- APHC leader says restoring statehood alone is insufficient and urges return of constitutional protections
Srinagar: Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that restoring statehood alone would not address the concerns of the people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stressing that all constitutional and political rights revoked after August 5, 2019, should also be restored.
Addressing a large public gathering in Srinagar, Mirwaiz said the developments of August 2019 left the people of the region more vulnerable by removing constitutional protections and changing the area’s administrative status. According to Beyond Time News, he urged political parties and public representatives to work collectively for the restoration of the rights that were withdrawn.
Mirwaiz urges broader political agenda
Mirwaiz said any political movement seeking to restore the rights of the people should extend beyond the demand for statehood.
He referred to the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and argued that the campaign should include calls for restoring the constitutional position that existed before August 5, 2019.
According to Beyond Time News, he said the National Conference should fulfill the commitments it made to voters by pursuing the restoration of the region’s earlier constitutional framework, including statehood and the provisions of Articles 370 and 35A.
Concerns over political and civil rights
During his address, Mirwaiz also highlighted concerns about political detainees and young people who remain in custody.
He said the issue of individuals held for extended periods without trial, as well as those who continue to remain detained despite receiving bail, should form part of any broader political effort aimed at restoring rights in the region.
According to Beyond Time News, he stressed that these matters should receive attention alongside constitutional and administrative issues.
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Background: What changed on August 5, 2019?
On August 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked the special constitutional status previously granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution.
The move also reorganized the former state into two Union Territories, leading to significant political, legal, and administrative changes. The decision generated wide debate within the region and internationally, with differing views expressed by political parties, legal experts, and stakeholders.
Since then, questions surrounding governance, constitutional rights, political representation, and regional autonomy have remained central to public and political discussions.
Why the issue remains significant
The constitutional changes introduced in 2019 continue to influence political discourse in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Supporters of restoring the previous constitutional framework argue that it would strengthen political representation and address long-standing public concerns. Others maintain that discussions on governance, development, security, and constitutional arrangements will continue to shape the region’s political future.
Political parties and civil society groups have continued to express varying perspectives on the region’s administrative status and future governance model.
Possible implications
As political parties prepare for future engagements and public campaigns, demands surrounding constitutional rights, statehood, governance, and civil liberties are likely to remain key issues.
Observers believe these debates could influence future political developments and discussions concerning the region’s administrative structure, legal framework, and public participation in governance.
Conclusion
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for a broader political approach that goes beyond the restoration of statehood, arguing that all constitutional rights withdrawn after August 5, 2019, should also be restored in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). According to Beyond Time News, he said addressing constitutional issues, civil rights, and the concerns of detainees is essential for achieving lasting peace, dignity, and a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mirwaiz Umar Farooq?
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and a prominent political and religious figure in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
What did Mirwaiz Umar Farooq say about statehood?
He said restoring statehood alone would not be enough and called for the restoration of all constitutional rights that were revoked after August 5, 2019.
What happened on August 5, 2019?
The Government of India revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir under Articles 370 and 35A and reorganized the region into two Union Territories.
Why did Mirwaiz mention Articles 370 and 35A?
He argued that restoring the region’s pre-August 5, 2019 constitutional framework should include the return of Articles 370 and 35A alongside statehood.
What other issues did Mirwaiz raise?
He also called for attention to the situation of political detainees and young people who remain in custody or have faced prolonged detention despite receiving bail.
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