Says Article-370 remains a primary demand
Pulwama, Jun 09: Member of Parliament (MP), Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday said he would participate in the National Conference’s proposed protest for statehood at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, but asserted that restoration of Article 370 remains his primary political demand.
“The struggle for Jammu and Kashmir’s rights cannot be limited to a one-day demonstration or the demand for statehood alone,” Ruhullah said, speaking to reporters in Pulwama.
The MP said he would “definitely” join the protest planned by the NC. “However, the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir extend beyond the restoration of statehood and include the reinstatement of constitutional protections that existed before August 2019,” he stressed.
Mehdi said that while the demand for statehood is important, it should not overshadow what he described as the larger political and constitutional issues facing the region. According to him, a single protest or symbolic political event would not be sufficient to address the concerns of the people; instead called for a sustained, organised and long-term political movement.
“The struggle should focus on securing justice, protecting rights and addressing the ‘erosion’ of constitutional safeguards,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the younger generation since the constitutional changes of 2019, the MP said justice remains a prerequisite for achieving lasting peace in the region. He observed that many young people continue to face uncertainty and frustration, and that their concerns require serious political attention.
Ruhullah also raised concerns over issues related to land rights, employment opportunities and reservation policies. He alleged that local residents were increasingly being deprived of opportunities that rightfully belonged to them and expressed concern over policies that, according to him, have adversely impacted sections of the population.
Referring to rural areas, including parts of Pulwama district, he claimed that restrictions affecting agriculture and traditional livelihoods have created hardships for many families. He described these issues as examples of a wider pattern of injustice that needs urgent redressal.
Mehdi further said that several political and administrative commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain unfulfilled.
Ruhullah reiterated that meaningful and permanent peace cannot be achieved through symbolic measures alone. “Peace comes through justice,” he said, maintaining that addressing core political concerns is essential for creating long-term stability in the region.
The MP criticised the pace of governance in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two years, saying that several pressing issues remain unresolved despite repeated public demands. He pointed to concerns surrounding reservation policies, rising unemployment and the continued detention of hundreds of youth, who, he claimed, remain in jails without trial.
People cannot be expected to remain satisfied if the promises made to them are not fulfilled, he said.
“The government must address these concerns through concrete action and meaningful engagement,” the MP said, adding that public trust can only be restored when commitments are translated into tangible outcomes on the ground—(KNO)
