Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 5: On the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, the Congress launched a sharp critique against the Narendra Modi-led Central government, questioning its failure to restore statehood to the region despite repeated promises.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Pawan Bansal told reporters that while the government had fulfilled its ideological goal by scrapping Article 370, it had not delivered on its promises of progress and peace in the region.

“They removed Article 370, claiming it would improve the situation. But what has actually changed? We’ve seen targeted killings, including of Hindu community members and locals like a pony rider who tried to help tourists,” Bansal said, referring to recent incidents in Pahalgam.

“Control, Not Change”

Bansal argued that the government has focused on maintaining control rather than empowering democratic processes.

“It’s been six years, and J&K remains a Union Territory. Why hasn’t statehood been restored? This was a full-fledged state. Union Territory status denies people their full democratic rights,” he said, calling the situation a case of prolonged “military control” rather than meaningful democratic engagement.

He further stressed that restoring power to an elected government would be the right step toward building trust and improving the situation on the ground.

“The BJP government is managing the region through force and media narratives, not genuine change,” Bansal added.

Echoes from Parliament

Congress MP Imran Masood echoed similar views, alleging that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been deprived of rights, and the promise of progress remained unfulfilled.

“All the rights of the people of Jammu have been taken away. Statehood has been taken away. Nothing has been given to them,” Masood said.

Background

On August 5, 2019, the government revoked Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and split the state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. While the move was hailed by the BJP as a historic corrective measure, critics have consistently raised concerns about democratic backsliding, human rights, and prolonged central control in the region.

Despite repeated assurances from the Centre that statehood would be restored “at an appropriate time”, no timeline has been announced.

As the political discourse around J&K heats up again on the anniversary, the Congress has made it clear that it views statehood restoration as a non-negotiable step toward genuine normalcy in the region.