Former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference President, Farooq Abdullah, has called upon 52 notable political, religious, and civil society members to participate in a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest aims to advocate for the restoration of statehood to J&K. Abdullah emphasized that the issue goes beyond party affiliations and regional boundaries, focusing on safeguarding India’s federal principles and fulfilling the long-pending promise of reinstating J&K’s statehood.
In a letter addressed to the invitees, Abdullah highlighted that the delay in granting statehood to J&K challenges the democratic aspirations of its people. He underscored the significance of J&K’s historical autonomy and its transformation into an administratively subordinate entity, emphasizing the erosion of federal principles. The invitation stressed the constitutional importance of states as integral components of India’s democratic fabric, urging collective action to reclaim J&K’s rights and dignity.
Abdullah reiterated that the protest would adhere to peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means, aligning with the commitments previously made. He emphasized that the restoration of J&K’s statehood symbolizes the preservation of India’s unity in diversity, emphasizing the need to uphold promises made in Parliament and respect the consent of the governed. The appeal concluded with a call for solidarity among all citizens who value the constitutional balance between unity and diversity, underscoring the enduring commitment to democratic values and the people of J&K.
