The Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Surinder Kumar Choudhary said on Saturday that his party, the National Conference, is committed to restoring statehood to the region.
Choudhary emphasised that they consider Jammu and Kashmir a state, not a Union Territory.
His comments came after recent events in the assembly, where BJP members disrupted proceedings with slogans and derogatory remarks against other members.
Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said that on issues such as Article 370 and 35A, his party would advocate for their restoration wherever necessary.
He added that they remain determined to oppose the forces responsible for downgrading Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory, indirectly referencing the BJP-led central government, which, in 2019, not only revoked the region’s special status but also downgraded the former state to a Union Territory and separated Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir.
He also urged security forces to remain vigilant and strengthen measures to counter the recent rise in terror attacks.
Choudhary mentioned the lack of representation Jammu and Kashmir has experienced over the past decade due to the absence of an elected and stable government.
“We were distanced from the people under the previous regime, which often overlooked the issues that matter most to Kashmiris. Now, we are committed to addressing these concerns,” he said.
The J&K assembly concluded its first session in six years, passing a resolution to restore Article 370 on the first day. The remaining four days, however, saw ruckus and chaos caused by opposition BJP members.
Upon the Speaker's orders, 12 BJP MLAs were removed from the house, with some threatening to establish a parallel government in the UT.
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