New Delhi: Following the National Conference-Congress alliance’s electoral victory in the recently held assembly elections in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Congress leader P. Chidambaram has urged the new government to prioritize the restoration of the region’s statehood. He emphasized the need for support from all parties within the INDIA bloc to achieve this goal.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Chidambaram highlighted the immediate challenge facing the new administration, citing concerns over the actions of the Lieutenant Governor of Kashmir, who he claimed has overstepped his bounds by undermining the electoral verdict just days before the new government is scheduled to take office. Chidambaram suggested that legal action should be considered if the central government does not move to restore statehood.

The call for reinstating statehood comes at a pivotal time, as Omar Abdullah is set to assume office as Chief Minister on October 16, following the revocation of President’s Rule in the territory. However, the broader aspirations of the Kashmiri people extend beyond statehood to encompass their long-standing demand for self-determination—a right affirmed by the United Nations but contested by successive Indian administrations.

Despite these political developments, the core issue for many in Jammu and Kashmir remains the pursuit of self-determination. This demand has been intensified by the controversial revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and sparked widespread unrest.

The situation in Kashmir continues to be marked by significant human rights concerns, military presence, and demographic changes, which many locals view as attempts to dilute the native Kashmiri influence. These actions have not only deepened the resolve of the Kashmiri people to seek self-determination but have also brought international attention to the region’s complex and contentious political landscape.

In this fraught context, the restoration of statehood, while significant, is seen as just one of several steps needed to address the broader issues facing the territory. The ongoing struggle underscores the deep historical and political complexities of the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing the Kashmiri desire for a resolution that respects their rights and aspirations.