SRINAGAR: National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Wednesday asserted that the restoration of constitutional safeguards enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir before the abrogation of Article 370 remains the principal aspiration of the people, arguing that the demand goes beyond the restoration of statehood.
Addressing people in Bijbehara, the Srinagar Lok Sabha member said his position on the issue has remained unchanged since the Assembly and Parliamentary election campaigns. He maintained that he has consistently raised the issue at every forum, including in Parliament and during public engagements across Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have conveyed the same message everywhere—from Parliament to the people in Kashmir and before the government in Delhi. My stand has remained consistent,” Ruhullah said.
The MP said there should be a clear distinction between the Centre’s promise of restoring statehood and the demand of the people for the return of constitutional protections that existed prior to August 5, 2019.
“Statehood is the BJP’s agenda. The restoration of constitutional guarantees and protections available under Article 370 is the agenda of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That is the mandate on which we sought votes and were elected,” he said.
Ruhullah argued that the electoral mandate received by the National Conference was rooted in the promise of safeguarding the political and constitutional rights of the people, and not merely in seeking the return of administrative status.
He also appealed to civil society, intellectuals and citizens to raise their voices on issues affecting public rights instead of aligning themselves with political power or partisan interests.
“Those who speak for the rights of the people, rather than for power or political parties, make the greatest contribution to society,” he said.
The remarks come amid continuing political discussions over Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional future. While the Centre has repeatedly stated that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, regional parties, including the National Conference, have continued to press for the restoration of constitutional safeguards that existed before the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state in August 2019.
