.

The Indian National Congress, a coalition partner in the IIOJK administration, has also committed to resuming its campaign for statehood — a demand it has championed consistently since the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019.

Ravinder Sharma, spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, reiterated the party’s longstanding position: “From day one, we have been demanding that statehood be restored at the earliest. It is an injustice to the people of IIOJK that this continues to be delayed.”

Sharma acknowledged that the party’s previous statehood campaign had been put on hold due to the recent security crisis in the region. However, he confirmed that the movement would soon be relaunched with renewed urgency to press for the fulfillment of constitutional and democratic rights.

Political observers view these statements as part of growing local discontent over New Delhi’s unilateral actions in IIOJK, including the demotion of the region into two union territories, the disempowerment of elected local representatives, and ongoing restrictions on civil liberties.

While India claims that the changes were meant to improve governance and security, local populations have experienced it as an act of disenfranchisement, with limited political autonomy, restricted media freedoms, and intensified militarization.

The renewed push for statehood by mainstream parties signals widespread dissatisfaction not just from pro-freedom groups but also from those who had previously supported engagement within the Indian constitutional framework.

As the region seeks a return to political normalcy, the restoration of statehood remains a critical demand — one seen as essential to restoring democratic legitimacy and honoring the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.