Unfortunate what SC said on statehood: NC

Srinagar, Aug 14: National Conference (NC) has expressed “deep disappointment” over the observation made by the Supreme Court of India during Thursday’s hearing on petitions seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir.The bench remarked that “incidents like Pahalgam cannot be ignored” while considering the question of restoring statehood to the region as a reference to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.Reacting strongly, NC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, in a statement issued here, termed the reference “very unfortunate”, saying it was unjust to link a terror incident with the constitutional rights of an entire population. “The attack occurred despite the absence of statehood under direct central rule. Why, then, should the people of Jammu & Kashmir continue to suffer, especially when those responsible remain unaccountable?” he asked.Sadiq said that using an isolated act of terror to justify delaying democratic restoration sets a troubling precedent and undermines constitutional democracy. “If we allow terrorists to dictate constitutional decisions, then they have already succeeded in their objectives,” he said.He further added that NC Vice President and CM Omar Abdullah will address the issue during his Independence Day speech on August 15, reiterating that the demand for statehood is not a political appeal, but a constitutional right and a democratic necessity.Reaffirming the party’s commitment, the Chief Spokesperson said the National Conference will continue to seek the restoration of full statehood through peaceful, democratic, and legal means. He cautioned that prolonged constitutional limbo not only violates the principles of federalism but also weakens public trust in democratic institutions.