NC MP Advocates for the Restoration of IIOJK’s Pre-1953 Status

National Conference MP Agha Ruhullah is calling for the restoration of IIOJK’s pre-1953 status, arguing that statehood alone cannot resolve the region’s deep-rooted political and constitutional issues.

National Conference Member of Parliament (MP) Agha Ruhullah has strongly called for the restoration of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) pre-1953 status, asserting that statehood alone would not address the region’s long-standing political and constitutional grievances. In a speech delivered during the Indian Parliament’s debate on the President’s address, Ruhullah emphasized that the only path to justice for IIOJK was a return to its previous autonomy. He stated, “It’s not just about Article 370—restoring the pre-1953 position is the only real solution. While many are hopeful for statehood, full autonomy must be reinstated for true justice.”

Ruhullah also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for misleading the public regarding the revocation of Article 370. He pointed out that elections had taken place even when the provision was in force, questioning claims that its removal had led to development. “The revocation of Article 370 was unconstitutional, and now the government claims it has resulted in progress. But what are the actual consequences?” he asked.

To back his argument, Ruhullah presented statistical data to counter the BJP’s narrative. Under Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir had ranked sixth on India’s Human Development Index (HDI) with a score of 0.712—higher than BJP-ruled states like Haryana (0.702), Uttar Pradesh (0.596), Madhya Pradesh (0.606), and Gujarat (0.677). He also highlighted that IIOJK had a higher life expectancy of 73.5 years, surpassing Gujarat’s 68 years, and a better gross enrolment ratio in higher education (30.9%) compared to Gujarat (20.4%), Uttar Pradesh (28.5%), and Bihar (14%).

Ruhullah’s remarks reignited the debate over IIOJK’s political status, with many seeing his speech as a direct challenge to the Indian government’s stance on Article 370’s revocation. His call for the restoration of the pre-1953 status highlights growing dissatisfaction, even among pro-India Kashmiri leaders, about the loss of the region’s special status. Most of the population continues to demand the right to self-determination through a plebiscite, as outlined by United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Additionally, Ruhullah criticized Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for failing to address the plight of Muslims in his speech. While Gandhi discussed topics like Artificial Intelligence and concerns of backward classes, Ruhullah pointed out his silence on the issues affecting Muslims. “Are Muslims only meant to be frightened by the BJP for votes? Muslims are not afraid of anyone,” he remarked, expressing frustration over the lack of attention to Muslim concerns in national discourse.

Before 1953, IIOJK enjoyed a special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The region had its own constitution, flag, and prime minister, with India’s authority limited to defense, foreign affairs, and communications. This arrangement was meant to last until a plebiscite, supervised by the United Nations, was held to determine the region’s permanent political future.