Top Indian Lawyer Demands Swift Restoration of Statehood for IIOJK

Broken promises in IIOJK question India’s commitment to democracy and justice.

Prominent Indian Supreme Court lawyer Ashok Bhan has made an urgent appeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to fulfill their public promises of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Despite repeated commitments in Parliament, election campaigns, and legal proceedings, these assurances have remained hollow, fueling resentment and despair in the region. 

During a webinar hosted by the World Peace & Reconciliation Forum, Bhan highlighted the Indian government’s failure to act on the Supreme Court’s clear directive. The Constitution Bench had explicitly called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood “as soon as possible.” Yet, even after the conclusion of assembly elections, no progress has been made—a blatant disregard for both judicial mandates and public trust. 

The disregard extends beyond legal commitments. Successive governments, including Omar Abdullah’s administration, have emphasized the necessity of restoring statehood. A unanimous Cabinet resolution under Abdullah’s leadership underscored this demand, presenting it as an essential step for healing, reclaiming constitutional rights, and preserving Kashmir’s unique identity. 

The Indian government’s inaction has perpetuated a dangerous environment of alienation and injustice in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Instead of restoring autonomy and trust, New Delhi has chosen to prolong an oppressive administrative setup that erodes the region’s political identity. 

This delay is not just administrative negligence; it is a deliberate betrayal of the people of IIOJK. It ignores the region’s historical, cultural, and constitutional significance while deepening mistrust between the people and the state. For a nation that prides itself on democratic principles, this apathy toward an entire region’s rights is both shameful and hypocritical. 

Bhan’s plea is not a lone voice. It echoes the sentiments of millions in the region who see statehood as their rightful claim—not a concession. The restoration of statehood is more than a political decision; it is a moral and constitutional imperative that New Delhi can no longer evade. 

It is high time the Indian government stops hiding behind hollow rhetoric and takes concrete steps to deliver on its promises. The world is watching, and failure to act will only solidify India’s image as a state indifferent to its own democratic ideals. 

Justice delayed is justice denied. Restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is not just a matter of policy—it is a test of New Delhi’s democratic standing.