J&K’s special status: Kashmir-based parties hail move

While most of the Kashmir-based political parties welcomed the passing of the resolution seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, some said that it was a “half-hearted” approach.

NC’s alliance partner Congress said that the passing of the resolution was the democratic expression of the people of J&K reflecting the aspirations of the people.

“There should be no reason for the Central government to deny rights and protection to the people of J&K that are already in vogue in many other parts of the country. Congress is committed to fight for statehood to J&K and safeguarding the rights of its people to land, jobs, natural resources and its unique cultural identity” a statement by the party said.

It further stated that BJP’s opposition to the resolution makes it evident that their petty political interests are not only at loggerheads with the aspirations of the people of J&K but also their sole priority, no matter at what cost.

People’s Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone in a statement said, “We had always said that we will support anything which is even remotely related to restoration of Article 370, 35-A, restoration of statehood and unequivocal condemnation of the majoritarian onslaught against J&K, irrespective of who brings it on the floor of the house”.

However, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti termed the resolution as an ambivalent move and a half-hearted approach, stating her party will strive for complete restoration of August 4, 2019, position in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA from Langate, Sheikh Khursheed, has lent conditional support to the resolution. In a statement, Khursheed said his reservations stem from the fact that the resolution lacks specific mention of restoring special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. Nevertheless, given the political exigencies, the AIP legislator voted in favour of the resolution with reservations.

Omar Abdullah’s sons Zahir Abdullah and Zamir Abdullah have also supported the resolution. Zahir said, “6th November 2024 will forever be remembered as the day on which the injustices meted out to J&K on and since 5th August 2019 were rejected and we began our long march to seek our rights, dignity and constitutional guarantees”.