Statehood will be granted when time is right

Srinagar, J & K : Altaf Thakur, spokesperson for the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, delivered a sharp rebuke to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday over the latter’s appeal for political consensus on restoring Article 370. Thakur contended that such remarks were designed to agitate the public and undermine the tranquil environment that has taken root in Kashmir following years of turmoil.

Thakur emphasized that Parliament enacted a landmark constitutional measure on August 5, 2019, and that the Supreme Court later affirmed the repeal of Article 370.

“Mirwaiz Umar Farooq must recognize that Article 370 will never be reinstated. Parliament has permanently consigned it to history, and no political entity, leader, or advocacy group can overturn this constitutional actuality,” Thakur asserted.

He warned that such appeals threatened to drag Kashmir back into the divisive politics of bygone eras.

“Remarks of this sort are calculated to provoke unrest and poison the Valley’s peaceful climate once more. This will not be tolerated. The nation has endured an immense cost to restore peace in Kashmir. The sacrifices of our gallant security forces and citizens including political activists who gave their lives for peace and democratic principles cannot be trivialized or challenged through politically driven rhetoric,” Thakur stated.

He observed that Kashmir had already suffered enough bloodshed, curfews, stone-pelting, and chaos, and that the populace should not be steered toward yet another phase of instability.

“Those attempting to resurrect old fault lines must realize that Kashmir has progressed. Our youth aspire to education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, investment, tourism, and opportunities. They have no desire to revert to an age where shutdown schedules ruled their existence and violence predetermined their futures,” he remarked.

Thakur acknowledged that political parties are entitled to express opinions within constitutional boundaries, but maintained that fomenting agitation over a matter already constitutionally resolved would achieve nothing.

“Democracy grants everyone the freedom to speak and participate, but democracy cannot be reduced to incessantly demanding the overturning of a constitutional verdict already validated by the nation’s highest court,” he said.

On the subject of statehood, Thakur reiterated the BJP’s stated position that statehood would be reinstated at a suitable juncture.

“There is a clear differentiation between statehood and Article 370. Statehood will be restored when the appropriate moment arrives, as the Government has already indicated. However, the revival of Article 370 is completely out of the question. Those sowing confusion on this matter should cease misleading the public,” he said.

Thakur accused those agitating for the Article 370 debate of disregarding the ambitions of the younger generation.

“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are looking forward to a horizon of peace, prosperity, and opportunity. They seek universities, employment, enterprises, improved connectivity, tourism, and contemporary infrastructure. They do not wish to inherit a legacy of fear, boycotts, and bloodshed,” he asserted.

He urged political parties to compete on developmental and governance issues rather than reopening topics already constitutionally concluded.

“Let us have a wholesome political rivalry over employment, education, healthcare, tourism, investment, and progress. Let leaders inform the public about what they can achieve rather than pledging something that has no constitutional or legal feasibility,” Thakur stated.

He further stressed that the sacrifices of past decades must not be forgotten.

“We cannot permit the sacrifices of security personnel, innocent civilians, and political workers who steadfastly supported democracy to be rendered futile. Every family that lost a loved one to terrorism has contributed to the peace we experience today. No one has the authority to jeopardize that painstakingly achieved peace for political convenience,” he said.

Thakur additionally appealed to the public, especially the youth, to resist falling into traps aimed at reviving old divides.

“Kashmir’s destiny rests with its young people. They must not allow anyone to transport them back to an era of violence and unpredictability. The new Kashmir must be constructed through education, enterprise, democracy, and harmony,” he stated.

He concluded by affirming that the BJP would persistently oppose any effort to generate fear, disorientation, or instability in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Article 370 is a thing of the past. Statehood will arrive when the time is appropriate. Democracy will continue to strengthen, and development will proceed unabated. But there will be no return to the politics of violence, separatism, and chaos Thakur declared.

Report By – Mudasir Maqbool