Fight for Article 370 restoration or risk complicity in Delhi’s agenda, Mehdi tells Omar
Srinagar: National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Indian Parliament Agha Ruhullah Mehdi has emphasized that restoring Article 370 and statehood remains central to the aspirations of the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a media interview in Srinagar, Mehdi called on NC vice-president Omar Abdullah to spearhead the struggle for these core demands, asserting, “Omar Abdullah must lead the struggle for the restoration of Article 370 andstatehood, or risk being perceived as a proxy for Delhi.”
Mehdi highlighted that the NC’s recent electoral success was a clear rejection of the policies implemented post-August 5, 2019, when IIOJK’s special status was abrogated by the Modi-led Indian government.
“The mandate given to the NC is more than just political—it’s a resounding disapproval of the unconstitutional actions taken in 2019,” Mehdi stated. He added that the people’s expectations must be met through bold and unwavering leadership, cautioning that neglecting their aspirations would deepen the sense of alienation and mistrust in the territory.
Mehdi also criticized the BJP’s governance model in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which he said disempowers elected representatives while placing undue authority in the hands of the Lieutenant Governor. “Even if Omar Abdullah becomes the Chief Minister, the BJP has ensured that the LG’s role undermines the authority of an elected government. This creates a parallel governance structure that erodes democratic accountability,” he said.
He expressed concern that delays in restoring statehood further illustrate New Delhi’s disregard for occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic voice. “The prolonged delay is not just worrying—it’s a betrayal of the Indian Supreme Court and the people of Kashmir. It reflects the BJP’s lack of intent to genuinely address the territory’s grievances,” Mehdi remarked.
Urging Omar Abdullah to remain steadfast, Mehdi stated, “The NC must fight relentlessly for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood. Failing to do so risks the party being seen as complicit in Delhi’s agenda, rather than standing with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Mehdi concluded by warning that ignoring the territory’s mandate and aspirations could have dire consequences for the idea of India in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, further alienating its people and exacerbating mistrust.
