Restoration of J&K statehood key to development, lasting peace: Sagar

Srinagar, Feb 21: National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar Saturday reiterated the party’s firm resolve that the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is central to achieving sustained development, effective governance, lasting peace in the region.

Addressing party functionaries and media representatives, Sagar underscored that genuine progress in Jammu and Kashmir can only be secured when the people’s democratic rights are fully restored and the region is empowered with the authority of an elected state government, as per a party press release.

He emphasised that the downgrading of J&K to a Union Territory has constrained local governance structures, hindered administrative effectiveness and left critical decisions beyond the reach of the region’s elected representatives.

Sagar said that the National Conference “has consistently championed constitutional methods and democratic struggle to ensure that the promise of statehood made to the people of J&K is honoured without further delay.” He reaffirmed that the demand for statehood is not merely political rhetoric but a legitimate aspiration rooted in restoring constitutional dignity, self confidence and administrative control to the people. He asserted that true peace, equitable development and meaningful political empowerment will follow only when Jammu and Kashmir regains the full status it historically held, ensuring that governance is truly by the people and for the people.