Jammu And Kashmir Foundation Day Controversy

The foundation day of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated on Thursday, has sparked significant controversy among local political parties. This day marks the fifth anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir's transition from a state to a Union Territory, a change that many in the region view as a demotion of their rights and status. The celebrations, organized by the lieutenant governor's administration, were met with strong opposition from various political leaders who labeled the day as a "black day" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra expressed his discontent, stating that expecting the people to celebrate this day is "asking for too much." He emphasized that for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, this day symbolizes a loss rather than a cause for celebration. Similarly, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) echoed these sentiments, asserting that the day would remain a "black day" until the special privileges of Jammu and Kashmir are restored. Mufti highlighted the ongoing struggle of her party to resolve the Kashmir issue and establish peace with dignity.

The criticism did not stop there. The valley-based mainstream political parties, including the National Conference and the People's Conference, chose to boycott the event. Leaders like Sajad Gani Lone and CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami pointed out that the administration proceeded with the celebrations despite clear opposition from the public. Tarigami described the celebration of the UT Foundation Day as a "humiliation" for the people, arguing that the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir was an unprecedented assault on the Constitution.

Imran Nabi Dar, the spokesperson for the National Conference, voiced strong opposition to the celebration, calling the Union Territory status a painful demotion. He reiterated that the National Conference has consistently opposed this status since it was implemented in 2019. Dar stated, "We have never accepted the UT status. This was a state that was illegally and unconstitutionally divided and then downgraded to a Union Territory. So what is the point of celebrating this?" He further emphasized that the sooner the UT status is revoked, the better it will be for Jammu and Kashmir and its people.

In response to the absence of Congress leaders at the UT Foundation Day event, Karra remarked, "For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a black day. If you think people are going to celebrate it, you are asking for too much." He made it clear that the Congress party would not participate in any event that mocks the constitutional setup of the region.

The sentiments expressed by these political leaders reflect a broader discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding their current status. The ongoing debate about the restoration of statehood and the rights of the people continues to be a pressing issue. As the political landscape evolves, it remains crucial for the voices of the residents to be heard and for their rights to be respected. The future of Jammu and Kashmir hinges on the resolution of these issues, and the call for restoring statehood is likely to remain a central theme in the region's political discourse.