National Conference (NC) cites Himachal example to renew J&K statehood revival call

SRINAGAR: J&K's governing National Conference (NC) added a new dimension Sunday to its demand for restoration of statehood for the Union Territory, citing the example of Himachal Pradesh's creation over 50 years ago to assert that such a revival could be ensured with the existing assembly and without fresh elections.
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The statement was a response to reports which indicated that the Centre might agree to restore J&K's statehood, but only on the condition that fresh elections are held to elect a new govt under the revamped framework.
'There is a clear precedent. Himachal Pradesh was granted statehood while its assembly was functioning. The UT had a functional legislature. Statehood was conferred on 25 Jan 1971 without dissolving the assembly following the passage of the State of Himachal Pradesh Act by Parliament on 18 Dec, 1970,' NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said.
NC had won a majority in Oct 2024 after elections to the 90-member assembly conducted under J&K as a Union Territory, a status it attained after abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019. 'When thousands turn out to vote, it reflects hope. But if their mandate is casually dismissed, it isn't just the vote that's defeated, it's faith in democracy itself,' another NC spokesperson, Ifra Jan, said. She described the reports of fresh polls as 'a tragic betrayal'.
However, opposition
(PDP) dismissed the debate over polls and statehood as 'nitpicking' devoid of logic. 'BJP has been solely deciding how J&K is governed, leaving no space for genuine democratic functioning. The region remains firmly under the control of the (Union) home ministry,' PDP former minister Naeem Akhtar said.
Akhtar pointed out that constitutional norms were tossed out the day the Centre revoked J&K's special status 'It was the LG who assumed powers of the Constituent Assembly under Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019 and recommended abrogation of Article 370 to the President.
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In such a situation, these debates are of no use,' Akhtar said. Unless BJP undertakes a complete political reappraisal of J&K, these reports and reactions to them are not just misplaced but also juvenile, Akhtar added.
On Friday, NC president Farooq Abdullah had for the first time threatened to move Supreme Court if J&K's statehood was not restored, though he said he remained hopeful of such revival even after eight months the party's govt led by his son and CM Omar. 'We have been waiting patiently. But if the delay continues, we will have no option but to approach Supreme Court,' Farooq had said.

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