Srinagar, Jan 02: National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Agha Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday expressed his readiness to engage in protests advocating for statehood outside the Parliament of India, while reiterating his unwavering commitment to the restoration of Article 370.
This announcement comes in light of recent remarks from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that Rahullah should spearhead such demonstrations.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Ruhullah said the demand for Article 370’s restoration is not just a political issue but a matter of dignity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “Since 2019, my position has been unequivocal,” he said. “In my early gatherings across Budgam and other regions, I conveyed to my constituents that our battle must center on reestablishing Article 370 and the respect it symbolizes for our identity.”
Highlighting the need for a unified effort toward statehood, the MP urged supporters to take the initiative in organizing protests in Delhi, affirming his own participation. “I AM READY to participate in such a protest and invite those prioritizing statehood to organize it,” he wrote. He expressed his intention to rally support from over 100 fellow MPs, noting that January presents an appropriate time to mobilise, coinciding with the anniversary of India’s Constitution— a document that once enshrined Jammu & Kashmir’s special status.
However, while acknowledging the importance of statehood, Mehdi was adamant that the restoration of Article 370 is the critical issue at hand. “The abrogation of Article 370 was a calculated act of humiliation, a deep wound deliberately inflicted upon us. The subsequent conversion to a Union Territory was merely a continuation of this indignity,” he said. He denounced these actions as a betrayal of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Describing the abrogation as a political tactic aimed at diminishing the significance of the region’s historical sacrifices, the NC leader questioned the sincerity of any promises related to statehood without first addressing the fundamental issue of special status. “Shouldn’t our voices first rise for our honor, our identity, and the autonomy we have long been denied?” he urged.
His remarks come as the political landscape in Jammu & Kashmir continues to evolve, sparking intense debate about the priorities and rights of its citizens. Ruhullah closed his statement with a resolute commitment to the cause, declaring, “I will keep raising my voice, louder each time. The Tree Remembers.”
