NATIONAL Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah has recently challenged the BJP government’s claims of peace while raising questions about the timing of targeted civilian killings in IIOJK. He has called for an honest, high-level investigation into incidents such as the Kulgam attack, questioning why such tragedies repeatedly occur whenever demands for the full restoration of statehood gather momentum. The former chief minister has consistently disputed the BJP administration’s assertions that militancy has ended in the region, pointing instead to continuing encounters and civilian casualties. Following the targeted killing of migrant labourers, he also questioned who benefits from destabilizing the region during critical political transitions.
Beyond Dr Farooq Abdullah, much of the Kashmiri political leadership has continued to oppose the August 5, 2019, abrogation of Article 370, describing it as a historic mistake that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status and reduced a historic state to two Union Territories. Critics argue that the unilateral decision dealt a severe blow to Indian federalism by removing the region’s constitutionally guaranteed autonomy without the consent of its elected legislature.
According to these critics, the move bypassed democratic norms, weakened regional identity and replaced representative local governance with a centrally controlled administrative structure. They contend that the prolonged suspension of an elected state assembly has left millions politically disenfranchised, while restrictions on political activity and civil liberties have further widened the gap between the people and the state. They maintain that lasting peace and development require the unconditional restoration of statehood and meaningful political engagement with the people of the region.
Every year on August 5, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world observe Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation), also referred to as Black Day. Organised by groups including the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), demonstrations, seminars, sit-ins and protest rallies are held in Pakistan, Europe and North America to condemn New Delhi’s 2019 decision. Participants seek to draw international attention to what they describe as continuing human rights violations, demographic changes and restrictions on civil liberties in IIOJK, while urging the international community to press India to implement UN resolutions and uphold the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, the continued delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, despite repeated political demands and public demonstrations, has intensified debate over the future of democratic governance in the region. Critics argue that extending central rule at the expense of elected local representation raises serious questions about New Delhi’s long-term political objectives. They believe that the continuation of these policies has deepened alienation and contributed to broader regional instability.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
