IIOJK politicians decry statehood delay, book ban at Indian opposition meet in Delhi
New Delhi: Senior Kashmiri politicians Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have voiced strong concerns over the denial of statehood to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the recent ban on books in the territory, calling both actions unconstitutional and deeply damaging to democratic norms.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the remarks came during an assembly of Indian opposition leaders convened by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at his residence in New Delhi. The gathering brought together representatives from multiple opposition parties to discuss electoral and governance matters.
Farooq Abdullah, National Conference President, highlighted the unfulfilled demand for statehood in IIOJK. “The Centre [Indian government] is yet to fulfil its promise. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve the democratic dignity that full statehood guarantees,” he stated, stressing that the current status as a Union Territory limits the region’s political autonomy and representation.
He also condemned the recent ban on several books in IIOJK, warning that such repressive measures undermine fundamental democratic freedoms and set a dangerous precedent.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that New Delhi’s continued silence on Kashmiri demands, including statehood, has further alienated the territory’s youth. “There is growing disillusionment. Democratic rights cannot be selectively applied. The ban on books and the silence on statehood only deepen mistrust,” she said.
