Mian Altaf Vows to Raise J&K Statehood Issue in Parliament, Backed by NC and Rahul Gandhi
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 22 July 2025
A Parliament Push for Dignity and Democracy
As the Monsoon Session of Parliament unfolds, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Member of Parliament from Anantnag–Rajouri, has emerged as one of the strongest voices demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Representing the National Conference (NC), Altaf’s declaration is not just another soundbite in India’s political cauldron—it’s a continuation of a consistent struggle for constitutional restoration, democratic dignity, and regional justice.
Speaking to reporters and constituents, Mian Altaf pledged to raise the statehood issue “without fail” in Parliament, adding momentum to a movement that has gained significant traction in recent months. Backed by NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and echoing concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi, Altaf’s remarks position the NC as a pivotal force in the ongoing debate over Kashmir’s political future.
Mian Altaf’s Statement: A Parliamentary Commitment
“We will raise this issue in Parliament without fail,”
— Mian Altaf Ahmad, NC MP from Anantnag–Rajouri
Mian Altaf’s commitment goes beyond a party position—it reflects the sentiment of millions of Kashmiris who feel politically disenfranchised since the abrogation of Article 370 and the revocation of J&K’s statehood in August 2019.
He noted that this is not about inter-party rivalry, but about upholding the dignity and constitutional rights of the people. His pledge signifies a shift from symbolism to strategic parliamentary engagement, aimed at forcing the BJP-led Centre to confront a demand that cannot be brushed aside indefinitely.
BJP’s Delayed Promises: “Appropriate Time” or Endless Wait?
Altaf didn’t mince words when addressing the BJP’s ambiguous stance on the issue. The ruling party has repeatedly claimed that statehood will be restored “at an appropriate time”, a phrase that has now become a source of public frustration and political satire in Kashmir.
“How long will we wait for this ‘appropriate time’? Are constitutional rights now seasonal?”
— Altaf reportedly remarked, reflecting popular sentiment.
This vagueness by the Centre, combined with bureaucratic overreach and postponed elections, has intensified alienation in the Union Territory, eroding trust in institutional processes and central assurances.
NC’s Unified Stand: Farooq Abdullah Backs Rahul Gandhi’s Letter
The statehood issue has created rare moments of alignment among opposition leaders, most notably between Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi.
Dr. Abdullah welcomed Gandhi’s recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which urges immediate action on restoring statehood. This synergy between the National Conference and Congress adds political weight and credibility to the demand, despite tensions that recently surfaced over protest coordination.
“This is not about party lines. This is about the people of J&K. We support every voice that speaks for their rights,”
— Dr. Farooq Abdullah
This shows a deliberate effort by the NC to rise above party politics, reinforcing its position as a responsible and people-centric regional party.
A Long, Delayed Struggle: From Article 370 to Union Territory
Background Timeline:
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August 5, 2019: Article 370 and 35A abrogated; J&K bifurcated into two Union Territories.
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2019–2023: Repeated assurances of eventual statehood, but no action.
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2023: Delimitation completed; no elections held.
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2024: Supreme Court upholds abrogation, but asks Centre to restore statehood “as soon as possible.”
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2025: Monsoon Session sees coordinated demands by NC, Congress, and regional voices.
The five-year delay in restoring statehood has not only denied people their democratic right to choose their representatives but has also increased bureaucratic distance between governance and the governed.
What Statehood Means for the People of J&K
To many outside observers, “statehood” may appear to be a technical or administrative designation. But for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it represents:
01. Constitutional Dignity
Reversing the UT status affirms India’s federal spirit and the right of every region to self-govern.
02. Democratic Representation
Assembly elections empower people to elect their local leaders—not bureaucrats appointed from Delhi.
03. Administrative Accountability
Statehood provides mechanisms for greater financial transparency, development oversight, and policy responsiveness.
04. Restoration of Political Trust
Only full statehood can begin to rebuild trust in the political process and resolve the alienation caused by unilateral decisions.
National Conference’s Parliamentary Strategy
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is now shaping into a battleground for J&K’s democratic identity.
What NC Plans to Do:
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Raise the issue repeatedly and vocally in both houses.
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Seek debates under relevant parliamentary procedures (likely Rule 193 in Lok Sabha or Rule 176 in Rajya Sabha).
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Coordinate with like-minded parties including Congress, DMK, RJD, AAP, and Left.
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Highlight the injustice of UT status, particularly when other states with lower populations enjoy full autonomy.
“We are not guests in this democracy. We are stakeholders,” said Altaf, summarizing the party’s assertive stance.
Cross-Party Support: From Congress to Civil Society
What’s emerging is a multi-polar alliance of voices calling for the restoration of J&K’s statehood. These include:
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Rahul Gandhi (Congress)
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Tariq Hameed Karra & G.A. Mir (Congress, J&K)
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Dr. Farooq Abdullah & Mian Altaf Ahmad (NC)
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Civil society groups in Jammu and Srinagar
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Retired judges and bureaucrats publicly supporting the cause
This growing consensus offers a powerful moral and political platform that the Centre will find increasingly difficult to ignore.
What’s at Stake for the BJP?
The BJP finds itself in a delicate position. On one hand, it claims credit for integrating J&K fully into the Indian Union. On the other hand, continued denial of statehood weakens its narrative of normalcy.
Risks for BJP:
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Being seen as delaying democracy for political control.
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Loss of support in Jammu, where even core voters seek representation.
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Facing international criticism over prolonged central rule.
By refusing to set a clear timeline, the BJP is inviting bipartisan pressure that may soon reach a breaking point.
The Legal and Moral Weight of the Supreme Court Verdict
The Supreme Court ruling in 2024, while upholding the constitutional validity of Article 370’s removal, made it clear that statehood must be restored “at the earliest.”
This judicial expectation now strengthens parliamentary voices like Altaf’s. It serves as both a legal precedent and a moral obligation for the executive.
The Way Forward: Roadmap for Restoring Statehood
Mian Altaf and the National Conference are likely to propose the following roadmap in Parliament:
Step 01: Immediate announcement of Assembly elections
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Conduct elections before end of 2025.
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Ensure free and fair conditions with full security.
Step 02: Reinstate Statehood before Budget 2026
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Pass legislation formally restoring J&K’s statehood.
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Appoint an elected CM, not a Lieutenant Governor.
Step 03: Begin consultations on safeguarding local rights
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Address fears over domicile rights, land, jobs.
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Ensure protections similar to other states with special concerns (e.g., Himachal, North-East).
Bottom-Line: A Voice Rising from the Valley
Mian Altaf’s declaration in Parliament is not a lonely cry—it is the voice of a region demanding to be heard within the framework of the Constitution. Backed by his party, respected across political lines, and resonating with the people, Altaf’s vow to raise the issue signals a new chapter in Kashmir’s political awakening.
As the Monsoon Session progresses, the question isn’t whether J&K will regain its statehood—but how soon, and on whose terms.
Will the Centre finally respond to this growing democratic demand? Or will it continue to stall behind phrases like “appropriate time”?
Either way, the clock is ticking, and the voices from Kashmir, led by parliamentarians like Mian Altaf, are only growing louder.
