Dr Karan Singh calls for immediate restoration of statehood to J&K

New Delhi, Jan 4, 2025: Senior Congress leader and veteran politician Karan Singh has called for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, labeling the region’s current status as a “diminution” of the “crown of India.” Singh, a former Rajya Sabha MP and Sadr-i-Riyasat of the erstwhile state, expressed his concerns about the changes following the abrogation of Article 370 in a recent interview.

Singh criticized the transition of Jammu and Kashmir into a union territory, calling it “unacceptable.” He explained that before the revocation of Article 370, the debate was centered around the level of autonomy the state should have, but this shift in status has drastically altered the discourse.

He quoted a former Indian ambassador to the US, who stated that Jammu and Kashmir’s governance efficiency now lags behind that of states like Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Singh emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir’s historical significance cannot be downplayed, stating, “We are the crown of India.”

Regarding the restoration of statehood, Singh firmly said, “Definitely. Full statehood.” He also advocated for implementing domiciliary laws, similar to those in Himachal Pradesh, to restrict land ownership to locals, ensuring protection of the region’s identity.

While critical of the abrogation of Article 370, Singh acknowledged some positive aspects, including the abolition of laws that stripped women of property rights when they married outsiders and the extension of voting rights to people who migrated from Pakistan.

Reflecting on his earlier proposal for the trifurcation of the state, Singh noted that Jammu’s unique identity had gained more recognition over time. He remarked, “Today things are different. Jammu has its own personality now.”

Singh suggested that the reinstatement of statehood and the implementation of domiciliary laws were the only radical solutions needed to restore balance between the Jammu and Kashmir regions. He emphasized that fostering a peaceful relationship between the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government was essential to achieving this.

The Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370 on August 5, 2019, split Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. While Jammu and Kashmir has a legislative assembly with limited powers, Ladakh does not have one. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the Centre’s decision but stressed the need for the swift restoration of statehood.

Singh also reflected on his complex relationship with the Abdullah family, particularly with Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, the first chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged Sheikh Abdullah’s significant influence on the region’s political landscape, while recognizing the historical tensions between the monarchy and emerging democratic forces.

Singh credited National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah for bringing him back into politics after a 12-year hiatus. He expressed confidence in the political potential of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, describing him as a “balanced individual” with a promising future in politics.