Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar on Sunday said the events of August 9, 1953, had a lasting impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape and its relationship with New Delhi, while reiterating the party’s demand for restoration of Statehood.
In a statement issued by the party, Sagar termed the dismissal and arrest of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on August 9, 1953, a major setback to democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the developments of that period continued to influence public sentiment in the region.
Referring to Sheikh Abdullah’s arrest and subsequent incarceration, Sagar claimed that the political fallout of 1953 created a sense of alienation among sections of the population and left a lasting imprint on the region’s political history.
The NC leader also criticised the Centre’s August 5, 2019 decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that they further weakened public trust. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had nevertheless continued to participate in democratic processes, including parliamentary and Assembly elections.
Sagar said assurances had been given that delimitation and elections would be followed by restoration of Statehood. He expressed concern over the delay in fulfilling that commitment and questioned how long the people would have to wait for the restoration of full state status.
He said the issue of Statehood was linked not only to administration but also to democratic representation and constitutional rights. According to him, the people had demonstrated faith in democratic institutions by participating in elections despite political grievances.
Sagar argued that restoring Statehood would be an important step towards rebuilding trust and addressing political concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. He said an elected government should have the same constitutional status and powers as governments in other states.
Recalling the participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in democratic institutions, Sagar said their commitment to democratic processes should be recognised through the restoration of the constitutional rights and status promised to them.
