Concerned over NC’s lack of clarity on special status restoration: Mehboob Beg

Srinagar, Aug 6: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) has welcomed the recent appeal by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for a collective push toward restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. However, in a statement JKPDP expressed serious concern over the “selective focus” on statehood, while overlooking the far more critical demand for restoring Article 370 and Article 35A, which form the constitutional foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, rights, and autonomy.

JKPDP Chief Spokesperson Mehboob Beg stated that while the party wholeheartedly supports the call for statehood and stands ready to back any meaningful initiative that fulfills promises made to the people in Parliament, public forums, and before the Supreme Court it is disheartening to see that the National Conference, under CM Omar Abdullah’s leadership, has not demonstrated equal urgency or clarity on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, it said.

“The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in August 2019 was a historic betrayal that struck at the heart of our political and cultural identity. Ignoring this reality while demanding statehood alone dilutes the larger struggle for justice and dignity,” Beg said.

The JKPDP views the current narrative centred only on statehood as one that aligns too closely with the BJP-led central government’s agenda, which has selectively promised statehood while remaining silent on special status. In this context, the party believes it is imperative that JKNC, which enjoys a substantial mandate from the people, must leverage its political capital to prioritize the complete restoration of constitutional guarantees under Articles 370 and 35A.

“Statehood without special status is akin to treating the symptoms while ignoring the root cause. The people did not vote for administrative adjustments they voted for the return of their rights, their land, and their constitutional dignity,” Beg asserted.

The JKPDP reiterated its position that statehood, while important, cannot be the ultimate goal. The restoration of Articles 370 and 35A must remain central to any political roadmap for Jammu and Kashmir. The party pledged its full support to any multi-party initiative that seeks to build a united front—both in Parliament and on the ground toward this larger objective.

The JKPDP calls on all political parties and the people of Jammu and Kashmir to unite in the struggle for justice, dignity, and constitutional rights. The party remains firm in its resolve to relentlessly pursue the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, irrespective of the central government’s stance.