SRINAGAR, Aug 14: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, saying strong states are essential for a strong India and a robust federal structure.
In an Independence Day message, Abdullah extended greetings to the people of India, particularly those in Jammu and Kashmir, and said the occasion was an opportunity to reaffirm the country’s commitment to democracy, secularism, constitutional values and federalism.
He stressed that India’s strength lies in its diversity and plurality, and said empowering states and safeguarding their constitutional space were vital to strengthening cooperative federalism.
“When the states are strong, the country is strong. In the same spirit, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir must be restored without any further delay,” Abdullah said.
He said restoring statehood would honour the democratic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and reinforce the federal character of the Indian Union.
Abdullah noted that people of Jammu and Kashmir had participated enthusiastically in elections and elected a popular government, but said the administration continues to function without the full constitutional and administrative powers ordinarily available to a state government.
He said the people’s electoral mandate must translate into meaningful authority, describing restoration of statehood as both a democratic imperative and an important step towards strengthening public confidence in India’s federal structure.
Later, Abdullah visited the Hazratbal Shrine and offered Friday prayers. He prayed for peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, the welfare of humanity and relief for Palestinians facing suffering and hardship.
