SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Thursday asserted that the party had not abandoned its demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood, saying both remained central to its political agenda.
Addressing a meeting at the party headquarters, Ramzan said the National Conference was not merely a political party but a people’s movement representing public aspirations and sentiments. He said those questioning the party’s commitment to the restoration of special status were attempting to mislead people.
He said the party had consistently opposed the decisions of August 5, 2019, through constitutional, legal, political and democratic forums, including challenging them before the Supreme Court.
“Although the Supreme Court verdict did not go in accordance with our stand, that does not mean our principled position or struggle has come to an end,” Ramzan said, adding that the party had further strengthened its campaign following the court’s decision.
He said the National Conference had continued to raise the demand for restoration of special status in Parliament, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, public rallies and party gatherings. Its representatives in the Rajya Sabha had also raised the issue of restoring Articles 370 and 35A, he added.
Referring to the Assembly proceedings, Ramzan said the newly elected House had passed a resolution seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status during its first session, in keeping with the party’s electoral promise.
He said the Assembly had also passed a resolution seeking restoration of statehood and referred to the 2000 Autonomy Resolution and the 2024 resolution concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Ramzan said these steps demonstrated that the National Conference remained committed to pursuing its political agenda and fulfilling its promises to the people.
Targeting National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Ramzan said he had been elected to represent the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament but had instead chosen to confront his own party.
“Instead of challenging the policies of the Union Government and the BJP, he chose to wage a confrontation against his own party,” Ramzan said.
Questioning Ruhullah’s approach, he said that by not speaking against the policies of the BJP, RSS and the Union Government while targeting the National Conference, he was strengthening whose agenda.
Ramzan also said the party had made considerable sacrifices in its struggle to protect the rights, identity, dignity and constitutional status of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He maintained that the National Conference had never compromised on its principles or public interests and would continue to pursue the restoration of special status and statehood.
“History cannot be rewritten, nor can a people’s struggle be discredited through mere statements, press conferences and allegations on social media,” he said.
He added that attempts to portray the party as having abandoned its demand for special status were contrary to its stated position and its political record.
“The restoration of special status and statehood remains our clear political agenda. No political expediency, pressure, propaganda or character-assassination campaign can divert us from this path,” Ramzan said.
