TMC Delegation Calls for Restoration of IIOJK Statehood

In a significant political development, a Trinamool Congress delegation visiting IIOJK has strongly advocated for restoring the region’s statehood and empowering its elected government.

A five-member delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has urged the Indian government to reinstate full statehood to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and grant complete authority to its elected leaders. The call was made during the group’s ongoing visit to the region.

The delegation includes senior TMC leaders Derek O’Brien, Nadeem-ul-Haq, Mamata Thakur, Manas Bhuiya, and Sagarika Ghosh. They arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday night and have since been engaging with local leaders and stakeholders.

On Thursday, the TMC team held a detailed meeting with IIOJK’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. According to MP Sagarika Ghosh, the 90-minute discussion was highly constructive and focused on the pressing needs of the region.

Ghosh emphasized that the Trinamool Congress firmly supports the constitutional principle of federalism. “We believe that any democratically elected government must be empowered to serve its people effectively,” she said.

She further stated that restoring full statehood is not just a political demand but a legitimate aspiration of the people of IIOJK. The TMC, she added, stands behind this demand as part of its commitment to democratic governance.

The delegation reiterated its support for the Omar Abdullah-led government, noting that local leadership is essential for delivering meaningful relief and development in the region.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the TMC team that his administration is actively working to rebuild infrastructure damaged by conflict and instability. He spoke about initiatives to improve healthcare, restore educational institutions, and support small businesses affected by unrest.

Abdullah also highlighted a broad relief and rehabilitation program aimed at restoring normalcy and supporting those most affected by recent events in the region. He emphasized that only a fully empowered state government can effectively carry out these responsibilities.

The TMC’s visit and statement come at a time when calls for restoring Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy have been growing louder. Many political voices across the spectrum believe that reinstating statehood is critical to rebuilding trust and fostering peace in the region.

The party’s message aligns with its national stance on decentralization and the devolution of power to local governments. As a key opposition party, the TMC’s endorsement of IIOJK’s statehood adds significant weight to the ongoing political discourse.