The National Conference (NC) is mobilizing support for a protest scheduled for July 20, coinciding with the opening of Parliament’s monsoon session. On Tuesday, party leaders convened with civil society representatives in Kashmir, where they unanimously passed a resolution advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. This one-day protest, previously announced by the NC, seeks to highlight ongoing concerns regarding the political status of the region since its reorganization in 2019. The NC has been vocal about its demands for greater autonomy and has been actively engaging with various stakeholders in the region to garner support for this initiative.
Why It Matters
The demand for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is rooted in significant historical changes that occurred in August 2019 when the Indian government revoked its special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. This move bifurcated the state into two Union Territories, leading to widespread political and social ramifications. Since then, there has been considerable unrest and a push for the return of political rights among local parties and communities. The National Conference’s protest reflects a broader struggle among Kashmiris to reclaim their political identity and rights in the face of ongoing central government policies.
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