Srinagar, Nov 15 (HS): National Conference (NC) senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan has said New Delhi will one day have to review the “unconstitutional and undemocratic” decisions of August 5, 2019, and restore the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a party meeting at the NC headquarters, Nawa-i-Subh Complex, Ramzan said the sooner the Centre corrects what he called its mistakes, the better it would be for the strength of the country’s democratic system, Constitution and federal structure.

He claimed that by unilaterally ending the special status on August 5, 2019, the Centre not only did injustice to the people of the erstwhile state but also dealt a deep blow to the federal democratic system and constitutional values. According to him, Articles 370 and 35A were not mere constitutional provisions but a guarantee for protecting the identity, land, jobs and constitutional rights of the people of J&K.

Ramzan said the NC’s history is one of sacrifices and continuous struggle to protect J&K’s identity, autonomy and special constitutional position, from the leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to the present day. He said the party had never compromised on its principled stand despite political difficulties and trials, and would not do so in the future either.

He said the party had raised its voice against the August 5, 2019 decisions at every democratic, political, constitutional and legal forum, from Parliament to the Supreme Court. Restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, he said, is a fundamental part of the party’s political resolve. The struggle, he added, is “not for any political interest or power,” but for the constitutional rights, collective identity and future of coming generations.

The NC leader claimed that before 2023 the Supreme Court had twice described Article 370 as akin to a permanent provision of the Constitution. He said the court on December 11, 2023 upheld its abrogation, but this does not end the demand for restoration of the democratic, political and constitutional rights of the people of J&K.

He expressed hope that “right democratic and constitutional thinking” would grow in the country in future, that the demands of justice and federalism would be better understood, and that the way would be paved one day for restoration of the special constitutional powers and rights J&K enjoyed under Articles 370 and 35A.

Ramzan said protection and restoration of J&K’s special position is not against the unity of the country but in line with India’s constitutional federal system, democratic traditions and the principle of unity in diversity. Respect for a region’s unique identity and constitutional guarantees, he said, is the hallmark of a strong democracy.

He urged the Centre to rise above “stubbornness and political ego,” respect the sentiments, aspirations and historical facts of the people of J&K, and review the impact of the August 5, 2019 decisions. Restoration of statehood, special constitutional status and the democratic rights of the people, he said, can become the basis for confidence-building and lasting political stability.

Ramzan reiterated that the NC would continue its struggle at every level for restoration of the constitutional rights, special identity and political dignity of the people of J&K, guided by the principles and historical legacy of its founding leaders, and would not back away from its stand under any circumstances.

Pertinent to mention that on August 5, 2019, the Centre abrogated Article 370 and reorganised the erstwhile state into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the decision.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat