Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra has emphasized that the call to restore Article 370 goes beyond political rivalry, aiming instead to restore the dignity and identity of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Parra’s statement came during the first session of the IIOJK assembly after a ten-year hiatus, marking a historic day for the territory. “We seek the restoration of Article 370 in its original, pristine spirit and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was abrogated on August 5, 2019, by the Parliament of India,” Parra stated.

“The people’s sentiments have given confidence to this government, especially to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,” Parra noted, underscoring the public mandate behind his resolution. Parra urged that the resolution on Article 370 should be prioritized as a matter of dignity and identity rather than politics. “Issues like water, roads, electricity, and employment can wait,” he said, “but the resolution on Article 370, which is tied to the dignity and identity of the people, should be the first priority of this house.”

He also called on the Speaker to include the resolution in the agenda for the four-day assembly session. “We have humbly requested the Speaker to make this resolution part of the session’s business. We also ask for the support of the National Conference on this resolution,” Parra said.