Congress' Street Power vs JKNC’s Legal Route: Will Either Move Centre on Statehood?

Srinagar: Stepping up its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, the Congress party on Saturday announced a sustained 10 to 15-day march across the Union Territory beginning March 24. 

The announcement was made by Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra, who emphasized that the march would be peaceful and distinct from a protest. 

“To reiterate our statehood demand and remind the Government of India, the Prime Minister, and the Home Minister, we will intensify our demand from March 24. It will only be a march, not a protest, and will continue for 10 to 15 days daily,” Karra told reporters. 

ALSO READ: Kishtwar Anti-Terror Operations: Special Forces Join CRPF And Police On Day-3

Congress leader said the march will also highlight everyday issues faced by residents, which he attributed to the “dual power system” in the newly carved Union Territory. 

“Despite assembly elections and an elected government in place, the people continue to face hardships in day-to-day matters due to this duality of governance,” Karra added. 

He accused the Centre of reneging on its promise, stating that despite repeated assurances, there is no clear intent from the government to restore statehood. 

“People will have to fight for their rights to get back their status, dignity, and identity as a full-fledged state. Congress is already at the forefront of this struggle and will now intensify it,”. 

Congress march adds to a series of efforts by various political parties in J&K to press the centre for statehood restoration following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent downgrading of J&K to a Union Territory. 

National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah has been vocal on the issue, passing a resolution for statehood in his cabinet and raising the matter directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah . 

In a public speech during the inauguration of the Sonmarg tunnel, Abdullah reiterated the demand in the PM’s presence. 

PM Modi, in turn, maintained the Centre’s position that statehood would be restored at “an appropriate time”, a line consistently echoed by Amit Shah in Parliament and during visits to the region. 

However, the lack of a timeline has fueled frustration. “There is no clarity. If normalcy means peace on the ground, then the government itself claims that militancy has reduced. So, what is the delay?” a political analyst told on the condition of anonymity. 

Congress initiative has evoked a mixed response from the public, with some welcoming the move and others questioning its impact. 

“NC has approached the Supreme Court for restoration of Article 370 and statehood. That’s a legal challenge. Congress is using street power. The real question is, will Delhi listen to either? So far, they haven’t,” said Bilal Ahmad, a university student. 

“People don’t care who brings statehood back, as long as someone does. Congress may be trying to revive its base, but if this march can push Delhi even a bit, it will be a success,” added Iqra Khan, a postgraduate student in Srinagar. 

Some residents, however, remained sceptical. 

“Unless all political parties unite and sustain pressure, such marches might not yield results,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a college student. 

Since the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, into union territory, political parties including the NC, PDP, Congress, CPI(M) and others have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood, calling it a matter of constitutional right, regional dignity, and political empowerment. 

ALSO READ: Omar Abdullah Approves Pay Hike for J&K MLAs, Proposes Panel to Review Salaries and Pensions