120+ eminent personalities urge Parliament to restore J&K statehood

NEW DELHI — In a powerful appeal echoing concerns over democratic erosion and federal imbalance, over 120 distinguished individuals including former civil servants, diplomats, journalists, legal experts, academics, and civil society leaders have called on Members of Parliament to push for the immediate and full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The joint petition, dated July 27, expresses deep unease over the continued governance of Jammu and Kashmir as two Union Territories following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state in 2019. It warns that this ongoing arrangement not only undermines constitutional federalism but also exacerbates alienation among people in the region.

“We are writing to request you to seek the immediate and full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” the letter to MPs states, adding that the current Parliament session provides an opportunity to address core political issues alongside ongoing discussions on recent security developments like the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

The signatories include former Union Ministers, retired IAS and IPS officers, ambassadors, legal scholars, university professors, and human rights activists. Their collective voice lends significant moral weight to the demand, which they argue is essential for both peace-building in the region and the protection of India’s federal democratic architecture.

“The restoration of statehood is important not just for Jammu and Kashmir’s people, but also for upholding the federal spirit of the Indian Constitution,” the petition reads.

In a forward-looking proposal, the signatories also urge Parliament to enact a constitutional amendment to bar any future conversion of a state into a Union Territory without democratic consensus. They termed the Jammu and Kashmir case a “dangerous precedent” that could jeopardize the country’s democratic cohesion if left unaddressed.

The appeal has garnered the backing of notable civil society organizations, including the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), and the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

The petition concludes with a direct appeal to Parliamentarians to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their political leadership by rejecting any move that weakens India’s federal foundation.

The Union Government had earlier stated its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir “at an appropriate time.” However, the absence of a concrete timeline has triggered increasing concern among civil society and political observers alike.