NC holds protest demanding restoration of full statehood to J&K

Srinagar, Aug 05: National Conference (NC) on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest here, reiterating its long-standing demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.Led by the party’s Provincial president Showkat Ahmed Mir, the protest was organised to mark the anniversary of the 5 August 2019 decision, when the erstwhile state was bifurcated and downgraded into two Union Territories following the abrogation of Article 370. The protestors were raising slogans: “August 5, 2019 decision, not acceptable, return Statehood.”Speaking to the media, NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said: “Today’s peaceful demonstration is a reminder to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister that we have not accepted the 5 August 2019 decision. Our demand remains unchanged — we seek the restoration of our constitutional rights and full statehood.”Dar said that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are on record promising the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “The central government must honour its commitment. Even the Supreme Court has directed that statehood be restored in full. Our protest is not about confrontation but about reminding the Centre of its own assurances,” he added. The protest, held at the party headquarters in Srinagar, saw the participation of several senior party leaders, MLAs and other key functionaries. When asked about the speculation that statehood may be restored only to Jammu while Kashmir continues as a Union Territory, Dar dismissed such talk as “hypothetical”.“There can be no response to rumours. Our demand is clear and consistent — full statehood for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. Any attempt to divide the demand will not be acceptable,” the spokesperson said. He said the National Conference has consistently maintained its opposition to the 2019 constitutional changes and has repeatedly called for the reinstatement of the pre-August 2019 status, including a return to democratic statehood and safeguards for the region’s identity and rights.