Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)In a powerful and emotionally charged statement that has stirred fresh political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir, Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi today said that the demand for restoration of statehood is only part of a larger struggle—one rooted in reclaiming the constitutional identity and dignity lost on August 5, 2019.
Speaking at a public meeting in Srinagar, Mehdi declared, “Our fight is not just for statehood. Our fight is for the constitutional guarantee that was snatched from us on 5th August 2019. We should not forget our fight.”
August 5, 2019, marks the day the Government of India abrogated Article 370, revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh. The move, made without the consent of the local populace, led to a political and constitutional upheaval, mass detentions, and a communications blackout.
Mehdi, one of the most vocal advocates for the restoration of J&K’s pre-2019 constitutional status, reminded people that the essence of their political struggle lies in the dignity, identity, and democratic rights that were unilaterally altered. “Statehood without constitutional safeguards is merely administrative; we demand political justice,” he stressed.
The MP’s remarks come at a time when the Centre has indicated a phased plan for restoring statehood, but has remained silent on reinstating Article 370 or holding early elections.
Political observers believe Mehdi’s statement is likely to intensify the ongoing debate within regional political parties—some of which have accepted statehood as a first step, while others like Mehdi insist that the constitutional battle is far from over.
As political temperatures rise ahead of expected elections, Mehdi’s assertion is being seen as a rallying cry for those who refuse to accept the post-2019 status quo(DD)