Statehood will return, Article 370 will not: J&K BJP to Mirwaiz

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir has strongly condemned Chief Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for urging political parties to unite in support of restoring Article 370, arguing that such calls aim to incite public unrest and undermine the peace that has returned to the region following years of violence. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur emphasized that Parliament's historic constitutional decision on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent Supreme Court affirmation of Article 370's abrogation, have made the return of Article 370 impossible.

Thakur reiterated that Parliament has permanently abolished Article 370 and no party, leader, or pressure group can reverse this constitutional reality. He warned that such provocative statements risk pushing Kashmir back into the political tumult of the past and vowed that the nation would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace achieved.

Thakur noted the heavy sacrifices made by security forces and civilians alike, and urged against reigniting cycles of violence, instability, and shutdowns. He pointed out that Kashmir's youth now seek education, employment, and opportunities, not the return of a bygone era characterized by political shutdowns and unrest. Thakur clarified that while political parties are entitled to express their views constitutionally, attempts to reignite agitation over a settled constitutional issue are futile.

He reiterated the BJP's stance that Statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, but emphatically stated that Article 370 will not be reinstated. Thakur warned against those who spread confusion on the matter, urging them to cease misleading the public.